Htr
Catalina Spas
Heater Failure or Heater Relay Fault
Display shows Htr or HEAT FAIL; spa does not reach set temperature.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Open heater element in heater tube, Failed heater relay on Catalina control board, Loose heater power connections, Tripped high-limit not resetting
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn off power at the GFCI before opening the control pack. High voltage is present at the heater terminals.
- Step 1 – Verify demand: Confirm the set temperature is higher than current water temperature and that the heat indicator is on.
- Step 2 – Check for flow errors: Ensure there are no FLO, FLC, or dr codes. The heater will not run without proper flow.
- Step 3 – Inspect heater wiring: With power off, open the equipment bay and remove the control pack cover. Check that heater wires are tight on the heater terminals and board relays, with no signs of burning.
- Step 4 – Element continuity (for technicians): A qualified person can test the heater element with a multimeter for proper resistance. An open circuit indicates a failed heater element that must be replaced.
- Step 5 – Board relay: If the heater element tests good but never receives power when there is a heat call, the heater relay on the Catalina control board may be defective, requiring board or spa pack replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
Required Part
Heater Assembly
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