Strong chemical or burning plastic smell from equipment bay
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Immediately turn off power at the GFCI breaker. Do not continue to run the spa until the source is identified.
Steps to investigate odor:
- Visual inspection: After components cool, open the equipment bay and look for discolored, melted, or charred wiring and components.
- Check pump motors: Feel the pump housings (when cool) for signs of overheating or discoloration. A seized or overloaded motor can overheat quickly.
- Inspect control pack: Look for burn marks around relays, terminals, and the heater connection.
When to call a technician: Any signs of burned wiring or components require professional repair. Do not attempt to operate the spa until repairs are completed.