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Tub Troubles

QCA Spas Error Codes and Information

QCA Spas became operational in 1966. They put each of their spas through a 50 point inspection before releasing them to consumers, including a water test. Each hot tub from QCA is also UL rated. The company manufactures hot tubs that are designed to fit anywhere from two to eight people, and they offer optional salt and ozone systems for enhanced cleanliness.

There are multiple customization options available for each QCA Spas product, including a sound system, LED lighting and a waterfall. The Soft Touch Control System makes it easy to change settings during the hot tub experience. Hydrotherapy and relaxation are the main focal points for each hot tub design.

QCA has had many designs throughout the years, we have listed a few below from the different series that QCA has offered to its customers. The Cover Guy makes a replacement hot tub cover / spa cover for all QCA Spas models. We have all of the QCA Series and Models on file so if you need a replacement hot tub cover for a QCA Spa or hot tub you can just enter the Brand and Model and will not need to measure.

QCA Spa Series:

  • Dream Series
  • Jewel Series
  • Performance Series
  • Star Series
  • Majestic Series
  • Paradise Series

QCA Spas Hot Tub Models:

This is only a sample of the hot tubs available by QCA Spas, The Cover Guy produces replacement hot tub covers for all QCA Models.​​

QCA Model Tub
QCA Spas Dream Weaver hot tub is a great family tub with one lounge and five seats.
QCA Spas Aruba hot tub is a family friendly hot tub with many seat levels including deep sitting corners. For replacement spa covers you can order The Cover Guy deluxe hot tub cover.
QCA Spas Paradise Ultra hot tub is a hydrotherapy dream with a plenty of seating levels including a very nice lounge. Finished with lots and lots of jets.
QCA Orion Spa Dream Series Hot Tub is a basic entry level hot tub with many levels of seating and a lounge. Basic jetting makes this a perfect plug and play spa.
QCA Riviera Spa Dream Series hot tub is a nice small corner spa for people with space constrictions. The Riviera gives you all the comforts and relief of a traditional hot tub in a smaller scale.
QCA Garnet Spa is a classic family hot tub with surround seating with no lounge. The surround seating of the Garnet model spa is similar to a camp fire seating arrangement which induces conversation.
QCA Mystic Spa is an older style hot tub with seating for four people with one bench and two individual seats.
QCA Spas Stargazer hot tub in Dream Series is a one lounge hot tub with four additional seats that sit at different levels in the water, and is perfect for star gazing.
Coral Plus 3 Hot Tub by QCA Spas is a beautiful design with one lounge and four other seats all giving you a different level of seating in the warm bubbling water.
QCA Spa Dream Master hot tub is a small hot tub with one lounge and two bench seats and could seat five comfortably.
QCA Spas St. Maarten hot tub is a perfect one lounger and five additional seat family spa. The QCA Spas St. Maarten hot tub is a great hot tub for your backyard oasis.
QCA Spas Venus hot tub is a one lounger and seats up to six people.
QCA Spas GT 327 hot tub is a classic family hot tub with surround seating with a deep sitting lounge. The seating of the GT 327 model spa is differing in heights for every member of the family to enjoy.
QCA Spas Gibraltar Hot Tub is a perfect one lounge hot tub with multi level seating for the whole family.
QCA Spas Dream Weaver NL Hot Tub is very similar to its sister tub the dream weaver only the NL has no lounge and only has seating.
QCA Spas Cozumel Ultra hot tub is loaded with features and jets. The lounge is a dream with tons of jets to ease your aches and pains. Different level seating finish this great QCA Spas model.
QCA Spas Grand Cayman XL Hot Tub is a classic family hot tub with surround seating with no lounge. The surround seating of the QCA Spas Grand Cayman XL model spa is a nice seating arrangement for conversation.
QCA Spas Grand Bahama XL Hot Tub is the top of the line in the QCA Spas line with lots of jets and water therapy nothing is left out of this hot tub model. This QCA Spa has multiple levels for your hot tub enjoyment.
QCA Spas Anguilla hot tub is a classic throwback to the round cedar tub of years ago. With different levels of bench seating around this spa offers a great conversation area while enjoying your hot tub with family and friends.
QCA Spas Ruby hot tub is a classic family hot tub with surround seating with a single lounge. The surround seating of the Ruby is set to different heights for multiple levels of water submersion.
QCA Spas St. Thomas Lounger hot tub is a well designed family hot tub with one deep sitting lounge and enough seating for the rest of the family. The multiple levels of seating are wonderful for different ages and family guests.
QCA Spas Model Port Royal hot tub is the top entry in the QCA Spas line with multiple seating levels and a beautiful comfortable lounge. The jetting allows for maximum hydrotherapy.

