Hot Tub Forum

Brand Specific Forums => Jacuzzi Hot Tubs => Topic started by: smackman on April 29, 2012, 10:29:38 am

Title: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on April 29, 2012, 10:29:38 am
Okay, I am a Engineer by former trade so I like to "drill down" on situations. LOL My Jacuzzi 2010
 J 465 has a primary filter and a secondary filter. Here is what I discovered;

The water ONLY flows across the secondary filter when one the blower motors or motors are running. When the Hot Tub is just recirculating in Primary mode, No water flows across the Secondary filter.

If you set up the timers for primary and secondary filter, you will see that the secondary filter timer actually runs a blower motor and the recirculation pump. It is near to impossible to take off the secondary filter cap when in this mode.

When the Primary filter is running, Water only flows across the primary filter; The cap is easily removed without resistance on the secondary filter.

Can someone explain what is going on in the underneath plumbing to make this happen?

Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on April 30, 2012, 12:58:40 pm
Also, I have learned that Pump 1 has to be running for the secondary filter to be functional. The circulation pump uses only the big Primary filter. Pump 1 Brings the secondary filter into "play".
Pump 2 just kicks ass for a great Hot Tub experience.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on April 30, 2012, 02:42:00 pm
Okay, I am a Engineer by former trade so I like to "drill down" on situations. LOL My Jacuzzi 2010
 J 465 has a primary filter and a secondary filter. Here is what I discovered;

The water ONLY flows across the secondary filter when one the blower motors or motors are running. When the Hot Tub is just recirculating in Primary mode, No water flows across the Secondary filter.

If you set up the timers for primary and secondary filter, you will see that the secondary filter timer actually runs a blower motor and the recirculation pump. It is near to impossible to take off the secondary filter cap when in this mode.

When the Primary filter is running, Water only flows across the primary filter; The cap is easily removed without resistance on the secondary filter.

Can someone explain what is going on in the underneath plumbing to make this happen?

Thanks for the help.

  Your circ pump draws through the floating wier side of the filtration, pump 1 draws through the closed system.  Pump 2 draws from two of the suctions in the btm of the spa.    Pump 2 use to draw from the closed system but they changed it.

  As far as plumbing goes pump 1 is tied into the fitration (closed system) then it also probably draws from one of the suctions as well.  There should be a check valve built in between the filtration part and the suction part then tee's to the pump.   This is so if the filter becomes so clogged up, the check valve will open and alow water to come from someplace else other than the closed system.

  Most spas today "except" the upper end H,Spring and all the Cal-Spa's will always have multiple suctions to draw from so you don't have so much suction coming from one suction that a child or (adult for that matter) can be trapped by it.     

 VGB act I believe.  Virginia Graham Baker act which you can look up if you wish, a very sad story that has changed safety standards in pools and spa's.   
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on April 30, 2012, 03:14:36 pm
Okay, I am a Engineer by former trade so I like to "drill down" on situations. LOL My Jacuzzi 2010
 J 465 has a primary filter and a secondary filter. Here is what I discovered;

The water ONLY flows across the secondary filter when one the blower motors or motors are running. When the Hot Tub is just recirculating in Primary mode, No water flows across the Secondary filter.

If you set up the timers for primary and secondary filter, you will see that the secondary filter timer actually runs a blower motor and the recirculation pump. It is near to impossible to take off the secondary filter cap when in this mode.

When the Primary filter is running, Water only flows across the primary filter; The cap is easily removed without resistance on the secondary filter.

Can someone explain what is going on in the underneath plumbing to make this happen?

Thanks for the help.

  Your circ pump draws through the floating wier side of the filtration, pump 1 draws through the closed system.  Pump 2 draws from two of the suctions in the btm of the spa.    Pump 2 use to draw from the closed system but they changed it.

  As far as plumbing goes pump 1 is tied into the fitration (closed system) then it also probably draws from one of the suctions as well.  There should be a check valve built in between the filtration part and the suction part then tee's to the pump.   This is so if the filter becomes so clogged up, the check valve will open and alow water to come from someplace else other than the closed system.

  Most spas today "except" the upper end H,Spring and all the Cal-Spa's will always have multiple suctions to draw from so you don't have so much suction coming from one suction that a child or (adult for that matter) can be trapped by it.     

 VGB act I believe.  Virginia Graham Baker act which you can look up if you wish, a very sad story that has changed safety standards in pools and spa's.

