Control Wiring For Outdoor Spa

Magnettica

I have a customer of mine who I just wired a used outdoor spa for. She tells me the filter for the spa runs for 8 hours a day, everyday. But since she won't be using the spa too often, she was wondering if she could alter the filter to run for only 30 minutes per day and have an manual overriude for if and when she uses it on a daily basis. Any ideas for accomplishing this?

To be honest, I really don't want to alter any of the manufacturers control wiring. I told her to just use the service disconnect if she's not going to be using it.

Thanks.

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mdshunk

Most of the new spas use an integrated control board anyhow, so you couldn't really change it, even if you wanted to. You did the right thing by telling her to turn it off if she doesn't like it. Legionaires is something to keep in mind as well, which is good reason to let the factory setup alone.

Speedy Petey

I'd also be careful since the heater needs water moving. If you override the pump and the heater kicks on you might be buying her a new heater element.

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MechanicalDVR

Most I have seen use a pressure switch to prove the pump is on, before the heater is energized.

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MSSI

The tub filters for 8 hrs for a reason....Check the board and see if the is an open plug/accessory That says something like "circulation pump"
If so you can add a low wattage circ. pump thatruns in place of the 2-5 hp. motor....circ. pumps are around 50 watts(if I remember right) They circulate the water for heating and filtering purposes and usually or optionally in conjunction with an ozonater, which greatly reduces chemical usage...complete kits are around $300

Tub heaters are wired with a flow switch,(1-15 psi)... No circulation, No heat..

She can plan on 5 degrees/hr max to heat the thing back up if it is simply turned off, but seriously, someone can get really sick getting into a improperly maintained hot tub..

MSSI

oh yeah.......To add the circ pump kit you would need to find out what jumpers on the board need to be moved to accomodate the change...

If she insists on doing the on off method.... I would suggest she SHOCK the out of it and run the thing for at least 12hrs before getting in..

Magnettica

Thanks for all the tips guys.

I spoke to her today and told her to forget it.

She was fine with that answer after I told her that her heating element might burn out prematurely if the filter hadn't been operating properly.

Really... Thanks again!

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