Cart
0
← Back to Platinum Spa Owner Resources
Contact Cavanaugh Service →
CAVANAUGH OWNER RESOURCES
Platinum Spa Troubleshooting
Find your Balboa control panel, look up error messages, and follow simple troubleshooting steps. We're here to help if you need service.
Before you begin
If your spa is overheating, has an electrical problem, is leaking near electrical equipment, or cannot circulate water, stop using it and contact our service team. Never enter an overheated spa or open electrical compartments.
01
Identify your control panel
Choose the panel that looks like yours. Every current Platinum range uses Balboa controls.
Deluxe · TP500: The display may show shortened messages or diagnostic numbers. Read the full message if it cycles.
02
Look up an error code
Type the code or a keyword, such as FLO, DRY, or sensor.
Balboa messages vary by control system and software version. The M-numbers below are common Balboa diagnostic references; your display may show words instead. Follow the wording on your own panel.
FLOFlow warning
Water may not be moving adequately through the heater.
What to do: Confirm the spa is filled to the correct level, remove debris from filter, and check for visible circulation. Stop and request service if flow does not return.
HTR DRY / DR / DRYDry heater warning
The heater may not have enough water flow.
What to do: Check water level and visible circulation. Do not repeatedly reset or run a dry heater. Contact service if unresolved.
M016Water flow is low
Heater water flow is lower than expected.
What to do: Check water level and clean the filter. If flow remains low, contact service.
M017Water flow has failed
The system cannot confirm adequate heater flow.
What to do: Check for obvious restrictions and contact service if circulation is not restored.
M028Heater may be dry
The heater may have insufficient water.
What to do: Check water level and circulation. Avoid repeated resets; request service if unresolved.
M027Heater is dry
The heater has shut down because of a dry-heater condition.
What to do: Do not try to force heating. Contact service if water flow cannot be confirmed.
M030Heater too hot
Heater temperature safety warning.
What to do: Do not enter the spa. Let it cool and contact service if warning repeats.
PR / PRIMING MODEStartup priming mode
Normal startup state intended to allow pumps to prime.
What to do: Check that water is circulating. Do not run a pump dry; contact service if circulation does not establish.
HFL / LFLow or failed flow (older Balboa displays)
The heater may not have sufficient water movement.
What to do: Check water level and filters; contact service if unresolved.
SNA / SNB / SNSSensor fault (older Balboa displays)
A temperature sensor or sensor circuit may need attention.
What to do: Contact service with a photo of the exact message.
No matching code found. Take a photo of the full message and contact Cavanaugh for help.
03
Common spa problems
Simple checks you can make without opening the spa cabinet.
Spa will not turn on +
Possible causes: Power interruption, tripped breaker, activated panel lock, or equipment fault.
Check: Confirm power to the spa, look for a breaker that has tripped, and check whether the topside is locked. If the breaker trips again, leave it off and contact service. Do not repeatedly reset it.
Spa runs but will not heat +
Possible causes: Incorrect temperature setting, dirty filter, air trapped after filling, reduced water flow, circulation pump or heater fault.
Check: Confirm the set temperature is above the current water temperature, the spa is in the intended heat mode, the water level is correct, and circulation is visible. Clean the filter according to your manual. If a flow or dry-heater message appears, follow the error-code instructions above.
Jets are weak or surging +
Possible causes: Low water level, clogged filter, closed air controls or individual jets, or an airlock.
Check: Top up the spa if needed, clean the filter, open air controls, and confirm adjustable jets are open. If pumps sound abnormal or flow does not return, turn the pump off and request service.
Airlock after draining and refilling +
Air can become trapped in plumbing after a refill, preventing proper circulation and heating.
Check: Verify the spa is filled to the proper level and that the pumps are moving water. If the pump runs without water movement, switch it off. Do not run pumps dry or loosen plumbing fittings yourself; contact Cavanaugh for help.
Spa light is not working +
Possible causes: Panel lock, lighting setting, or light assembly fault.
Check: Make sure the control panel is unlocked and try the light control. If the light still does not work, contact service rather than opening electrical equipment.
Control panel is locked or not responding +
Check for a lock symbol or lock message. Unlock steps differ between the TP500, SpaTouch 3 and SpaTouch 4. Refer to the manual for your specific panel. If the panel remains unresponsive, send Cavanaugh a photo of the display.
04
Water quality troubleshooting
For Platinum Spas using the FROG @ease Floating System and built-in ozone.
Cloudy water
Check the filter, water balance, circulation and FROG cartridge status. Bring a sample for computerized testing before adding chemicals.
Unpleasant or musty odor
Check sanitizer performance and water balance. Follow FROG @ease-specific treatment guidance; avoid mixing chemical products.
Strong chlorine-like smell
Do not assume the sanitizer level is too high. Test with FROG @ease-compatible strips and bring a sample to Cavanaugh.
Foam or scum line
Body oils, lotions and detergents can contribute. Clean the waterline and filter; test water and discuss treatment or refill options.
Skin or eye irritation
Stop using the spa until water chemistry is checked and corrected. Bring a water sample for testing.
Scale or stains
Check pH, alkalinity, hardness and possible metals. Our team can recommend adjustments based on a water test.
Free computerized water testing
Bring a water sample to any Cavanaugh Pool, Spa & Patio location. We'll test it for free and help you determine the next step.
View the Platinum Spa Water Care Guide →Still need help with your spa?
Send our team your spa model, a photo of the error message, and a brief description of the problem. We'll help determine the next step.