WOW! Thanks for the expert explanation. Your knowledge is very impressive. Most Hot Tub owners could care less; I just like to know the "bolts and screws" of a system.

Yesterday, I set the Secondary filter to run for 90 minutes. The Hot Tub Temp. was 100; the set point was 98. When the 90 minutes was up, My Damn Jacuzzi was at 104 degrees!  ;D I generally do 101 and 104 was a "goods night sleep" after 20 min of Hydrotherapy.
Jacuzzi has a extremely temperature efficient hot tub.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on April 30, 2012, 05:53:25 pm
Okay, I am a Engineer by former trade so I like to "drill down" on situations. LOL My Jacuzzi 2010
 J 465 has a primary filter and a secondary filter. Here is what I discovered;

The water ONLY flows across the secondary filter when one the blower motors or motors are running. When the Hot Tub is just recirculating in Primary mode, No water flows across the Secondary filter.

If you set up the timers for primary and secondary filter, you will see that the secondary filter timer actually runs a blower motor and the recirculation pump. It is near to impossible to take off the secondary filter cap when in this mode.

When the Primary filter is running, Water only flows across the primary filter; The cap is easily removed without resistance on the secondary filter.

Can someone explain what is going on in the underneath plumbing to make this happen?

Thanks for the help.

  Your circ pump draws through the floating wier side of the filtration, pump 1 draws through the closed system.  Pump 2 draws from two of the suctions in the btm of the spa.    Pump 2 use to draw from the closed system but they changed it.

  As far as plumbing goes pump 1 is tied into the fitration (closed system) then it also probably draws from one of the suctions as well.  There should be a check valve built in between the filtration part and the suction part then tee's to the pump.   This is so if the filter becomes so clogged up, the check valve will open and alow water to come from someplace else other than the closed system.

  Most spas today "except" the upper end H,Spring and all the Cal-Spa's will always have multiple suctions to draw from so you don't have so much suction coming from one suction that a child or (adult for that matter) can be trapped by it.     

 VGB act I believe.  Virginia Graham Baker act which you can look up if you wish, a very sad story that has changed safety standards in pools and spa's.

are some of the new Cal's setup differently? all the new models I've seen still have bypasses on the bottom of the spa, but then again they have dozens and dozens of models so admittedly I haven't seen them all of course.  To my knowledge Hot Spring is the only tub still setup to filter 100% of the water while jets pumps are running
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on April 30, 2012, 06:39:58 pm
Okay, I am a Engineer by former trade so I like to "drill down" on situations. LOL My Jacuzzi 2010
 J 465 has a primary filter and a secondary filter. Here is what I discovered;

The water ONLY flows across the secondary filter when one the blower motors or motors are running. When the Hot Tub is just recirculating in Primary mode, No water flows across the Secondary filter.

If you set up the timers for primary and secondary filter, you will see that the secondary filter timer actually runs a blower motor and the recirculation pump. It is near to impossible to take off the secondary filter cap when in this mode.

When the Primary filter is running, Water only flows across the primary filter; The cap is easily removed without resistance on the secondary filter.

Can someone explain what is going on in the underneath plumbing to make this happen?

Thanks for the help.

  Your circ pump draws through the floating wier side of the filtration, pump 1 draws through the closed system.  Pump 2 draws from two of the suctions in the btm of the spa.    Pump 2 use to draw from the closed system but they changed it.

  As far as plumbing goes pump 1 is tied into the fitration (closed system) then it also probably draws from one of the suctions as well.  There should be a check valve built in between the filtration part and the suction part then tee's to the pump.   This is so if the filter becomes so clogged up, the check valve will open and alow water to come from someplace else other than the closed system.

  Most spas today "except" the upper end H,Spring and all the Cal-Spa's will always have multiple suctions to draw from so you don't have so much suction coming from one suction that a child or (adult for that matter) can be trapped by it.     

 VGB act I believe.  Virginia Graham Baker act which you can look up if you wish, a very sad story that has changed safety standards in pools and spa's.

are some of the new Cal's setup differently? all the new models I've seen still have bypasses on the bottom of the spa, but then again they have dozens and dozens of models so admittedly I haven't seen them all of course.  To my knowledge Hot Spring is the only tub still setup to filter 100% of the water while jets pumps are running

  Cal has something called safety suction..   If the suction becomes blocked it alows air to be sucked in from somewhere to break the seal?   Something like that, has nothing really to do with filtration. 

