If you own a Cal Spa, then you know how essential the heating element is for your spa experience. The heating element is responsible for heating the water to your desired temperature, which is why it’s vital to ensure it’s in good working condition. If you’re experiencing issues with your heating element, then replacing it might be necessary. In this article, we’ll show you how to replace a Cal Spa heating element in 7 simple steps.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that replacing a heating element can be dangerous if not done correctly. Please read through these steps carefully and ensure you understand them before beginning the process.
With that said, if you’re ready to get your spa back to its optimal state, then let’s dive into the process and learn how to replace a Cal Spa heating element in 7 simple steps.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what steps to take to replace your Cal Spa heating element, so you can get back to enjoying your spa with the perfect water temperature. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Step 1: Turn Off Power to the Spa
Cal Spas are an amazing addition to any backyard, providing relaxation and comfort. However, like any other electrical appliance, Cal Spas require maintenance and occasional repairs. If you need to replace the heating element in your Cal Spa, you should start by turning off the power to the spa. This will prevent any accidents and ensure a safe repair.
Locate the power source for your Cal Spa and turn it off. You can either flip the switch at the circuit breaker or unplug the spa from the wall. You should also turn off the heater and any other electrical components connected to the spa.
Safety should always be your number one priority when dealing with electrical appliances. Turning off the power to the spa is an essential step that you should not overlook.
Step 1: Turn Off Power to the Spa
Locate the Spa’s Power Source
Before attempting to replace a Cal Spa heating element, you must first turn off the power to the spa. The power source for your spa may vary depending on its make and model. Some spas have a dedicated electrical circuit breaker, while others may have a disconnect switch located near the spa. Look for the power source and turn off the power to the spa before proceeding.
Important: Before working on any electrical components of the spa, it’s essential to turn off the power to the spa to prevent electric shock or electrocution.
If you’re unsure about how to turn off the power to your spa, consult the owner’s manual or contact a licensed electrician to assist you.
Step 2: Remove the Spa Cover and Access Panel
Step 1: Turn off the power to the spa by using the main circuit breaker. Make sure that there is no power going to the spa before proceeding.
Step 2: Remove the cover of the spa by lifting it off. If the cover is heavy, you may need some assistance. Place it in a safe and secure location where it will not be damaged.
Step 3: Locate the access panel of the spa. The access panel can usually be found at the bottom of the spa, near the equipment compartment. Remove any screws or latches that are holding the panel in place.
Step 4: Remove the access panel by lifting it off. The panel may be heavy, so be careful when removing it. Place it in a safe and secure location where it will not be damaged.
Remove the Spa Cover
Step 1: Locate the clips that hold the spa cover in place.
Step 2: Using a flathead screwdriver or other similar tool, loosen the clips on all sides of the cover.
Step 3: Lift the cover off the spa and set it aside. It is recommended to have a second person to help you with this step to prevent any damage to the cover or injury to yourself.
Remove the Access Panel Screws
Step 1: Look for the access panel screws. They are usually located near the bottom of the panel.
Step 2: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Place them in a safe spot to avoid losing them.
Step 3: Once all screws are removed, gently lift the access panel away from the spa. Be careful not to damage any wires or components.
Step 4: Set the panel aside in a safe location where it won’t be damaged or stepped on.
Take off the Access Panel
Step 1: Carefully remove the screws that hold the access panel to the spa’s cabinet using a screwdriver.
Step 2: Once all screws are removed, gently pull the access panel away from the cabinet, being careful not to damage any wires or hoses that may be connected.
Step 3: Set the access panel aside in a safe location where it will not be damaged or misplaced.
Step 4: If necessary, remove any insulation that may be covering the heating element and surrounding area to allow for easier access.
Step 3: Locate the Faulty Heating Element
Once you have removed the access panel, you will be able to locate the heating element. Look for a long metal tube that runs along the bottom or side of the spa.
