Hot Tub Not Hot Enough? 104° Temperature Override (:2:) The Resistor Method

[@davedarminsto5311]

update: the temperature sensor (not the limit sensors) is the key. Wiring diagram showed the sensor to be a 3 wire (2 red one black) resistor type, So put 1 - 1000 ohm resistor on each red wire & voila, temp is down 6 degrees!!

[@SpaDayz]

Wow! That's great! Thanks for coming back and letting everyone know!

[@Terrathrax]

Down or up 6 degrees?

[@chrisdaruda9414]

@@Terrathrax this tricked the temp sensor into thinking it was 6 deg colder than actual, so it would keep heating, raising the actual temp 6 deg above what was displayed/set to

[@AA-ih6kt]

so are you saying that you only need to do it on the temp sensor and not the limit sensor?

[@amann1231]

This modification works great, and is very accessible to those with basic skill and the "courage" to try it. I gained ~+8 degrees on my hot tub maximum temperature with the recommended 1K Ohm resistors, which achieves my goal: providing a Japanese style onsen like soaking environment! Tip that worked for me: instead of trying to solder the resistor wire onto the temperature wire in a straight-on fashion as shown in the video--(with the temperature wire straight at the wire of the resistor), I created an eye-hook loop with the wire of the resistor, and then threaded and wrapped the temperature sensor wire through the eye-hook; this creates a solid junction between the two wires, that makes the soldering added easy to do and very secure. Thanks SpaDayz for this video!!

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome! Great tip!

[@stevereschke8472]

This was very helpful and I'm so happy with the results. I got approximately a 3.5 degree shift out of the 1K resistor. As I mentioned in a response below, my tub was always slightly underheated. At the end of its heating cycle it would be very close to 104, but not quite. I did have the temperature sensors replaced twice trying to fix the problem. During the winter months in Michigan, the water would become so cool after about 30 minutes that is was not very therapeutic. I now set the heater to 103 and the tub is usually between 106 and 106.5 when I open it. After 30 minutes the tub is at around 104 but at the higher temperature I'm usually done then anyhow. I love that this method leaves the basic circuitry of the tub and the protections built into it intact. Thank you for posting this. As for the criticism below, it should be noted that in Japan tubs are set to 110. I visited a hot spring in Germany that was at 108. And of course you can set your hot water heater to very high temperatures if you so choose and fill a bath tub with it. The idea that the government passes some law and sets a number that every person at every level of health in every climate in the country has to abide by is just plain dumb to me. In the summer I could barely handle 102 (before the mod it was probably closer to 101.5). In the middle of winter, 106 is feeling pretty good to me right now. It is my tub and my choice what to heat it to.

[@AA-ih6kt]

i agree....why can you set hot water heaters to 110+ but not hotubs...lame.... I just did a 3k resistor and at 100/101 its 110...

[@alanstayton2208]

Fix works absolutely as described. I installed 1K (1/2) watt resistors on my Intex Pure Spa Inflatable hot tub. Installed one on each temp sensor line and the closed up my unit. Reset my hot tub to 104 degrees. Increased temp to 118 degrees. Way to hot. Reset temp to 100 degrees and temp now holds at 109 perfect. Thanks for the fix

[@marklytle1506]

+Alan Stayton ---- mind helping me out some--- I am having an issue locating the temp sensors in my lazy spa--- any possible way to get a pic? --- mlytle-at-twcny(dot)rr(dot)com-- greatly appreciated

[@3ddexter]

Alan Stayton If you still get this, I just got an Intex and am already ready to get this heat increase set up. Guess my guestion for you would be if you found one or two sensors?

[@jordanb9684]

​@@3ddexter did you ever get yours sorted? i have the intex tub and want to get it sorted as now the winter months are here the tub just isnt hot enough. any info would be great.

[@jordanb9684]

Alan Stayton, anyway to send me some info atall? A photo would be amazing? was it hard?

[@TLDMAT]

This hack was exactly what I was looking for. Did it yesterday and today today 102 is actually almost 106. Thank you so much. 😁

[@SpaDayz]

Glad to help!

[@heavydelta7615]

Brilliant! I tried this on my American Whirlpool 881. I figured, heck if it doesn't work, just solder the wires back together - but it WORKS! For those with the bigger American Whirlpools - there are two temp sensors, they both go into the heater element so super easy to find! Thanks a million - 104 just didn't cut it outside when the temps are in the 30s or lower!

[@SpaDayz]

Glad to help!

[@heavydelta7615]

I can't begin to tell you how frustrating it was to buy a 12 grand hot tub....only to find I couldn't use it with outside temps in the 30s or lower - which is the BEST time to hot tub! I was curious what made you come up with this solution? Do you just have an electronics background and tried a bunch of different sized resistors until this one gave you the 6 degree or so bump?! Again though, thanks so much for posting this!

[@SpaDayz]

@@heavydelta7615 I actually read it in a forum post somewhere.

[@jaybeard6300]

I have a Four Winds make Cozumel model tub. The sensors are on each end of the heater tube with a red and a black wire to each. I used a 1.5K resistor on each red wire and it worked like a charm. Increased the temp 5 degrees. Now I am keeping the water at 107 with possibility to go to 109. I am so pleased.

[@DerekLewisSuperStar]

THANK YOU! I had given up on ever getting a HOT tub in winter - I got at least 3 degrees improvement out my Costco Strong CSX80 - and FYI to anyone who has this tub - the heater is actually the silver tube right below the circuit board and both temp sensors are right there on board the heater tube directly below the circuit board and are super easy to identify. I put in the 1k - and am thinking about going up to 1.2K to see if I actually like a tad more heat. But so happy with the result. THANKS SO MUCH!

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

[@bugayd3695]

Great video with one suggestion: Always insure a mechanical connection between the resistor leads and the wires by first bending a small hook on each lead and then "crimp" the connections with pliers before soldering.

