What Does FLO Mean On A Hot Tub and How To Fix It?

In the course of your hot tub ownership, at some point, you may find yourself with a hot tub error called FLO. But don’t worry, as it turns out, it is a common hot tub error that can be fixed with a few troubleshooting tips so you can save your money on costly fixes.

In this article, we will discuss what FLO means in a hot tub and the steps you can take to fix it. Make sure to read until the end.

Why Does My Hot Tub Say FLO?

FLO indicates that there is a problem with water flow. There are several potential causes for this. Water pressure sensors or a pressure switch may be on your hot tub’s heater. Usually, they are the ones that will help identify the error.  FLO, FL1, or FL2 are some of the most often used water flow or pressure sensor codes. 

closeup of clear hot tub water

The hot tub flow error is most frequently caused by dirty filters, low water levels, clogged circulation pumps, or defective sensors that can affect your water flow.

How Do you Fix FLO Errors?

You can try a few self-help techniques to repair hot tub flow errors, but if they don’t work, it may indicate that your pump isn’t working properly or that your pressure flow switch is malfunctioning.  Still, you can try these two options to fix FLO errors in your hot tub. 

Check And Remove The Heater’s Airlock

First, make sure that your hot tub jets are all turned on. Then test whether the flow error is fixed by operating the jets without needing a filter. If this doesn’t work, turn the hot tub off at the isolator, then try running a hose pipe into the skimmer basket to pump air through to clear the airlock.

Increasing The Hot Tub Water Level

Checking the hot tub’s water level is the first step in addressing hot tub flow issues. Fill up your hot tub to the right level, switch off the electricity for at least thirty seconds to clear the problem code, and then turn it back on. Go to step 2 if the flow error recurs.

If doing so resolves the flow problem, you can turn off the spa, change the filter, and then turn it back on. You now know that a new filter needs to be replaced if the flow problem returns after the filter has been changed.

Examine And Replace  Your Filter

A clogged hot tub filter frequently causes hot tub flow issues. Dirty filters may eventually stop enough water flow resulting in an error. Simply turn off the hot tub, take the filters, and then turn it back on to correct a flow issue brought on by filthy filters. 

If the flow fault disappears whenever the filters are removed, thoroughly clean them before reinserting them. Replace your filters if the flow error reappears after you put the filter back in the water or if they are more than a year old.

Change The Sensor

The next step is changing your sensors if you’ve found that the pressure switch is broken or your hot tub employs temperature sensors. As there is no way to detect if one or both temperature sensors are faulty, it is advised to replace both when replacing temperature sensors.

Replace The Circulation Pump 

If you have now used up all of the simple choices and it’s still not fixed, flow errors can be attributed to a malfunctioning spa pack or a worn-out circulation pump. In this case, the only way to fix this flow error is by replacing either one or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions to guide you about flow errors and how you can fix them.

hot tub using pressure

What Does Mean Fl Mean In Hot Tub?

A defective flow switch that is open (FL1) or closed (FL2), a dirty or worn-out filter cartridge, or an “air lock” condition at the intake of the circulation pump are all indicated by this code.

Why Is My Hot Tub Reading Flo?

A hot tub flow error indicates a problem with the heater’s ability to circulate water. A flow issue will show as “FLO” on the front panel, making it easy to spot. Low water levels are one frequent problem that might lead to a flow mistake.

How Do You Fix An F1 Error On A Hot Tub?

If the FL1 error disappears when the filters are taken out, your filters probably require cleaning or replacement. Filters should be cleaned or replaced. Reinstall the hot tub’s clean or fresh filters there.

Conclusion

view of an open working hot tub

A FLO error is a safety feature to prevent the heater from overheating, which may lead to the heater burning out or possibly starting a fire under the hot tub. If you see this flo error in your hot tub, you will need a little maintenance check and try the solutions mentioned above; if it still does not work, then it is best to seek help from a professional.