Spa Control Systems Glossary

Posted by on 2/29/2024 to Control

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.
Adapter Plate or Trim Plate: Flat plastic trim plate for adapting smaller keypads where larger ones were originally installed. Used for generic keypads only.
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.
Auxiliary Keypad or Aux Keypad, Aux Controller: Spa keypad designed to function as a secondary interface. Will work in conjunction with a normal full-sized keypad. Generally will not contain a display window and will be limited to 1-4 buttons.
Circuit Board or Board, PCB, Printed Circuit Board: Thin plastic board containing electrical relays, conductors, and other such devices. Used to support, and electrically connect electronic components. Usually green in color, these circuit boards are responsible for distributing power for and controlling all functions of a spa. This can include turning on and off pumps, blowers, and other components, as well as monitoring safety devices and controlling water temperature.
Circuit Breaker or Breaker: An automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected.
Control System or Spa Pack: A plastic or metal box containing internal components such as a terminal block, fuses, circuit board, switches, and relays. Powered directly from circuit breaker and controlled by a keypad. Can be a digital or mechanical system. Controls all the equipment and functions of the spa.
Enclosure: Part of a control system typically used to contain sensitive electronic components such as circuit board, fuses, receptacles, etc. Enclosures used for Spas and Hot Tubs are usually water resistant but not waterproof, and so must be protected from outside elements.
Error Code or Error Message: Manufacturer-specific codes are displayed on the keypad when a failure has been detected by the control system. Every manufacturer displays their own codes. Error codes will display for failures such as no flow, overheat, and sensor failure.
Flow Switch: Safety device found on spas with low flow systems. Registers flow in the plumbing system. Closes the circuit to allow heater to engage.
High Flow Heater or Flow Through Heater: Heater specifically manufactured to be used in a High flow spa system. Typically will consist of 1.5"-2.5" plumbing and be rated for 20-30 GPM minimum. Can potentially be powered by either 120v or 240v
High Flow System or HF, Full Flow, Flow Through: Spa system that utilizes a full sized single or dual speed pump with higher flow rate to circulate water through the system. Most High Flow systems require a minimum of 20-30 GPM and will incorporate 1.5" - 2" plumbing. Not interchangeable with low-flow heaters or pumps.
High Limit Sensor or HL: Safety device connected to control system. Senses resistance values which the circuit board interprets as temperature. Usually installed against the body of a heater. Designed to detect overheat conditions. Can shut down heater and/or system.
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.
JST or Japan Solderless Terminal: Type of electrical connector found in many different types of electronics. Wires are inserted into connectors without being soldered. 8 & 10 Pin configurations are most common in spa controls.
Keypad or Topside Control, Spaside Control: Control Interface for various functions of the spa. Device allows the user to control water temperature, pumps, blowers etc. The type of connector will vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
Keypad Cord: Keypad Cords are permanently attached and can range in length from 4' to 25'+.
Low Flow Heater or LF Heater: Heater specifically manufactured to be used in a low-flow spa system. Typically will consist of 3/4" or 1" plumbing and be rated for 10-18 GPM minimum. Can potentially be powered by either 120v or 240v
Low Flow System or LF, Low Flow: Spa System that utilizes a small single-speed pump with a lower flow rate to circulate water through the system. Most Low Flow systems require a minimum of 10-18 GPM and will incorporate 3/4" - 1" plumbing. Not interchangeable with High flow heaters or pumps.
Modular (Phone Type) or Phone Style Connector: An extremely common type of connector used for spa keypads. Similar to telephone and coaxial data connectors. Available in 6 & 8-pin configurations.
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.
Molex: Type of electrical connector used by manufacturers such as Balboa Water Group. Incorporates a molded plug with specially shaped pins. 4,6, & 8 pins are most common in spa controls.
Overlay or Keypad Sticker, Keypad Label: Special Stickers made for Keypads. Containing control buttons, company logos. Can be sold separately from a keypad.
Pneumatic (Air System) or Air System, Mechanical System: Control system that uses air tubing connected to push buttons to control functions of the spa. Generally do not contain circuit boards or any sort of digital technology. These systems utilize switches, relays, contactors, and thermostats to control spa functions.
Pressure Switch or PSI Switch: Safety device found on spas with high or low flow systems. Registers flow in the plumbing system. 2 wire connections to circuit board.
Proprietary: Relating to an owner or ownership of a product or design. Proprietary keypads are made specially, and only for a specific spa manufacturer. They will generally contain different button configurations as well as a different size and shape from generic counterparts.
Pump or PMP: A mechanical device powered by electricity. They are designed to intake water and return it at a metered and consistent rate through plumbing.
Temperature Sensor or Temp Sensor, Thermistor: Safety device connected to the control system. Senses resistance values which circuit board interprets as temperature. Can be in direct contact with water or installed in a dry well.
Terminal Block: Electrical connection used to connect and secure wires to a circuit board or other electronic device. Typically used to connect incoming high voltage wires to power the circuit board of a Spa Control System.
Voltage: 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, and lighting. 230v for Hot tubs, welders, and large appliances such as clothes dryers, or HVAC units.

Spa Control Systems Glossary

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