 On a side note, why hasn't anybody else done the 100% no by-pass filtration?  (maybe they have)  You would think, if it's so great why don't more manufacturers do it??    I will admit it is a great selling tool just strange HS is the only.

 Just curious..
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on April 30, 2012, 06:41:37 pm
Well, I know when both Jets/blower motors are running on my J 465, The circulation pump runs also. Actually anytime 1 or both of the jet pumps are running the circulation pump where the big filter is automatically come on.

I do not see how the primary  filter could ever be bypassed but I could be wrong.

I run my circulation pump a max of 6 hours a day; As much water as this pump turns over, I feel it is more than enough.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on April 30, 2012, 06:58:42 pm
 Circ pump filtration is only dedicated to a filter, not many kids or stupid people are going to get sucked into or stuck the the filter system.    I suppose if a really fat person sat their butt up there without the floating wier there, they would get one heck of a hickey.   :o
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on April 30, 2012, 07:18:11 pm
Circ pump filtration is only dedicated to a filter, not many kids or stupid people are going to get sucked into or stuck the the filter system.    I suppose if a really fat person sat their butt up there without the floating wier there, they would get one heck of a hickey.   :o

Anyone that ignorant needs to buy a kiddy pool.  8) It would be VERY uncomfortable to even get ones booty to the opening on the weir; If one attempts this, make sure you sit and not the other way; That would "really suck"  :D
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on April 30, 2012, 07:20:10 pm
Okay, I am a Engineer by former trade so I like to "drill down" on situations. LOL My Jacuzzi 2010
 J 465 has a primary filter and a secondary filter. Here is what I discovered;

The water ONLY flows across the secondary filter when one the blower motors or motors are running. When the Hot Tub is just recirculating in Primary mode, No water flows across the Secondary filter.

If you set up the timers for primary and secondary filter, you will see that the secondary filter timer actually runs a blower motor and the recirculation pump. It is near to impossible to take off the secondary filter cap when in this mode.

When the Primary filter is running, Water only flows across the primary filter; The cap is easily removed without resistance on the secondary filter.

Can someone explain what is going on in the underneath plumbing to make this happen?

Thanks for the help.

  Your circ pump draws through the floating wier side of the filtration, pump 1 draws through the closed system.  Pump 2 draws from two of the suctions in the btm of the spa.    Pump 2 use to draw from the closed system but they changed it.

  As far as plumbing goes pump 1 is tied into the fitration (closed system) then it also probably draws from one of the suctions as well.  There should be a check valve built in between the filtration part and the suction part then tee's to the pump.   This is so if the filter becomes so clogged up, the check valve will open and alow water to come from someplace else other than the closed system.

  Most spas today "except" the upper end H,Spring and all the Cal-Spa's will always have multiple suctions to draw from so you don't have so much suction coming from one suction that a child or (adult for that matter) can be trapped by it.     

 VGB act I believe.  Virginia Graham Baker act which you can look up if you wish, a very sad story that has changed safety standards in pools and spa's.

are some of the new Cal's setup differently? all the new models I've seen still have bypasses on the bottom of the spa, but then again they have dozens and dozens of models so admittedly I haven't seen them all of course.  To my knowledge Hot Spring is the only tub still setup to filter 100% of the water while jets pumps are running

  Cal has something called safety suction..   If the suction becomes blocked it alows air to be sucked in from somewhere to break the seal?   Something like that, has nothing really to do with filtration. 

 On a side note, why hasn't anybody else done the 100% no by-pass filtration?  (maybe they have)  You would think, if it's so great why don't more manufacturers do it??    I will admit it is a great selling tool just strange HS is the only.

 Just curious..


Honestly don't know...cost of manufacturing comes to mind, but that would be a question for the sales reps from various companies that don't use it...One thing I have learned since we have spas with both styles of filtration (always at least 4 models filled in my showroom) is that you can never have enough circulation and filtration...it just makes for slightly less maintenance and chemicals in the end....I would never even contemplate buying a spa without 24hr cirulation
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on April 30, 2012, 08:26:03 pm
Edited to keep the peace
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: bajabill on May 01, 2012, 09:45:44 am
what are the intended purposes of the filter/chemicals/ozone etc.?
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: SerjicalStrike on May 01, 2012, 10:33:03 am
On a side note, why hasn't anybody else done the 100% no by-pass filtration?  (maybe they have)  You would think, if it's so great why don't more manufacturers do it??    I will admit it is a great selling tool just strange HS is the only.

