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Intex Pure Spa E90 Error: Troubleshooting Filter Pump, Water Flow Sensors, and E96 System Error

bipuk 54174 22
Best answers

Why does my Intex Pure Spa show E90 when the filter pump starts, and what are the flow sensors and the coil marked scale+/scale- on the board?

E90 is usually caused by a pump/impeller problem rather than the controller, most often a broken or damaged impeller shaft/rod, so replacing the rod or the impeller repair kit is the usual fix. [#17355200][#21172369][#21174609] A dirty filter can also trigger E90, so clean or replace the filter and check the filter cover if needed. [#21580012][#21587346] The two magnetic sensors are standard reed switches used as flow sensors. [#18009733] The winding under the transformer marked scale+/scale- is related to the temperature-sensor circuit, and a faulty temperature sensor can cause E96. [#18009733] One user measured about 8 kΩ at 28°C and temporarily substituted an 8.2 kΩ resistor, which restored operation, so if you get E96, test the temp sensors too. [#18009733]
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  • #1 16274863
    bipuk
    Level 10  
    Posts: 28
    Rate: 2
    Board Language: polish
    Hello,

    I have a problem with the jacuzzi pump, error E90 is displayed when the filter pump is turned on, which, according to the instructions, means the lack of water in the system. The pump connected "shortly" to the power supply works ok and filters the water. I was looking for a sensor that is responsible for checking the water level and after dismantling I found a system as in the picture. Two magnetic sensors (signed on the motherboard as flow1 and flow2) when the water flows are raised and close the system, causing the resistance to increase to ~2.2 Ohm, and a bit further a wire is wound in insulation (braid) forming a kind of coil, which is located directly under the AC transformer, on the board the connection is signed as scale + and scale -. I don't understand what is the task? is it related to flow sensors? Sensors after permanent contact (as if creating a full flow) and switching on the device display another error e96 (system error) Can anyone help?
    Attachments:
    • Intex Pure Spa E90 Error: Troubleshooting Filter Pump, Water Flow Sensors, and E96 System Error intex.jpg (3.42 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #2 17355200
    mariusz4042
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 19
    Board Language: polish
    I have the same problem as before the speaker.
    The water filter pump will not turn on. After 10 seconds error E90 pops up and squeaks. Papa checked briefly works.
    You have a solution what is the cause of this problem and how to solve it

    Added after 24 [minutes]:

    I found the reason for the filter pump not switching on. And error e90. The reason is a broken rod holding the impeller in the pump. After replacing the rod, the pump became dead and the error disappeared
    Attachments:
    • Intex Pure Spa E90 Error: Troubleshooting Filter Pump, Water Flow Sensors, and E96 System Error 15328508116642650425638414962481.jpg (1.01 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #3 17421683
    CARAMBA940
    Level 11  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 74
    Board Language: polish
    Hello
    And where did you buy this rod?
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  • #4 18009733
    psiocha
    Level 11  
    Posts: 63
    Rate: 27
    Board Language: polish
    Hello. After displaying the E96 error, the reason was a damaged temperature sensor. The system has two identical sensors. Probably NTC 10Kohm sensors (difficult to buy). My measurements showed that at a temperature of about 28 degrees, the sensor resistance indicated about 8 kOhm. On the board in place of the sensor I put a 8.2 kOhm resistor. Works until today. As far as flow sensors are concerned, they are the most common reed switches.
  • #5 20066899
    Trojanek7
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Rate: 21
    Board Language: polish
    Hello
    She turned on the pump. For me, the rod is ok. If it still shows error E90, what could be the cause of the pump not working?
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  • #6 20678083
    maciej407
    Level 10  
    Posts: 19
    Rate: 22
    Board Language: polish

    Good morning, maybe someone got to the bottom of the problem? I started the pump, replaced the axle, although it was not cracked, then worked for 5 minutes and stopped again and error E90. Have any of you, dear users, found a solution or will buying a new pump solve the problem?
  • #7 20680626
    peterbenko
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 6
    Board Language: polish

    Hello, I have the same - I changed the rotor axis to a ceramic one, cleaned the jacuzzi, put on a new filter, clean water and after 15 minutes of heating and filtering again e90 ... and the jacuzzi is less than 2 months old.