These are the error codes and display messages that a QCA Spa may display, along with what they mean and any actions required:

QCA Owners Manual Download

Dream, Jewel and Jewel + Series Error Messages

Message Meaning Action Required
None Means there is no message to display. There is no power routing to the hot tub. The hot tub control panel is automatically disabled until return of power, but settings for the hot tub are preserved.
– – Temperature is not known. When the pump has been running for a total of 2 minutes, the temperature is displayed.
Pr Priming mode is initiated in System, and the water in spa must be filled to correct levels. Ensure water is at least at the halfway mark up the skimmer. Priming Mode will go on for up to 4 min. and afterwards the hot tub unit will begin to heat & maintain the water temps in Standard Mode.
HH Stands for “Overheat.” The spa shuts down because sensors detected high heat temperatures of 118°F (47.8°C) at location near the heater. DO NOT GET INTO THE WATER!
Take off the heat shield cover to allow the water to cool down. You can reset by pushing any button once the heater cools down. If the hot tub won’t reset, cut off the spa power and call the dealer or service organization.
OH Stands for “Overheat,”and the tub shuts down. One of the temp sensors detected that the water in the hot tub is 110°F (43.3°C). DO NOT GET INTO THE WATER!
Take off the heat shield cover to allow the water to cool down. The hot tub should automatically reset at 107°F (41.7°C). If the hot tub won’t reset, cut off the spa power and call the dealer or service organization.
IC Stands for “Ice.” The system has detected a potential condition for freeze. No action is needed. The blower and pumps activate automatically in spite of the status of the hot tub unit.
SA Sensor “A” is malfunctioning that is plugged into Sensor “A” jack, and the spa is shut down. Contact your dealer or service organization if problem persists. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
SB Sensor “B” is malfunctioning that is plugged into Sensor “B” jack, and the spa is shut down. Contact your dealer service organization if problem persists. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
SN Means that the sensors are not in balance. May just be a temporary condition if it is alternating with temperature. If this error code displays as periodical blinking, then it means that the hot tub unit has been shut down. Contact your dealer or service organization if the problem persists.
HL Means that a significant difference has been detected between the temperature sensors. This code could signify the unit has a flow problem. Check the level of the water in hot tub unit and refill levels if needed. If water levels are adequate, verify pump is primed. Contact your dealer or service organization if the problem persists.
LF Means low flow problems are persistent. This error code will display the fifth time that the “HFL” message occurs within 24 hours. With this error, the heater will shut down, but other functions of the hot tub will continue to function normally. Take same action steps needed for the “HFL” message. The Heating capacity of the hot tub unit won’t automatically reset, but you can press any of the buttons to reset manually.
DR Means that there may not be enough water, the spa has poor water flow or that air bubbles have been found in heater. Spa will shut down for 15 minutes. Check the hot tub’s water levels, and refill as needed. If checks indicate the water level is adequate, ensure the pumps are primed. You can press any of the buttons to reset manually, or the message automatically will reset itself before 15 minutes are up. If the problem continues, contact your dealer or service company.
DY There is insufficient amount of water detected in heater. Message displays after the third time that “DR” message comes up. The spa is shut down. Use the same action required for “DR” error code. The System will not automatically reset, but you can press any of the buttons to reset manually.

