OPERATION - TROUBLESHOOTING - TERMINOLOGY
Amber light is “ON”
Indicates heater is operating with power being supplied to the element. This Amber light should be on when the spa
control makes a heat call. (Ref. What Is a Heat Call?) Test the spa control and heater operation by raising and lowering
the temperature, making sure the Amber light only comes on when there is a heat call.
Amber light is “ON” but water is not warming up
It takes a while for water to warm, but if there is no temperature rise after 3 hours (240v.) or 5 hours (120v.) during
continuous operation, there is most likely an element problem. Contact your heater provider with your serial number for
troubleshooting information and element replacements
Amber light goes on/off intermittently during heat call
a. Symptom of low water flow, or air pockets/bubbles in heater (Ref. Causes of Low Water Flow)
b. Circulation pump is going off/on or has not primed
c. Pressure switch requires adjustment (Ref. Adjusting Pressure Switch setting- option #1)
d. Flow switch not sized correctly. Flow switches are preset and are not adjustable, test for switch action.
Amber light is “OFF”when system makes a heat call and pump is running
You may also see a “FLO” or other icon on the topside indicating the pressure/flow switch is not closing when it should
a. If the VDS Red heater light is on (Ref. subject Red Light is “On”)
b. Power or pressure/flow switch cord is not connected to system circuit board
c. Low or no water flow (Ref. Causes of Low Water Flow)
d. Pressure switch requires adjustment. (Ref. Adjusting Pressure Switch Setting -option #1)
e. Flow switch not sized correctly for pump flow. Contact your heater provider for solutions
Amber light is “ON” when spa control is not calling for heat or when pump is not running
Spa control system has a stuck heater relay or contactor. Switch off the main breaker to the spa immediately and
contact a local pool/ spa service agent.
Red light is “ON”
Indicates the heater has overheated and the integral Thermal Cut Off device “TCO” has tripped and disconnected power
to the element. The TCO can be reactivated by pushing the “reset” button located at the front of the heater after the
water inside has cooled off. Ref. Causes of Low Water Flow to identify reasons the TCO has tripped
Spas topside display has a pressure/flow switch error code (i.e.“FLC”, light or other water flow icon)
Review the spa owner’s manual but typically a number code, “FLC”, light or icon will appear on the topside when the
pressure/flow switch is “closed” and the circ. pump is not running. In this case the pressure switch may require
adjustment to a higher pressure setting. (Ref. adjusting pressure switch setting option #2) or the flow switch can be
stuck closed with debris, improperly installed or is faulty
Causes of low water flow
One or more of the following conditions can reduce the circulation pumps water flow below 6gpm
a. Low spa water level or air in the filter can cause the pump to suck in air bubbles and loose prime
b. Dirty spa filter, kinks or obstruction in the plumbing hose, clogged ozone injector, valve closed etc.
c. Circulation pump is going on/off, or pump impeller is clogged
