Balboa · VS / GS seriesHeads-up

ICE on a Balboa hot tub: freeze protection active

A sensor has detected a possible freeze condition, so the pumps turn on automatically to keep water moving. This is normal protection, not a fault.

Also shown as: IC, freeze protection

Most likely causes

  1. 1Cold weather cooling the plumbingmost likely
  2. 2Tub not heating for another reason, so the water has gone coldcommon
  3. 3Faulty sensor reading lowless common

What to try, in order

  1. Leave the power on. The pumps need to run to protect the plumbing.
  2. Keep the cover on and latched.
  3. Check that the tub is heating. Look for another code such as FLO, HFL, or dry.
  4. If the tub is not heating in freezing weather, put a small space heater in the equipment bay, well clear of anything flammable, until it is repaired.

ICE questions

Is ICE on my hot tub display a problem?

Usually not. It means freeze protection has switched on. It becomes a problem only if the tub is also not heating.

Why do my pumps turn on by themselves in winter?

That is freeze protection. The control runs the pumps to move warm water through the pipes when a sensor reads near freezing.

Related codes

Jacuzzi / Sundance ICE · Freeze protection activeBalboa -- · Temperature not yet knownBalboa CHEK PH · Maintenance reminderBalboa CLN FLTR · Filter reminderBalboa CNFG FAIL · Configuration errorBalboa dr · Heater may be dryBalboa dry · Heater is dryBalboa Ecn · Economy mode

General guidance. Follow your manufacturer's instructions; anything inside the control box is work for a licensed professional. Updated October 5, 2026.