    Added after 1 [minutes]:

    >>20678083
    It's under warranty so I don't know if it's best to return it
  • #8 20680738
    maciej407
    Level 10  
    Posts: 19
    Rate: 22
    Board Language: polish

    It's still under warranty, but I've been using it for a little over a year now. I researched a bit about spare parts, etc. and decided to buy a new pump. I did it today, the cost is $295 including shipping. Opening the shell and replacing this pump is invisible (there are no seals). If this does not help, I will try to use the warranty. I think that the cost of shipping on a pallet both ways for the warranty will be similar to the cost of this pump, and the waiting period will be incomparable. But in the case when you bought 2 months ago and this problem is actually very bad. The pump will arrive on Monday, I'll write how it goes.
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  • #9 20682153
    peterbenko
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 6
    Board Language: polish

    Let me know, I'm going to give it back for guarantees because 2 months and lime, I bought it in an Aldi store
  • #10 21139254
    Iro1971
    Level 4  
    Posts: 16
    Rate: 4
    Board Language: polish
    Same with me. I took everything apart, cleaned it. Previously with the E90 error there were hairs wound up on the rod in the pump, after cleaning it helped. Now I have no idea, it still doesn't work. I am thinking of buying a new pump for this intex.
  • #12 21172341
    mobopx
    Level 11  
    Posts: 34
    Rate: 6
    Board Language: polish
    Hi,
    A bit on the subject of this pump, have you tried disconnecting it completely? My SPA is 2 days old and I already have an E90. I'm not going to either bother with it, let alone advertise it in the middle of summer. I have a sand pump + heat pump that heats 10x cheaper than a hot tub heater and I'm looking for adapters to plug into that. This could be a transition from the spigots at the hot tub to anything else standard, like 32 and 38mm pool hoses, Intex nut hoses, threaded transition, glued PP or PE fitting, doesn't matter. Have you come across such adapters somewhere?
  • #13 21172369
    Iro1971
    Level 4  
    Posts: 16
    Rate: 4
    Board Language: polish
    This is unbelievable. I have been using the e90 for 3 years and it has indeed failed twice. The problem is that the rod in the rotor axis is made of poor materials and breaks. I explain this in a video on my youtube channel @iroexplorer. Please see. It makes no sense to convert the heating in such a cheap jacuzzi in my opinion. This rod together with the rotor are penny issues and the replacement is very simple.
  • #14 21172489
    mobopx
    Level 11  
    Posts: 34
    Rate: 6
    Board Language: polish
    >>21172369 perhaps not the rotor is the cause with me, I haven't checked it yet, while I have checked all the possible causes of the E90 from the manual and none fit. In terms of reworking :) the P.C. needs 1.3 kWh to heat 15,000 L by 1'C and the heater needs 2 kWh to heat 1340 L by 1'C. Small Jacuzzi or no small Jacuzzi, you have a device that will keep the water warm several times cheaper and you claim it is pointless to connect it :) I will look for those adapters though.

    PS. I've seen the video before, I'll have a look at that pump today.
  • #15 21172740
    Iro1971
    Level 4  
    Posts: 16
    Rate: 4
    Board Language: polish
    I do not switch off the jacuzzi and the filter and pump run practically all day long. This is a small power consumption and since I have photovoltaics it is practically zero. Even with the original jacuzzi pump it is no problem to keep the temperature at 36 degrees. In 99% of cases you have a broken or damaged rod in the rotor. The cost is ridiculous and the replacement for a layman is practically 8 screws to unscrew and that's it. Anyway, in a moment I will make a film on how to replace the rotor together with the rod in the rotor on my channel because I see that this is a big problem for some people. Please see my youtube channel . I will now show you exactly how to replace the complete set of impeller, impeller shaft and impeller o-rings.