[@drewa8628]

Works great, I got an additional 3 degrees. This is an American Whirlpool tub with a Balboa circuit board.

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome! Thanks for reporting back for future watchers!

[@alexboland6429]

I did this to a signature spa with a balboa 700 controller. It has a heater tube with a sensor on each end. I added the 1k ohm resistors to both red (the sensor had a black and red wire).its taken the temp from being maximum 40 degrees centigrade to 42c degrees centigrade. So thanks so much for this hack its been great.

[@warrenmeikle9985]

Without your "how to" I was ready to give up on my hot tub. I now enjoy 44 deg. C. Very therapeutic. Thank you!

[@SpaDayz]

Glad it worked for you!

[@chrislast]

I used this method on my Coleman Lay Z inflatable spa and it worked perfectly. Used 2.5K resistors and it adds about 5-6 degrees to the displayed temp.

[@anthonya.santana8278]

Chris Laster that's pretty cool.. do you have any updates with temp increase

[@jim_successful_male]

Hey Chris I have a Coleman Saluspa, basically the same tub. I was wondering if you could tell me which thermometers you added resistors to? I tried adding 1K resistors to the two connected to the inlet before the heat pump and one connected to the directly heating device and got an E06 error.

[@juggyhd]

This worked perfectly for me!!! I added 1.5k resistors to the sensors and it gave me 10 degrees higher. I love it at 108 and it's beutiful!!!!! Thanks for this video.

[@jesusavina8657]

What kind of hot tub do u have? For my hot tub this didn't work.

[@juggyhd]

@@jesusavina8657 I believe an older hot springs with the stainless no fault heater with 2 sensors in it.

[@jesusavina8657]

@@juggyhd o ok yea ima have to get an older tub or a newer one cause mine ain't working haha this thing didn't work for me but yea I'll figure it out

[@jackjmaheriii]

My man, my back and I really appreciate you putting out this video.

[@rsscott5672]

Great video. Fitted a 1/2 watt 1.2k ohms resistor to the black wire on my Mspa alpine d-al06 inflatable (only 1 temp sensor on inlet side) and now with the controller set to 37°C I'm getting 42.6°C actual water temperature giving me 5 and a half degrees more and option to go up to 45 and a half if we feel the need. It took me about 30 mins to complete the job. Such a simple fix. Thank you so much 😁👍🏻

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome!

[@rsscott5672]

@@SpaDayz it's amazing your video is still helping people 6 years on. Thanks again

[@nemoxero]

works on a 2 person tuff spa with a balboa vs300fl4 control.... got a 4+ degree jump with a 1.3k ohm resistor on the 2 red temp. sensor wires... big thx for the hack...;)

[@adventuremuffinproductions]

I want to thank you so much for posting techniques to exceed the 104 degree limit. Your advice gave me the direction needed on how to get the tub up to its 110F that I have been at for 20 years with my old tub, plus a few degrees extra to adjust for winter months. Now reads 99F when its actually at 110F! Trick was to first make a bread board and splice into (with a extension harness) the high limit/temp sensor so that I could easily test out different ohm resistance. Best configuration turned out to be using 1.5 K ohm resistors on both red and green lines. After a few days testing, I built a harness that I could then connect into existing lines without having to cut the existing wires (and void the warranty) on this brand new 2022 One Dimension Journey bad boy. Be happy to send you $50 for your advice. Just let me know how I can get it to you.

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome! You put more intention into it than most people would. I love it when people come back and post feedback and detailed model specific results! Thank you for that! I wouldn't say no to a tip. 😅 Lol Money is tight right now. Paypal: PayPal.me/cre8er CashApp: cash.app/$cre8er Venmo: @cre8er

[@adventuremuffinproductions]

@@SpaDayz Hi Corey, just saw this reply and sent a tip. Thank you again. sorry for the delay. David

[@SpaDayz]

@@adventuremuffinproductions Got it ☺️ Thank you so much! Glad you have a nice toasty tub for the winter!

[@ShaneWillard]

How’d you build the harness?

[@adventuremuffinproductions]

@@ShaneWillard Thru trial and error. A learning experience. If you have the same tub, willing to build one for you. $100.00 paid in advance. Otherwise, take a look at the full text above for insights.

[@angiewells9589]

Added the 1k resistors and it gives me an extra 4 degrees!! Thanks perfect. Hope you got credit for my purchase.

[@SpaDayz]

Angie Wells glad to help! Best thing you can do to help me out is subscribe to Spadayz. KZbin is about to stop paying small channels like mine.

[@jgbelmont]

Thank you for the video! Exactly what me and many others were looking for! Let the haters sit in 104 and cry about it.

[@SpaDayz]

Temperature should be a choice.

[@Chris-zi9bb]

@@SpaDayz Will this work on Balboa?

[@randywatson9450]

@@Chris-zi9bb Yes just did it to my Balboa MS501

[@Chris-zi9bb]

@@randywatson9450 Exactly the same way?

[@randywatson9450]

@@Chris-zi9bb yes

[@rarickert7450]

Thanks for the tip! I did this mod to my 2018 Coleman LayZ Spa unit. I found the primary temp sensor (on the side of the heater, red connector)... picked 1 of the 2 wires going to the temp sensor... and soldered in a 1.2K ohm resistor (1/4watt). Now my unit reads 2-3 degrees low... so it reads 100degF when it's really 103degF. Perfect to get just a couple more degrees out of it. And the built-in safety over-temp thermal cut-off switch is still present and unaffected (connected directly to the side of the heater). Great mod!

[@SpaDayz]

Glad to help!

[@robertbissett]

This actually works. We recently replaced our 27 year old 240v tub with a "Plug-and-play" 120v Hudson Bay spa. What a disappointment to find it was limited to 104F! Using the jets caused it cool off fast to a luke warm 100F. A quick search turned up this video. Problem solved. But was it all true; sounded good, but who knows these days. The resistors where cheap and I had the other stuff on hand. It was pretty easy to solder in a 1k. The tub now heats to a bit over 106F while the panel shows 103F. Last nights soak was much better.

