Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Spa Parts Glossary (A-E)

Spa Part Glossary of Terms (A-E)

A

Air Button
Air Button, #15 Classic Touch - WhiteAir buttons are surface mount push button switches that control pumps, heaters & more... Spas that use air buttons are often called pneumatic systems as air is used to switch electrical components. There is a small bladder or bellows inside the switch, when depressed this bellows sends pressure down the air tube (attached to the button) to an air switch on the component. Air buttons are surface mount so one will only see the trim or face not the body underneath.


Air Control Valve
Air Control ,Top Accss Scallop,1 P,1-5/8 Hole,GrayAir control valves are used in spas and baths to allow air into the jets to create bubbles. An air control valve can create bubbles with out the presence of an air blower. Certain spa and bath jets can create a suction inside the jet body that can pull air into the water stream when the valve is opened. Draw back is outside air can be cooler than the heater water, allowing cool air into the tub can rapidly decrease the water temperature. Air controls are surface mount so one will only see the trim or face not the body underneath.

Air Check Valve
Air Check Valve, 1/4lb. SpRing 1 1/ An air check valve (aka non-return/one-way valves) is installed between an air blower and the water. A spring inside the valve often set to a certain pressure, 1/4lb etc... allows air to pass through the valve. It is important to have the valve flow the correct way, as the valve is designed to prevent air but specifically water flowing back through the valve to the air blower. 




Air Injector
Air Injector: 3/4 SPG X 1/2 SAir injectors aka bubblers/air jets... come in many shapes and sizes. The injectors are small through wall style fittings which allows air (bubbles) into the spa. Air injectors are found on therapy seats. Air injectors are connected to the tubs air blower. Air injectors are typically surface mount so one will only see the trim or face not the body underneath.  


Air Manifold 
Air manifolds like water manifolds are PVC fittings used to divert or split the flow of air/water from a central source to many destination fittings. Air manifolds come in many shapes and sizes. Generally air manifolds are 1" (air control valve installation) or 1.5" (air blower) PVC with 3/8" barbs. 



Air Switch
Air switches come in many shapes and sizes but all function the same. These switches convert an pneumatic input to an electrical signal to operate a piece of equipment (pump, blower etc...). The air switch which is normally in a control box or on the equipment receives a signal (puff of air) from the air button which expands the internal diaphragm acitvating/deactivating the internal micro switch.  
There are many types of air switches to learn more about which one you need see our Air Switch post here. 



B

Spa Filter BasketBasket
Filter Baskets are used as large debris strainers. Filtering out large particulates prior to entering the spa filter. 




 

Bath HeatersBath Heater 
Bath heaters are small inline self contained heaters designed for whirlpool/jetted bath tubs. Many new jetted tubs have a factory installed blank allowing quick installation of the heater.

Blower 
Spa Air BlowerAn air blower is an air pump. Using a fan motor to push air into the spa jet lines to create bubbles or through specialized air injectors for therapeutic needs. Air blowers can reduce the water temperature as they are introducing cooler outside air into the tub.  


C

Cartridge (Filter) 
Cartridge,200sqft,5-15/16 ot,5-15/16 ob,10-3/4 ,28 4ozFilter cartridges are used my many spas and pools to help maintain water cleanliness. The cartridge is contained by a filter canister which allows the water to flow through the paper element removing large particulates. Filter cartridges come in hundreds of sizes, all round. It is important to match all the dimensions and features when replacing a cartridge.




Capacitor (Motor)
Pool and spa motors have Start & Run Capacitors. These capacitors assist the motor by altering the current during start up and continuous operation. Run capacitors are usually the black or gray polypropylene cylinders mounted on the back or top of the motor. These are continuously energized when the motor is running. Commonly when they fail the motor can become noisy, lose its electric field or overheat among other symptoms. Start capacitors are the larger silver/Aluminum canisters on top of the motor. The function of the start capacitor is to boost the starting torque. They only run until the motor reaches 3/4 of operating speed. A humming or non-starting motor could the result of a faulty start capacitor.

Balboa Serial Standard Dig Outdoor UL System
Circuit Board
Electromechanical spas use Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) aka motherboards to manage your spa. All the equipment in your spa is attached to the circuit board; control panel, sensors, heater, pumps etc... the board controls all these. 


