Dontek Aquaheat 5RO-S Heat Pump Circulation Pump Controller
Dontek Aquaheat 5RO-S Heat Pump Circulation Pump Controller
The Dontek Aquaheat 5RO-S is an Australian-made pool heater circulation pump controller designed for heating systems that use a separate or independent circulation pump.
The controller works with compatible pool heat pumps or heaters equipped with a Heat Demand, Priority-to-Heat or external heater interlock output. When the heater requires water flow for heating, it sends a control signal to the Aquaheat 5RO-S, which automatically switches on the dedicated 240V circulation pump.
This allows the heater to control when heating is required while the Aquaheat 5RO-S provides the water circulation needed through the heating circuit. It is particularly useful where the pool heater operates on its own independent circulation loop rather than relying on the main filtration pump.
What Does the Aquaheat 5RO-S Control?
- Dedicated pool heating circulation pump
- 240V heating pump operation
- Heat Demand / Priority-to-Heat operation from a compatible heater
- Independent pool heating circulation systems
- Automatic water flow whenever the heater calls for heat
Key Aquaheat 5RO-S Features
- Designed for separate or independent heating circulation pumps
- Suitable for compatible pool heat pumps and heaters with Heat Demand control
- Automatically starts the circulation pump when the heater calls for heat
- Allows heating operation independently of the main filtration system
- Uses the heater's own temperature control system
- Extra-low-voltage heater interlock input
- 240V circulation pump output
- Maximum pump output load of 9.98 amps / 2395 watts
- IP33 moisture protection rating
- Simple dedicated controller for independent heating circuits
- Australian-made Dontek controller
When Should I Use the Aquaheat 5RO-S?
The Aquaheat 5RO-S is designed for pool heating installations where the heater has its own dedicated circulation pump rather than using the pool's normal filtration pump.
In this configuration, the heater monitors the pool water temperature and determines when additional heating is required. When the heater generates a Heat Demand signal, the Aquaheat 5RO-S starts the dedicated heating circulation pump so water flows through the heater.
Once the heater no longer calls for heat, the circulation pump is switched off.
Read More - Aquaheat 5RO-S Operation & Installation
Separate Heating Circulation Pump Control
The main difference between the Aquaheat 5RO-S and other Aquaheat controllers is that the 5RO-S is specifically designed for an independent heating circulation pump.
The filtration system can therefore operate separately from the heating system. The Aquaheat 5RO-S only operates the dedicated circulation pump when the connected heater requires water flow.
How Heat Demand Control Works
A compatible heat pump or heater monitors the pool temperature using its own internal controls.
When the pool requires additional heating, the heater sends a Heat Demand / Priority-to-Heat signal to the Aquaheat 5RO-S. The controller then switches on the dedicated circulation pump, providing water flow through the heater.
This allows the heating system to operate whenever necessary rather than being restricted by the pool's normal filtration operating times.
Who Controls the Pool Temperature?
The connected heater or heat pump controls the pool temperature.
The Aquaheat 5RO-S does not independently measure or set the desired pool temperature. Its role is to switch the circulation pump on whenever the heater requests water flow.
Suitable for Extended Heating Times
Normal pool filtration may only operate for approximately 6–8 hours per day. However, a pool heat pump may require considerably longer operating periods to achieve or maintain the desired water temperature.
The Aquaheat 5RO-S allows the heater to operate its dedicated circulation pump whenever additional heating time is required, without relying on the normal filtration schedule.
Heater Interlock Connection
The Aquaheat 5RO-S connects to the heater's compatible external controller or Heat Demand output.
Dontek specifies that the controller's heater interlock is designed for extra-low-voltage switching only, with a maximum rating of 24V at 1 amp.
If the heater's external switching circuit operates above 24V AC, an appropriate external relay must be used and installed by a licensed electrician.
Circulation Pump Connection
The dedicated heating circulation pump plugs directly into the Aquaheat 5RO-S 240V socket labelled PUMP.
The maximum combined rated output load is 9.98 amps / 2395 watts.
Typical Aquaheat 5RO-S Installation
A typical 5RO-S installation consists of:
- Pool
- Dedicated heating circulation pump
- Aquaheat 5RO-S controller
- Compatible pool heat pump or electric heater
- Heat Demand / Priority-to-Heat control connection
The Dontek plumbing diagram shows the heating circulation pump and electric heater operating on their own independent water circuit, with the heater's Priority-to-Heat output controlling the Aquaheat 5RO-S.
Aquaheat 5RO-S vs Aquaheat 5RO-I
The Aquaheat 5RO-I and Aquaheat 5RO-S both respond to heater Heat Demand, but they are designed for different hydraulic configurations.
Aquaheat 5RO-I: Used where the heater needs to call the main filtration pump outside normal chlorinator or sanitiser operating times.
Aquaheat 5RO-S: Used where the heating system has its own separate or independent circulation pump.
This distinction is important when selecting the correct controller.
