Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Troubleshooting Guides (Overheating, Tripping, Not Heating & more)

Spas are known for their reliable performance, often functioning seamlessly for years. However, even the best quality spa pools have the occassional issue.

At Spa World, we’ve been in the industry over 35 years and there isn’t much we haven’t come across when it comes to spas. .

In this article. We’ll help you understand the causes, problems, and solutions to your spa issue to so you can get your spa working again – and back to relaxing

Please note: This article is for Fisher Spas™ and Vortex Spas™. If you own a different brand of spa pool please contact the company you bought it off.

This article covers the troubleshooting guides for the following issues:

• Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Lighting Issues
• Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Heating Issues
• Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Power Tripping Issues
• Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Touchpad/Controller Issues

Important: All electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Any electrical information included here, whether it is troubleshooting or other instructions, are provided for use by a licensed electrician only. Local electrical codes supersede any information found here.

Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Lighting Issues

Proper lighting sets the mood and enhances the ambiance of your Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spa. If you're facing lighting problems, such as flickering lights, dimming, or complete light failure, this section is dedicated to helping you overcome these issues.

Why does the health light stay red in a Vortex™ Spa?

There are several possible reasons why the health light is staying red. Please refer to the chart below for the appropriate troubleshooting steps.

Important note: Vortex Spas™ has two health lights. This troubleshooting guide is for the Vortex™ health light, not the UV health light.

Why are the LED lights in my Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spa flashing/flickering?

There are several potential reasons why the LED lights in your Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spa may be flashing or flickering.

Loose or improperly connected light cables.

During manufacturing or delivery, light cables may become loose, leading to intermittent connectivity and causing the LED lights to flicker.

To do this, you may follow the steps below:

• Remove the cabinet panel that is parallel to the equipment bay.
• Inspect and identify any loose cable light connections.
• Securely fasten these loose connections to ensure proper connectivity.

Issues with the main lights.

• If all the lights in your spa are flickering, it could indicate a problem specific to the main lights.
• Faulty LED drivers or power supply related to the main lights can result in flickering.

Perimeter lighting issue or extension problem.

• If only a few lights are flickering or flashing while others remain stable, it suggests a possible issue with the perimeter lighting or an extension.
• Separate connections or wiring may be responsible for the perimeter lights, and a fault or loose connection in that specific section can lead to flickering.

If your spa is new or just arrived, the most likely reason for the LED lights flashing or flickering is a loose LED light cable connection. Otherwise, please contact us or a licensed spa technician to accurately diagnose your spa and resolve the issue.

Why does my spa pool have a light of a different colour?

In some cases, a cable tie that is fastened too tightly around the wires can cause them to pinch or become damaged, resulting in a different colour or malfunctioning light.

If you suspect this is the issue, please follow the steps below to fix the problem.

• Carefully inspect the area around the light unit and look for any tightly fastened cable ties.
• Use a pair of scissors or cable tie cutters to safely cut and remove the ties.
• Once the ties are removed, straighten out the cables to ensure proper connection and avoid any further pinching.
• If after adjusting the cables and removing the cable ties the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the light unit.

To resolve the issue, it is advisable to reach out to the manufacturer or seek assistance from a spa expert. They will be able to provide you with a replacement light unit that is suitable for your spa pool model. Additionally, they can offer guidance and support in safely disconnecting the existing light unit and installing the new one correctly.

Why is one of the lights in my Vortex™ and Fisher™ spa not working?

It is possible that one of the lights in your spa is loose or have fallen from its socket during the delivery. This does not mean that the light is faulty and can be easily resolved.

To fix this problem, please follow the steps below.

• Step 1. Remove the cabinet panel that covers the area where the light is located.
• Step 2. Plug the light back to its socket or push it in further if it's loose.

Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Heating Issues

Is your spa not heating? In this section, we will address common heating issues that may be affecting your Jacuzzi^® spa pool.

Whether your spa is overheating, not reaching the desired temperature, or if the heating system is completely non-functional, reading further will provide you with valuable insights and troubleshooting tips.

Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Not Heating Troubleshooting Guide

There can be several reasons why your spa pool may not be heating up. Please follow the guide below to fix the issue.

What should I do if my Vortex™ Spa or Fisher™ Spa won't cool?

Without an external heat pump, spas cannot cool down on their own. To help cool the spa, you may follow the steps in our detailed article. If none of these steps fixes the issue, you can refer to this troubleshooting guide.

