Many of our customers love using their portable spas through the winter, and we don’t blame them. I mean, sitting in warm bubbling water with the cool winter air touching your face does feel pretty awesome.
We typically recommend setting up your portable spa when temperatures are still above freezing, but if you are yet to set up your spa for the winter, not to worry! Just read the rest of this article first.
DISCLAIMER: We do NOT recommend starting up your portable spa for the first time in temperatures that are -20°C/-4°F or colder.
E4 Error
Due to the colder winter temperature, it is possible that your PCU may get an E4 Error upon initial fill.
Cause
The E4 Error Code indicates a condition where the PCU has detected a temperature that is 2°C/36°F or colder. The E4 Error will disable all functions of your Spa’s PCU in order to prevent damage from freezing conditions. To run your PCU, you will need to raise the temperature of the water to above 2°C/36°F.
Solution
You are likely to get this error when filling your hot tub in the winter if the temperature of your hose water is colder than 2°C/36°F or if the ambient temperature around your spa is too cold. If this is the case, you can raise the temperature of the water in the Portable Spa and PCU by mixing hot (NOT boiling) tap water into the cold water in the spa. Try to bring the water to 10°C/50°F or higher before starting up your spa (do NOT exceed 38°C/100°F).
Once you have brought the temperature of the water up, simply reset your PCU by plugging in the GFCI, press the TEST BUTTON on the GFCI - wait 5 seconds - then press the RESET BUTTON.
NOTE: If you are unable to raise the water temperature, we recommend bringing the PCU into a warm environment to prevent possible freezing damage.
EDIT: the following excerpt was added on 02-03-2017.
Inflatable Spas
If you are setting up your inflatable spa in the winter, you may have a difficult time inflating your spa's bladder to full capacity.
Cause
As your PCU blows warm air into your spa's bladder, the temperature of the air adjusts to the cooler ambient temperature, causing it to compress. Due to this, your spa may not expand to its full 29 inch height regardless of how much air you continue to blow into it. Your spa may look similar to the Rio Grande in the image below.
Solution
Inflate your spa until you notice that it is no longer expanding. Fill your spa with water and begin heating as per the regular instructions. As the water heats up, you will notice that the air in the bladder will begin to expand and the bladder will inflate to full capacity.
If you continue to see errors while setting up your spa, contact us, or check out our Support Page for more information.