Circuit Breaker
Breaker, P&B, 20amp, 120v, Red FaceCircuit breakers used in spas come in a wide variety of shape and sizes. They all perform the same function: protecting the spa and its occupants form power overload and short circuits. Unlike a fuse a circuit breaker can be reset once it has 'tripped'. Many mechanical spa control boxes utilize panel mount circuit breakers, all you will see is the face of the switch.


Circulation Pump 
Circulation or circ pumps come in many shapes and sizes. Their function in spas and hot tubs is dedicated filtration and heating cycles
In an average spa the main jet pump will have two speeds - low speed for filtration and heating and high speed for jets. The main draw back to this setup is power consumption, often these pumps use much more electricity and needed for heating and filtration. This is why some spa makers utilize circ pumps for dedicated functions. One will usually find circulation pumps in high end spas with a high jet count & in spas with low flow style heaters.



Clock (Timer)
Older mechanical spa controls use time clocks to operate the spas heating and filtration cycles. Time clocks come in many styles but function largely in the same way, turning equipment on/off based on the cycle selected. One or more pieces of equipment can be connected to the time clock. Spas can use 7 day or 24 hour cycle clocks to operate the spa. The tabs on the rotary dial indicate the on/off times & length of cycles. More modern spas have circuit boards and electronic time clocks to run the spa.

Contactor
Contactor: 220V SPST 30AMPA contactor is essentially a switch whose function (similar to a relay) is  switching power from one electrical circuit to another. In the case of spas a contactor will switch electrical power supply from a pump to a heaters etc... There is an electromagnetic coil inside the contactor which controls the switching operation. The low voltage supplied by your input switch or button moves the coil allowing it to make or break contact with one circuit or another. These moving mechanical parts can wear out and fail. Contactors are more common in older spa controls or simple control boxes for in ground pools & spas. Contactors carry high current so always use caution when dealing with them! 



D

Diffuser (Jet)
Waterway & Pentair Jet DiffusersJet diffusers are the rear portion of adjustable spa jets. The diffuser has multiple functions in your spa. Controls the water flow when you turn the jet face. It has the clips which hold the jet into the jet body. The diffuser typically corrodes and fails at one point in a spas life. Spa owners will replace them or the whole jet at some point. 
Although many brands of spa jets have diffusers, only Waterway & Pentair (BWG) sell the diffusers as replacement parts.


Diverter (Valve)
Not to be confused with air control valves, diverter valves are used to control/divert water flow. Often setup to control water to flow to one area or another. Waterfalls, therapy seats or high flow jets are usually setup on a diverter valve to allow use on an intermittent basis. Usually these valves are found in larger spas with many functions. One can distinguish a diverter from an air control valve by the size of the handle, 4" or larger.



E

ES8650-A 11.0kW, 1.5HP Dyna-Max PumpEquipment Pack
An Equipment pack is a complete spa mechanical assembly. The equipment packs include a control w/ heater, pump and any options you desire beyond the basics such as an air blower 2nd pump etc... If you want to build your own spa an equipment pack is ideal.


Element (Filter)
See Filter Cartridge


Element (Heater)

Heater ElementsSpa heater elements are comprised of a filament encased in and insulating powder covered by protective skin. The filament of the element is usually a Tungsten coil which functions similarly to a light bulb. Instead of lighting up when current is applied the element resists & heats up. This heats up the coating which is typically Magnesium oxide. The protective skin which can be incoloy, Teflon or titanium allows the element to be immersed in water.


EPROM: LX-10/15 Series R5.26 AlphaEprom

Circuit board chip-set. Often containing programing/spa operation functions. Few aftermarket replacement parts available. Circuit board mount, soldered to the PCB. Although replacement are available we recommend trained technicians replace these.



Escutcheon  

Technical word for: Trim Ring, face trim, cover plate. Usually circular/decorative.




We're not literary experts, just here to help provide useful information and definitions for spa owners. To learn more visit the following:

Spa Part Glossary of Terms F-M
Spa Part Glossary of Terms N-Z

Friday, January 11, 2013

Spa Component Repair


Circuit Board Repair Services

Spa Parts Shop can repair most spa manufactures components. All repairs are bench tested prior to being returned to you & come with a 90 Day Warranty on the repairs. Estimates are always given prior to work so you wont be stuck with a bill! Spa Parts Shop repair services are conducted by level-2 spa technicians with decades of experience.

Spa Parts Shop can supply you with an upfront price for repair services of your components by simply completing the Spa Repair Form.