[@randywatson9450]

Still works on new hot tubs. My new spa with Balboa MS501X and the resister mod works great!

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome! Thanks for letting us know!

[@randywatson9450]

Balboa: Typical Resistance Values for Sensors and the water temperature. Temp Resistance In "K" Value 59 55.0 K 65 40.0 77 30.0 84 25.5 94 20.2 99 18.1 101 17.2 104 16.2 106 15.4 108 14.7 110 14.1 115 12.7 121 11.1 So adding a 1k resistor with the tub temperature set to 99 degrees would make the actual water temp approximately 101 degrees

[@SpaDayz]

@@randywatson9450 Great info!

[@johnvanhook9088]

I have always loved this post. I have always really loved my hot tub water around 107-108 degrees and really despise being told I cannot have this by the nanny state. That said I read through this post several years back and was successful with implementing this into a prior/older hot tub I use to own as to getting the water up to around 111 degrees - and thereafter turned down the heat to around 107 degrees. That said I now have a new hot tub and just went into it to put in the resistors as I did the prior one. However I am having issues with this new hot tub. These two (2) sensors have different wire configurations then my prior hot tub. My prior hot tub had two wires going into each sensor (as I recall) and I simply inserted a resister into the black wire on both sensor wire sets. Again this is per my recollection but did know it worked. My newer hot tub has three (3) wires into one sensor (green, red and black) and four (4) wires into the other sensor (green, red, black and white). So in keeping with the program I inserted a resistor into the red wire for each sensor (easiest to get to) but then received a FLO error message and the water temperature begin to drop. I thereafter repaired the red wires and then inserted those removed resistors into each of the black wires, one for each sensor and received the same FLO error message and the temperature also begin to drop. So I my plea/request here is to anyone that has run into this and/or has knowledge as to how to adjust this excellent resister concept into the type of sensor that I have in this new hot tub so that it can work. Any help/ideas would be appreciated. Thank you and regards to all my fellow 104+ degree water hot tubers.

[@SpaDayz]

A FLO error indicates an interruption of the flow sensor. It's usually an online sensor near the circulation pump. You're gonna want to ohm out the wires and see what you get. I'm guessing red and black will have zero or infinite resistance depending on whether the circulation pump is running.

[@weldman625]

Worked perfect got the 1k off Amazon my hottub was 104 now its 107 all the time love it.

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome!

[@bradleyboyer]

Just finished this hack on a Dimension One Sovereign. A 1K resistor raised the temp by 12 degrees F. Single resistor required on the thermistor sensor. Easy job. Thanks for the video - very helpful

[@geraldfreemont7319]

i have a demension one dream..so i just need 1 resistor?

[@geraldfreemont7319]

also is .25 watt resistor ok? or 1/2 watt?

[@ryanmcdonald9228]

Great video! Thank you :) Wellis monte rosa with a gecko in.ye-5 spa pack. Using jst-eh 4 pin connectors to make a wiring harness extension add 1.5k ohm 1/2 watt carbon film resistors on the outside wires on the 4 wire sensor (black & red) to give you 11 more degrees Fahrenheit. A 750 ohm resistor is about 5 1/2 degrees Fahrenheit. Also thanks to everyone who posted about there experience.

[@michaelsheldon5276]

Your advice about Balboa spa heater pack and adjusting over 104 degrees is RIGHT ON!! Thank you for 1K Ohm resistor story. WORKS PERFECT!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome! Another happy tubber!

[@michaelsheldon5276]

@@SpaDayz Yes! You solved a problem that an experienced spa maintenance tech said could not be solved. THANKS

[@SpaDayz]

@@michaelsheldon5276 Glad I could help :)

[@jameshamm7911]

Thanks for this video! I took "BT's" 1.2k ohm recommendation below for my Marquis Hide Away, plug-n-play spa, and got about an extra 4.5 degrees of heat. My wife and I were in it the other night with an ambient outside temp of around 3 degrees Fahrenheit and were able to stay put for nearly 2.5hrs before it dipped to around 98 degrees! I had been contemplating a costly 240v upgrade to the tub, but with this mod: I can leave it 120v and keep the cash, lol

[@SpaDayz]

+James Hamm Awesome! Glad to help!

[@pikeandtrout]

Thanks for the video. Got a plug and play tub and did this. Works great.I put in the 1.2K resistors. I've had it up to 106 while temp reading said 102. Much better then factory.Big advantage for me is because I'm running on 110 the pump on high and the heater will not work. this allows the tub to get to a higher temp then cool off as the pump runs.

[@augustheat]

which model do you have? I just got a hudson bay xp-29 and want to get it a bit hotter for winter months.

[@staceybillington683]

@@augustheat did you succeed in making it hotter? I have your model too and thinking of doing this

[@michaelyawitz8860]

last post . Radio Shack had sold me the wrong resistor. (no wonder they are out of business). Got the correct one thanks to the picture of the correct one here, and viola! Works great!! thanks for posting

[@toddmyers6615]

I tried this today on my Jandy LXi spa heater that just didn't get hot enough. Started with a 2.2K -- too hot! Downgraded the the 1k and it worked great. I only had to use 1 resistor on the temperature sensor line only.

[@AA-ih6kt]

How can 2.2 be too hot??? Just turn temp down no?

[@regthebackyardjackofalltrades]

TrailerDayz, Thanks a ton for that info. I didn’t even think about that. Life is better lived learning... I will definitely look into that.

