Spa Air Blowers Glossary

Posted by on 2/29/2024 to Glossary

120V or 115v, 110v: 120V is the AC voltage on a single hot wire in a circuit. As the power runs through wires or extension cords, the measured voltage may drop to 115v or 110v, however, all 3 ratings represent the same single hot wire circuit.
240v or 230v, 220v: 230v is the AC voltage on a 2-hot wire circuit. As the power runs through the wires, the measured voltage may drop to 230v or 220v. However, all 3 ratings represent the same 2-hot wire circuit.
Air Blower or Blower: Mechanical device powered by either 120v or 230v. When energized will push air through plumbing to either exit from an air channel on the floor or seat, or enter jet plumbing to mix with water to create therapy or massage effect.
Amp Style Cord or Amp Cord: Component cord with an AMP plug end. This is a widely used connector for power cords used in Spas and Hot Tubs. Currently the most popular with manufacturers.
Amperage or Amps, Amp Rating: Defined as the strength of an electric current. Generally used by the Spa industry to indicate the amount of power needed for a spa installation, or to specify how much electrical current a pump or blower will consume while running. This is a very important specification to consider when choosing a replacement pump or blower. The word “AMP” is also used as the name for a type of component cord plug end (see “Amp Style Cord”).
Check Valve or CV: A valve or fitting designed to allow water or air to flow in one direction only. Can prevent backflow through the plumbing.
Control System or Spa Pack: A plastic or metal box that will contain internal components such as a terminal block, fuses, circuit board, switches, and relays. Powered directly from circuit breaker and controlled by a keypad. Digital of mechanical system. Controls all the equipment and functions of the spa.
Cord or Cable: Electrical cord that provides power to the motor of the pump, air blower or control system. Normally accompanied by a short description containing the type of plug end, length of cord, number of wires contained in the cord, and gauge. (Exp. “Amp style cord” describes type of plug end) (Exp. Dual speed Cord = 4 wires contained in the cord)
Horsepower or HP: General Description related to power output of a motor. Do not rely solely on this when choosing a spa pump or blower. Horsepower is often listed as a specification; however, it is not an officially standardized unit of measurement, and may differ among manufacturers of similar products.
Hydromassage or Jet Therapy, Hydro Therapy, Aqua Therapy: A therapeutic technique involving the use of water and pressurized jets to help massage muscles and other soft tissues in the body.
In.Link Style Cord or InLink Cord: The In.Link Style cord is unique to only one manufacturer, Gecko Alliance. These are used on their XE and XM model control systems. They are easily identified by their unique plug ends, and the fact that they plug directly into the front of the spa control box. The cords themselves are not color coded, however they do utilize a color code system with the help of add-on parts called “Cable Keyings” (attaches to the cord end) & Enclosure keyings” ( Attaches to the receptacle on the control system). These two Keyings help to ensure a cord is connected to the proper receptacle.
J&J Mini Style Cord or JJ Mini: Component cord with a J&J Mini plug end. These plugs are molded plastic and are usually color coded. Each color pertains to a specific application. Each color/application also incorporates a unique pin configuration. This can help to prevent plugging a cord in to an incorrect receptacle at the control system. This was a widely used connector in the 2000's for power cords used in Spas and Hot Tubs. Although still available, it is not the preferred type used by most manufacturers, as it has a tends to become loose and cause damage.
Molded Plug or JJ Plug: Type of plug used for both keypads and equipment cords. Made of thick molded plastic. Typically used with older pneumatic control systems.
Single Speed or 1 Speed, 1SPD: Specification for a motor indicating it is only capable of providing one-speed option for pumps and blowers. A Single speed pump can vary in strength and RPM. Single-speed motors are generally used in low-power applications such as circulation pumps, and high-power applications such as massage pumps and air blowers.
Specification Label or Spec Sticker, Name Plate: Label found on all electric motors. These labels will list the relevant information and technical specifications of the motor. (Examples: Voltage, Amperage, Frame Size, RPM, Model Number, and Manufacturer.)
Variable Speed or VSP: Specification for a motor indicating the ability to work at any preset RPM within preset limits. Generally variable speed motors are controlled by a separate controller or system. They can be capable of speed options varying from very low to full speed and can be adjusted by small increments. This can allow the user to set their speeds to perfectly suite particular flow requirements. It can also serve as a very effective way to keep power consumption limited during routine filtering and heating times.
Voltage or Volts: Defined as the force of electrical current supplied to an appliance (Exp. 12v, 120v, 230v). The United States generally uses: 12v for automobile electrical/low voltage lighting. 120v for normal plug receptacles, lighting. 230v for Hot tubs, welders, and large appliances such as clothes dryer, or HVAC units.

Spa Air Blowers Glossary

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