I just bought a used balboa hot tub and have no expertise. Does the pump kick in automatically even when you turn it off it will turn back on instantly? Is that normal? If it is not normal what could be the problem? It turns on at least 5-8 times an hour.

Here is a link showing the most common error codes for hot tubs using Balboa Instrument spa packs.


Balboa Direct Factory Direct Balboa Water Group Bath and Spa...

Rod
US Parts Center

It will depend on how far away your breaker is from the control box. General rule of thumb is the larger the wire the better.
One of the biggest problems in our industry is customers end up going with a smaller wire because it will work and it is much cheaper.
Amp draw through a smaller wire from a long distance will kill your hot tub electronics over time.
The bigger the wire the better.
I say use the #6 size wire.

have you cleaned your filter recently. Sound like there may be a low flow error in low speed
either that or the start capacitor on your pump is bad and the pump will not come on in low speed unless you first give it a boost in high speed
anytime you ask for heat with insufficient flow there will be an error message

most of the jets in a Hot Tub are adjustable. the face of each jet can turn on/off. Make sure they are all open or you will not have good water flow and cause too much back pressure on the pump and cause it to fail.
check the jet faces when you turn the pump on.
also a dirty filter will cause low water flow so check that too. take it out and see what pressure you get through the jets.

This is probably just a programing issue. You should see if your neighbors still have a book for the tub. If not you can probably get one on line. You will need to try Balboa with the year and model #. You will also need to check your control box in case it comes from another manufacture. Make sure that you use all the numbers and dates on the box as they can change things a couple of times. Mine is a five year old sundance and for the model I have they had three books for that year and two styles for one and two motor models.
When you get one go to how to clear memory then start from scratch. It may seem like a pain now but when you get hot bubbles at the push of a button you forget all the trouble.

Thank you for posting your question here on Fixya.com.

With your meter check to see if the motor is still getting voltage when it kicks off. If it is the motor needs servicing. If not, look for which component (such as the relay) is dropping line voltage and replace it.

If this answer does not fix your problem, please comment with additional details prior to rating the answer. Positive feedback is appreciated once your problem is solved!

John

sound like you have the filter cycle set to fc means filters all the time try to push temp button and then pump button. in sequence you want it to be f2 means filters 2hrs every 12 hours