    Added after 54 [minutes]: .

    The channel where the video about the rotor replacement and the E90 bug will be is @IRO Explorer on youtube .

    Added after 3 [hours] 34 [minutes]:

    https://youtu.be/NmZKuH32ydA .I invite you to a video about the E-90 fault
  • #16 21174609
    Iro1971
    Level 4  
    Posts: 16
    Rate: 4
    Board Language: polish
    >>20680738 There is no need to replace the entire pump. The repair kit, i.e. impeller, stem and guide pre-cup is 95% of the cause of the E90 error. Replacement is trivial. Anyway there is a YouTube video about it my @iroexplorer
  • #17 21580012
    adam05121978
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Rate: 1
    Board Language: polish
    In my E90 it usually pops up when there is a dirty filter. After replacing the filter the problem disappears.
  • #18 21587346
    malgorzatawplock
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Rate: 1
    Board Language: polish
    Maybe I can help someone.
    We bought a hot tub a month ago, used it twice and got the E90 error. We got the number to the gentleman who does the repairs, he advised to make bigger holes in the filter cover and replace the filter with a sponge filter. The problem disappeared.
  • #19 21614135
    szpurek131
    Level 2  
    Posts: 3
    Board Language: polish
    I'm linking to the topic because the E90 error got me too. I bought a new pump and after fitting nothing has changed.
    I've tried connecting both pumps "briefly" to the 12 volt battery and they both behave in the same way - as if they want to start, but can't manage. Are they supposed to behave like this?
  • #20 21614311
    Krzysztof Kamienski
    Level 43  
    Posts: 21874
    Help: 2029
    Rate: 5126
    Board Language: polish
    szpurek131 wrote:
    Should they behave like that?
    And aren't they by any chance driven by an AC motor through a transformer ?
  • #21 21615826
    szpurek131
    Level 2  
    Posts: 3
    Board Language: polish
    It says 12 volts 50 watts on the housing, so I guess from a car battery they should briefly run without a problem.
  • #22 21616186
    Krzysztof Kamienski
    Level 43  
    Posts: 21874
    Help: 2029
    Rate: 5126
    Board Language: polish
    @szpurek131 And the DC where did you lose if you connect to the battery ? Another moment and the motor burned out. These pumps are powered by 12 VAC from a transformer because they have a induction motor not a universal commutator motor.
  • #23 21617399
    szpurek131
    Level 2  
    Posts: 3
    Board Language: polish
    I gave up with running the original pump and replaced it with an external pool pump.
    Everything works as it did on the original one, except it's quieter when just filtering.
    Close-up of an external pool pump with clear lid and white hose on artificial grass .

Topic summary

✨ The Intex Pure Spa E90 error commonly indicates a lack of water flow detected by the filter pump system, often caused by mechanical failure or sensor issues. A frequent root cause is a broken or damaged impeller shaft (rod) in the pump, which prevents proper water circulation and triggers the E90 error. Replacing the impeller shaft or the entire impeller assembly typically resolves the issue; repair kits including impeller, shaft, and guide are available and replacement is straightforward. Some users report that cleaning debris such as hair from the impeller also helps. The E96 system error is linked to a faulty temperature sensor, likely an NTC 10K ohm thermistor; substituting the sensor with an 8.2 kOhm resistor can temporarily restore function. Flow sensors in the system are reed switches that detect water flow by closing circuits when water passes. Some users suggest that dirty or inadequate filters can cause E90 errors, recommending filter replacement or modification (e.g., enlarging filter cover holes or using sponge filters) to improve water flow. Warranty claims are advised for units under two months old, while others opt for pump replacement due to cost and shipping delays. Video tutorials on impeller and rotor replacement are available on YouTube channels such as @IRO Explorer, providing practical guidance for repair.
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FAQ

TL;DR: "95 % of E90 alarms are traced to a cracked rotor shaft" [Elektroda, Iro1971, post #21174609] "Replacement is trivial" [Elektroda, Iro1971, post #21172740] Swapping the €10 shaft-impeller kit usually restores flow and ends the beep within 10 minutes.

