Pump pressure drop

[lehacf]

Hi,

On my Marquis Euphoria that has two identical pumps, pump #1 started pumping about 20% less than the other pump. For testing I have turned identical "Hot Zone" jets which are available over both pumps and turned off all other auxiliary features. Tub is brand new and is about 3 weeks old. It has been drained once. I have checked and ran tub with and without filters and with and without heater, outcome is the same with pump #1 being weaker. Has anyone experienced anything like this and what are the possible causes? Thank you.

[av8r]

Hi,

On my Marquis Euphoria that has two identical pumps, pump #1 started pumping about 20% less than the other pump. For testing I have turned identical "Hot Zone" jets which are available over both pumps and turned off all other auxiliary features. Tub is brand new and is about 3 weeks old. It has been drained once. I have checked and ran tub with and without filters and with and without heater, outcome is the same with pump #1 being weaker. Has anyone experienced anything like this and what are the possible causes? Thank you.

No idea, but if it were me I'd have called the dealer the day it started.

[Hottubguy]

Hi,

On my Marquis Euphoria that has two identical pumps, pump #1 started pumping about 20% less than the other pump. For testing I have turned identical "Hot Zone" jets which are available over both pumps and turned off all other auxiliary features. Tub is brand new and is about 3 weeks old. It has been drained once. I have checked and ran tub with and without filters and with and without heater, outcome is the same with pump #1 being weaker. Has anyone experienced anything like this and what are the possible causes? Thank you.

Did you notice this from when you first got the tub or only after draining and refilling?  If you turn air off to all hot zone jets is the pressure the same?

[Tman122]

Air in a pump?

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

Partial clog in the impeller?

[MarKee]

How did you try it with and without the heater?

Sometimes pump 1 will have slightly less power because waterfall features run off that pump, but it shouldn't be 20% less.

Are you sure you have the air controls turned on and all of the jets turned wide open?

[lehacf]

If I turn air on to both "Hot Zone" jets the problem becomes less visible (around 10%) difference but still visible. If the air is off then it is more clear that the problem is there. To try it without the heater (just to avoid any weird computer modes) I just lowered the temperature.

Main question for me is, Marquis uses Balboa controller. Interface is pretty restricted and does not tell you much. Is there any diagnostic (technician only) screen that can be accessed to check on status of all major components:
- actual voltage to each pump
- reading from water pressure sensors
- maybe something else

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 3 week old spa = call your dealer.

[av8r]

If I turn air on to both "Hot Zone" jets the problem becomes less visible (around 10%) difference but still visible. If the air is off then it is more clear that the problem is there. To try it without the heater (just to avoid any weird computer modes) I just lowered the temperature.

Main question for me is, Marquis uses Balboa controller. Interface is pretty restricted and does not tell you much. Is there any diagnostic (technician only) screen that can be accessed to check on status of all major components:
- actual voltage to each pump
- reading from water pressure sensors
- maybe something else

I think you're expecting far too much from a simple controller.  If you want that data you could build something Arduino based very inexpensively.

[lehacf]

I am not sure that Balboa board can be described as simple controller, it is quite complex and it seems that it has software instead of just control switches. From that type of board I would naturally expect some advanced diagnostic sections where different readings can be taken so that technicians won't have to open-up skirt to and crawl around with voltmeter.

[Tman122]

No, we still open up the skirt to take out the bleeder plug on the pump.

[lehacf]

Is there a scientific way to measure pressure in different jets in a hot tub? Can anyone recommend any water pressure gauges that would work the best for this application?

[Jacuzzi Jim]

 May sound insensitive, but why don't you just enjoy your spa and quit worrying about a gauge to check jet pressure.  Or call your dealer and have them take a look.    Guessing your wife may be saying the same?

[lehacf]

I am engineer by trade so this is all part of the process 

[av8r]

May sound insensitive, but why don't you just enjoy your spa and quit worrying about a gauge to check jet pressure.  Or call your dealer and have them take a look.    Guessing your wife may be saying the same?

Amen....his posts are all similar.  Maybe find a fun hobby?