 Just curious..

There is no bypass on the Sundance filtration system.  The filter pump always pulls through the filter.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on May 01, 2012, 11:05:47 am
Why does a Hot Tub need 24 hour circulation? My circulation pump will turn my water over many times in a 6 hour period.

I never run my Hot tub circulation over 5-6 hours except when beginning.
My Hot Tub stays Crystal clear. I do keep a nice cover on it when not in use.

no spa NEEDS 24hr circulation, just makes for a little less maintenance, also most 24hr circ. pumps are separate from your main jets pumps which allow a little less wear and tear on jet pumps, less vibration and noise especially if the spa is on a deck attached to the house....it also makes for a much more efficient heating system because the energy from circ pump is transferred into heat which means your spa will maintain temperature rather than constantly kick your heater on and off.  Also nice if your using some type of silver ion system or  because now you have water flow constantly over the silver "stick"...these are just my opinions/experiences in the last 13 years, there is always more than 1 way to skin a cat
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on May 01, 2012, 01:57:43 pm
My circulation pump is separate from the jet pumps. I think it would not be economical to run a 400-500 gallon Hot Tub 24 hours a day. A pool only requires that water be turned over once daily in most circumstances; I owned a 18000 gallon above ground pool for years. It took way more Maintenance than a Hot Tub especially A Jacuzzi machine like I own. ;)

Also, not only is my circulation pump designed to be energy efficient due to heat transfer but my Jet Motors are more energy efficient than the Circulation pump. It is a freaking machine.

Sometimes Individuals make it way to complicated with the maintenance of a Hot Tub.

My Jacuzzi J 465 is basically Maintenance free after initial water balancing. It basically self cleans. I use to deal with a "scum line" but HTH Enzyme Cleaner is the answer to that; works great.

Now Jacuzzi has a feature built in the J 1000 controller called "Summer Logic". If the water temp. is higher than 95 F and rises 2 degrees above the set temperature, it goes into "Summer Logic" that keeps the circulation pump off except for the 2 hours it automatically runs from 9 - 11 AM.

This can cause me issues in the summer time because my Hot Tub Temperature will stay above 95 for days. We like 101. We use our Hot Tub daily for 20 - 30 minutes.

 Due to our Hot Climate in the Summer, It will stay above 95 for days. I cheat the system and get the set point at the current temp so my circulation pump will do its job.  Summer logic can be a pain in the rear but the flip side is how well my Jacuzzi J 465 is insulated.

They say it is a safety issue; I guess heat for a extended period of time on the pump....
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: Jacuzzi Jim on May 01, 2012, 02:06:51 pm
On a side note, why hasn't anybody else done the 100% no by-pass filtration?  (maybe they have)  You would think, if it's so great why don't more manufacturers do it??    I will admit it is a great selling tool just strange HS is the only.

 Just curious..

There is no bypass on the Sundance filtration system.  The filter pump always pulls through the filter.

 So your saying the sundance has no suctions in the foot well?   Optima should have 3

 The circ pump yes, but not the main pumps.    Pump one will have a suction as well with a check valve same as Jacuzzi. 
99.9% sure 
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on May 01, 2012, 02:44:25 pm
My circulation pump is separate from the jet pumps. I think it would not be economical to run a 400-500 gallon Hot Tub 24 hours a day. A pool only requires that water be turned over once daily in most circumstances; I owned a 18000 gallon above ground pool for years. It took way more Maintenance than a Hot Tub especially A Jacuzzi machine like I own. ;)

Also, not only is my circulation pump designed to be energy efficient due to heat transfer but my Jet Motors are more energy efficient than the Circulation pump. It is a freaking machine.

Sometimes Individuals make it way to complicated with the maintenance of a Hot Tub.

My Jacuzzi J 465 is basically Maintenance free after initial water balancing. It basically self cleans. I use to deal with a "scum line" but HTH Enzyme Cleaner is the answer to that; works great.

Now Jacuzzi has a feature built in the J 1000 controller called "Summer Logic". If the water temp. is higher than 95 F and rises 2 degrees above the set temperature, it goes into "Summer Logic" that keeps the circulation pump off except for the 2 hours it automatically runs from 9 - 11 AM.

This can cause me issues in the summer time because my Hot Tub Temperature will stay above 95 for days. We like 101. We use our Hot Tub daily for 20 - 30 minutes.