Jewel +3 Series (4-Button Control Unit) Series Error Messages

Message Meaning Action Required
None Means there is no message to display. There is no power routing to the hot tub. The hot tub control panel is automatically disabled until return of power, but settings for the hot tub are preserved.
– – Temperature is not known. When the pump has been running for a total of 2 minutes, the temperature is displayed.
Pr Priming mode is initiated in System, and the water in spa must be filled to correct levels. Ensure water is at least at the halfway mark up the skimmer. Priming Mode will go on for up to 4 min. and afterwards the hot tub unit will begin to heat & maintain the water temps in Standard Mode.
OHH Stands for “Overheat.” The spa shuts down because sensors detected high heat temperatures of 118°F (47.8°C) at location near the heater. Alarm may sound on some systems. DO NOT GET INTO THE WATER!
Take off the heat shield cover to allow the water to cool down. You can reset by pushing any button once the heater cools down. If the hot tub won’t reset, cut off the spa power and call the dealer or service organization.
Stands for “Overheat,”and the tub shuts down. One of the temp sensors detected that the water in the hot tub is 110°F (43.3°C). OHS DO NOT GET INTO THE WATER!
Take off the heat shield cover to allow the water to cool down. The hot tub should automatically reset at 107°F (41.7°C). If the hot tub won’t reset, cut off the spa power and call the dealer or service organization.
ICE Stands for “Ice.” The system has detected a potential condition for freeze. No action is needed. The blower and pumps activate automatically in spite of the status of the hot tub unit.
SnA Sensor “A” is malfunctioning that is plugged into Sensor “A” jack, and the spa is shut down. Contact your dealer or service organization if if problem persists. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
SnB Sensor “B” is malfunctioning that is plugged into Sensor “B” jack, and the spa is shut down. Contact your dealer service organization if problem persists. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
SnS Means that the sensors are not in balance. May just be a temporary condition if it is alternating with temperature. If this error code displays as periodical blinking, then it means that the hot tub unit has been shut down. Contact your dealer or service organization if the problem persists.
HFL Means that a significant difference has been detected between the temperature sensors. This code could signify the unit has a flow problem. Check the level of the water in hot tub unit and refill levels if needed. If water levels are adequate, verify pump is primed. Contact your dealer or service organization if the problem persists.
LF Means low flow problems are persistent. This error code will display the fifth time that the “HFL” message occurs within 24 hours. With this error, the heater will shut down, but other functions of the hot tub will continue to function normally. Take same action steps needed for the “HFL” message. The Heating capacity of the hot tub unit won’t automatically reset, but you can press any of the buttons to reset manually.
dr There is insufficient amount of water detected in heater. Check the hot tub’s water levels, and refill as needed. If checks indicate the water level is adequate, ensure the pumps are primed. You can press any of the buttons to reset manually.
drY There is insufficient amount of water detected in heater. Message displays after the third time of dr message comes up. The spa is shut down. Use the same action required for “DR” error code. The System will not automatically reset, but you can press any of the buttons to reset manually.
Std Means spa unit is currently operating in Standard Mode. After two minutes of the pump running this signifies that the temp display is current. You can switch modes by pressing "Temp" and then "Light".
Ecn Means hot tub unit is functioning in Economy mode. "Ecn' message displays whenever the temp is not current. "Ecn" message will alternate with the temp when it is current. Switch modes by pressing "Temp" and then "Light".
SE Means hot tub is functioning in Standard-in Economy mode. Functions the same as Standard mode, but then reverts to Economy mode after 1 hr. Press "Temp" and then "Light" to switch directly to Econ. mode.
SLP Means Sleep mode. This mode is actuated on the user panel by pressing a combination of buttons. "SLP' Message appears solid when temperature is not current. “SLP” message will alternate with the temp when it is current. Switch modes by pressing "Temp" and then "Light".
SbY Means Standby mode. This mode is actuated on the user panel by pressing a combination of buttons. To return to normal operation from Standby mode, press any button.
PHL PH levels are low. Add some PH up to the water.
PHH PH levels are high. Add some PH down to the water.
SAL Sanitizer levels are low. Add sanitizer to water according to manufacturer’s directions.
SAH Chlorine or Bromine levels are too high. Take off spa cover to let some sanitizer evaporate.

Jewel +3 Series (4-Button Control Unit) Series Reminder Messages

Message Frequency Action Required
rPH 7 days Test & adjust the levels of PH per manufacturer’s instructions.
rSA 7 days Test & adjust the levels of sanitizer per manufacturer’s instructions.
rCL 30 days Take out, clean hot tub filter per manufacturer’s instructions.
Rt9 30 days Test & reset breaker for the GFCI per manufacturer’s instructions.
rdr 90 days Drain & refill the spa per manufacturer’s instructions.
rCO 180 days Clean & condition spa cover per manufacturer’s instructions.
rtr 180 days Clean & condition outside surfaces per manufacturer’s instructions.
rCH 365 days Install a brand new filter per manufacturer’s instructions.

