I have a Hot Springs Sovereign tub with a top side control in which one button toggles the jets on/off and the other set of up and down buttons control the light on/off and intensity. Problem is that the jets button always works but the light buttons only work intermittently. It seems they are somewhat of a pressure switch, but once pushed, the pressure is gone and the button won't do anything anymore...almost like the pressure behind the button is gone. Not really sure how to better describe it--anyone know if these are electrical or air pressure buttons and what might be causing the problem? I should say that the light button on the front panel always works, just the top side button is persnickety!!

If the topside control has a digital display on it, you will need to replace the topside control.

If you have no display, but just a series of buttons that are an inch in diameter or bigger, then those will be the pneumatic design, and could need either the bellows under the buttons, the air hose from the buttons to the control panel, or the switch inside the control panel, replaced.

Based on your description, it sounds like you have the digital topside that will need replacing.

Charger 1--thanks for the reply. There is not a digital display on the control--just 3 buttons, one round one about 5/8 " in diameter for the pump and an up and down arrow for the light. I will investigate further about a bellows--any idea where that might be? These spas have a bunch of expandable foam between the tub and the skirt--seems to make it impossible to run a new set of air lines back to the main control box so I am hoping that is not the problem, but it could be...I don't remember seeing any air lines attaching to the main control box but I will check to see if I missed them. Is there a trick to getting the face plate off of the top side control to see what is behind it? I don't see any fasteners or screw covers on the plate itself and don't want to break any thing to explore further.

There are no air buttons, nothing pneumatic there.
Depending on the age of the spa, either fibre optic or mini-volt system. If mini-volt- just replace the auxilary control. If fiber-optic- you'll need to replace the aux control, and main control head too, it will convert from fiber-optic to minivolt.

If you can find your serial#, I'll help you with the specific parts needed and prices as well.

I completely forgot about the systems swine spoke of... listen to him, he's got that one under wraps for ya

Swine--thanks for your input! The SN is IQ1A1954--had to get home to get to get back with you...

If the aux control is toast--any tips on getting it off without breaking it all to pieces? I can't see how the plate is attached to the top wall of the tub--I know there is a secret but I can't seem to figure this one out. As they say, a little knowledge goes a long way, but sometimes down the wrong road!!

You're correct, it's very easy to remove and replace, but before we get into that- there are a few things you need to know. In 1999 (the year your spa was made), a fiber-optic system was in place. It had a few design issues- but the components held up great. If you've never had it worked on, the original fiber-optics will still be there, but if it was repaired while under warranty after the year 2000, it would have been replaced with a mini-volt aux panel, and new control head.

Simply pop off the bezel of the aux control with a flathead screwdriver. It just snaps on and off. Don't worry about damaging it- you might scratch it if you're not carefull, but a new one is included in the repair kit, it pops off very easily. After you've removed the bezel, use a knife to pry the aux control from the permantly installed "butterdish. " You don't want to remove the butterdish, IT STAYS. A screw-driver won't be thin enough to fit in-between the aux panel and the palstic dish in which it sits, so I've always used a knife to slide in there and pry the aux panel out. Nothing is holding it in place other than a snug fit and maybe a little silicone.

If you still have the original fiber optic aux panel, there will be 4 seperate cables attached to the back of the aux control.

If it's been swapped out already, you'll just see what looks like a phone cord on the back.

Now, here's the deal- if it's the original aux panel- you *might* be able to get away with just drying it out. The light emitter is in the control head (the main panel), light runs throught he fiber optic lines, and all the aux panel is, four refecltive buttons. No electronics in there at all- just 4 little mirrors (one on the back of each button) that bounce the light back. If a drop of water gets in there- it can cause hell- ghosting, intermittant operation, and just plain failure. The cbales are held in place with compression fittings. Just inscrew them tremove the aux panel and allow it to dry. Be carfeull, they're getting old- and will probably be brittle after all these years.

If that doesn't work, just use one of the cables as a pull to pull the new cord on the new aux panel through to the manin equip area. The lines are all run through conduit- no need to remove wood or anything- it's very simple. You might need a pair of "phone jack crimping" pliers (available at Radio Shack) to attach the RJ-12 connecter (included in the repair kit) to the end of the cord before plugging it in.

A new control head is needed, and it comes with the kit- it removes all fiber optics- the mini-volt system used from 200-2004 have been extremely relaible.

They retail for about $325, part #71933(white) or #71395 (jade/green). If you're not able to get one through your local dealer- I'd be happy to order one for you.

If you find you only need the aux panel (it has already been replaced with mini-volt system), then a new aux control will run you about $85 (71906-jade, 71904 white)

The parts come with specific instruction on how to replace.

If I'm not being clear- be sure to ask about anything!

~Swine

Thanks Swine--I will do some diagnostic work this weekend if the weather cooperates, and *if* I get my Xmas shopping done! Thanks for all of your insight--I have been a lurker here for a number of years and used to post as a guest--you guys are a fountain of knowledge and I really appreciate your time and effort to help others. With this new knowledge and knowing that I can't break anything, maybe I will gain some experience and be able to return the favor to someone in the future! I will let you know how it goes!

I am almost positive that I still have the fiber optic system--that would explain the intermittent problems with a couple of the buttons but the jet button always works--sounds like 3 separate fiber optic cables and mirrors to me--some work but not all the time...

Thanks again and happy holidays!!

yep- 3 fiber optic cables in yours, not 4- oopps!