Key Takeaways:
- Check that the water level is between the MIN and MAX fill lines
- If the temperature is below 42°F, take the hot tub and heater pump to a warmer location that's at least 50°F and inflate the hot tub and cover
- Make sure the hot tub is fully inflated and check for any liner tears or hose kinks
- A dirty or clogged filter cartridge is a common cause — clean or replace it
- Check the filter screen for debris and ensure the filter housing isn't too tight
Check 1: Does your hot tub have water in it?
If you don't have water in your SaluSpa® inflatable hot tub yet, this is likely the primary reason for the message. Water flow sensors are not detecting any or enough water flow in the hot tub or the heater pump, triggering an E02 code. Make sure the water reaches between the “Max/Min” fill line located on the inside of the hot tub.
Check 2: Is the temperature of the water or outside air below 42°F?
Your hot tub is designed to automatically combat cold weather, keeping it (and the water) from freezing and preventing damage to internal parts. If the hot tub sensors detect temperatures below 42°F, the system will activate our proprietary Freeze Shield® technology. When this happens during setup or with low water or cold air, you’ll likely get an E02 code.
To resolve the error code, drain the water (if it's filled) and take the hot tub and heater pump into a garage or outdoor shed (or another warmer location at or above the recommended temperature of 50°F), inflate the tub and cover, then take the hot tub back out to the area where you planned to set it up, and add water. Once the water is above the debris line, connect the pump to the tub, remove the 2 stopper plugs from inside of the hot tub, and turn on the heater pump.
If temperatures are above 42°F and your hot tub is showing the E02 error code and not inflating, you may be pressing the wrong button. Make sure you press the massage system button, which looks like 4 bubbles on the bottom left of your control panel.
Check 3: Have you inspected the parts?
• Check the liner for any obvious issues such as tears.
• Check the hoses. Gently straighten the hose if you see any kinks or bends, as these can impact the connections for the pump and the hot tub.
• Make sure the hot tub is on level ground. Note: If you use a ground cloth or anything under the hot tub to protect it, make sure that is also level.
• Make sure the hot tub is fully inflated (firm to the touch) so if you press down on the wall with your hand, it does not sink in.
Check 4: Have you checked the filter cartridge and taken apart the filter housing?
It’s very common for a dirty filter cartridge to be the reason behind the E02 error code. To check, carefully unscrew the filter housing (see image to the left)
• Check to see if anything is clogging the debris screen where the filter cartridge connects to the hose. You can gently clean the screen with a brush or by backwashing the pump if it is clogged. To backwash, you need to separate the hot tub from the pump and run your garden hose through the water port of the pump and the tub so it can push any debris loose.
• Get a new filter cartridge. If the screen is free of debris, remove the filter cartridge and turn on the pump without the filter cartridge. If the E02 message disappears, then the issue is with the filter cartridge or the fit of the filter housing. Replace the filter cartridge for best results. Shop here for replacement filter cartridges.
• Loosen the screw on top of the filter housing. Sometimes, screwing the bolt on too tightly presses down on the filter cartridge, reducing the water flow, which causes the error.
If you’re still having a hard time with your inflatable hot tub and the error code will not resolve, feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team, and they will be happy to help you!
