Hot Tub Breaker Tripping? 5 Troubleshooting Tips!

A hot tub breaker tripping is not just frustrating—it can also throw a wrench in your relaxation plans. But before you rush to call in a professional, there are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take yourself. No special tools or technical expertise are needed. By the end of this guide, you should have a clearer idea of what’s causing the issue—and maybe even how to fix it.

Let’s dive in!

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Step 1: Turn Off the Breaker

Safety first. Ensure the breaker is completely off, even if it’s already tripped. This guarantees there’s no power going to your hot tub, keeping you safe as you inspect the system.

Step 2: Locate Your Spa Pack

The spa pack is the center of your hot tub’s electrical system. You’ll find it inside the cabinet of your hot tub. Once located, open it up to reveal the internal components.

Step 3: Unplug Everything

Start by unplugging every component from the spa pack. This includes:

• Pumps
• Blowers
• Heaters
• Lights
• Ozone Generators

The image below showcases all these connections in the spa pack that I’m using.

Usually, the AMP connectors are used to connect your pumps, blowers and ozone.. 

The light is usually a two pin connection. Lastly, the heater is normally found at the bottom of your spa pack but can vary depending on spa pack type. As you can see in my board, there’s a molex connector connecting the heater. 

Step 4: Test the Breaker

With everything unplugged, turn the breaker back on.

• If the breaker trips again: The issue likely lies with the breaker itself, the wiring, or the spa pack. At this point, it’s time to call in an electrician or hot tub professional.
• If the breaker holds: Good news! This means the problem lies with one of the components you unplugged.

Step 5: Systematically Test Each Component

If the breaker holds, then comes the systematic part. Reconnect each component to the spa pack one at a time, starting with the heater.

1. Plug in the heater and turn on the breaker. Does it trip?
   • Yes: The heater is the likely culprit.
   • No: Turn off the breaker and move on to the next component.
2. Repeat for the pump, blower, lights, and other components, checking the breaker after each one.

Common Culprits and What They Mean

• Heaters: A frequent cause of breaker trips. The element may be damaged or have a short.
• Pumps: The internal coils can degrade, or water may have leaked into the wiring.
• Blowers: These are relatively simple to replace and don’t usually require plumbing changes.
• Wiring Issues: Look for signs of water ingress or wear.

Why Systematic Testing Works

When a breaker trips, it’s usually due to a ground fault or a short circuit. By isolating components, you can pinpoint which part is causing the issue.

This method is simple, requires no testing equipment, and can save you the cost of having to call in a professional. In many cases, you can order and replace the faulty component yourself. Check out my channel here for videos on how to do so here. 

When to Call a Pro

If the breaker trips with all components unplugged, the issue is beyond basic DIY. Similarly, if you’re uncomfortable working with electrical systems, it’s best to contact a professional.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide has helped you identify and maybe even solve the issue with your hot tub. Remember, regular maintenance can help prevent problems like this in the future.

Can I Help You?

If I can help you in any way I would love to hear from you. You can get in touch using the form below.

Thanks - Andi

 

Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

Fast forward to 2025, I've helped over 1400+ DIY customers just like you all over the world build hot tubs and pools. Have a good look around the site, there are lots of resources here. Please do get in touch if I can help you. - Cheers, Andi