Why it matters: This FAQ helps PureSpa owners fix E90/E96 errors fast, without buying a €295 pump.

Quick Facts

• Pump rating: 12 VAC, 50 W, 3.5 A max [Elektroda, szpurek131, post #21615826] • New OEM pump module: €270–€300 delivered [Elektroda, maciej407, post #20680738] • Shaft + impeller repair kit: €8–€15 on marketplace sites [Elektroda, Iro1971, post #21174609] • Filter life: replace after 168 h filtration or when ΔP > 0.5 bar (Intex Owner’s Manual). • Warranty: 12–24 months; returns require shipping on pallet (~€120 both ways) [Elektroda, maciej407, post #20680738]

What does the Intex PureSpa E90 error mean?

E90 means the control board detects insufficient water flow through the heater loop. The spa shuts down the heater and sounds an alarm to prevent dry-fire and pump damage [Elektroda, bipuk, post #16274863]

Why does a cracked rotor shaft trigger E90 and how do I spot it?

The ceramic shaft centres the magnetic impeller. When it cracks, the impeller stalls, flow drops, and the flow reed switch stays open—raising E90. Remove the pump head; if the thin white rod is broken or scored, replace it [Elektroda, mariusz4042, post #17355200]

Where can I buy a replacement ceramic shaft and impeller kit?

Search for “PureSpa impeller shaft kit” or the pump part number on Amazon, eBay, or pool-spares sites. Prices range €8–€15 and include shaft, impeller, and O-rings [Elektroda, Iro1971, post #21174609]

How do I change the impeller assembly?

  1. Unplug spa and drain below pump line.
  2. Undo 8 Philips screws on pump cover, pull out old impeller/shaft.
  3. Insert new kit, ensure rubber guide cups seat, reassemble, prime pump, plug in. Done. [Elektroda, Iro1971, post #21172740]

Can a dirty filter alone cause E90?

Yes. A clogged cartridge raises flow resistance. Users report E90 disappearing after fitting a clean filter or sponge insert [Elektroda, adam05121978, #21580012; Elektrode, malgorzatawplock, #21587346]. Intex recommends changing filters every 168 h runtime (Intex Owner’s Manual).

I replaced the shaft but still get E90—what next?

Check these points: • Cartridge seated correctly and air bleeds closed. • Flow reed switches move freely; test continuity with magnet [Elektroda, bipuk, post #16274863] • Scale coil wires intact (prevents limescale build-up). If reed switch fails, a €2 part from an electronics shop fixes it. "

What is E96 and how do I clear it?

E96 flags sensor mismatch. A failed 10 kΩ NTC temperature probe drops resistance and the MCU halts heating. Replacing the probe or soldering an 8.2 kΩ resistor across the header restored normal operation for one user [Elektroda, psiocha, post #18009733]

Can I power the pump from a 12 V car battery for testing?

No. The motor is 12 VAC induction, not DC. Direct battery power risks burning the winding [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #21616186] Use a mains isolation transformer delivering 12 VAC instead.

Will enlarging the filter-cover holes or using a sponge filter help?

Yes. Drilling larger holes reduces pressure drop, and sponge filters maintain flow when the water carries fine debris. A field technician advised this mod; the owner reports the error gone since [Elektroda, malgorzatawplock, post #21587346]

Can I bypass the stock pump with a sand filter or heat pump?

Yes, if you fit 1.25-in (32 mm) or 1.5-in (38 mm) hose adapters. Look for ‘SPA to pool hose adapter’ sets; they screw onto the tub bulkheads and step up to standard pool unions [Elektroda, mobopx, post #21172341]

Edge case: the pump runs 5 minutes then E90 returns—why?

Limescale can jam the shaft after warming. Descale the wet end with 5 % citric acid for 30 minutes, rinse, and retry. Persistent stalling indicates a swollen rotor magnet—replace assembly [Elektroda, maciej407, post #20678083]
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