I have an older Saratoga Spa Adelphi. It needs a replacement controller. It has a 3/4” circulation system with a circulation pump. The thing I am struggling with is that the controllers all seem to be spec’d for 25 gpm min and my circ pump is 14 gpm. What am I missing? What do I need?
Control Replacement
- Thread starter x.bhamcb
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,062
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The minimum flo rate of a spa heating/circulation system is determined primarily by the heater. Higher kw needs higher flow rate to avoid overheat in the heater housing.
There are low-flow systems available, just google "low-flow spa controller".
Most aftermarket systems offer heater options, typically 4kw or 5.5 kw, but other options are often available if you contact the supplier. You can also wire it for 120v operation which turns a 5.5kw into a 1.5kw. Not the best option, but it will work.
You could also get a different pump, but pipe size plays a role there too.