Thursday, December 15, 2011

Spa Air Switch Types


Air Switches

Often these switches are found in controls for motors/pumps. When replacing switches take the extra step to insure you get the correct version as there are two. They will appear the same but they are functionally different.

Alternate/Latching/Permanent Style:

This type of switch maintains its position once activated.
Push to turn on, push to turn off.
These switches usually have an A or LC in the part number e.g. TVA-111A

Momentary Style:
This type of switch is only on while the switch is pressed.
Press to turn on, Release to turn off.
Typically switches of this variety have "M" in the part number e.g. TVM-111A

Common Air switches found in Spas:

SPST - Simple on/off switch, aka two-way switch e.g. light switch
SPDT - Simple change over switch, aka three-way switch
DPST - One switch mechanism with two SPST switches, aka double pole
DPDT - One switch mechanism with two SPDT switches, aka double pole

Pressure Switches

This form of switch commonly found on pool & spa heaters gas or electric. These switches use pressure (psi - either rising or falling) to activate or deactivate an electrical contact when a set pressure is achieved.

Common Pressure switch configurations:

Friday, December 9, 2011

Basic Pump Tech


When replacing a spa pump (a.k.a wet end) and motor it is important to know the frame size of the motor to insure you get a correct replacement. Usually the motor specifications label will list the frame size if not you can measure yourself.


Equally important is knowing the wet end discharge style.
Identifying each of the two styles is simple, see below.

Common Spa Unit Conversions


Common Unit Conversions for Spas

How much does my spa weight?
How Long will my spa take to get to temperature?