2004 Sovereign not heating

[hotinthehottub]

The heater just stopped working between dips about a week apart.  I've tried the reset procedure of removing filter on the circulation pump, shutting of the power to let it reset and then powering it back up...no luck.  Service department said 9 out 10 times there is a blockage. 
Where else can there be a blockage?

Circulation pump and jet pump are working, ozonator looks like it is working. 
Is there anything else I can check to determine if the heater needs to be replaced?  Service estimate was about $360 for heater and probably another $150 for the service call/hr charge. 

I'm very capable of replacing it myself if I knew that's all it was.  Is there another component that could be the problem?  The heater was replaced 4 yrs into the warranty in 2008 so it is only 3.5yrs old. 

Any help is much appreciated.  Thank you.  Jeff

[Chas]

Heater Relay Board. That's the smaller of the two boards in your IQ-2020 box. It's the one with the power coming into it, and the cord going out to the heater. Look it over very carefully for signs of burning. Look in the bottom of the IQ-2020 to see if there is a fine, grey dust with some tiny white spots. If you have to pull it out, take pictures of everything.


 

[hotinthehottub]

Thanks Chas.  That's exactly what looks to be the problem.  Can the relays just be replaced to fix it or does the whole relay board need replaced?  If the whole relay board, do you know the part #?  I've looked on the spa parts websites but I can find an exact match.

Thank you for the help.
Jeff

[TwinCitiesHotSpring]

Thanks Chas.  That's exactly what looks to be the problem.  Can the relays just be replaced to fix it or does the whole relay board need replaced?  If the whole relay board, do you know the part #?  I've looked on the spa parts websites but I can find an exact match.

Thank you for the help.
Jeff

part # 74618

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Spring-Heater-Relay-Board-PN-74618-73355-/120737129729

[hotinthehottub]

Perfect.  Thanks Twincities.

Since I could not find an obstruction.  Do you know what could have caused it to fail?  I hate to replace it, turn it on and it gets fried again.

[TwinCitiesHotSpring]

Perfect.  Thanks Twincities.

Since I could not find an obstruction.  Do you know what could have caused it to fail?  I hate to replace it, turn it on and it gets fried again.

nothing you did caused failure, those "older" boards were a common fail point...replace the board with the part # mentioned above and you'll be soaking in no time 

[Chas]

True - and the new board has a better design. I have replaced many of them, but have yet to have a failure in the new design.

 

[hotinthehottub]

Thank you Chas and Twincities. 

I just replaced the board a couple hours ago and already up to 70!!  5" of snow on the ground and can't wait to get back in it!!

Great board and very helpful members!! 

Jeff

[Chas]