Is your Vortex™ or Fisher Spas™ spa controller displaying Error 3 and Error 4 messages? In this article, you will learn how to troubleshoot your spa to get these errors fixed – including tips to prevent these errors.
In this article, you will learn specifically how to fix error 3 and error 4 messages on SpaNet™Vortex Spas™ spa controllers including tips to prevent these errors.
Please note that this article is intended for people who have purchased Vortex Spa ™ Fisher Spas™. Other brands may use different spa controllers requiring different troubleshooting guides, so consult with your sales consultant or a spa expert before you start.
Your spa’s controller can alert you to different error messages or alerts that may require you to take action to resolve.
The spa controller is the central brain that connects to and runs all of the plumbing equipment in your spa or swim spa. Your spa controller connects to, and controls the functions of, circulation pumps, blower, massage jets, lights, and also to other accessories such as ozone or UV sanitiser.
*It is important that you pay attention to the alerts the spa controller displays. These alerts offer crucial information that can help to prolong the life of your spa and ensure the safety of the people using it. *
SpaNet™ controllers are used in many spa brands - including Vortex Spas™ and Fisher Spas™. These SpaNet™ controllers have different versions and functions.
Depending on the spa model, the controller will be SV Mini 1™, SV Mini 2™, SV 1, SV2, SV3, and SV4. Please check your spa model’s tech sheet to determine which controller your spa uses.
Spa controllers feature self-diagnostics and scrolling error messages to quickly troubleshoot possible problems should the spa encounter issues. The error code or message will scroll across the top side panel display until the problem is resolved.
If you experience an error, all spa functions are shut down and the spa should not be used until the error condition has been resolved.
Error 3 and Error 4 are error messages that can be seen during the start-up process and when you refill your spa. There's a quick and easy fix to these errors which we’ll guide you through.
Error 3 displays on your spa controller if the water prime failed or if the spa detects air in the heater tube. The possible causes of this problem are low water level, dirty filter cartridges, and airlock in the pipework.
Before we go through the solution guide, understanding the key terms of this alert message is important.
Water priming is the cycle of the water flowing through the circulation pump into the plumbing and back into the spa. This process activates the circulation pump before the automatic heat cycle begins to ensure there is enough water in the heater tube, so that the heater element will not be damaged by overheating.
An airlock is a bubble of air trapped in the pump or plumbing. This air bubble prevents the circulation pump from pumping water and causes the spa controller to trip off on either error 3 or error 4.
Press Pump A button to retry water prime. Water priming may take a few minutes. If the water prime is successful, you will see the water coming out of the water features such as the waterfall or Laminar jets, on a Vortex Spa™ equipped with this type of jet.
The spa has a water fill line on the filter face. If the water level is low, add water until it reaches the fill line.
Pro Tip: A common mistake that spa owners make when it comes to filling their spa is throwing the hose straight to the footwell. This may lead to an airlock in the pump. You may use a regular garden hose to fill your spa; however, the correct procedure must be followed.
Once all filter cartridges have been removed, press Pump A button to retry the water prime.
Slightly loosen the barrel union on top of the filtration pump until the air hisses and water comes out, then, tighten the union barrel back up. Barrel unions should only be hand tight.
Locate the filter with the PZ logo at the back of the filter face. To remove the filter, turn the filter anti-clockwise, then insert the hose around 150-200mm into the water inlet.
In the rare event that the Error 3 message still appears after performing the solutions above, contact Spa World™ customer care.
Error 4 displays on your spa controller if the heater thermal trip is activated. The possible causes of this error include low water level, dirty filter cartridges, an airlock in pipework, closed shut-off valves, and a filtration pump failure.
Before we go through the solution guide, understanding the key terms of this alert message is important.
The thermal trip happens when the heater is active and has insufficient water flow over the elements. Low or no water flow has caused the heater’s temperature to exceed its maximum limits and the spa control has shut down operation to prevent any damage to the heater element.
Isolation valves, also called slice and gate valves, are used to partly or completely shut off the water flow in the spa plumbing so that certain spa components can be accessed without requiring the spa to be emptied. For example they can be used to remove or replace a pump without the need to drain the spa.
Disconnecting the spa from the main power for 10-15 minutes allows the element to cool. This solution enables the thermal cutout device to reset. Apply power to the spa and check if the error is resolved.
Dirty filters prevent the water from flowing as it should. To clean the filters, remove them from the filter housing by turning the filters anti-clockwise.
Check under the spa cabinet to make sure isolation valves are in the open position. You can determine if the valve is open if the handle is pulled up.
Pro tip: Use the valve lock to ensure the valve won’t close.
Slightly loosen the barrel union in front of the filtration pump until the air hisses and water comes out, then, tighten the union barrel back up.
If you have tried all of the above and it has not resolved the error 4 message, then please contact Spa World™ customer support.
Error codes 3 and 4 can happen during the start-up and refilling of your spa. These errors are easy to fix.
When your spa detects a problem, functions are automatically shut down until the error is fixed. This mechanism prevents any damage to your spa.
We hope that this article helps you resolve Error 3 and Error 4 alert messages on your SpaNet™ controller.
For other error codes, please contact Spa World™ customer care.
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