How to check TYPE Settings on SV Controllers

• Apply power to the spa
• Press and hold: Pump B + Blower + W.CLN buttons until [V.PMP] or [BRND] appears on the display.
• Press the UP button until the [TYPE] menu is displayed.
• Press OK to enter [TYPE] menu option.
• Use the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate to correct controller.
• Press OK to confirm and save new setting. [TYPE] will be displayed on the screen.
• Press the UP button until the display shows [BOOT].
• Press OK and the system will restart.
• Recheck touchpad is operating correctly.

How to check TYPE settings on SV Mini 1 and 2

• On a SV Mini 1: Simultaneously press and hold the PUMP B (AUX) + Both hidden buttons together until either [V.PMP] or [BRND] appears on the display.
• On a SV mini 2: Simultaneously press and hold: Pump B (AUX) + Pump C + Blower buttons until either [V.PMP] or [BRND] appears on the display 3 Press the UP button until the [TYPE] menu is displayed
• Press OK to enter [TYPE] menu option
• Use the UP or DOWN buttons to navigate to the correct model number (this should typically match the model number of the touchpad or controller underneath the spa.
• Press OK to confirm and save new setting. [TYPE] will be displayed on the screen
• Press the UP button until the display shows [BOOT]
• Press OK and the system will restart.
• If the display goes blank after the spa finishes priming, please power the spa off for a couple of seconds.

What is an EEPROM or EPRM reset in spas?

An EEPROM or EPRM reset refers to the process of resetting the electronic control module or memory chip in the spa pool's control system. This reset is usually performed to troubleshoot and resolve any issues with the spa pool's operation. It's like restarting a computer when it's not working properly.

The EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile memory that stores data even when the power is turned off. The EPRM (Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a similar type of memory that is programmed during manufacturing and typically cannot be reprogrammed.

By performing an EEPROM or EPRM reset, any software glitches or configuration issues in the control system can be resolved, allowing the spa pool to function properly again.

Why isn't the spa heater turning on even though the temperature has slightly dropped?

When the water temperature drops 0.5°C below the set temperature, the spa heater automatically kicks in to bring the water back to the desired temperature.

In some cases, the spa heater may not kick in straight away because the temperature in the spa water has not reached the temperature sensor in the heating tube.

Is it normal for spa external heat pump to leak water?

Yes, it's normal to see water at the base of your heat pump, and the amount depends on the humidity levels in the air. When the heat pump is running, it collects water through condensation and releases it from the bottom.

However, it also could indicate a problem with the external heat pump.

To check if the water is caused by condensation, you can turn off the heat pump from the spa's settings (Set H.PMP to OFF) and monitor for any puddles underneath the heat pump in the next few days.

If there are no puddles, then it is confirmed to be condensation. However, if you notice a puddle underneath your heat pump and it hasn't rained, there could be an issue with the heat pump. We recommend consulting a spa expert to inspect the heat pump.

What should I do if my SpaNet^® heat pump has an error?

If you are experiencing an error with your SpaNet^® heat pump, here are the recommended steps to follow:

Within its warranty period

If the heat pump is under warranty, you may reach out to Spanet^® directly. Spanet^® will guide you through the troubleshooting process and help identify the cause of the error.

Out of warranty

If your heat pump is no longer covered by warranty, you or the technician can contact SpaNet^® onsite for further support.

Important reminders:

• If you bought your heat pump from Spa World™, contact Spa World™ for warranty support. SpaNet^® only handles warranties for products bought from their Sydney Store.
• Until the heat pump error is fixed, the spa will keep using its internal heater to keep the water temperature regulated.

Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Touchpad/Controller Issues

The touchpad or controller of your Vortex™ and Fisher™ spa pool is essential for managing various functions and settings. If you're encountering unresponsive touchpads, error messages, or other controller-related issues, this section will address those concerns.

How do I perform a reset on my SpaNet™ touchpad?

In some situations, the SV controller may not operate as expected or display unusual characters or numbers on the touchpad LCD display. This may be a result of the software memory (EEPROM chip) within the SV controller being corrupted.

If you ever discover an SV controller not operating as expected, be it pumps not working, blowers only working for a few seconds, strange or blank displays etc you should always try the below procedure to reset the software (EEPROM chip) first before reporting an RMA fault. In most situations, the EEPROM reset will solve the problem.

