Pool or Spa Turning On and Off Randomly

Pool or Spa Turning On and Off Randomly

This article will focus on one quick fix to the problem of a pool or spa turning on and off randomly written by www.WCPandS.com. This is for in ground pools or spas using a Jandy AquaLink controller with a wired remote (see pictures below if you are not sure that it’s the same as yours). Above ground pools or spas would not apply to this article. The features that can be affected include pool and spa lights, spa booster pump, and the heater (may be connected to the system’s preprogrammed setting marked as “Spa Mode”).  The problem is when these features randomly turn on and off.


Check your controller (usually in the house) and make sure whatever is coming on is not part of the normal schedule. If you are not sure how to do this, it is in the manual.

Note: This article is how we would attempt to fix this issue. Wine Country Pools is not responsible for any damages or injuries incurred by following this article. If you are unsure about step seek a local swimming pool professional. 

A common cause of this problem is a leaking remote. The remote is the 4 bottom key pads that are wired to the main system controller usually in the spa but sometimes just outside but next to the spa. The key pads are set to control the spa booster pump, “Spa Mode”, and the pool/spa lights.

In the picture above you can see one version of what the spa remote looks like. Notice how this one is in the middle position of the tile.

In the picture above notice how the water is now at the controls as the system is running. When the remote develops a leak, water gets inside and completes an electrical connection for one or more of the buttons causing that function to turn off and on repeatedly. On some spas the remote is just above the water line so water gets in when either the spa jets come on  or when users get into the spa for use, both of which cause the water level to rise.

To begin turn off the power to the pool and spa controller.

The best way to do this is to turn off all breakers either at the controller or at the house power panel.

Remove or turn the 9 volt battery cover.

Remove the 4 screws holding the AquaLink control panel cover on with a flat head screw driver.

The top of the cover needs to be pulled out then up from the bottom slots to be completely removed.

At the top of the panel you will see the control board with the wires connecting to the top.

Usually there is a large sticker showing a wiring diagram and listing what each connection corresponds to. This will fade or fall off over time.  If yours is missing or unreadable see the included picture for reference.

At the top of the board, the 2nd set of connectors on the left is for the remote. These six wires need to be removed.

Do not cut these wires as you may need to reconnect them. These can be unscrewed with a small screwdriver.

Twist the wires together and push them out of the way.

Place the panel back on starting with inserting the bottom section in to the open slots then pushing the top section in.

Insert and screw in the 4 screws with a flat head screw driver.

Push down or reattach the 9 volt battery cover.

Turn the breakers back on.

Check if your system is working correctly, turn it on in pool mode and watch to see if it is still randomly turning features on and off. It may take a few days to tell if your system is working correctly.