Hot Spring / Watkins · Hot Spring spas with Power and Ready indicator lightsFix soon

Power light blinking on a Hot Spring / Watkins hot tub: heater high limit tripped

A blinking red Power light means the heater's high-limit thermostat has tripped. The heater is off. Check the water temperature before getting in.

Also shown as: red light blinking, red power light flashing, blinking red light

Most likely causes

  1. 1Clogged filters reducing flow through the heatermost likely
  2. 2Air lock or low water levelcommon
  3. 3Failed circulation pumpcommon
  4. 4Failed heater or high-limit thermostatless common

What to try, in order

  1. Turn the tub off at the breaker for at least 30 seconds to reset the high limit, then turn it back on.
  2. If it blinks again, turn off power, then remove and clean the filters.
  3. Check the water level.
  4. Check that a small steady stream of water is coming from the circulation return, which shows the circulation pump is running.
  5. If the light keeps blinking, call your dealer or a technician.

Power light blinking questions

How do I reset a blinking red light on a Hot Spring?

Turn the power off at the breaker for 30 seconds or more. If the light blinks again, clean the filters and check the circulation pump.

Can I use the tub?

Check the temperature first. The heater is off, so the water will cool until it is fixed.

Related codes

Hot Spring / Watkins Power and Ready lights blinking · Low flow through heaterHot Spring / Watkins Ready light blinking · Temperature sensor problem

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