Hi,

I would like to add a timer (mechanical intermatic style) to turn my entire spa off during peak electricity pricing periods. My question is this: If the heater is on and all power is cut to the tub will it cause damage? Just wondering if the pump needs to run for a certain amount of time after the heater turns off to cool it down. I have a 5.5kw heater and an older aruba spa. If this can't be done any other suggestions? Thanks

Jack

Hi Jack,

You are correct - if you turn a pump off that's in the circ system, it will almost always run-on for a few seconds to flush cold water over the element and cool it down.

If an element repeatedly overheats, it can warp and fail early.

If you are dead keen to do this (and assuming there is no "sleep mode" built into the controller), the only safe way round this that I can think of would be to upgrade the controller.

If you are an electonics expert there may be some way of setting a second timer up on the heater/pump that cuts it off before/after the rest of the power - not a reccomendation by any means.

Perhaps look at solar or a gas pack?