Error Code
DR error code — Balboa spa
Always cut power at the breaker before opening the spa pack or touching wiring. Spa equipment runs at 120/240V and can be lethal. If you are unsure, hire a licensed spa technician.
DR (or DRY) is the code most likely to kill a heater element if ignored: the system believes the heater tube has no water in it. Low water level and air locks cause most of them; a dry-fired element often fails days later even if the code clears.
What DR means
Dry heater — the heater fired without water in the chamber.
Diagnose in order
- Check the water level — below the skimmer intake is the most common cause
- Bleed air from the heater/pump loop after any refill
- Test the pressure switch — a stuck-closed switch lets the heater fire dry
- If the heater dry-fired, test the element for damage before returning to service
Likely failed parts
Frequently asked questions
Related codes & guides
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