 Due to our Hot Climate in the Summer, It will stay above 95 for days. I cheat the system and get the set point at the current temp so my circulation pump will do its job.  Summer logic can be a pain in the rear but the flip side is how well my Jacuzzi J 465 is insulated.

They say it is a safety issue; I guess heat for a extended period of time on the pump....

regarding your statement in bold....too operate a low watt circ. pump on a 500 gal vista I have in my showroom it costs .45 cents per hour....too run a 2.5hp (most common size on bigger spas) on low speed to circulate it costs 6.3 cents per hour....so based on 6 hours of circulation your looking at 37.8 cents....while the 24hr circ. pump uses 10.8 cents per 24hrs
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: wmccall on May 01, 2012, 02:45:58 pm
S 24hr circulation, just makes for a little less maintenance, also most 24hr circ. pumps are separate from your main jets pumps which allow a little less wear and tear on jet pumps, less vibration and noise especially if the spa is on a deck attached to the house....

That maybe the best answer I've seen to that question.  I'm currently in a situation with a 9 year old hot tub where I am dead in the water because of a bad pump. I lost one pump under warranty, the other pump after 6 years and the first pump is now gone again after 9 years.   In the 9 years I've had the tub, I have had my filtration set anywhere from 2-6 hours a day on low speed of that big pump.  That is a lot of starting and stopping and probably a high percentage of the starting and stopping on that pump.   Any idea what it costs to replace circ pumps and now long they last on average?  (I know that is a vague question.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on May 01, 2012, 02:51:59 pm
S 24hr circulation, just makes for a little less maintenance, also most 24hr circ. pumps are separate from your main jets pumps which allow a little less wear and tear on jet pumps, less vibration and noise especially if the spa is on a deck attached to the house....

That maybe the best answer I've seen to that question.  I'm currently in a situation with a 9 year old hot tub where I am dead in the water because of a bad pump. I lost one pump under warranty, the other pump after 6 years and the first pump is now gone again after 9 years.   In the 9 years I've had the tub, I have had my filtration set anywhere from 2-6 hours a day on low speed of that big pump.  That is a lot of starting and stopping and probably a high percentage of the starting and stopping on that pump.   Any idea what it costs to replace circ pumps and now long they last on average?  (I know that is a vague question.

with that said, check my numbers in the post above...not only starting and stopping, but more $
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on May 01, 2012, 03:37:17 pm
S 24hr circulation, just makes for a little less maintenance, also most 24hr circ. pumps are separate from your main jets pumps which allow a little less wear and tear on jet pumps, less vibration and noise especially if the spa is on a deck attached to the house....

That maybe the best answer I've seen to that question.  I'm currently in a situation with a 9 year old hot tub where I am dead in the water because of a bad pump. I lost one pump under warranty, the other pump after 6 years and the first pump is now gone again after 9 years.   In the 9 years I've had the tub, I have had my filtration set anywhere from 2-6 hours a day on low speed of that big pump.  That is a lot of starting and stopping and probably a high percentage of the starting and stopping on that pump.   Any idea what it costs to replace circ pumps and now long they last on average?  (I know that is a vague question.

If a circulating motor/pump run 24/7, I can promise you its life span will be much shorter than a pump ran 6 hours a day.

There is more wear on the  bearings; the seal is more likely to leak from excessive running etc . The bearings will eventually go out as will the pump seal. The windings will break down quicker from heat within the motor 24/7. Any pump that runs 24/7 will not last as long as a pump running 6 hours a day

Starting and stopping a pump only becomes a big issue if this is happening many times in a hour/day.

I am not out to argue.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on May 01, 2012, 03:48:12 pm
My circulation pump is separate from the jet pumps. I think it would not be economical to run a 400-500 gallon Hot Tub 24 hours a day. A pool only requires that water be turned over once daily in most circumstances; I owned a 18000 gallon above ground pool for years. It took way more Maintenance than a Hot Tub especially A Jacuzzi machine like I own. ;)

Also, not only is my circulation pump designed to be energy efficient due to heat transfer but my Jet Motors are more energy efficient than the Circulation pump. It is a freaking machine.

Sometimes Individuals make it way to complicated with the maintenance of a Hot Tub.

My Jacuzzi J 465 is basically Maintenance free after initial water balancing. It basically self cleans. I use to deal with a "scum line" but HTH Enzyme Cleaner is the answer to that; works great.