Spa Component Repair

As is the case with most major electronics, we live in an era of throw-away and replace with new. The same has become common place with spa controls, we support the notion of repairing components prior to replacement. If your spas circuit board or control pack was to fail we hope you'd consider repairing it before replacing. Unlike most competitors Spa Parts Shop wants to help you save $ not make a quick buck! 




How to determine when the circuit board needs/can be repaired? If you are not familiar with electrical circuitry or voltmeter operation please have a technician diagnose & tell you what the faulty component(s) is/are. Typically control panel error codes and certain symptoms are indicative of the faulty part. Please let Spa Parts Shop Customer Service know what the problem your spa is experiencing and they can walk you through a diagnosis. Most repairs are done on failed contactors, fuses, relays, terminals, transformers, traces and other board components. On occasion logic chips aka eprom's can be replaced, but not in all cases. If you are experiencing heater issues the heater needs to be shipped with the board.

When can't a board be repaired? Catastrophic damage such as lightning strikes, excessive heat (multiple melted components), holes in the board, extreme burns etc... if it looks like burned toast it likely is.

If you are not sure please send a picture of the front and back of the board to Spa Parts Shop they can determine the severity of the damage & supply you with a price for repair services if possible. Simply completing the Spa Repair Form


It is always best to send the control panel with the circuit board, this helps the technicians determine if the problem is truly with the board. Sending in control panels is important with spas that utilize proprietary programming. Such as Jacuzzi-Sundance, HotSprings, Maxx and others.





Thursday, January 10, 2013

Carbon Pre-Filter for spas, baths & tubs


Carbon Block water Pre-Filter 

Today's water is not as pure as it used to be, there is an ever-increasing amount of foreign contaminants found in tap water. It is becoming important to filter this water before filling your hot tub, fish tanks, kiddie pools & spas. 

Initial chemical balancing becomes easier and future stain and scale issues are greatly minimized. 
Using a water pre-filter will dramatically extend the life of spa filter elements.
If your spa has a bromine generator it is important to use a pre-filter.

Pre Filters Reduce:

Suspended solids to .5 microns,
Tanning Oils and Organic Debris,
Metals and inorganic's such as:
phosphates chlorine iron
dust tastes lead
rust odors copper
grit cloudiness iron oxide
dediment colors V.O.C.'s
arsenic aluminum mercury
cadmium H2S vapors

Easy to use directions!
Step 1. Attach Filter to any standard garden Hose
Step 2. Turn Hose on and fill to the appropriate level
Step 3. Balance the Ph and Alkalinity

*Replace the Filter when it is Full and restricts water.

 





 

AquaFlo XP XP2 XP2e & XP3 Spa Pumps


Aquaflo by Gecko: Flo-Master XP, XP2, XP2e & XP3 Pumps





Aqua-Flo, Flo-Master Pumps are manufactured by Gecko Alliance they are the leading brand of pumps used in the Leisure Water Industry, since 1971!



XP/XP2 Spa Pumps

The gold standard for spas and tubs with a high jet count! Compact high performance pumps, 48 & 56 Frame Pumps. the XP/XP2 series pumps offer high flow rates; in excess of 140 GPM for the 1.5HP, 175 GPM for the 2.0HP, 220 GPM for the 2.5HP and greater than 240 GPM for the 3.0HP. Standard with 2" suction inlet and 2" outlet.

What is 'Motor Frame Size?' for info Click to learn more...


Replacement AquaFlo XP Complete Pumps:


Gecko AquaFlo XP/XP2, 1.5hp, 115v, 2-spd, 2" Unions  06115000-1040
Gecko AquaFlo XP/XP2, 1.5hp, 230v, 2-spd,  2" Unions  06115517-2040
Gecko AquaFlo XP/XP2, 2-1/2hp, 230v, 2-spd,  2" Unions  06125000-1040
Gecko AquaFlo XP/XP2, 3.0hp, 230v, 2-spd,  2" Unions  06130395-2040

Replacement Parts for AquaFlo XP Pumps:

Click here to view XP/XP2 48 Frame Pump parts breakdown


For Installation/Troubleshooting and further information please see 

XP2e Spa Pumps

The AquaFlo XP2e is the energy efficient spa pump. With the improved impeller and wet end design the XP2e provides a greater flow rate than the XP2. An XP2e will occupy the same space as an XP2 pump, same wet end dimensions and 2" unions. If you are considering a retrofit for pump exchange the Flo-Master XP2e is the obvious choice. Primarily the XP2e uses 56 Frame motors for more efficient and cooler operation

