Replacing Your Spa Heater In 7 Easy Steps For Owners

Replacing Your Spa Heater in Seven Easy Steps

If you own a hot tub or spa, there may come a time when the spa heater needs to be replaced. Heater failure can happen for several reasons, but one common cause is a dry fire, where the heater runs without proper water flow through the heater tube.

This guide assumes that you have already determined that the spa heater or heating element needs replacement. If you are still trying to identify the correct heater, use our Spa Heater Locator or contact us for help before ordering.

Before beginning any repair, make sure you are comfortable working around spa equipment, plumbing, electricity and water. When in doubt, hire a qualified spa technician or licensed electrician.

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Before You Start

In many cases, your spa control system may be made by Balboa Water Group, but not all spa heaters are Balboa heaters. If you already know which spa system you own, identifying the correct replacement heater becomes much easier.

You will also want to decide whether you are replacing the entire spa heater assembly or only the heating element. A replacement element may cost less, but the heater tube may already show corrosion, wear or age. In many cases, replacing the entire heater assembly is the better long-term option.

If you need help identifying your heater, visit the Spa Heater Locator.

Tools commonly needed: pipe wrench, crescent wrench, screwdriver and the correct replacement spa heater.

Seven Steps to Replace an Electric Spa Heater

Step One: Turn Off the Power and Water

Before removing any spa heater, make absolutely certain that the power is turned off at the breaker. After verifying the power is off, close the water valves on each side of the spa heater.

Step Two: Drain the Water From the Spa

Use the same drain you normally use when changing your spa water. Drain the spa completely before removing the heater.

Step Three: Remove the Power Line to the Spa Heater

Once the water is drained and you are absolutely sure the power is off, remove the heater power connection. It may be connected by a plug or hardwired into the control unit. If it is hardwired, open the spa control system case and mark the wires carefully so they can be reconnected in the correct locations.

Step Four: Remove the Old Spa Heater

Use a pipe wrench to loosen the couplings holding the heater in place. Be careful not to crack the couplings, since they may need to be reused. If a coupling cracks, a replacement such as a Universal Fit Split Nut Coupling may be needed.

Step Five: Install the New Spa Heater

Install the new heater in the reverse order of removal. Make sure no debris has fallen into the plumbing or heater housing. Set the heater in place, make sure it is level, and tighten the couplings securely.

Step Six: Make All Connections

Reconnect the spa heater power connection. If it uses a plug, plug it back in. If it is hardwired, reconnect the wires exactly where they were removed. Replace the spa control system cover and securely tighten the screws.

Step Seven: Refill Your Spa and Restore Power

Refill the spa to the proper water level. Once the spa is filled, restore power at the breaker. Allow the pump to begin circulating water and confirm the heater starts operating properly.

Extra Step for Gas Heaters

If you are replacing a gas spa heater, the process is similar in some ways, but you must also shut off the gas line and disconnect the gas connections. Inlet and outlet water pipes will also need to be disconnected. Gas heater work should be handled carefully and may require a qualified professional.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained here is provided to assist you with your hot tub or spa. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable with these types of repairs, please contact a qualified spa technician. The use of any information contained herein is completely at your own risk. These instructions are primarily intended for use by qualified personnel specifically trained and experienced in the installation and repair of spas, electrical equipment and related system components. Installation and service personnel may be required by some states to be licensed. Persons not qualified should not attempt to install this equipment or attempt repairs according to these instructions. Please remember that water and electricity do not mix. If you are not capable of performing a repair yourself, please contact a local spa professional or licensed electrician in your area. This information is presented for informational purposes only, and we will not be held liable for any injuries that may result from troubleshooting or installation of any electrical components in your hot tub or spa.