[@regthebackyardjackofalltrades]

SpaDas and Todd, thanks a million for these tutorials. My heat increase button is not working and I do not have the time to sit and let the water go stagnant whilst figuring out how to either clean the button or repairing the ribbon tape. I purchased the 220V/12V remote thermostat but haven’t installed it yet because I not sure the 12V is AC or DC? I could try the 220V hook up but the bolts and amperage might be too strong if water was somehow able to get into the box I will build. I your resistor method and found out that I could increase the temperature without adding a resistor to the High Limit Sensor. I went up to 3K Ohms and the temperature increased. I went back to Willy’s Electronics(We-Supply) and purchased and 16mm 10K Ohm Potentiometer and I was able to manually increase the resistance and the temperature increased. This is all I needed, all other programmed cycles are still operable. Except cool since the the Potentiometer is telling the circuit board that it is 76 Degrees Fahrenheit whilst it is really at 97 Degrees. The only drawback is that no one els in y family is going to take the time to remove the wood cover which is held on with four screws before to increase the resistance and after to decrease the resistance so that the spa can go back to its programmed temperature settings. I added a public comment on Google Maps with over 30 photos on what I did to keep my spa operable until I have the time to either clean the button or repair the tape. In the photos I removed the plug and added jumpers to all the sensors and interlock jumper so that I can work on increasing the temperature without opening the panel. I did this by extending the temperature sensor and high limit(just Incase I needed to add a resistor if the Delta or difference of the two sensors was sensed by the circuit board) sensor through one of the knock out holes. I added the Potentiometer to the jumpers , relaxed for over 3hrs and when finished removed the potentiometer(will hardwire later) and reinstalled the straight shot jumper so that the system will go back to 80 degrees. One day I’ll try to make a video on exactly what I done. Thanks again. As in Art, Science and every Field of Expertise out here we learn from others and tweak it to our own use. I’ll never call it my own but lessons learned from other experts and hopefully one day one would learn from me.

[@SandersAmps]

Excellent tutorial - much appreciated!

[@ieatbatteries9998]

I heat my hot tub with an old boiler that runs on propane. One time I lit the burner and then went back inside and completely forgot about it for a while. When I came back out it was at 153° lol never doing that again. It’s made of a steel tank by the way so nothing was damaged

[@joerexlily]

good teacher, well spoken, essential info, thanks

[@SpaDayz]

Thanks! I'm getting better at it. Lol

[@GP-sk6yv]

12-2022 Just did this hack on my 2021 MasterSpa Twilight 8.2 Model #5700. I bought new sensors ($35) & saved the original ones just in case of a warranty problem. I can swap them out before the tech comes out. Used 1K in both sensors expecting the 6-10deg off set. It's my fault I did it late at night after work, got a warm day in Mich. Set the tub control panel to 97deg. Did not check it until next day. Well? When I put a digital meat thermometer in tub water it was at 132deg=35deg diff? Lucky no harm to tub. It was cold out 30ish & I opened cover ran pumps got temp on control panel down to 85degs meat thermo. at 106.5. Just a heads up to do this in the am set tub control panel to 80degs & check it for temp rise. I just have to remember that 85degs display=106degs water & tub is running fine. Next summer I might try lower resistors?

[@SpaDayz]

Glad it worked out! Thanks for posting the model number!

[@stephenhickey1709]

Great hack. I tried on bestway layzspa Paris. Just soldered the red heat sensor and now get the tub to a max if 42.7C...

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome! Thanks for reporting back so others know your model works.

[@billmoore3739]

I just did this mod on my Nordic tub with a Balboa control pack and heater. Super easy. Added a 1.2k resistor to both sides. Fired back up fine. Looks like I'll be getting a 4-5 degree jump. Perfect.

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome!

[@AA-ih6kt]

was it a carbon (brown)or metal film (blue)resistor? 1/2 watt or 1/4 watt??

[@electriciandallastx9182]

Thanks for the thoughts you have contributed here.

[@privatesender5281]

Red or black wires? Here is why it doesn't matter which you choose. I've read all of the 400+ comments here and see that there is a lot of confusion (and a lot of questions) about which wire should be used for installing the additional resistor. Hopefully, this will help. Thermistors are inexpensive, easily-obtainable temperature sensors constructed using semiconductor metal oxides. They are available with either a negative temperature coefficient, (NTC) of resistance or a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistance. The difference being that NTC thermistors reduce their resistance as the temperature increases, while PTC thermistors increase their resistance as the temperature increases. NTC thermistors are the most commonly used (especially the 10KΩ NTC thermistor). As the sensed temperature at the thermistor increases, the resistance of the thermistor decreases, thus changing the current flow through the circuit and with it the current supplied to the control circuitry for the heater changes causing the heater to turn off - based again, on the current passing through the thermistor. Simply put, as Temperature increases, Resistance decreases, and as Temperature decreases, Resistance increases. For most spas, the factory-programmed control circuit that controls power to the heater element is set to limit the current flow to a value corresponding to a water temperature of 104 degrees (F) - in reality, it is actually limiting the current flow to a resistance value proportional to 104 degrees. This is "overridden" by changing the current (signal) from the thermistor to the control circuitry for the heater by adding a resistor to the circuit. Adding additional resistance ANYWHERE in the sensor's current path will cause the current flow through the thermistor (and circuit) to drop, this in turn causes the heater control circuitry to respond as if the temperature had dropped. In reality, the actual temperature hasn't dropped, all we did was put additional resistance in the circuit. This is why the resistor can be added to either the red or the black wires - it doesn't matter because all we are doing is changing the resistance of the entire circuit associated with the thermistor. This is why the modification offered here is really as simple as it seems and in terms of electronics, very benign. This doesn't explain why you have to do this to both sensors (which is important), nor does it explain why adding identical resistors to two different spas (sometimes even being identical spas) causes the final temperatures to be different - these are interesting (and fun) discussions, but not really required to solve the 104 degree temperature limitation problem.

[@SpaDayz]

Great explanation. This may help those with a curious mind.