Now Jacuzzi has a feature built in the J 1000 controller called "Summer Logic". If the water temp. is higher than 95 F and rises 2 degrees above the set temperature, it goes into "Summer Logic" that keeps the circulation pump off except for the 2 hours it automatically runs from 9 - 11 AM.

This can cause me issues in the summer time because my Hot Tub Temperature will stay above 95 for days. We like 101. We use our Hot Tub daily for 20 - 30 minutes.

 Due to our Hot Climate in the Summer, It will stay above 95 for days. I cheat the system and get the set point at the current temp so my circulation pump will do its job.  Summer logic can be a pain in the rear but the flip side is how well my Jacuzzi J 465 is insulated.

They say it is a safety issue; I guess heat for a extended period of time on the pump....

regarding your statement in bold....too operate a low watt circ. pump on a 500 gal vista I have in my showroom it costs .45 cents per hour....too run a 2.5hp (most common size on bigger spas) on low speed to circulate it costs 6.3 cents per hour....so based on 6 hours of circulation your looking at 37.8 cents....while the 24hr circ. pump uses 10.8 cents per 24hrs

I have the big pump; I would save approx $1.13 a day or approx. $34 dollars a month or $407 dollars a year running 6 hours not 24

IF my math is right, that is a fairly big savings. I would rather have the big pump/motor and move my water in 6 hours that a small pump/motor that has to run 24/7 to achieve the same results.

Sometimes bigger is better in the long haul.  ;D

Also, I do not see where I had the economical statement in bold but I am almost 55. HAHA
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: SerjicalStrike on May 01, 2012, 04:18:50 pm
On a side note, why hasn't anybody else done the 100% no by-pass filtration?  (maybe they have)  You would think, if it's so great why don't more manufacturers do it??    I will admit it is a great selling tool just strange HS is the only.

 Just curious..

There is no bypass on the Sundance filtration system.  The filter pump always pulls through the filter.

 So your saying the sundance has no suctions in the foot well?   Optima should have 3

 The circ pump yes, but not the main pumps.    Pump one will have a suction as well with a check valve same as Jacuzzi. 
99.9% sure

Pump 1 has 1 suction in the footwell and one underneath the filter in the filter area
Pump 2 has 2 suctions in the footwell
The filtering pump only pulls through the filter

The filtration system has no bypass.  It only pulls through the filter.  The 2 main pumps are not tied into the filtration system at all, thus filtration is never bypassed.  Don't you just love semantics?   ;)



Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: bajabill on May 01, 2012, 04:24:39 pm
what does a filter do?  Remove solids??  anything else?
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on May 01, 2012, 04:38:58 pm
Think of a Filter in your Air Conditioned that catch's air borne continents; A Hot tub filter will filter contaminants, soap debris etc to the micron it is capable of. It is similar to what a Home Water Filter does. 
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: TwinCitiesHotSpring on May 01, 2012, 05:01:13 pm
My circulation pump is separate from the jet pumps. I think it would not be economical to run a 400-500 gallon Hot Tub 24 hours a day. A pool only requires that water be turned over once daily in most circumstances; I owned a 18000 gallon above ground pool for years. It took way more Maintenance than a Hot Tub especially A Jacuzzi machine like I own. ;)

Also, not only is my circulation pump designed to be energy efficient due to heat transfer but my Jet Motors are more energy efficient than the Circulation pump. It is a freaking machine.

Sometimes Individuals make it way to complicated with the maintenance of a Hot Tub.

My Jacuzzi J 465 is basically Maintenance free after initial water balancing. It basically self cleans. I use to deal with a "scum line" but HTH Enzyme Cleaner is the answer to that; works great.

Now Jacuzzi has a feature built in the J 1000 controller called "Summer Logic". If the water temp. is higher than 95 F and rises 2 degrees above the set temperature, it goes into "Summer Logic" that keeps the circulation pump off except for the 2 hours it automatically runs from 9 - 11 AM.

This can cause me issues in the summer time because my Hot Tub Temperature will stay above 95 for days. We like 101. We use our Hot Tub daily for 20 - 30 minutes.

 Due to our Hot Climate in the Summer, It will stay above 95 for days. I cheat the system and get the set point at the current temp so my circulation pump will do its job.  Summer logic can be a pain in the rear but the flip side is how well my Jacuzzi J 465 is insulated.

