Calspas hot tub being used in a family setting

Symptom: Breaker keeps shutting off

Priming the Pump

Note: This information can also be found in your owner's manual.

New spa owners often have difficulty the first time they start their spa and the pump fails to prime. This can be frustrating, but these simple instructions can help you.

air damage pump

Sometimes air can become trapped in the pump while filling the spa. You will know this has happened when after you have filled and started the spa, the pump does not seem to function. You will hear the pump operating, but no water will be moving.

Note: The priming procedure described here applies to Cal Spas built in 2013 and earlier. Beginning with the 2014 product line, Cal Spas pumps have a different method of priming. See the 2014 owner's manual for a full description.

There are two methods of priming the pump.

Using the control panel:

  1. Turn the spa on and wait for PR (Priming Mode) to appear on the topside display.
  2. Press the JETS button to turn on the pump and let it run for 10 seconds. The pump should be running in low speed.
  3. Press the JETS buttons again and let the pump run in high speed for 10 seconds.
  4. Press the JETS button again to turn off the pump. The pump should be left in the off position for 10 to 15 seconds.

Repeat steps 1 through 4 until water is flowing through all the jets and all air is removed from the plumbing.

Note: If you press the Temp button any time during Priming Mode, it will exit that mode and begin Standard Mode.

press jets button

Using the bleeder valve:

  1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the front panel from the spa and locate the pump.
  2. Shut off the power to the spa.
  3. Close the gate valve on the discharge side of the pump.
  4. Turn the bleeder valve counter clockwise with a small pair of pliers or a flat head screwdriver until the air has been released from the pump.
  5. If this is unsuccessful, loosen the white union nut on side of the pump with channel locks.  When air is bled out, tighten the nut.
  6. Turn on power to the spa and press the JETS button. If there is still air trapped in the pump, repeat steps 2 through 5 until the pump primes.

prime pump