How to reset the SV controller software (EPRM)

Compatible Products: SV2-VH / SV3-VH / SV4-VH / SV Mini 1 / SV Mini 2

• Step 1 (SV Series). To carry out an Eeprom reset, access the OEM config menu on an SV controller by pressing and holding the “Air Blower” and “Water Clean” buttons simultaneously until the display shows “C.LMT”.
• Step 1 (SV Mini Series). SV Mini controllers feature a hidden OEM configuration menu which allows customisation of certain important spa control settings. To access the OEM config menu on a SV Mini 1 press and hold the hidden buttons simultaneously until display shows L.SHD. For SV Mini 2 press and hold the PUMP C + BLOWER buttons simultaneously.
• Step 2 (Both SV & SV Mini Series). Use the DOWN arrow button to navigate through the configuration menu items until “EPRM” is displayed.
• Step 3. When “EPRM” is displayed on screen press the OK button to execute the software reset. The display will very briefly flash “ESET” as the reset process takes place.
• Step 4. Once the display returns to the temperature, it is best practice to then reset the mains power (i.e. turn off/on) to reboot the control after the EPRM factory reset has been performed.

Please note: All user software setting values are reset to factory default including the Set temperature of 38°C. Electrical settings in the configuration menu such as C.LMT (current limit) and L.SHD (load shed) settings will NOT be adjusted as they have been customised to suit the particular spa pool and its available power supply by the spa manufacturer or installing electrician.

Why is my Spanet^® touchpad showing LOW, HIGH AND OFF when I press the pump on?

If this happens, it's possible that the Dipswitch 2 is set to ON. To set this off, please follow the steps below.

• Step 1. Turn off the spa.
• Step 2. Remove the front cabinet panel.
• Step 3. Locate the SV controller.
• Step 4. Unscrew the front casing of the controller and locate the circuit board.
• Step 5. Turn off Dipswitch 2
• Identify the DIPSWITCH 2 on the circuit board. It is usually labeled or numbered for easy identification.
• Use a screwdriver or a small tool to switch DIPSWITCH 2 to the off position.
• Step 6. Turn the spa on, and press pump to check if issue is resolved.

Why is my Vortex™ / Fisher™ Spa touchpad faulty and missing LED lights?

If you are experiencing issues with the touchpad LED display of your spa pool and some LED lights are missing or not functioning properly, here are some general steps you can try to resolve the issue.

• Reset power. Turn off the power to your spa pool and wait for a few minutes before turning it back on. This simple action can sometimes resolve minor issues.
• Check connections Ensure all cables and connections to the touchpad and LED display are secure and properly connected. Loose or faulty connections can cause display issues.
• Replace touchpad. If the above steps do not resolve the issue, your touchpad may need a replacement.

Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spas Jets, Pump, Suctions, and Air blower Issues

Are you experiencing issues with the jets, pump, suction, or air blower in your Vortex™ or Fisher™ Spa?

It's important to address them quickly to ensure you can continue enjoying the ultimate relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Our easy-to-follow troubleshooting steps below can help you identify and fix the problem.

Why is the air blower pump in my Vortex™ Spa or Fisher™ Spa not working or creating bubbles?

Your spa's air blower or bubble pump may not be working due to various reasons. You may refer to the guide below to help you fix the problem.

Sometimes the blower may fail to operate if the spa's control system has been programmed with incorrect settings for the controller type.

Here's how to check the TYPE settings on SV Series™ and SV Mini 1 and 2 Controllers.

• SV Series™ Controllers
• SV Mini 1 and 2 Controllers

Why are the suctions in my Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spa not working or only one working?

Suctions in spa pools draw in water for filtration and circulation purposes. These suction fittings contain a filter that removes dirt and debris from the water as it enters the spa and operates only when the pumps are in operation.

However, if the filter area gets blocked up, it will start to pull water from the suction area. To prevent this, the suctions are equipped with check valves which only open up when there is insufficient suction in the filter box area. Such measures ensure that only filtered water passes through the pumps.

Keeping the filters clean and replacing them when necessary is important to prevent this issue from happening.

As a general rule, it is recommended to rinse your spa filters every 1-2 weeks and replace them every 12 months, depending on how often you use your spa.

Click the button below to read our detailed guide on how to clean your spa filters and the best products to use.

Why are my spa jets or pump surging?

