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?
- Unplug spa and drain below pump line.
- Undo 8 Philips screws on pump cover, pull out old impeller/shaft.
- 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, #21616186]. Use a mains isolation transformer delivering 12 VAC instead.
Is it worth buying a complete pump module instead of repairing?
Only when the stator is burnt or the housing is cracked. A new module costs ~€295 shipped [Elektroda, maciej407, post #20680738] A €10 shaft kit fixes 9 out of 10 cases, saving over 95 % of the expense [Elektroda, Iro1971, post #21174609]
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]