Balboa · VS / GS and BP seriesHeads-up

-- on a Balboa hot tub: temperature not yet known

Dashes mean the control does not know the water temperature yet. After the pump has run for about 1 to 2 minutes the real temperature appears. This is normal.

Also shown as: ---, ----, - - -, dashes

Most likely causes

  1. 1Tub was just powered up or resetmost likely
  2. 2Pump has not run recently, so the reading is stalecommon
  3. 3Pump is not actually moving waterless common

What to try, in order

  1. Wait 2 minutes with the pump running. The temperature should appear.
  2. If the tub is in priming mode, let it finish (4 to 5 minutes) or press the temperature button to exit.
  3. If dashes never go away, check that water is moving at the jets and that the filter is clean.

-- questions

Why does my hot tub show dashes instead of the temperature?

The sensors sit in the heater, so the control only trusts the reading after water has flowed past them for a minute or two.

Do dashes mean my topside panel is broken?

Not usually. If the dashes clear after the pump runs, everything is working as designed.

Related codes

Jacuzzi / Sundance -- · Watchdog shutdownBalboa CHEK PH · Maintenance reminderBalboa CLN FLTR · Filter reminderBalboa CNFG FAIL · Configuration errorBalboa dr · Heater may be dryBalboa dry · Heater is dryBalboa Ecn · Economy modeBalboa FLO · Low water flow

General guidance. Follow your manufacturer's instructions; anything inside the control box is work for a licensed professional. Updated October 5, 2026.