[@dieselscornerandthefurfami3365]

Worked like a charm Thank you

[@robbycheaib1719]

Thought I was King Kong and wired in 4 1k ohm resistors and i scorched my skin. I achieved 115 degrees with that (about 2.5 degrees per 1k resistor). I keep it to where it reads 100 but actually around 109/110. Can’t thank you enough for this hack, allows me to get my sessions in 15 min instead of 45. God bless

[@AA-ih6kt]

Why not just 1 /3 or 4 k resistor?

[@jesusavina8657]

That's awesome man what kind of hot tub do you have? On mine yea this didn't work gonna have to buy another one or something.

[@robbycheaib1719]

@@AA-ih6kt same reason we go out and have more than 2 drinks. I took them out real quick lol

[@robbycheaib1719]

@@AA-ih6kt the hot tub is a balboa. I have an automotive shop and had resistors around and wasn’t expecting to see two temp sensors. I can help you the best i can if you need help

[@Todd_Riley]

This is exactly what I was thinking to do. I cant adjust the temperature any more with the control board and the default temp is too low. Thanks for the demo.

[@minotband]

Thank you for this - you deserve a Nobel Peace Prize!! Trying this mod with our Dynasty XE 2-person spa. I'll report back. Safe to say this voids the warranty, yeah?

[@SpaDayz]

If you still have a warranty, they should give you new temp sensors, which is why most hot tubs don't feel hot enough. The sensors drift and you end up under temp. This is a permanent fix though.

[@edwardverlie6534]

Where is the third video?

[@davidhowell5560]

Thank you your work around worked great

[@alreadyenlightenedwtejaana4767]

Hello, looking for video 3, the 'hokey, backdoor' methods for temperature override, for those of us not handy with electronics, soldering and resistors. Can't find it in your list of videos?

[@SpaDayz]

Actually I never made it. Lol. Basically you will need to drain your hot tub until the temp sensor is exposed, then take some silicone and put a nice 1/4 to 1/2" of goop on the sensor. You may need to pull the overheat sensor out of it's sleeve a little also. You're basically just insulating the sensors.

[@geraldfreemont7319]

this guy needs a metal ..i was sweating buying a 8 thousand hot tub and not being able to get as hot as the old one i had for 25 years, i have a 2022 dimension one dream tub by jacuzzi, for those of you how have a 4 wire set up to your heater all you need to do is put that 1k 1 watt resistor on the black and red...you will know you got it right when you plug it back in the temperature will be 8 degrees lower...i had mine set at 104 and shut it off did the quick fix and when i plugged it back in 15 minutes later ..it read 96...heee ha!!...thanks a lot...your bad ass

[@SpaDayz]

Glad it worked for you! Thanks for coming back with specific feedback to help others!

[@user-jy7kc5dk2v]

I just bought my second, brand new 2023 Hotsprings Sovereign (the other lasted 25 years). Any help from anyone who has used this method on their Hotsprings Highlife series would be very welcome - any and all advice, etc. I need to go above 104°F ! Thanks in advance!

[@AA-ih6kt]

What about a vita spa joli 2022 model?

[@joecummings9123]

I did this mod and my tub is now about 6 degrees colder. I wired the resistors into the black (2 wire temp sensors). Do I need to swap the resistors to the red wires?

[@tarmstrong916]

After Resistors added I assume the temperature read out reads less then the actual water temperature. I did this and the tub is hotter but now the read out stops at 103 instead of 104? Why does the read out not show the max?

[@yukoncornilias7013]

Good vid! Does the wattage of the resistor matter? Thanks!

[@SandersAmps]

The one he has in the vid looks to be a 1/2 watt. A temp sensor is putting out very low voltage, so that should be plenty.

[@RayzeR_RayE]

I have a used hot tub I bought last year (2019) from the original owner. It is a 2009 Premium Leisure Passion model. Balboa EL2000 pack with 4kW heater tube. Has 2x M7 (hi limit/temp) sensors that plug from the board to the heater tube. When I bought the tub, it had some issues (many really). First time I fired it up, threw SnS Code (and a Dry code). I ended up ordering 2 new M7 sensors due to the SnS code and winter 2020 approaching (at same time had replaced all 3 pumps - and could tell the circ pump did not seem to be running). Replaced sensors but still had issues with the codes. Turned out, I had a blown 30 amp fuse (I had to buy a digital multimeter to discover this). This allowed the circ to now fire and operate. Now, I'm curious if I had to replace the sensors at all (or if threw codes due to no flow)? Now, I had already replaced the two M7 sensors, as I didn't want to have to wait for shipping item, etc. Tub is now up and running. It is warm. When set at 104°F, an internal analog floating thermometer reads 100-101°F. It's not even freezing outside yet. But in a month or two, there will be consistent freezing temperatures and snow accumulation (Windsor, ON Canada). So, I've just ordered a sauldering station from Amazon (for ~$70 cdn and some 1.5 Ohm, 1/4W resistors). I've stripped the wire insulation from the two sensors I previously removed from the tub (hoping they were really fine but throwing the SnS code due to circ not operating). I will attempt this job on the old sensors and swap them back into the tub and see what happens. If it works, I will be very happy. If not (and it throws SnS again), I'll swap the new sensors back in and order another new sensor, wire the resistor in and try again (assuming one of the sensors was actually bad, but always having a backup unmolested pair on hand). I'm determined to reach real HOT tub temperatures. Will let yall know how she goes, ehh!

[@SpaDayz]

Great DIY work and thinking. Looking forward to hear how it went!

[@AA-ih6kt]

how did it work?

