I have a 1999 Jacuzzi Echo Z140 Hot tub that I purchased used 3 years ago. During the past 6 months it has not been heating. It has a simple rotary temp dial and a single push button to activated lights, hi/low jet settings. I recently replaced the pressure/flow switch thinking this was the problem. Now the tub heat indicator light will go on when you turn the temp dial up, but will only stay lit for approx 10 minutes, then turn off, then I will have to turn down the temp control, wait approx I hour and repeat, same thing happens, the tub never heats up. I hear and see the heater relay close. I attempted to adjust the flow switch with no results. I removed the filters when doing this. It is 230 volts, Balboa control board.

Thanks, any help would be great, or a place to start troubleshooting.

Does the heater indicator LED flash when this happens?

No, its a steady red light, never have I seen it flash.

I think that the unit will run it's default settings of filtration, and 100 Deg. heat with the controller (Topside Dial) unplugged. If it does, and heats up to 100Deg. then I would say the potientiometer (Dial built into the topside), is bad. With the power off, try unplugging the spa side cable (phone Plug).

Hey its worth a shot.

I just tried it, spa won't power on without the temp controller plugged in. I really would like to use the tub, havent been in it all summer, probably going to drain it and get ride of it If I can't fix problem, definately can't afford a service call, even if I could find somebody willing to come out. Thanks anyway.....

Ok - I thought I would try to fix my tub again this year. I have done some trial and error expirements. The tub will heat If it has been sitting for a few hours, like 2 hrs at least. It will heat until about 103, then the heat will turn of but the pumps will still run. If I unplug the top control pad (phone plug) from the circuit board a few times in a row the heater relay with kick in about 10-12 sec's after I plug it back in and it will start heating again for about 10 mins then turn off again. The cooler the tub, the longer the heater will stay on when I do this.

1) do I need a new control panel (topside) $110.00
2) maybe a new circuit board. $330.00

or maybe none of the above. help