You will also notice two wires running from the heating element. One of the wires will be attached to a white or red wire, while the other wire will be attached to a black wire.
Take a close look at the heating element and see if there are any signs of damage, such as corrosion or rust. If you notice any damage, you will need to replace the heating element.
Understand the Structure of the Heating Element
Before locating the faulty heating element, it’s important to understand its structure. The heating element is a long, coiled metal tube that runs through the spa’s plumbing system. It’s usually made of stainless steel, and is encased in a thin layer of insulation to protect it from water damage.
The heating element has two metal terminals, one on each end, that are connected to the spa’s control panel. When electricity flows through the element, it heats up the water that flows over it, warming the entire spa.
If the element is faulty, it may have a break in the coil or a damaged terminal. In this case, it will need to be replaced.
Step 4: Disconnect the Faulty Heating Element
Turn off power to the spa. Before proceeding with this step, make sure that the power to the spa is turned off and the circuit breaker is in the off position.
Drain the spa. Use a submersible pump to drain the spa water below the level of the heating element. Make sure the water is completely drained before proceeding.
Disconnect the electrical connections. Locate the wires connected to the faulty heating element and disconnect them. Be sure to label the wires for later reference.
Loosen the union nuts. Use a wrench to loosen the union nuts that connect the heating element to the plumbing. Be sure to have a bucket or towel handy to catch any water that may spill out.
Remove the faulty heating element. Carefully lift the heating element out of the spa, being careful not to damage the plumbing. Dispose of the old heating element and prepare to install a new one.
Unplug the Old Heating Element from the Control Box
Step 1: Turn off the power supply to the spa at the breaker box to avoid any electrical hazards.
Step 2: Remove the control box cover by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
Step 3: Locate the wire connections leading to the old heating element.
Step 4: Using a pair of pliers, carefully disconnect the wires from the heating element terminals.
Step 5: Once the wires are disconnected, gently pull out the old heating element from its position.
Remove the Faulty Heating Element
Step 1: Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the heating element in place.
Step 2: Carefully pull out the old heating element from the water compartment. Make sure to avoid damaging any other components.
Step 3: Inspect the heating element for any signs of damage, such as cracks or corrosion. If it is damaged, dispose of it properly and purchase a new one.
Step 4: Clean the area around the heating element to remove any debris or buildup. This will help ensure proper installation of the new heating element.
Step 5: Install the new heating element, making sure to properly align it and tighten the nuts securely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
Cut the Wires Connected to the Heating Element
Before proceeding, make sure that the power supply to the water heater is turned off to prevent any electrical shock. Once the power is off, use wire cutters to cut the wires connected to the faulty heating element. Be sure to cut the wires as close to the heating element as possible, but leave enough wire to connect the new heating element later.
After cutting the wires, remove any wire nuts or electrical tape from the wires. If the wires are corroded or damaged, it is recommended to replace them with new ones to ensure proper conductivity. Take note of the wire colors and their locations as you will need to connect the new heating element to the correct wires.
Dispose of the old heating element and the cut wires properly. Do not leave them lying around as they may pose a safety hazard. You can bring them to a recycling center or a waste disposal facility to ensure proper disposal.
Step 5: Install the New Heating Element
Prepare the New Heating Element: Before installing the new heating element, ensure that it is compatible with your hot water heater model. Remove any packaging materials and inspect the new heating element for any damages.
Attach the New Heating Element: Place the new heating element into the opening where the old one was removed. Make sure that it is positioned correctly and that the holes for the screws align with the holes on the water heater tank. Then, insert the screws and tighten them securely.
Reconnect the Wires: Reconnect the wires to the new heating element, matching the colors of the wires with the terminals on the element. Use wire nuts to secure the connections and wrap them with electrical tape for added protection.
Insert the New Heating Element
Step 1: Carefully insert the new heating element into the same position where you removed the faulty one. Make sure the new element fits securely into the brackets and aligns with the screw holes.
