| Circulation Pump Based Heating
Systems |
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| The idea of the dedicated low
volume circulation pump originated many years ago. This method of
continuously circulating and heating the water is probably the most commonly
manufacturered system today. The following description is based on the
popular Leisure Bay Spa, manufactured by Leisure Bay Industries. It uses
a composite heater, made by RMF, and a digital spa control system by Balboa
Instruments. Your
spa may be much like the one depicted here, with minor differences in the style
of heater, plumbing, and component placement.
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The basic components of the system consist of
the heater "can" which contains the heater element, the high limit
sensor, and the pressure switch.
On most systems of this type, the
heater element is enclosed inside the stainless steel can, and is not
replaceable. It must be replaced as an entire unit.
The high limit sensor is
generally mounted in a pressure fit slot on the side of the heater to detect
over temperature conditions.
The pressure switch, mounted
somewhere on the side of the heater, or some place in-line with the water flow,
detects the presence or absence of water pressure in the unit. This
switch is what is responsible for the infamous "flow" or
"flo" error on your side control panel.
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| The circulation
pump, under control of the spa control system, is normally running most
of the time. -Note that this is not always true, as in some systems, the
software will shut down the pump according to filtration or heater parameter
settings-. The circulation pump will take water from the filter area, or from
plumbing that leads to the filter, and discharge it directly into the heater
case. Water flowing through the case creates pressure that is detected by
the pressure switch.
The spa control system reads
the pressure switch activation, and will activate the relays which send power
to the heater element
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Virtually all pressure switches have the capability to be
adjusted. However, this is not recommended unless you know exactly what
you're doing. Properly calibrated for the correct pressure level at the factory,
with proper care of your spa water quality, the pressure switch should operate
for years without needing replacement, or adjustment.
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