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After doing a little more research, I believe this is a self inflicted problem. As I said in my first post, I have just replaced a jet. I filled the tub to check the jet and to let it run with some sanitizer. I did not balance the water and only added some chlorine. I was going to drain, refill and then balance after I ran it a day. I think the unbalanced water could have damaged the heat element. Am I on the right track here?
The unbalanced water may have damaged the heater...if it's been unbalanced for months or years. a day? no.