How do I upgrade a Chinese system that has 3 equal rated pumps?

In more recent years, Chinese manufacture Hot Tubs have tended to come through with either a designated circulation pump or a two-speed main filtration pump. However going back to 2004 to 2007 you will most likely come across many Chinese manufacture Hot Tubs with 3 x 2HP pumps or similar. This means they are using a 2HP single speed pump to circulate and heat the water as well as for massage.

There are two things to consider..., the energy used to circulate the water and the cost implications to the customer. We would always first and foremost, suggest to the customer to replace the single speed pump with a more economical two-speed pump before beginning to upgrade the electronic system.

If the customer is on a budget and wants you to utilise the exiting pumps then we suggest the following:

Set your control box to function as a two-speed filtration pump and use the current pump connected with the flow line through the filter.

Identify which port operates low speed and connect this to the single phase on the pump.

You will now find that you can manually operate the pump when you require massage and this pump will automatically come on when it needs to heat and perform its filter cycle. The downside being you will have a spare click on the button as it will be expected to perform as a two-speed. The button will usually time out after 20 minutes.

From experience this is what we have established is the best way to overcome this problem whilst keeping the customer happy.

Bill Norris, 14-03-2014