Defrost Cycle - Aquacal 5213 Manual De Instalación Y Operación

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When you start up your new Aqua Cal Heat Pump for the first time to heat your pool, you must allow the
unit to run continuously until the desired temperature is reached. This may take from several hours to
several days depending upon the time of the year and the outside conditions. If you utilize a time clock
or similar device to control the operating time of your pool system, you should temporarily override the
device and allow it to run the pool or spa pump until the water reaches the desired temperature.
Your heat pump is a maintainer of heat and is sized to overcome the heat loss during the coldest period
in which you are trying to heat. Once your pool is up to temperature, the time clock can be reset. The
time your system has to run may need to be extended during the colder months when heat loss is at its
greatest.
Since air is generally at its warmest during the day time, it is best to operate your heat pump during the
day time when there is more heat to transfer. So keep this in mind when you are trying to heat your pool.
NOTE: A Call Flex time clock manager can free you from having to change the settings on your time
clock as the heat loss increases or decreases. Contact your installing dealer for details.
Pool and Spa Combination Heating
Everything stated for heating a pool applies for heating a spa; only the volume of water being heated is
different. All Aqua Cal heat pumps come equipped with two thermostats. One thermostat is for the pool
and the other is for the spa. Unless you purchased an ATV or DX model, you must reposition the pool
and spa isolation valves as directed by your installer. Select the appropriate thermostat (pool or spa),
whichever you are heating, using the Pool/Spa selector switch on your heater control panel.
Your system can be automated with the addition of an Automatic Thermostat Module. This will save
you from having to change the thermostat switch each time you change from pool to spa and back
again. You can also automate your pool and spa isolation valves with a Motorized Valve Module. For
details, contact your installing dealer.
Spa Heating Tips
When heating a spa, be sure to turn off the air blower. Air induced through the spa jets should also be
eliminated, if possible. Air blowing into your spa while it is being heated will very often neutralize or
reduce the heat being put into the spa by the heater, which means increased running time to heat your
spa.

Defrost Cycle

When air temperatures are below 50° F your heat pump may go into a defrost cycle. The defrost cycle is
initiated by a sensor on the evaporator (air coil). When the evaporator temperatures fall to a point where
they start to form ice on the fins, the heat pump will shut down. The heat pump will remain in the defrost
mode until the evaporator coil temperature rises above 40° F. In the event the air temperatures are
below 40° F the heat pump will remain in the defrost mode until temperatures rise above the 40° mark.
The length of time the heat pump is in the defrost mode is dependent upon the air temperature. The
warmer the air temperature, the shorter the defrost cycle; the colder the air, the longer the defrost cycle.
This is another reason why you should operate your heat pump only during the warmest part of the day.
Late night and early morning is usually the coolest time of the day and least efficient for heat pumps.
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