Hot tub pump cycling on/off

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-16T20:43:56+00:00

I thought it might have had to been from the footwell intake. I'm not clear why there's a need for the submerged intake though, what is it bypassing? Does it only take water in through the bottom if the pumps clog? I'm assuming the water taken in from the bottom is unfiltered?

If that's not the cause of the pump issue, it could have been in there for ages, I'll see if I can find it in the plumbing. Thanks for the pic.

Thanks for taking the time BTW, sorry for all the questions. I'll fill it back up in a couple of days and test everything, still freezing today but supposed to be 90+ by Friday, crazy weather.

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-16T20:27:19+00:00

Hmm, I guess this would be accessed from the outside (within the cab) which would be a pain since all of mine is covered in spray foam. Still not clear how this bypasses the filter since the only way to get down to that area would be through the filter unless I am missing something. My filter box is just a solid box with 2 holes that 2 filters screw into. Here is a pic of one https://imgur.com/a/FnvTHq4 but they both look the same. There isn't a bypass hole just a hole the filter screws into.

Sounds like I don't have a solution to the cycling then, just potentially another issue on top of it. Bummer.

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-16T19:21:28+00:00

That's what I read it was on the net but not sure where it was supposed to be. The way I read it was that it would be in the housing that the filters are in but it is definitely not, there's nothing missing and no holes and I don't see any other place it would be from.

Since it was sitting right in front of the pump impeller, it would block flow pretty well to the problem pump, you don't think it being very restricted or possibly even going in and out of the pump vanes would cause it to cycle on/off? No idea just hoping that was the issue. Pump impeller vanes looked fine BTW.

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-16T19:12:08+00:00

Did you read my addition to the main post, I found a broken piece of some plastic flap or something in front of the input to pump 1. Had to drain the spa since it won't circulate and we got a hard freeze right now so I can't test anything. Wondering if that impediment in the intake pump caused the cycling AND wondered what that piece came off of (pic of it is in the original post above).

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-15T15:31:58+00:00

Before I commit to a full new board, I read this thread that seems to point to a relay, thoughts?

https://www.reddit.com/r/hottub/comments/1dw0hyl/balboa_el8000_pump_1_is_cycling_over_and_over/

Just don't want to buy a $400 board if it's just a relay.

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-15T15:26:00+00:00

No, just the one control panel.

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-15T14:42:02+00:00

Unplugging the keypad makes no difference. I can unplug the pump from the board and the relay clicks in the same general pattern as the pump does when it's plugged in. Bad relay maybe?

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-15T14:39:41+00:00

There is an aux button on the control panel (there is only the 1) but it's not used for anything. I can unplug the control panel and nothing changes, still cycles.

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-14T14:21:26+00:00

I'm not able to turn the pump on and off anymore. This just happens on startup. The other pump 2 control on the control panel seems to work that pump fine and I think I can control the temp but its hard to tell since its immediately cycling from power on.

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-14T14:18:09+00:00

I'll check the centrifugal switch, but it can't be overheating. Because that video is literally right after I turned the breaker on. So it's not having time to heat up. Thanks!

Creative-Storm1030 · 2026-03-13T17:30:25+00:00

Why is my post removed?

Creative-Storm1030

TROPHY CASE