[@RayzeR_RayE]

@@AA-ih6kt @Aleh Veras after much contemplating - we decided that the tub gets satisfactorily hot for us at its 104 setting. I've actually had to crawl out a few times in a natural flight reation. Sometimes girls I have in as guests I find sitting up out of the tub with only legs in and ask them "too hot??" And frequently they reply "no" but the body language says yes lol When I wrote this, was very new into the hot tub game and was expecting more heat loss in the winter months during usage but it hold up pretty well. I still have the resistors I bought, but just unnecessary for me based on my experiences now. Also, im in Windsor the most Southern part of Canada. 🍻 bro

[@AA-ih6kt]

@@RayzeR_RayE thanx for the reply...i know many think 104 is good but the body adapts to it pretty quickly. I just wanted the extra degrees for myself when i feel like it in the dead of winter...Its nice to have it avail..I am trying to find a electrical parts online place for diff types male/female ends to make 2 pigtails with the resitors in them...Being japanses when i traveled back to japan their tubes get 115 and feel great for less time...then i go lay in the snow and repeat...lol...of course anything that goes to 115 and also get turned down to 104.

[@vanpierszalowski]

Great video! I just bought a new Nordic Hot Tub Encore MS. Do you think this method would work for my tub? Thank you SO much. 104 to 106 is such a massive difference, and I really appreciate the help!

[@dhardy6654]

Any luck with the Nordic using this method?

[@timwolf1815]

Excellent vedeo. It worked great for me!

[@traceeanderson3095]

What wattage should the resistor be? I see that there are several choices - from 1/4 up to 1 W. Thank you.

[@wheelie642]

I set my tub for 104 but it only reached 101.6. This was so helpful.

[@TeamEvoMotorsports]

I raised the temperature with the 1 ohm resistor method however sometimes it works but many times the FLO message comes on. Could it be that where the temperature sensor and heater sensor plugs into the board that a wire is loose? Sometimes I turn the breaker off for awhile and it resets. When my temperature on the panel shows 100 it is really 104 and when I move it up to 101 it shows 10105-106. I used it last night at this setting and everything worked well. I decided to move it up one degree to 102 and now the FlO is on the display and none of the buttons work. Help would be appreciated.

[@SpaDayz]

The "FLO" error is actually a whole different video. Lol That is an issue with your actual flow sensor. An archaiac magnetic device designed to tell the control board that there is enough flow from the circulating pump to turn the heater on. I have had limited success replacing and crafting my own. Google your model/brand flow sensor and you will be rewarded.

[@Sasebo1955]

A 1k resistor on each of my temp sensors raised my 2006 Clearwater Rhythm Spa 4 degrees, from 98F to 102F at the max 104F setting. A question not answered is what goes on in the spa that makes this modification needed.

[@TrailerDayz]

SubDubba Bubba Bad sensors

[@Sasebo1955]

The M7 heat tube was replaced last week with new temp sensors.

[@melissapinckney303]

Awesome thank you for the video it’s definitely well done and it works great

[@SpaDayz]

Glad to help! ;)

[@grovezy9782]

awesome thanks so much what a good cheep fix can wait !!!

[@regthebackyardjackofalltrades]

Hello, This is the only website that talks about the Sundance Spa temp increase button not working. This must be an issue but no one has sated if it’s the control panel or if there is any way to bypass the temp increase button. As of now I only use my 2003 Sundance Capri 3-4 months out of the year. This came with my home and I would like to keep it but I cannot afford the monthly service or maintenance fees especially if I use part of the year. I called the spa company and they said that the temp bulb was replaced in 2014. I tested the temp Bulb by placing a ziplock bag by the bulb and temp decreased to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater came on. I placed a infrared thermometer on the heater, entrance and exit tubing prior and before adding the bag of ice and have different readings. I cannot find anywhere online or my local spa company will not tell me the resistance rating for any of the sensors. I would be able to tell what is going bad. I replaced the heater and high limit sensor and still the same problem. I cannot reset my LCD ribbon tape since it’s sealed with epoxy. The only way I know of bypassing the heat button is by adding a resistor to the two temp bulbs. If I add a 1K Ohm resistor to the temp line giving a false reading that its cold the heater will heat the water. The high limit sensor would be left alone so that the heat would not go past 104 degrees. It’s time consuming but this saves me $500 for a panel that has one button inoperative. No faults when in troubleshoot mode.

[@TrailerDayz]

Great job troubleshooting. Just a side note. If you wanted to, you could wire in your own temp up button by figuring out which wire is the temp up wire in the ribbon cable.

[@AA-ih6kt]

2022 vita spa joli? how would i do it? anyone?

[@adventuremuffinproductions]

Found video #2, where might I find video #3?

[@Joel6060]

I used this method putting 1 ohm resistors in the black lines of these two cords.. didn't do anything so I put two 1ohm 0.25w resistors and still nothing..

[@Joel6060]

I have photos of my system but I can't post them

[@claybomb1064]

Thanks. I’m going to try this. 104 is not nearly hot enough.

[@jesseoaks5514]

Can you do this on inflatable hot tubs? I have a 4 person Coleman hot tub. Thanks

[@wwjdn777-jt4uy]

Will this work on a 2016 model bullfrog spa R8 ?

[@weeral1]

I figured it was this simple.. just had to find the right dude. I'll run out and try it on my super-ghetto-fabulous 300$ inflatable now lol. Thanks.

[@SpaDayz]

Report back when you get it done. Let us know how it went on your tub.

[@weeral1]

@@SpaDayz it's not up to temp yet (these things can take up to 2 days in my experience! First world problem still I suppose.), but assuming it will be the same at the top as it is at room temp... 1k on both sensors is getting me 5-6 degrees difference. It is an intex 4 "person".

[@SpaDayz]

@@weeral1 Hopefully that gets your top end hot enough. If not, just add 2 more resistors.

[@weeral1]

@@SpaDayz looks like 6 degrees. It's up to 96 but external thermometer reads 102. I don't know if this weak little thing can hit 110F.. But it going to try lol.

[@AA-ih6kt]

fina;lly got around to doing it.....100 degrees is now 110....i think i may need to go from 3k resistor to a 5k one to get even hotter?

[@jesusavina8657]

Hey man what kind of hot tub do u got? My hot tub yea this doesn't work.

[@kimcopeland6258]

Thanks for the great video. Do you know anything about Eco Spa's and 104 override? Any thoughts appreciated. Thank you.

