Removing and Replacing a Softub Control Board
The videos below show the general process for getting access to the Softub Hydromate circuit board. The first video is for replacing the control panel, but it also gives a good step-by-step look at how to open the Hydromate and get to the board.
Notes Before You Begin
You do not need to completely remove the vinyl cover. In most cases, you can simply untie it and lift the cover off enough to access the Hydromate.
It is helpful to have a low chair, bucket, or similar support nearby. Place the top part of the Hydromate on it while you work. This gives you a little more room to work with the cables and makes the job easier.
The box that contains the control board may or may not have silicone around it. You shouldn’t need to remove the caulk first. Remove the two screws on top of the box, then push the box through so you can access the board.
Control Board Removal Video
This second video is specifically about removing the circuit board.
Disconnecting the Board
Be careful when removing the cables. Pull from the connector body, not from the wires themselves. Pulling on the wires can damage the connector or the cable.
To release the board from the plastic clips, use needle-nose pliers to gently squeeze the top of each clip while lifting the board up over the clip. There are five plastic clips total. Also remove the two screws at the top of the board near the transformer.
You do not need to remove the cables from the box. Once everything connected to the board is disconnected, there is enough room to slide the board out.
Note about old plastic clips: The plastic clips can become brittle with age and may break when removing the old board. If that happens, let me know and I can include replacement clips with your board.
Spacer Block Under the Board
There is a spacer block under the original board that often works loose. If you are sending your board in for repair, either send the spacer block with the board and I will reattach it, or hold onto it and superglue it back in place afterward.
If you are purchasing a new replacement board, it will come with a new spacer block.
Reassembly and Testing
When reinstalling the board, make sure all connectors are fully seated and routed safely. After reassembly, it is okay to turn the pump on without water for about 15 seconds to verify that it is working.
Do not run the pump dry for an extended period of time. This short test is only to confirm that the board and pump are operating.
How to Tie the Softub Knot
This video shows how to tie the Softub knot, which is used on both the tub and the Hydromate. Note that you have to make the loops pretty small since the Hydromate doesn’t have a lot of extra length.
Need help?
If you have any questions about replacing the board, let me know and we can work through what the issue is.