Balboa spa control error dr
Heater may be dry
Check the water level, valves, jets and suction for restrictions, then press any button to reset.
- Electrical equipment
- Owner checks, then pro
- 20 min
- When to call a pro ↓
Why
Fix it step by step
Check the water level
- 5 min
- None
- DIY
Low water is the first flow check Balboa lists.
Why & details
Check the water level.
Balboa Flow-Related Checks (p.20): "Check for low water level, suction flow restrictions, closed valves, trapped air, too many closed jets and pump prime."
Did the code clear?Look for suction restrictions
- 5 min
- None
- DIY
Anything restricting suction flow to the pump.
Why & details
Look for suction restrictions.
Balboa Flow-Related Checks (p.20): check for suction flow restrictions.
Did the code clear?Open closed valves and jets
- 5 min
- None
- DIY
Closed valves or too many closed jets cut flow.
Why & details
Open closed valves and jets.
Balboa Flow-Related Checks (p.20): check for closed valves and too many closed jets.
Did the code clear?Check for trapped air (topside and filter area only)
- 10 min
- None
- Caution
Safety: Shock hazard: no user-serviceable parts. Keep the equipment access door closed. Shock hazard. Keep the equipment access door closed.
Look only where you can reach without opening the equipment bay.
Why & details
Check for trapped air (topside and filter area only).
Balboa Flow-Related Checks (p.20): check for trapped air and pump prime. Only check what you can reach at the topside and the filter area. Balboa says there are no user-serviceable parts in the control system; do not open the equipment access door. If the pump may need priming, Balboa (p.25): "Contact your dealer or service organization for assistance."
Did the code clear?Press any button to reset
- 1 min
- None
- DIY
dr can be reset from the topside panel.
Why & details
Press any button to reset.
Balboa (p.20): "Press any button to reset the heater start-up." dr can be reset from the topside panel with any button press. Some errors may require power to be removed and restored.
Did the code clear?Contact your dealer or service
- Decision
- None
- Pro decision
If dr keeps returning after the flow checks.
Why & details
Contact your dealer or service.
Balboa (p.25): "Do not attempt service of this control system. Contact your dealer or service organization for assistance." Service and installation require a qualified technician.
Still showing dr?Need a pro → call a pro
Did this fix it?
What dr means
Not enough water is reaching the heater. Balboa shuts the spa down for 15 minutes and points to flow-related checks.
More detail
5-minute checks
Full answer & models
Balboa dr means the heater may be dry: not enough water in the heater to start. The spa shuts down for 15 minutes. Do Balboa's flow-related checks.
Call a pro if…
- dr keeps returning after the flow checks.
- Anything would require opening the equipment access door or the control system.
- The spa shows "Heater is Dry" or other heater messages repeatedly.
FAQ
What does dr mean on a Balboa hot tub?
"Heater may be Dry" (M028): possibly a dry heater, or not enough water in the heater to start it. The spa shuts down for 15 minutes.
How do I reset dr?
Balboa says to press any button on the topside panel to reset the heater start-up, after the flow-related checks.
What should I check?
Balboa lists low water level, suction flow restrictions, closed valves, trapped air, too many closed jets and pump prime.
Source: Balboa TP600 and TP400 User Guide, Standard Menus (doc 40940): Heater-Related Messages and Flow-Related Checks p.20, Warnings p.25. Written by the DIY Error Codes team. Updated 2026-10-17. DIY Error Codes is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Balboa.