High Limit Error

Step 2: Temperature Reading Accurate

Using a digital thermometer, compare it to the reading on the upper control display panel. They should be within a few degrees of each other. A large disparity may indicate a temperature sensor issue.

Step 3: Excessively Hot Water

If the water in your spa is actually over 104 degrees, turn off power to the spa, open the cover and let the temperature drop to at least 97 degrees. Once the water has cooled, turn the power back on. If the problem was indeed the temperature of the water, the error will now clear and your spa will return to normal operation.

Step 4: Dirty Filters

If your filters are dirty they may cause the small circulation pump to work too hard. Remove your filter(s) and turn the power off for 1 minute, and then back on. If this action clears the error message, it is time to clean your filter(s). If they are over 2 1/2 years old, it may be time to replace them. If removing the filters does not clear the error, continue reading for more options.

Step 5: Dirty Filter Screen

If your spa was made between 2004-2014, (and has 2 filters), the mesh screen inside one of the filter screens may need to be cleaned. Turn off power to the spa at the GFCI. Remove the filter associated with the circulation pump, (the one on the right as you are standing at the filters and outside the spa). Remove the black filter screen and locate the mesh screen inside it. Pull the mesh screen out of the plastic filter screen and flush the debris off the screen with fresh water. Reassemble everything and turn the power back on. (For more details on this procedure, see “Cleaning Your Filters and Mesh Screen” in the Do It Yourself section of our website.) If these actions clear the error message, your spa should now return to normal function.

Step 6: Hot Heater Barrel

While the power to the spa has been on for at least 1 minute, touch the heater barrel in a few places. If the tube is very hot to the touch, the heater relay is probably stuck closed. Give us a call to confirm your diagnosis and possibly order a new circuit board.

Step 7: Circulation Pump Burnout

If you have tried all of the above actions and you are still experiencing a High Limit error, your circulation pump may have burned out. With the power on for at least 3 minutes, locate the circulation pump within your spa equipment area. If the small circulation pump has a red or blue body, place your fingers on it for up to 8 seconds. If the motor is too hot, you won’t be able to leave your fingers there very long. This will indicate that your pump has burned out or clogged and needs replacing. Give us a call to confirm your diagnosis and order a new pump.

Step 8: Hot Spot

There may be a “hot spot” on your spa’s heater that causes the High Limit Sensor to activate. Turn off the power at the GFCI. Locate the foam insulating pad on the heater bar. The High Limit Sensor resides under the pad. (Top photo). Slide the pad and Sensor around the bend to the back of the heater bar. (Bottom photo). Turn power back on at the GFCI. This action moves the sensor away from the “Hot Spot”, and your spa should return to normal function.