Spa Pool Error Codes NZ | Balboa, SpaPower (Davey), Gecko, Spanet & More


Modern spa pools use electronic control systems that monitor water flow, heaters, pumps and temperature sensors. When a fault is detected, the topside panel will show an error code or diagnostic message.

This page is a practical reference based on common codes seen across popular spa systems in New Zealand. It is not a substitute for the manufacturer manual or a qualified technician, but it will help you identify the most likely fault area quickly.

Workshop repair option: If basic checks do not resolve the issue, you can remove the controller / control pack (or the affected component) and send it to our workshop for testing under real operating conditions.

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Quick Index

Before you panic: quick checks

  • Water level: Make sure it’s above the skimmer / suction point.
  • Filters: Remove/clean filters (dirty filters cause many “flow/prime” errors).
  • Airlocks: After a refill, bleed air from pumps if your system allows it.
  • Power reset: Power off at the isolator for 60 seconds, then restart.
  • Circulation/pump running: Confirm water movement back into the spa.

If an error persists after these checks, it’s usually pointing to one of four areas: flow/pressure, heater circuit, sensors, or control electronics.

Davey / SpaPower Error Codes (Spa Power 400, 500, 600, 601, 750, 800, 1200)

These are common faults we see on Davey SpaPower systems. If you cannot resolve the issue with basic checks, you can send the controller/control pack to us for workshop testing.

Model coverage

Spa Power: 400, 500, 600, 601, 750, 800, 1200

Code Meaning (plain English) Most common causes
Error 1 (H2O / Prime Failed) Prime failed / insufficient water flow detected during startup. Low water level, blocked filter, airlock, circ pump issue, flow/level sensing issue.
Error 2 (Spa Power 800 & 1200 only) Variable Speed Drive fault. VSD/drive circuit fault, pump/motor fault, wiring/supply issue, controller drive electronics.
Error 3 Touchpad button appears stuck. Water ingress in keypad, damaged membrane, connector fault, keypad comms issue.
Error 4 Optical water sensor fault. Sensor failure, wiring/connector issue, controller sensing circuit fault.
Error 5 Over-temperature condition detected. Poor circulation, sensor reading wrong, heater control fault, stuck relay.
Error 6 Heater thermal cut-out / overheat protection activated. Heater element issue, flow restriction, sensor fault, heater relay/control fault.
Error 7 Heater relay appears stuck. Failed relay on PCB, heat damage on board, heater control circuit fault.
Error 8 Temperature sensor failure. Failed probe, broken wiring, corrosion at plugs, controller input circuit issue.

If you’re searching a specific query like “Spa Power 601 Error 6” or “Spa Power 800 Error 2”, the code meanings above apply to that model range.

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Balboa Error Codes & Messages

Balboa systems are used across many spa brands. These are common Balboa messages and what they generally indicate. If you cannot resolve the issue with basic checks, you can send the control pack / board to us for workshop testing.

Common Balboa messages

Message What it usually indicates
FLO / LF Flow issue (low/persistent low flow) – often filter, circulation pump, flow switch, airlock.
dr / DRY Heater may be operating without enough water flow (dry-fire risk) – flow restriction or pump issue.
OHH / OH Overheat condition – often poor circulation, sensor issues, or heater control fault.
HL / HFL High-limit / heater flow related protection – often sensor or circulation related.
gFI / GFCI Earth leakage / RCD event detected – could be heater/pump leakage, wiring, or component fault.
SnA / SnB Sensor A/B issue – temperature sensor fault, wiring, or input circuit.
SF Safety fault (suction/flow protection) – flow/pressure/installation issue.
Pr Priming mode active – normal briefly after refill, not normal if it never completes.

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Gecko Error Codes & Messages

Gecko systems appear in many spa brands. These are common Gecko codes and what they typically point to. If you can’t resolve it with basic checks, you can send the controller/pack to us for workshop testing.

Code What it usually indicates
FLO Flow/pressure switch open – low flow, blocked filter, pump/circ issue, pressure switch fault.
FLC Flow/pressure switch closed when it shouldn’t be – pressure switch issue or wiring/logic fault.
HL High-limit sensor fault / overheat protection – sensor or circulation issue.
PR Regulation temperature sensor fault – sensor/wiring/input issue.
H2O Insufficient water level detected – water level/flow issue or sensing fault.
LOC / LOF Panel lock / partial lock – keypad locked (not a hardware fault).

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HotSpring / Watkins Error Indicators (Tiger River, Hot Spot, Solana)

HotSpring/Watkins systems often use indicator light patterns rather than a short text code. If you cannot resolve the issue with basic checks, you can send the controller/board to us for workshop testing.

