I found my hot tub empty! It had pumped it self “dry” after the locking ring split allowing the water to dribble out. It took the pump with it after the pump ran close to dry for a while. All is in the process of getting fixed, parts ordered etc.
To prevent this happening again I need a low water alarm. Any ideas for a basic unit? there is plenty of spilt water alarms but I want to prevent the same thing happening again to the pump. It was tough to get apart!
Replies
You might be able to adapt the pressure-sensing water level switch for a washing machine.
My old Swirl-away jet tub has a low level sensor that's light activated. It's just glued to the outside of the tub at a level just above the jets, so that the jet pump will not turn on until the water level is sufficient for it to circulate. Simple process - I'm surprised your hot tub doesn't have one.
I think any good plumbing supply house could order one for you. The sensor is just epoxied on. The tub, even though colored, is opaque enough to operate the switch. The wiring would be easy.
Luck.
Greg
Edited 9/10/2009 6:24 am ET by GregGibson
I have dealt with a lot of hot tubs - mainly Sundance, Jaccuzzi and Beachcomber - and they all had flow switches to make sure the heating element did not burn out if there was inadequate water in the line. Are you sure yours doesn't already have one? If not all the hot tub places around you will stock them. It will be easier to use something designed for the tub than to gerry rig some sort of float switch.
The heater is fine and has the proyection but the pump kept on pumping! I wanted to protect the pump too!
relay it thru the heater low water limit...
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You are right. I had forgotten that the flow switch just shuts down the heater, not the pump. And connecting it to the pump wouldn't work because it is flow switch not low water alert.
Another thought: Jacuzzi (and other) jetted soaker tubs have a low water alert which stops the pump from working until the level is over the highest jets. I think it fits into the standard 1 1/2" piping which you have on you hot tub. The trick would be wiring it into to your control panel.