You may have a surging pump if the water is being pumped out of the jets inconsistently or with interruptions.

Pump surging may happen due to the following reasons:

• Low water level. It is essential to check if the water level is adequately topped up. Insufficient water levels can cause irregular water flow, resulting in jets surging. If the water level is low, it is recommended to refill the pool or water source to the appropriate level.
• Dirty filters. Dirty filters can potentially starve the pumps of water, leading to surging jets. Filters are designed to trap debris and impurities, but when they become clogged or dirty, water flow can be hindered. Thus, it is crucial to inspect and clean the filters regularly. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the filters completely to assess if they are causing the issue.
• Clogged debris in the pump or in the plumbing line. Debris in the pump or plumbing line can also cause surging jets. It is essential to carefully examine the pump and plumbing system for any obstructions or blockages. Debris such as leaves, twigs, or other foreign objects can disrupt the smooth water flow and result in irregular jet performance. If any debris is discovered, it should be removed promptly to restore proper water circulation.
• Consult a spa technician. If none of the steps resolve the issue, please contact a spa technician.

Why does the B.spd and ramp appear when I press the blower button?

B.SPD refers to blower speed. The blower in your system is adjustable, so you can control its speed using the Up and Down arrows on the interface. By pressing the Up arrow, you can increase the blower speed, and by pressing the Down arrow, you can decrease it.

Ramp happens when you press the blower button twice in a row in quick succession. It means that the blower will ramp the speed up and down on its own.

Other Vortex™ and Fisher™ Spa Issues

This section covers a range of issues that can affect your Vortex™ or Fisher™ spa, including noisy spa, draining and suction problems, and more.

Why does the waterfall feature in my Vortex™ Spa leaking?

The waterfall feature enhances the overall ambiance and relaxation of Vortex™ Spas, and it is important to ensure that they are working as they should.

If you are experiencing leaking issues with the waterfall feature in your Vortex™, there could be several possible reasons for this problem:

• Loose connections. Check all connections and fittings related to the waterfall feature. Make sure they are tightly secured and not causing any water to leak.
• Damaged or worn-out seals. Over time, seals within the waterfall feature can degrade or become damaged, leading to leaks. Inspect the seals and replace them if necessary.
• Cracked or damaged components. Examine the waterfall feature for any visible cracks or damage. Even minor cracks can cause leaks. If any components are found to be damaged, they may need to be repaired or replaced.

Why is my Vortex™ and Fisher™ spa not draining?

If you're experiencing difficulty with the water not draining from your spa, there are a few possible reasons why this is happening.

• Kinked hose. Check the drainage hose connected to your hot tub. If it is kinked or bent, it can restrict the flow of water and prevent proper drainage. Straighten out any kinks or bends in the hose to allow for unrestricted water flow.
• Faulty drain valve. The drain valve in your hot tub may be faulty or not functioning properly. If the valve is stuck or not opening, it will prevent water from draining out. Inspect the drain valve for any signs of damage or blockage. Clean or repair the valve if possible, or consider replacing it if necessary.

Why is my spa ozone not bubbling?

Spa ozone refers to the use of ozone gas (O3) in a spa or swim spa to help disinfect and purify the water. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer and sanitiser that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the spa water.

There could be several reasons why your spa ozone is not working or bubbling. You can follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Why does my spa make noise?

While some spas may typically have a gentle noise, excessive or unusual noises can be a sign of underlying issues. Understanding the common causes of spa noise can help you identify and address the problem.

To help you troubleshoot this issue, you may follow the guide below.

Please note: Spa noises are often hard to diagnose as users describe things differently. If a technician is required, try to record a video of the spa noise. The video can assist the technicians in accurately assessing the problem and determining the best course of action for resolving it.

Who can I contact if I'm having troubles with the SmartStream™ System?

SpaNet™ SmartStream™ is a stereo sound system that is purpose-built to emit quality sound from a Vortex Spa™.

Using the system’s Bluetooth and Hi-Fi and Wi-Fi module, SmartStream™ can allow you to enjoy the power of sound in many ways.

If you are experiencing any problems with the SmartStream™ System, you may reach out to SpaNet^® for assistance. Depending on your warranty, they can help resolve issues related to Bluetooth, sound, or connectivity problems with the Wi-Fi.

If the problem is determined to be with the speakers, Spa World^® will take the necessary steps to address it.

Got more questions?

Talk to us on live chat, or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to help!