Vitaspa Reflections tripping fuse

[kati30]

Hi guys, I have a problem.  We have a vitaspa reflections hot tub that is about 6-7 years old and have never had a problem but about a week ago, we noticed it was not running or heating...so we checked the fuse box and the breaker was tripped.  When we tried to click it back over, it ran for about five seconds and tripped again.  This is the fuse that is down in the basement not the one out by the hot tub.  We went to the hardware and the fuse are good ....was hoping it was that simple...any suggestions that we can check without having to call an electrician.  Again, it runs for about five seconds and trips the fuse... TIA  Kathy

[hottub.pool_boy]

Sounds like your heater may be groundfaulting. Can you turn your temperature down so the heater is off? If your control is digital, that may not be possible. Does your heater plug into the control box? If so, try reset the breaker once it's unplugged. If it runs--heater problem. Could be the blower, can you unplug that? If you're unsure about doing any unplugging of anything, call your local spa repair person. If you don't have one, call your local hot tub place and they may have a referral repair guy they can recommend. We do that.
      
            "NEVER DO ANYTHING IN THE EQUIPMENT COMPARTMENT WITH POWER ON."

[kati30]

Thanks for that info...we tried that..here are the results....unplugged pump....ran a few seconds and tripped..unplugged bubbler, ran a few seconds and tripped, unplugged ozanater thingy lol....ran a few seconds and tripped....ok..so with all three unplugged..runs a few seconds and trips.....maybe the heater? but heater shouldn't run unless the pump in on...correct? Thanks for you help Kathy

[kati30]

Update...we disconnected the heater and the unit stayed on...looks like it's the heater..does that mean it's bad or shorted ? any idea the price to have a repairman replace this? TIA kathy

[Kyle]

Bad heater.  Just replace and you should be fine.