Which Dontek Aquaheat Controller Do I Need?
Dontek manufactures several Aquaheat controllers because gas heaters, pool heat pumps, filtration pumps and sanitisers can be configured in different ways.
- Aquaheat 5A – automatic heater and circulation pump control with pool temperature sensing
- Aquaheat 5TC – temperature-controlled heating system operating alongside a chlorinator or sanitiser time clock
- Aquaheat 5RO – gas heater run-on controller operating from a sanitiser time clock
- Aquaheat 5RO-I – Priority-to-Heat controller allowing a heater to call the main filtration pump
- Aquaheat 5RO-S – Priority-to-Heat controller for a separate dedicated heating circulation pump
Do not select an Aquaheat controller by appearance alone. The correct model depends on how your heater and circulation system are plumbed and electrically controlled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Dontek Aquaheat 5RO-S do?
The Aquaheat 5RO-S switches a dedicated 240V heating circulation pump on when a compatible heater or heat pump sends a Heat Demand or Priority-to-Heat signal.
Does the Aquaheat 5RO-S control pool temperature?
No. The connected heater or heat pump controls the required pool temperature using its own internal temperature control system.
Can the Aquaheat 5RO-S control a pool heat pump?
Yes. It is particularly suited to compatible heat pumps that have a Heat Demand or external controller output and use a separate heating circulation pump.
Can the Aquaheat 5RO-S be used with a gas pool heater?
The Dontek manual states that Heat Demand control can be used with a compatible heat pump or gas heater. The heater must provide the required external Heat Demand control signal and use a suitable separate circulation-pump configuration.
Is the Aquaheat 5RO-S a pump run-on timer?
No. The current Aquaheat 5RO-S manual describes it as a Heat Demand circulation-pump controller. It switches the pump according to a demand signal from the heater rather than providing the adjustable 1–30 minute cool-down timer used by the Aquaheat 5RO.
What is the difference between Aquaheat 5RO-I and 5RO-S?
The Aquaheat 5RO-I allows a heater to call the pool's main filtration pump. The Aquaheat 5RO-S is designed for a heating system with its own separate dedicated circulation pump.
Can the heater operate outside normal filtration times?
Yes. Because the heating circuit has its own circulation pump, a compatible heater can request water flow whenever additional heating is required.
Installation Information
The Aquaheat 5RO-S should ideally be installed out of direct weather, at least 3 metres from the water's edge and a minimum of 600mm above ground.
The circulation pump plugs into the controller's 240V PUMP outlet, while the controller's low-voltage control connection connects to the heater's compatible external control point.
The Dontek installation diagram specifically shows the Aquaheat 5RO-S installed with a separate circulation pump and electric heater using a Priority-to-Heat output. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Important: Check the heater manufacturer's instructions before installation to confirm the correct external control connection and switching requirements.
Need Help Choosing the Correct Aquaheat Controller?
The Aquaheat 5A, 5TC, 5RO, 5RO-I and 5RO-S are designed for different pool heating installations.
HeaterFix specialises in gas pool heaters, pool heat pumps and heater control systems. If you're unsure whether your system uses the main filtration pump or a separate heating circulation pump, contact HeaterFix before ordering.
Download User Manual Here
Why Buy from HeaterFix?
- We are 100% Australian owned & operated.
- We are fully qualified with gas license - GF9918.
- We are Warranty agents for many pool heater manufacturers.
- We have been installing pool & spa heaters since 1995 (30 years)
- We are Australia's number 1 supplier of pool and spa heaters, parts & accessories.
- Our 300sq mt warehouse stores over 10 brands of gas heater and pool heat pumps with over 3000 new heater parts & over 500 used parts.
- We offer fast shipping to you door, Australia wide.
- We provided support like no other because we are the people who install, service and repair pool & spa heaters.
If your reading this then we can guarantee you, you've come to the right place.
What Our Clients Say!
5 STARS
HeaterFix gave us great service in replacing our Hurlcon HX120 spa heater. We didn’t expect to see it until November, but it arrived in a week and is installed. Well done Jason.
B Wendt/Glen Waverley VIC
____________________________________
5 STARS
He had our Pool Heater installed a few weeks ago, and the advice on the best location and positioning was more than just fit and leave it was working within the space and surroundings to suit our needs. Price is important, but you always remember the quality. Thank You.
Peter L/Yokine WA
___________________________________
5 STARS
Fast efficient service. It’s great to deal with a company that provides such great service, 5 stars all the way.
D Cartwright/Surfers Paradise QLD
__________________________________
5 STARS
This is one professional Company. I had an issue with my gas spa heater. I spoke with Jason who guided me through a couple of self checks and finally isolate the problem. His advise and knowledge was outstanding. The parts were promptly sent, installed and operation is perfect. Highly recommended.
M Jones/Forster NSW
_________________________________See our Google Reviews
We Provide Fast Shipping Australia Wide