They say it is a safety issue; I guess heat for a extended period of time on the pump....

regarding your statement in bold....too operate a low watt circ. pump on a 500 gal vista I have in my showroom it costs .45 cents per hour....too run a 2.5hp (most common size on bigger spas) on low speed to circulate it costs 6.3 cents per hour....so based on 6 hours of circulation your looking at 37.8 cents....while the 24hr circ. pump uses 10.8 cents per 24hrs

I have the big pump; I would save approx $1.13 a day or approx. $34 dollars a month or $407 dollars a year running 6 hours not 24

IF my math is right, that is a fairly big savings. I would rather have the big pump/motor and move my water in 6 hours that a small pump/motor that has to run 24/7 to achieve the same results.

Sometimes bigger is better in the long haul.  ;D

Also, I do not see where I had the economical statement in bold but I am almost 55. HAHA

I come here to help people not argue....your limited vague experience with 1 brand of hottub = pointless argument...partly my fault attempting a technical conversation with someone who does not have any experience in this industry....good luck with your tub and good day
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: Spatech_tuo on May 01, 2012, 05:39:16 pm

I have the big pump; I would save approx $1.13 a day or approx. $34 dollars a month or $407 dollars a year running 6 hours not 24

IF my math is right, that is a fairly big savings. I would rather have the big pump/motor and move my water in 6 hours that a small pump/motor that has to run 24/7 to achieve the same results.

Sometimes bigger is better in the long haul.  ;D

Also, I do not see where I had the economical statement in bold but I am almost 55. HAHA

No one is saying your pump should be run 24/7 so I don't agree with how you are calculating savings as if you're only using yours 1/4 of the time of a 24/7 circ pump. You are running your pump the required time and since you're moving more water you only need to run it 6 hrs. The circulation pumps that run 24/7 run that long because they move less water but they are very energy efficient and use far less energy per hour. You'd have to compare the energy you use in 6 hrs vs the energy one of the 24/7 pumps use in 24 hours if you wanted to see how much more or less filtering is costing you vs that system.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on May 01, 2012, 05:44:00 pm

I have the big pump; I would save approx $1.13 a day or approx. $34 dollars a month or $407 dollars a year running 6 hours not 24

IF my math is right, that is a fairly big savings. I would rather have the big pump/motor and move my water in 6 hours that a small pump/motor that has to run 24/7 to achieve the same results.

Sometimes bigger is better in the long haul.  ;D

Also, I do not see where I had the economical statement in bold but I am almost 55. HAHA

No one is saying your pump should be run 24/7 so I don't agree with how you are calculating savings as if you're only using yours 1/4 of the time of a 24/7 circ pump. You are running your pump the required time and since you're moving more water you only need to run it 6 hrs. The circulation pumps that run 24/7 run that long because they move less water but they are very energy efficient and use far less energy per hour. You'd have to compare the energy you use in 6 hrs vs the energy one of the 24/7 pumps use in 24 hours if you wanted to see how much more or less filtering is costing you vs that system.

I can but in the real world that does not apply to me and my Hot Tub. That is all I was saying.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on May 01, 2012, 05:48:06 pm
My circulation pump is separate from the jet pumps. I think it would not be economical to run a 400-500 gallon Hot Tub 24 hours a day. A pool only requires that water be turned over once daily in most circumstances; I owned a 18000 gallon above ground pool for years. It took way more Maintenance than a Hot Tub especially A Jacuzzi machine like I own. ;)

Also, not only is my circulation pump designed to be energy efficient due to heat transfer but my Jet Motors are more energy efficient than the Circulation pump. It is a freaking machine.

Sometimes Individuals make it way to complicated with the maintenance of a Hot Tub.

My Jacuzzi J 465 is basically Maintenance free after initial water balancing. It basically self cleans. I use to deal with a "scum line" but HTH Enzyme Cleaner is the answer to that; works great.

Now Jacuzzi has a feature built in the J 1000 controller called "Summer Logic". If the water temp. is higher than 95 F and rises 2 degrees above the set temperature, it goes into "Summer Logic" that keeps the circulation pump off except for the 2 hours it automatically runs from 9 - 11 AM.

This can cause me issues in the summer time because my Hot Tub Temperature will stay above 95 for days. We like 101. We use our Hot Tub daily for 20 - 30 minutes.

 Due to our Hot Climate in the Summer, It will stay above 95 for days. I cheat the system and get the set point at the current temp so my circulation pump will do its job.  Summer logic can be a pain in the rear but the flip side is how well my Jacuzzi J 465 is insulated.

