Sundance Spa ICE Warning — Freeze Protection Active

What Does This Error Mean?

ICE on Sundance means freeze protection has activated — water temperature is approaching freezing and the spa is running pumps and heater to prevent ice damage.
This is a protective response, not a fault.
Check that the spa has continuous power and the cover is closed.
If the heater has failed, ICE can't actually warm the water and pipes may still freeze — verify by feeling the water temperature.

Affected Models

Sundance Optima
Sundance Cameo
Sundance Maxxus
Sundance Constance
Sundance Capri

Common Causes

Outdoor temperature very cold (winter operation)
Cover damaged or removed allowing heat loss
Heater failed — ICE engages but can't actually heat
Power outage allowed water to cool
Ambient temperature sensor reading lower than reality

How to Fix It

Don't panic — ICE is protective.

Sundance's ICE mode is automatic freeze protection.
It runs pumps to circulate water and engages the heater to maintain temperature above freezing.
This is doing its job — not a fault.
However, you should verify the protection is actually working.
Check that the spa has power.

Look at the control panel — is it lit and showing ICE?
If yes, power is on.
If the panel is dark, the breaker may have tripped or a power outage occurred.
Restore power immediately — without it, freeze protection can't work.
Verify the cover is in place.

Make sure the spa cover is fully closed and latched.
An open cover lets heat escape much faster than freeze protection can replace.
If the cover is damaged or torn, replace before next freeze.
Sundance covers run 300–600 USD for OEM replacement.
Feel the water (carefully).

Briefly touch the water — should feel warm.
If it feels cold despite ICE being active, the heater isn't actually working.
That's a serious situation — pipes may freeze and crack within hours.
Drain the spa or arrange emergency service.
Schedule service if heater isn't keeping up.

If ICE is active and water is genuinely getting cold, the heater is failing.
Don't wait — a freeze event can crack plumbing throughout the spa, causing thousands in damage.
Emergency spa service should be your call.
Cost varies — heater replacement is 200–500 USD parts plus labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Sundance be left running year-round outdoors?

Yes, in most climates — Sundance designs for outdoor year-round operation.
The cabinet is insulated and the freeze protection automation handles cold snaps.
Severe arctic conditions (below -20°F sustained) push limits — those climates may need additional protection like a vacation winterization.

What if power goes out in winter?

Without power, freeze protection can't run.
If outage is brief (under 24 hours in mild winter), water usually doesn't freeze — the spa's insulation buys time.
Longer outages or severe cold need attention.
Some users have backup generators specifically for this; others drain the spa for winter in cold climates.