[@johnvanhook9088]

So, quick update. I reviewed the wiring diagram in detail and repaired the flow sensor wires that had been cut and the FLO error is gone. As to the other sensor which had four (4) wires into it (red, white, green and black), I have emplaced (by alligator clips) a single resistor into the black wire. I do not have any other resistor wired into any other wire. Just the one. The result is a significant increase in the water temperature. At 104 degrees on the tub I am getting about 111 degrees of actually water temperature and that was still heading up so I have since turned down the temperature on the tub to 96 degrees and the temperature is now hanging out around 107-108 degrees. That all said my question to you is - do you see any problem with using just a single resistor in the black wire and not using that in conjunction with a parallel resistor in the red (or other) wire. I thought I would ask and get an expert opinion before permanently emplacing the resistor into the black wire. Thanks for all your help. Regards - John

[@SpaDayz]

Awesome! Glad you got your wires traced. One resistor is fine.

[@johnvanhook9088]

Thanks for your reply and thank you for your very informative post.

[@user-jy7kc5dk2v]

Thanks- wondering where 3rd video is?

[@adventuremuffinproductions]

One Dimension 2021 Journey spa has a combined hi limit and temperature with 4 color wires. All goes to the heating tube. Four colors go to that plug. I talked with Gecko tech (nice folks there), and after some searching, this is what they told me about those colors: Thermostat 1 Red and White Thermostat 2 Green and Black My guess is putting a 1k ohm on the Red and Green or Black(?) Would make the system think it is cooler than it is. Do you have an educated guess as to which color sets to put a resistance to?

[@SpaDayz]

I would try red and green, then all 4 if that doesn't work.

[@adventuremuffinproductions]

@@SpaDayz Thank you. Will do that. gonna take some courage as its a brand new tub, but I appreciate the fall back idea. Just need to first get a replacement hi limit/temp probe as I would like to keep my warranty (brand new tub) and on the probe, it states "warranty void if removed" which is what I would have to do to get the resistors in.

[@shawnwalden2669]

subbed and will be trying 1k ohm resisters on my intex inflatable..

[@jordanb9684]

did you ever try this? how did you get on?

[@shawnwalden2669]

@@jordanb9684 worked great. I first tried 1.3k k resistors that was way to much so i went down to like .7 and that worked great

[@jordanb9684]

@@shawnwalden2669 don't suppose you have any photos or tips to help me. Going to try and sort mine this Thursday. Was it easy to find both temp sensors?

[@shawnwalden2669]

@@jordanb9684 jordan it is easy to find them. I did not take any pics though. If i can get a chance i will.

[@jordanb9684]

@@shawnwalden2669 thank you. Aprreciate you taking the time to even reply to me let alone help.

[@axx10m]

thanks for the video! I have been thinking about this mod for several years, but wasn't sure if the resistor would work nor which value to try. Any recommendations on thermometers?

[@nocturnalsst]

What watt rating resistor did you use? The link died

[@erm0904]

1K resistor works great! boosted the tub to below 110.

[@felixu-mh2mx]

what kind of tub and what temp did you set to get 110 degrees?

[@GadgetClass]

felix u You can get 110 on any hot tub with the right resistor combination

[@erm0904]

I replaced the old electro-mechanical control system on my 15 year old Pacific Marquis with a SpaBuilder's LX-15 system, which had the connectors necessary for me to add the two 1k resistors. I now soak in my tub almost every day and melt...at least mentally. :)

[@felixu-mh2mx]

I may have missed this, but does it matter whether or not the tub is wired 110V or 240V? Mine is a plug and play 110V Aquaterra.

[@GadgetClass]

felix u The control board and temp sensors run on 12 or 24 volts so it doesn't matter what your input voltage is

[@terrencedorman7442]

What watt? Are the resistors?

[@dfoster2974]

i have a balboa hot tube and are the temp sensors on the heat element on each end

[@DjToddmsc]

this is great info for a 2 wire temp probe. However do you have advice for a 3 wire?

[@SpaDayz]

A 3 wire probe is not a standard thermistor. You won't be able to add a resistor. Just get a replacement temp probe from the manufacturer.

[@DjToddmsc]

can I run a 2 wire on a board with a three wire hookup? I've been trying religiously to get this thing hotter.

[@garyhicks4748]

I have a L700C spa year 2005, the line has 4 wires the look like a phone clip, the wire colors are red, black, green and yellow, I need to know what color I could or need to use to add the resistor, any help would be appreciated

[@adventuremuffinproductions]

Curious what the wattage of the resistors you would recommend of these 1K ohm spec? There's 1/4 watt, 1/2 watt, or higher. Is there a way to look at the current circuit board to get an idea?

[@lesbauman]

I know its been a while since you made this video, Great video! I was just wondering if you have a similar hack for a newer 2020 Thermospa hot tub with Gecko controller the has the temp sensor and HL as the same probe with 4 wires?

[@SpaDayz]

I haven't done one of tjose, but you can always just try one wire at a time and see if there is any change. Start with a red on the temp probe wire.

[@lesbauman]

@@SpaDayz Thanks for the quick response. The probe has from left to right a red, white green, and black wire. I sent an email to the Gecko people to see if they can tell me which wires are for the temp and which for the HL. I'm going to do what you suggest and see what happens. .

[@lesbauman]

@@SpaDayz Dude your awesome!! Thanks for the info. I soldered a 1kohm resistor on the red wire but the temp on the screen still showed 2 degrees warmer than the actual temp using a floating thermometer. So I soldering another resistor on the green. I just took a guess that the red and white or red and black were a circuit that's why I choose the green. Viola! Now the screen reads 3 degrees colder than actual which is perfect, so at 104 on screen the actual will be 107. I don't want to go any hotter than that. Thanks again!

[@SpaDayz]

@@lesbauman Awesome! Glad you were willing to go for it!