Indicator pattern What it usually indicates
Ready & Power logo lights flashing Flow/pressure switch open circuit (flow-related fault).
Power / blue light flashing High-limit fault (heater hi-limit or temperature protection).
Power light flashing Cabinet door open / magnetic door switch issue (model dependent).
Ready (green/red) flashing Temperature sensor fault / sensor circuit issue (model dependent).

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Spanet Error Codes (XS & SV Series)

Spanet systems are common in NZ/AU. Many codes relate to flow/prime, heater thermal protection, sensors and control electronics. If you cannot resolve the issue with basic checks, you can send the controller/pack to us for workshop testing.

XS Series

Code What it usually indicates
ER-2 Heater sensor connection problem (plug/probe/wiring).
ER-3 Prime/flow failure – insufficient water flow detected.
ER-4 Heater thermal trip / overheat protection.
ER-5 Over-temperature reading (often sensor-related or heating control issue).
ER-6 Heater temperature sensor failure.
ER-7 In-pool sensor fault.
ER-8 Controller/software or heater control fault (varies by revision).
99.9 Sensor-related fault condition (varies by revision).

SV Series

Code What it usually indicates
ER-2 Heater sensor failure.
ER-3 Prime/flow failure – insufficient water flow detected.
ER-4 Heater thermal trip / overheat protection.
ER-5 Over-temperature reading (sensor/control issue).
ER-6 12V overload (often accessories/lighting load or 12V circuit issue).
ER-8 Heater relay/control fault (can present as stuck relay depending on model).
ER-10 Over-current / excessive power draw detected.
99.9 Sensor-related fault condition (varies by revision).

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Sundance Error Codes & Messages

Sundance systems display short messages for common protection states and faults. If you cannot resolve the issue with basic checks, you can send the controller/pack to us for workshop testing.

Code What it usually indicates
FLO Flow switch open – low flow, filter restriction, pump/circ issue.
FLO2 / ICE2 Flow/freeze related protection states (varies by model).
ICE Freeze condition detected / freeze protection active.
HOT PCB temperature too high / overheating condition.
PF Power failure detected.
LOC Panel locked.

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Waterco Error Codes & Messages

Waterco systems may display numeric codes and indicator patterns (varies by heater/controller). If you cannot resolve the issue with basic checks, you can send the controller/board to us for workshop testing.

Code / Indicator What it usually indicates
00 Temperature sensor fault (probe/wiring/input issue).
Heat indicator flashing Over-temperature protection / thermal trip (varies by unit).
Power indicator flashing Temperature safety device tripped / protection state (varies by unit).

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Joyonway Error Codes & Messages

Joyonway systems use simple F-codes for temperature sensing and system errors. If you cannot resolve the issue with basic checks, you can send the controller/board to us for workshop testing.

Code What it usually indicates
F1 Temperature sensor open circuit.
F2 Temperature sensor closed circuit / short.
F3 Temperature too high.
F4 Temperature too low.
F5 Auto reset thermostat switch open.
F6 Manual reset thermostat switch open.
F8 Memory/EEPROM error.
F9 System settings error.

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Spa-Tech / SpaRelax / Yang Control Error Codes

These systems commonly display E-codes plus temperature/overheat indicators. If you cannot resolve the issue with basic checks, you can send the controller/board to us for workshop testing.

C-1 Control System (S1 & L1 Touchpads)

Code What it usually indicates
E0 Controller CPU loaded / loose cables (system communication/processing issue).
E1 Heater temperature sensor fault.
E2 Heat pump temperature sensor fault.
E3 Environment (ambient) temperature sensor fault.
E4 Water level sensing insufficient water.
E5 Unmatched power input / voltage fluctuation.
E6 Water pressure/flow fault.
C Cold / freeze condition.
H / HH Overheat condition.

C-II / C-III Control Systems (used on Oasis Spas, Classic Spas and others)

Code What it usually indicates
E1 Temperature sensor 1 fault.
E2 Temperature sensor 2 fault.
E3 Heat pump temperature sensor fault.
E4 Water level sensor detects insufficient water.
E5 Input voltage issue / power condition fault.
E6 Flow switch fault.
E8 Heat pump compressor pressure fault.
E9 Insufficient water flow.
PL Panel locked.
H / HH Overheat / high limit condition.

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Important safety note

If your spa is tripping the RCD / breaker, smelling burnt, showing signs of overheating, or has exposed wiring, switch it off immediately. Electrical work should be carried out by a qualified technician/electrician.

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