P1
Catalina Spas Pump 1 Circuit or Motor Fault

Display shows P1 ERR or P1 FAIL; primary jet pump does not start or trips breaker.

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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

Seized Pump 1 motor, Shorted pump windings, Loose or burned pump connector at control pack, Incorrect voltage supply to pump

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Always shut off power at the GFCI before touching pump wiring or plumbing.

  • Step 1 – Try manual start: Use the topside control to start Pump 1. Listen for humming, clicking, or no response.
  • Step 2 – Inspect pump area: Open the equipment bay and check Pump 1 for leaks, rust, or signs of overheating. Ensure the shaft spins freely by hand (with power off) if accessible from the rear fan opening.
  • Step 3 – Check connections: Verify the Pump 1 plug is fully seated in the Catalina control pack and that there are no burned pins or melted plastic.
  • Step 4 – Breaker behavior: If the breaker trips immediately when Pump 1 is commanded on, the motor may be shorted and should be replaced.
  • Step 5 – Replacement: Replace Pump 1 with a Catalina-compatible 1-speed or 2-speed pump matching the original specifications (voltage, HP, frame size). Transfer unions and o-rings carefully to avoid leaks.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Pump 1 Assembly
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