Replacement AquaFlo XP2e - Complete Pumps:


Gecko AquaFlo XP2e, 2.0hp ,230v, 2-spd, 48fr 2" Unions  06120500-2040
Gecko AquaFlo XP2e, 2.0hp, 230v, 2-spd, 56fr, 2" Unions  05320761-2040
Gecko AquaFlo XP2e, 3.0hp, 230v, 2-spd, 56fr, 2" Unions  05334012-2040
Gecko AquaFlo XP2e, 4.8mbhp, 230v, 2-spd, 56fr, 2" Unions  05340009-5040


Replacement Parts for AquaFlo XP2e Pumps:

Click here to view XP2e parts breakdown

For Installation/Troubleshooting and further information please see 

XP3 Spa Pumps

The Gecko XP3 is the latest AquaFlo pump. Designed for large spas with many jets. The XP3 is designed to be a high performance pump with its 2.5" plumbing, low amp motor & higher HP rating than previous models. 

Replacement AquaFlo XP3 - Complete Pumps:


Gecko AquaFlo XP3, 2.5hp, 230v, 2-spd, 56fr, 2-1/2" Unions  08326000-2041
Gecko AquaFlo XP3, 4.0hp, 230v, 2-spd, 56fr, 2-1/2" Unions  08342761-2000
 
Replacement Parts for Flo-Master XP3 Pumps:

Click here to view XP3 Pump parts breakdown

For Installation/Troubleshooting and further information please see 


 
The pump models above are not the only pumps we sell, they are the most common pumps found in spas. There are many other model numbers which we can special order. If you do not find your model number above & need more information about XP, XP2, XP2e & XP3 spa pumps please contact us.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

AquaFlo FM HP & CP Spa Pumps

Flo-Master FMCP & FMHP Spa Pumps

Many Spas/hot tubs use AquaFlo Flo-Master Pumps. These pumps are designed with a special high performance impeller designed to achieve maximum flow rates for such compact pumps. This means lower amperage motors will give you the higher GPM than other motors - saving you $'s in electricity. 

FMCP is a "Center" Discharge pump, this means that the discharge port comes out of the center of the wet end housing [see below]. 
FMHP is "Side" Discharge which is a standard orientation. The discharge port is offset [see below].




For Installation/Troubleshooting and further information please see AquaFlo FMHP & FMCP Owners Manual

Replacement Flo-Master FMCP Complete Pumps:



AquaFlo FMCP, 0.75hp, 115v, 2-spd, 1-1/2" Unions  02607000-1010
AquaFlo FMCP, 1.0hp, 115v, 2-spd, 1-1/2" Unions  02610000-1010 
AquaFlo FMCP, 1.5hp, 115v, 2-spd, 1-1/2" Unions  02615000-1010 
AquaFlo FMCP, 1.5hp, 230v, 2-spd, 1-1/2" Unions  02615005-1010 
AquaFlo FMCP, 2.0hp, 230v, 2-spd, 1-1/2" Unions  02620000-1010 

Replacement Parts for Flo-Master FMCP Pumps :



 

Click Here to view parts breakdown

Replacement Flo-Master FMHP Complete Pumps:

AquaFlo FMHP, 0.75hp, 115v, 2-spd  w/ 1-1/2" Unions02107000-1010
AquaFlo FMHP, 1.0hp, 115v, 1-spd w/ 1-1/2" Unions02010000-1010
AquaFlo FMHP, 1.0hp, 115v, 2-spd w/ 1-1/2" Unions02110000-1010 
AquaFlo FMHP, 1.0hp, 230v, 2-spd w/ 1-1/2" Unions02110005-1010 
AquaFlo FMHP, 1.5hp, 115v, 2-spd w/ 1-1/2" Unions02115000-1010 
AquaFlo FMHP, 1.5hp, 230v, 2-spd w/ 1-1/2" Unions02115005-1010 
AquaFlo FMHP, 2.0hp, 115/230v, 1-spd w/ 1-1/2" Unions02020000-1010 
AquaFlo FMHP, 2.0hp, 230v, 2-spd  w/ 1-1/2" Unions02120000-1010
  
Replacement Parts for Flo-Master FMHP Pumps:

 













Click Here to view parts breakdown


For More information about FMCP & FMHP spa pumps please contact us.

Have an old part number see the Cross Reference here