To clear a reminder, press the temp button.

Diagnostic Messages for Jewel +3 Series (8-Button Control Unit) Series and Majestic Series (8-Button Control Unit) Series

Message Meaning Action Required
None Means there is no message to display. There is no power routing to the hot tub. The hot tub control panel is automatically disabled until return of power, but settings for the hot tub are preserved.
OHH Stands for "Overheat", and the tub shuts down from detecting high heat. One of the sensors detected temperatures of 118°F (47.8°C) at the location of the heater. Alarm may sound on some systems. DO NOT GET INTO THE WATER!
Take off the heat shield cover to allow the water to cool down. You can reset by pushing any button once the heater cools down. If the hot tub won’t reset, cut off the power to spa and call the dealer or service organization.
OHS Stands for "Overheat" and the tub shuts down. One of the sensors detected that the water in the hot tub is 110°F (43.3°C). DO NOT GET INTO THE WATER!
Take off the heat shield cover to allow the water to cool down. The hot tub should automatically reset for a temp of 107°F (41.7°C). If the hot tub won’t reset, cut off the power to spa and call the dealer or service organization.
ICE Stands for "Ice". The system has detected a potential condition for freeze. No action is needed. The blower and pumps activate automatically in spite of the status of the hot tub unit.
SnA Sensor "A" is malfunctioning that is plugged into Sensor “A” jack, and the spa is shut down. Contact the dealer or service organization if you continue to see this problem. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
SnB Sensor "B" is malfunctioning that is plugged into Sensor "B" jack, and the spa is shut down. Contact the dealer or service organization if you continue to see this problem. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
SnS Means that the sensors are not in balance. May just be a temporary condition if it is displayed by itself. If accompanied by the message "SERVICE REQ’RD", then it means that the hot tub unit has been shut down. Contact the dealer or service organization if the problem continues.
HFL Means that a significant difference has been detected between the temperature sensors. This code could signify the unit has a flow problem. Check the level of the water in hot tub unit and refill levels if needed. Verify the pump is primed if water levels are adequate. Contact the dealer or service organization if the problem continues.
LF Means low flow problems are persistent. This error code will display the fifth time that the “HFL” message occurs within 24 hours. With this error, the heater will shut down, but other functions of the hot tub will continue to function normally. Take same action steps needed for the "HFL" message. Cut off power to the hot tub and then back on to restore heating capabilities.
dr Means inadequate amount of water detected. Check the hot tub’s water levels, and refill as needed. If checks indicate the water level is adequate, verify the pumps are been primed and you can press any of the buttons to reset manually.
dr4 There is insufficient amount of water detected in heater. Message displays after the third time you see message that heater may be dry followed by retest shortly message. The spa is shut down. Follow action for heater may be dry followed by retest shortly message. The spa won’t reset automatically, but you can press any of the buttons to reset manually.
PRIMING MODE This happens when the hot tub unit is actuated for the first time, eventually it goes into Priming mode. Priming mode will go on for up to 4 min. and afterwards the hot tub unit will begin to heat & maintain the water temps in Standard Mode.
— F or — C Temperature not known. The temperature will be displayed once the pump runs for 2 minutes.
Temperature isn’t current in Standby or Economy mode. The hot tub hasn’t ran long enough and is still in Sleep or Economy mode. In order to display the current temperature, let Jets 1 operate for 2 minutes or switch to Standard mode.
STANDARD MODE This mode is actuated on the user panel by pressing a combination of buttons. Exit Standby mode and return to normal operation by pressing any button.

Reminder Messages for:· Jewel +3 Series (8-Button Control Unit) Series and Majestic Series (8-Button Control Unit) Series

Message Frequency Action Required
rCL 30 days Take out, clean and reload filter per manufacturer’s instructions.
rt9 30 days Test & reset the GFCI per manufacturer’s instructions.
rdr 90 days Drain & refill the spa per manufacturer’s instructions.
rCO 180 days Clean & condition spa cover per manufacturer’s instructions.
rtr 180 days Clean & condition outside surfaces per manufacturer’s instructions.
rCH 364 days Install a brand new filter per manufacturer’s instructions.