[@lesbauman]

@@SpaDayz Thanks, I really need to work on my soldering skills. LOL

[@jesusavina8657]

I used 1.5k resistors on my 2011 caldera vacanza hot tub. It seems to only have one sensor wire. It had a red black and silver wire in that wire. So I put the 1.5k resistor on each wire. So 3 but it's still the same as it was before I put the resistors on it. So 104 is 104 degrees on my portable thermometer. Should I just ad a 5k resitor or something? Also I think seen someone say u can put glue or cocking on the sensor in the water. Will that help you think? Anyways the video is awesome and informative it helped alot thanks.

[@SpaDayz]

Do all of the wires go straight into the temp sensor? Sometimes you have the wires split off and go somewhere else.

[@jesusavina8657]

@@SpaDayz yea there's the one Grey about quarter inch cable it goes into the electric box or whatever it's called n the cable goes up into the hot tub. It looks like thats the only spot it goes bro. The only other Grey cables are to the lights is what it looks like. Do most all hot tubs the thermostat goes to the heater first or something? This one guys from the thermostat straight down to the electric box. And in that Grey cable there's like 3 little cables I connected a resistor to each one.

[@jesusavina8657]

@@SpaDayz tomorrow I'm getting a 5.1 k resister delivered. So ima check if it works with that one haha. Hopefully it fixes it. Maby the 1.5k was weaker or something.

[@jesusavina8657]

@@SpaDayz I'll look at it more thoroughly but yea it looks like the thermostat cable only goes to the electricity box.

[@jesusavina8657]

@@SpaDayz I put in the 5.1k resistor it shows 60 Fahrenheit then shows - - - - so yea I'm guessing gotta go to lower resistor

[@gregcavanaugh6259]

I have an “ePack” I just purchased to retrofit an older Morgan hot tub. The wires coming out of the connector on the circuit board where it’s labeled “sens” are blue and yellow. The red wire coming from what appears to be the sensor (bolted into the heater tube) actually goes to a different unlabeled connector on the board. Anybody have an idea of where the resistor should go? Stick with the red anyway? Or maybe the yellow as that’s often positive? (Also I should add the limit uses red and black on my unit)

[@laurataylor1713]

Where is video #3? I have a portable Wave Spa? Maybe you have a suggestion to override?

[@SpaDayz]

I never made a video 3. Sorry. It was just going to recommend covering the temp sensor probes with a big glob of silicone to insulate them, thus making the hot tub think it's cooler than it is. If the probes are in a sleeve, you can also just pull them out most of the way.

[@1947froggy]

Wow this is old, but let me try and ask if anyone has a picture of the pentair 400 control board to help me id the wires, thx. Froggy My heater is new 7/2024

[@fredlackaff2241]

At my local electronics store (used to be Radio Shack, now has a new name) I have a choice between 1/4 and 1/2 watt 1K resisters. Which do you prefer, or do they both do the job? Also, I can't get the second link "just the 1K resisters" to work. THANKS.

[@SpaDayz]

+Fred Lackaff Either will work. Might be good to get an assortment so you can play around with different values. This link should work: www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5R8950/?tag=spatemp2-20

[@davidwynne2005]

Hi... I added 1K resistors to both temp sensors and ended up with an effective 1 degF increase at 104. Would it be fair to say I need to change to a 2K or 3K resistor to get a larger increase in the order of 2 to 3 degF.

[@SpaDayz]

Definitely. Maybe take the 1k out and add a 5k

[@jerryfreemont5306]

my new 2022 dream spa has 3 wires...black red and white..pit the resistor on the red on both and no change..anyone had this issue?

[@rachaelrittenhouse6682]

pls, I need tour help on a SOLANA TX. It looks much different. The high temp sensor goes to a small black piece on the heater with 4 wires. Two from a gray covered sleeve and two from the circuit board.

[@davedarminsto5311]

I have a new Hayward H series 150 natural gas heater, just installed, it has 2 temperature limit sensors wired in series (1 wire going in, one out on each sensor; one sensor on top of water manifold & one on the bottom near the outlet). There is a thermistor at the "water in" end & it has 3 wires coming out of it (2 red, 1 black). I'm hoping the limit sensors are the resistor type (how can I tell?) & if I put a resistor in line on just the temperature limit sensors that the small increase of temperature will "slide by" the controls. Or is there a way to do the 3 wire thermistor?

[@SpaDayz]

You can try putting resistors in and see if it works. They can always be removed.

[@michaelfrank8642]

Help please. I just installed a 2017 Sundance Dover spa and the 104 temp is not cutting it. Is there an easy way like in the first video just moving some parts or do I need to install the resistor and solder it? Thanks!

[@johnbatchelder724]

I have a gecko in.ye-5 h4.O and wondering if the resistor method works for it and if two wires are present as the video suggests.

[@dradam5791]

I have an La spas HEET 2005 tub with a gecko s- pack. The temp sensor has 3 wires red, green, black. I measured and found resistance between the black and green wires so I put resistors in the black lead and saw a five degree drop in the temp. Unfortunatly the tub kept heating beyound 104 (109) so I had to go back to the normal configuration. Replacements for this temp probe come in 2 or three wire versions-- and I am tod both will work. Was ondering if this hack would work if I swapped the temp probe to a two wire or if just excluding the green wire would work. TIA for any advice.

[@SpaDayz]

Sounds like it worked perfectly if it continued to heat to 109 with a 5 degree change. Just turn the desired temp down accordingly

[@dradam5791]

@@SpaDayz Thanks so much for responding. While the degree change was good the spa continued to heat beyond 104 on the keypad where I would have expected it to shut off (at a true temp of 109) . Perhaps I should have waited longer. I see on the web that the replacement Temperature probe for what I currently have is 2 wire not three. I may try again with that probe and see If I have any luck. Thanks again for this video. Please post if you have any futher thoughts.

[@markfischer2997]

I have a brand new Raypak heater goes to both my pool and spa. Will this method work on it as well?