Model: Catalina with Balboa circuit board

I’ve had some frustrating issues recently and have lost faith in the service I’ve received. I’m not to familiar with hot tub terms yet but will try to explain. This is my situation:

Inherited the tub 2 years ago and have had no major problems until 9 months ago.

1) The seals wore down and flooded the motor. Had the seals fixed and the 2nd or high-speed motor replaced, but then was told the impellor was shot. Had that replaced. Water flow is now much more forceful than before.

2) Flashing FLO message appears. It wouldn’t heat and was told the pressure switch is bad (but it worked before the motor went). Had the switch replaced and was told to run it and let it heat up.

3) Tub tripped when turning on the blower and jets, but the tub heated up after resetting the breaker and didn’t trip. But...

4) Then got OH message and top controller didn’t work at all. Turned tub off overnight. When powered up again, received steady FLO message and top controller still didn’t work so I couldn’t work the temp, jets, light, or blower. Service guys came back to check the switch again.

5) Now I’m told that the circuit board needs to be replaced! Even though it and the switch were working fine before the motor was replaced.

Whenever these guys “fix” something, they end up breaking something else.

Is it possible that the wrong motor could result in issues like very strong water flow, OH message, tripping, FLO message, and now new circuit board? I’d rather not dump another $700 into it since the tub hasn’t been the same since the motor was replaced. Service guy won't listen and claims it's my problem not his.

Thanks.

Sometimes, things just break at the most conspicuous times.

If you've lost faith, get a second opinion. I doubt the service guys caused your other failures replacing the shaft seal and impeller, but it doesn't mean they're diagnosing your current issues properly.

If you've lost confidence, you'd both probably be happier if you went a different direction.

After about a week, it seems that the circuit board is working fine. The tub heats up, and everything seems to work. Glad I didn't replace the board.

Can anyone recommend some reading material or books for do-it-yourself spa repair? Thanks.

None that I'm aware of, just good troubleshooting skills, and knowledge of the system you're diagnosing. Some companies have terrific service manuals for dealers, but most companies don't offer comprehensive service manuals. Essentially, it's trial by fire, even for the "professionals."
Hate to sound clche'... There's no substitute for experience in this nutty field, although a solid foundation of logic and electrical knowledge will get you pretty far.