Diagnostic Messages for:· Majestic Series (10-Button Control Unit) and Paradise Series

Message Frequency Action Required
No message displays on Spa unit Means no power is being supplied to spa unit. The control panel is disabled until the return of power. Spa settings are maintained during power outage.
HTR TEMP LMT Overheating caused the spa to shut down because the sensor detected a temp of 118°F at heater device. Alarm may sound on some Systems. DO NOT GO IN THE WATER!
Take off the spa cover and allow the water to cool down. You can reset the heater by pressing any button once the heater has cooled. Shut off power and call the dealer or a service technician if spa does not reset.
SPA TEMP LMT Overheating caused the spa to shut down because the sensor detected a water temperature of 110°F. DO NOT GO IN THE WATER!
Take off the spa cover and allow the water to cool down. You can reset the heater by pressing any button once the heater has cooled. Shut off power and contact the dealer or a service technician if spa does not reset.
FREEZE COND Stands for "Ice", the system has detected a potential condition for freeze. No action is required. Pump and blowers automatically start regardless of the programming or status of the spa unit.
SENSOR A SERVICE RQD Means the hot tub unit has been shut down. The sensor plugged into sensor "A" jack is malfunctioning. Contact the dealer or a service technician if you continue to see this problem. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
SENSOR B SERVICE RQD Means the hot tub unit has been shut down. The sensor plugged into sensor "B" jack is malfunctioning. Contact the dealer or a service technician if you continue to see this problem. Keep in mind this error may display itself temporarily in situations of overheating. It should disappear when the heater cools off.
SENSOR SYNC Sensors have gone out of balance—may only be a temporary condition if this is the only message and the message also displays "SERVICE REQ’D". Spa shuts itself down. Contact the dealer or a service technician if you continue to see this problem.
HTR FLOW LOW System has identified a significant difference between temp sensors, indicating the possibility of a flow issue. Verify there is enough of a water level in the spa unit and add water if needed. If water level is adequate, ensure that the pumps are primed. If you continue to see the problem, contact the dealer or a service technician.
LOW FLOW Means low flow problems are persistent. This error code will display the fifth time that the "Heater flow low" message occurs within 24 hours. With this error, the heater will shut down, but other functions of the hot tub will continue to function normally. Follow same actions for "HTR FLOW LOW" error code as described above, depressing any button will reset. If you continue to see the problem, contact the dealer or a service technician.
HTR MAY BE DRY - WILL RETEST SHORTLY The system detects insufficient water levels in the heater. Verify water level is adequate in spa, and add water as needed. Check to see that the pump is primed if water levels are adequate. Depressing any button will reset system. If you continue to see the problem, contact the dealer or a service technician.
HTR DRY SERVICE RQD Once the message "HTR MAY BE DRY" followed by "WILL RETEST SHORTLY" displays three times within a 24-hour period, the spa unit shuts itself down. Follow same action described above for "HTR MAY BE DRY" message. Depressing any button will reset system.
PRIMING MODE - TAKES 4 MIN This message displays the first time the spa is actuated. It indicates spa is in Priming mode. No action is needed. Priming mode runs for up to 4 min, then transitions into Standard mode.
–F or –C Unknown temperature. No action is needed, and is a normal operation of the spa. Once the pump runs for 2 minutes, the temp will be displayed.
—- Temperature isn’t current in Standby or Economy mode. The hot tub hasn’t ran long enough and is still in Sleep or Economy mode. In order to display the current temperature, let Jets 1 operate for 2 minutes or switch to Standard mode.
STANDARD MODE This mode is actuated on the user panel by pressing a combination of buttons. Exit Standby mode and return to normal operation by pressing any button.

Reminder Messages for· Majestic Series (10-Button Control Unit) and Paradise Series

Message Frequency Action Required
CLEAN FILTER 30 Days Follow manufacturer’s instructions to clean filter. Remove filter cartridge and clean and reinstall it at this time.
TEST GFCI 30 Days Follow manufacturer’s instructions to test & reset the GFCI device.
DRAIN WATER 90 Days Follow directions in the operator’s manual for draining and refilling the spa system.
CLEAN COVER 180 days Follow manufacturer’s instructions to clean and condition the hot tub cover of the spa.
TREAT WOOD 180 days Follow manufacturer’s instructions to clean and condition and apply finish to the wood on the cabinet.
NEW FILTER 364 days Filter needs replaced; install a new one.