Step 2: Connect the wires to the new heating element by using the wire nuts. Twist the wire ends together and then tighten the wire nuts clockwise to secure the connection. Ensure that the wire nuts are tightened firmly to avoid any loose connections.
Step 3: Reattach the metal cover to the back of the dryer and secure it with the screws that you removed earlier. Ensure that all screws are tightened firmly, but not too tight to avoid damaging the cover.
Step 6: Reconnect the Heating Element Wires
Now that you have installed the new heating element, it’s time to reconnect the wires. Make sure you have properly identified the correct wires to be connected.
Step 1: Take the wires that you disconnected from the faulty heating element and strip the ends of the wires.
Step 2: Connect the wires from the new heating element to the wires you just stripped. Make sure you connect the wires with the same color coding.
Step 3: Secure the wires with wire nuts or electrical tape to make sure they don’t come loose.
Once you have connected and secured the wires, you can move on to the final step of testing the heating element to ensure that it’s working properly.
Strip the Wires Connected to the Heating Element
Using wire strippers, strip the ends of the insulated wires that are connected to the heating element.
Make sure to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire end to expose the bare metal underneath.
Be careful not to damage the wire strands when stripping the insulation. If any of the strands become damaged, use wire cutters to trim them off and strip the wire again.
After stripping the wires, twist the strands together to ensure a secure connection with the new heating element.
Step 7: Test the New Heating Element
Turn on the Power: Before testing the heating element, turn on the power and let the water in the tank heat up to the desired temperature.
Check for Warmth: Once the water is heated, touch the surface of the heating element carefully to see if it’s warm. If it’s not, there may be an issue with the installation, and you should go back and check your work.
Use a Multimeter: If the heating element is warm, but you want to be sure it’s working correctly, you can use a multimeter to measure the resistance. If the reading is within the acceptable range, then the heating element is working correctly.
Check for Leaks: While testing, keep an eye out for any leaks. If you notice water dripping, immediately turn off the power, and check the connections and seals to ensure everything is tight.
Repeat the Process: If everything checks out and there are no leaks, repeat the process a few times to ensure the heating element is consistently functioning correctly.
Turn the Power Back On
Locate the circuit breaker panel and turn on the circuit breaker that controls the heating system. It is important to make sure that the circuit breaker is turned on before proceeding to the next step.
Go to the thermostat and set the temperature to the desired level. Wait for a few minutes and check if warm air is coming out of the vents. If warm air is not coming out, turn off the heating system immediately and recheck the wiring connections.
If everything is working properly, turn off the heating system again and close the access panel. Restore power to the heating system by turning on the circuit breaker. The new heating element should now be fully functional and providing heat to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do you need to replace the heating element in a Cal Spa?
Replacing a heating element in a Cal Spa requires some specific tools, such as a wrench, screwdriver, and wire cutters. It’s also important to have a replacement heating element on hand before starting the process.
Can you replace the heating element in a Cal Spa yourself?
Yes, you can replace the heating element in a Cal Spa yourself, as long as you follow the proper steps and safety precautions. However, if you’re not comfortable working with electricity or plumbing, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job.
What are the signs that a Cal Spa heating element needs to be replaced?
Some signs that a Cal Spa heating element needs to be replaced include the water not getting hot enough, the water taking a long time to heat up, or the heating element producing a strange smell or noise. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to replace the heating element as soon as possible.
How do you remove a faulty heating element in a Cal Spa?
To remove a faulty heating element in a Cal Spa, you need to turn off the power to the spa, drain the water, disconnect the wires connected to the heating element, and then remove the element itself using a wrench or pliers.
What do you need to do to test the new heating element in a Cal Spa?
After installing a new heating element in a Cal Spa, you need to reconnect the wires, fill the spa with water, and then turn the power back on. You should wait for the water to heat up and make sure the spa is working properly before using it.