Standard Pump - a basic pump which draws water from the spa bath via the suction outlet and recirculates the water back through the jet system. The standard pump is operated by a pneumatic push button, does not have a heating element and requires a 10 amp powerpoint. The running costs of the standard pump have been calculated at 25 cents per hour.

Hot Pump is a standard pump which has a heating element fitted. The heating element is thermostatically preset at 40 degrees Celsius. The spa bath is filled to operating capacity using hot and cold water, the function of the hot pump is not to heat the water from cold but to maintain the bath water at a constant temperature. The pump is operated by pneumatic push button and requires a 10 amp powerpoint. Running costs have been calculated at 32 cents per hour.

Premier Hot Pump incorporates a heating element with an adjustable temperature control which is operated via an electronic touchpad located on the flange of the bath. The premier pump requires a 10 amp powerpoint and the running costs are 32 cents per hour.

Spa Pump Installation

In most spa pump installations, the pump is located on an external wall. Where this occurs, it is good practice to locate the pump in a metal box which will allow plenty of ventilation and ready access should the pump require servicing.

When installing the pump, care should be taken to ensure that the pump is located at the correct height. The pump should have a 5 degree fall back to the bath to prevent any water being retained in the lines after the bath has been emptied.

It shuuld be noted that if the pump is located too high an airlock may occur and this will stop the pump from priming. If the pump is located no higher than 15 mm above the level of the bottom of the suction airlock problems will not happen. Should an airlock occur, these can normally be overcome by either dropping the level of the pump or by fitting an air release valve.

The pump should be located as close as possible to the spa bath and 90 degree bends should be kept to a minimum.

If the pump is being located on an external wall, it is recommended that a weatherproof powerpoint be installed to plug the pump into.

Air Massage System Blower Installation

The air massage system spa bath has an adjustable skid frame to the base of the bath. The purpose-of the skid frame is to provide sufficient clearance for the injection system and a method of levelling the bath.

It is recommended that the blower be mounted in ceiling space above where the bath is to be located. If this can not be done, the blower be located a minimum of 600mm above the level of the bath.

If the blower unit is to be located externally, it must be weatherproofed because water will damage the blower's electronic system and void the warranty. Care must also be taken to provide the blower with adequate ventilation.

Should the piping from the blower to the bath be run on an outside wall, it is recommended that the piping be lagged to prevent heat loss.

The blower unit must be firmly fixed in position and have reasonable access for servicing. The unit will require a 10 amp powerpoint.

Hot Water Requirements

As a rule of thumb, the capacity of the hot water service required to operate a spa bath should be based on 50% of the operating capacity of the bath or spa bath.

For example, Charisma spa bath, 220 litres operating capacity x 50% = 110 litres.

This method is subject to a number of variables i.e. the temperature at which the bath user requires the water, the amount of water available from the cylinder, the ambient temperature and the amount of water required for the washing machine, dishwasher, showering etc.

Prior to selection of the hot water service, it is recommended that the manufacturers of the hot water systems be contacted to ensure that sufficient hot water will be available to supply all requirements.

Operating Capicity in a spa bath is determined by filling the spa until the water level is 30mm above the highest jet.