Error 6 / ER 06 / ER06 / ER.6 is one of the most common errors in spas and hot tubs. The same error appears as 3 flashing dots on older Gecko controllers. It can be caused by several things. Some of them, you can try to resolve yourself.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT - Any work, or panel removal must be done by a qualified person. 240V is exposed inside controllers & can be harmful or fatal. We recommend youe engage an electrician experienced in spa equipment.
What is Error 6?
In Davey, SpaQuip, SpaNet spa controllers, Error 06 simply means "Thermal cut-out tripped." This error indicates that the safety electromechanical over temperature cut out thermostat on the heater has tripped. It can be caused by multiple things. Read on below.
What causes Error 06 and How do I fix it?
Error 6 can be caused by:
- Dirty Filters - Remove filters and see if it still occurs.
- Blocked plumbing or Air Lock - Check for anything blocking the pump impeller, and bleed any air in the system out by loosening barrel unions where necessary. Also check that all valves are open.
- *Faulty Pump - Check circulation pump is operating as it should. Also check for impeller blockages.
- *Corroded Heater - Remove controller panel to look for a corroded or damaged heater assembly.
- *Damaged Klixon or other component - generally this is due to a leak. Inspection of internal parts needed. Where a Klixon is damaged, generally the whole heater needs to be replaced.
- *Faulty Circuit board - PCB will need to be repaired or replaced. Check solder joints.
Can Error 6 be reset?
In Davey SpaQuip & SpaNet controllers, it can be reset by doing one of the following: (note if there is a physical fault the error will reoccur).
- SP800 / SP1200 - Cycle Power Off & On. Then Press the Top 4 Buttons All Together until the system resets.
- SP400 / SP500 / SP600 / SP601 / 54500 - Cycle Power Off & On. Press Up, Down, Pump buttons together until it resets.
- SP750 / SP1000 - Cycle Power Off & On. Then, with Power Off, Check High-limit on heater assembly. Some high-limits have a button on the switch itself that needs to be pressed to reset.
- SpaNet - Cycle Power off for 1 minute, then back on.
*Requires a qualified person. Ensure power is isolated before checking any part of a spa.
Check for the following with power isolated:
- Electrician - Check any Klixon / High-limit switches are closed-circuit. If any are open-circuit, these may need replacing, or heater itself.
- Electrician - Check solder-joints on PCB. Especially common on older spa controllers.
- Electrician - Circ pump or 2-speed pump not running - test for power to pump & pump working correctly. Replace pump if faulty. Inspect and test start/run capacitors. Test windings. Check for overheating motor.
- Remove filters - clagged filters will cause Error 6
- Low Water Level - ensure water level is correct.
- Blocked Suction Fitting - check & clear any blockages.
- Blocked Skimmer - check & clear any blockages.
- Too Many Closed Jets - ensure jets are all open and diverters working.
- Closed Valve - ensure all valves are open. Also check the stems haven't broken.
- Circ pump or 2-speed pump not primed - bleed any air from outlet of pump. Ensure adequate water flow.
- Circ pump or 2-speed pump impeller blocked or broken - check impeller spins and is clear.
On older Gecko spa controllers with 3 flashing dots the pressure switch needs to be open-circuit before the spa switches on. Once the pump runs, it should be closed-circuit. If the switch starts closed-circuit, it will continue to error.