They say it is a safety issue; I guess heat for a extended period of time on the pump....

regarding your statement in bold....too operate a low watt circ. pump on a 500 gal vista I have in my showroom it costs .45 cents per hour....too run a 2.5hp (most common size on bigger spas) on low speed to circulate it costs 6.3 cents per hour....so based on 6 hours of circulation your looking at 37.8 cents....while the 24hr circ. pump uses 10.8 cents per 24hrs

I have the big pump; I would save approx $1.13 a day or approx. $34 dollars a month or $407 dollars a year running 6 hours not 24

IF my math is right, that is a fairly big savings. I would rather have the big pump/motor and move my water in 6 hours that a small pump/motor that has to run 24/7 to achieve the same results.

Sometimes bigger is better in the long haul.  ;D

Also, I do not see where I had the economical statement in bold but I am almost 55. HAHA

I come here to help people not argue....your limited vague experience with 1 brand of hottub = pointless argument...partly my fault attempting a technical conversation with someone who does not have any experience in this industry....good luck with your tub and good day

Wow; I am not out to argue by no means. I was just given input concerning motors, based on, HP,motor duty cycle, current draw etc.

 Have a wonderful Day. I apologize for offending you.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: Spatech_tuo on May 01, 2012, 06:13:10 pm
I'll delete my response. When people start using degrees and life experience to trump spa professionals work experience even though their spa experience is measured in weeks or months and limited to what is in their back yard I prefer to just smile and move on.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on May 01, 2012, 06:48:48 pm
I guess I do not know what I said so wrong. I will  let the experts only comment.

All I commented on was Electrical of any magnitude. I will be a reader and only ask questions.

Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: Hot Spring Ace on May 01, 2012, 07:22:45 pm

I have the big pump; I would save approx $1.13 a day or approx. $34 dollars a month or $407 dollars a year running 6 hours not 24

IF my math is right, that is a fairly big savings. I would rather have the big pump/motor and move my water in 6 hours that a small pump/motor that has to run 24/7 to achieve the same results.

Sometimes bigger is better in the long haul.  ;D

Also, I do not see where I had the economical statement in bold but I am almost 55. HAHA

No one is saying your pump should be run 24/7 so I don't agree with how you are calculating savings as if you're only using yours 1/4 of the time of a 24/7 circ pump. You are running your pump the required time and since you're moving more water you only need to run it 6 hrs. The circulation pumps that run 24/7 run that long because they move less water but they are very energy efficient and use far less energy per hour. You'd have to compare the energy you use in 6 hrs vs the energy one of the 24/7 pumps use in 24 hours if you wanted to see how much more or less filtering is costing you vs that system.

I can but in the real world that does not apply to me and my Hot Tub. That is all I was saying.

But your savings are based on you running your filtering pump only 6 hrs versus running that same pump 24 hrs but is it expected that you'd run it 24 hours? Is the dealer saying you should run it 24 hrs?

It would be interesting to know the energy usage/hr of your pump (times the hours used) versus the energy used in a day by a true 24/7 circ pump which uses very little power/hr and is designed/expected to run all day.
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: smackman on May 01, 2012, 07:33:20 pm
It comes pre programed to run 12 hours if it is not in the summer logic mode. I made the decision to run it 6 hours a day and it works well for me. It is programmable; the primary filter and secondary filter.

That means my savings is 1/2 I stated earlier for a 24 hour cycle
Title: Re: Question for Jacuzzi Experts
Post by: Hot Spring Ace on May 01, 2012, 07:45:21 pm
It comes pre programed to run 12 hours if it is not in the summer logic mode. I made the decision to run it 6 hours a day and it works well for me. It is programmable; the primary filter and secondary filter.

That means my savings is 1/2 I stated earlier for a 24 hour cycle

Ok then you are using half the energy versus someone else who might be running it with the preset 12 hr setting which is great and hopefully the dealers go over this type of thing with their customers so people can adjust as needed. You threw me off when you mistakenly compared it to 24 hrs originally because I thought you were comparing it to 24/7 circ pumps out there on other spas. With your restatement that you're comparing it to the 12 hr default setting I understand now.

Its the same as with spas that use 2 speed pumps for filtering, often the new owner finds they can get by with less filtering that the manufacturer sets it for. MUCH of all this has to do with the fact the manufacturer has to err on the side of caution when setting up default filtering times because they don't know if the spa owner is going to be a single well groomed person or a couple with 6 kids who will use it often and require a lot of filtering.