How to Safely Turn Off a Dr. Wellness Hot Tub: Stepâ€‘byâ€‘Step, Modes, and Power Down Options

By Alexander HamiltonLast Updated June 28, 2025

Overview: Your Options to Turn Off a Dr. Wellness Hot Tub

There are three practical ways to “turn off” a Dr. Wellness hot tub, depending on your goal: (1) stop the jets/pumps immediately, (2) place the spa in a low-power operating mode that minimizes heating and circulation, and (3) fully cut power at the breaker for storage, service, or moving. This guide explains each method clearly, with verified control instructions and safety notes for both single-pump and two-pump models. [1] [2]

Before You Begin

Identify your control panel type (single-pump or multi-pump) and confirm your current operating mode. Many Dr. Wellness spas run periodic low-speed circulation for heating, filtration, and diagnostics, which can restart automatically even if you manually switch off the pump. That behavior is normal by design. [1] [3]

Method 1: Turn Off the Jets/Pumps Now

If your immediate goal is to stop water movement (for example, to add chemicals or exit the spa), use the Pump button on the topside control. On single-pump models, press Pump once for low speed, twice for high, and a third time to turn the pump off. If you do nothing, the pump typically shuts down automatically after about 20 minutes. Note that automated cycles for heating, filtration, or diagnostics may still turn the pump back on later. [1] [3]

Practical example: You finish a soak and want silence right away. Press the Pump button until the jets stop. Expect the system to run brief, periodic checks afterward, which is normal. If you notice surging or no flow, turn the pump off, allow the water to settle completely, then restart and re-bleed air as needed per the panel guidance. [1]

Potential challenge: Pressing Pump may not override system-initiated low-speed runs during heating/filtration. Solution: Use Method 2 to change operating mode, or Method 3 to fully power down if you truly need all functions stopped. [3]

Method 2: Reduce Operation Using Modes (Sleep/Rest/Ready-in-Rest)

For many owners, “turning off” means minimizing heat and circulation without cutting power. Dr. Wellness control systems offer energy-saving modes that limit heating to filtration windows or reduce temperature targets. For multi-pump systems using Balboa-style topsides, you can toggle modes from the panel: press Temp, press Light twice to enter Mode, then use Temp to toggle between modes such as Ready, Rest, or Ready-in-Rest. In Ready-in-Rest, the spa heats only during filtration cycles unless you actively run Pump 1, which then circulates and heats for one hour before automatically stopping if set temperature isn’t reached. [2]

Some Dr. Wellness documentation also references Sleep mode. Sleep lowers activity and can be useful for warm weather or periods of non-use. Expect the display to indicate the mode (e.g., SL for Sleep) and flash alternately with water temperature during certain low-speed events. The spa may still run freeze-protection if temperatures drop; freeze-protect will automatically turn the spa on near 42-44Â°F to safeguard plumbing, and keep it running briefly after rising above 46Â°F. [4]

Practical example: You’ll be away for a week in spring. Switch to Rest/Ready-in-Rest or Sleep mode so the water heats mainly during filtration cycles, reducing energy use while keeping basic maintenance active. If ambient temperatures may fall toward freezing, do not rely on modes alone; consider winterization or maintain power for freeze protection. [2] [4]

Potential challenge: Owners sometimes expect modes to fully stop all cycles. In reality, filtration and diagnostics can still run periodically by design. If you need a complete stop, proceed to Method 3 and shut off power at the breaker after following safe shutdown steps. [3]

Method 3: Fully Power Down at the Breaker (Complete Shutoff)

If you need the spa completely off-during service, moving, or extended non-use-turn it off at the dedicated GFCI breaker after allowing the system to stabilize. First, stop pumps at the topside, turn off accessories (e.g., audio) to avoid heat buildup, and wait at least five minutes so heating elements and pumps are not actively engaged. Then switch the spa’s GFCI breaker to OFF. This fully disconnects power and stops all functions. [1] [4]

Practical example: You’re scheduling a repair or moving the unit. After turning pumps off from the panel, flip the GFCI breaker to OFF. If freezing conditions are possible and you will keep the spa off for days, drain and winterize to prevent damage; do not rely on circulation when power is removed. [5]

Potential challenge: If you cut power while a heater or pump is active, some systems may log faults or restart into protection routines later. Waiting a few minutes before flipping the breaker reduces that risk. If temperatures are near freezing, do not power off without draining and winterizing, as automatic freeze protection won’t operate without electricity. [2] [4]

Step-by-Step: Quick Reference

Stop jets immediately: Press Pump until jets turn off; expect auto cycles later. [1] [3]
Minimize operation: Enter Mode (Temp, then Light twice) and select Rest/Ready-in-Rest; heating mainly during filtration windows. [2]
Full shutdown: Turn pumps off at the panel, power accessories off, wait 5 minutes, then switch the GFCI breaker to OFF. For cold weather, drain and winterize if power will remain off. [4] [5]

Understanding Filtration, Diagnostics, and Auto-Start Behavior

Even when you turn pumps off manually, your spa may start the low-speed pump automatically for filtration cycles, diagnostic testing, or temperature control. Factory defaults often include two daily filtration cycles of about two hours each, and systems may check temperature every few minutes while heating. Because these routines protect water quality and equipment, the Pump button will not always override them while active. This is expected behavior, not a malfunction. [3]

Real-world scenario: After pressing Pump off, you notice the pump starts briefly 30 minutes later. That’s a scheduled check or filtration routine. If you want to reduce these events, switch to Rest/Ready-in-Rest or Sleep mode; if you want them stopped entirely, shut power off at the breaker after safe cooldown steps. [2] [4]

Cold Weather and Freeze Protection

Freeze-protect routines automatically engage when water temperature nears the low 40s Â°F. The spa will turn on around 42-44Â°F and continue briefly past 46Â°F to prevent freezing. If you remove power in freezing conditions, the system cannot protect itself; winterize or keep power on to allow automated freeze protection. For cold-series or tubs without active heating, continuous circulation may not be enough to prevent freezing; manufacturers advise draining and winterizing around 40Â°F ambient if the unit lacks a heater. [2] [4] [5]

Extra Tips to Avoid Damage

â€¢ Turn off auxiliary features like audio before exiting; some models warn that leaving speakers powered while the spa is closed can overheat and damage components. Use the rocker switch as directed. [4]

â€¢ When programming temperature or modes, wait about five seconds between button presses to avoid unintended changes or exiting programming prematurely. [4]

â€¢ If you cannot turn the pump off because the system is heating or filtering, this is normal. Let the cycle finish or change modes; as a last resort, power down at the breaker after waiting a few minutes for components to idle. [3] [2]

Troubleshooting: “It Won’t Stay Off”

â€¢ Cause: Filtration or diagnostic cycles. Action: Switch to Rest/Ready-in-Rest or Sleep. If minimal activity is still too much, fully power down at the breaker with proper precautions. [2] [4]

â€¢ Cause: Freeze protection engaging in cold conditions. Action: Maintain power so protection can run, or drain/winterize if you must leave it off in freezing weather. [2] [5]

â€¢ Cause: Air in lines after refilling causing surging or no jets. Action: Turn the pump off, wait for still water, then re-prime and restart per instructions. [1]

When to Call Support

If your panel doesn’t match these controls, or the spa fails to respond to Mode changes or breaker shutoff procedures, contact the manufacturer’s support line. Dr. Wellness documentation lists a technical support number for assistance. Have your model, serial number, and a description of the behavior ready when you call. [1] [3]