Dontek Aquaheat 5TC Gas & Heat Pump Pool Heater Controller
Dontek Aquaheat 5TC Gas & Heat Pump Pool Heater Controller
The Dontek Aquaheat 5TC is an Australian-made pool heater controller designed to automatically control a gas pool heater or electric pool heat pump where the filtration system is normally operated by a separate chlorinator or sanitiser time clock.
The Aquaheat 5TC controls the filtration pump and heater according to the programmed heating times and pool temperature. When the chlorinator operates, the controller can switch on the filtration pump and heater as required. Importantly, the Aquaheat 5TC can also continue operating independently of the chlorinator when additional pool heating is required.
For gas pool heater installations, the controller also provides an adjustable heater cool-down function. Once the required pool temperature is reached or the programmed heating period finishes, the heater is switched off first while the circulation pump can continue operating. This helps move residual heat out of the heater before the water flow stops.
What Does the Aquaheat 5TC Control?
- Gas pool heaters
- Electric pool heat pumps
- 240V filtration pump
- Pool water temperature
- Automatic heating times
- Heater cool-down and pump run-on
- Heating operation alongside a chlorinator or sanitiser time clock
Key Aquaheat 5TC Features
- Automatic pool heating temperature control
- Programmable heating run times
- One or two automatic heating cycles per day
- Heating temperature adjustment from 20°C to 40°C
- Adjustable heater cool-down period from OFF to 20 minutes
- Adjustable sample wait period
- Pool temperature sensor
- Heating Mode for normal automatic operation
- 1st Heat Mode for initial pool heat-up
- Standby Mode for periods when regular heating is not required
- Cooling Mode for compatible heat pumps with a cooling function
- Optional external heating override switch capability
- LCD display showing temperature, operating mode, pump status, time and controller status
The Aquaheat 5TC has a maximum combined 240V output load of 9.98 amps / 2395 watts. The heater itself is controlled through an extra-low-voltage heater interlock rated to a maximum of 24V at 1 amp. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
When Should I Use the Aquaheat 5TC?
The Aquaheat 5TC is particularly suited to installations where the chlorinator or sanitiser already controls the normal filtration schedule, but the pool heater requires its own temperature and heating-time control.
This arrangement allows the filtration system to operate normally for sanitising while giving the heater controller the ability to operate the pump and heater when additional heating is required. The installation configuration shown in the Dontek manual uses a chlorinator or ioniser, filtration pump, Aquaheat 5TC, pool sensor and gas or electric heater. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Read More - Aquaheat 5TC Operation & Installation
Gas Heater Cool-Down Control
One of the important functions of the Aquaheat 5TC for gas pool heater installations is the adjustable heater cool-down timer.
When the heater reaches the required temperature or the programmed heating period finishes, the controller switches the heater off while allowing the circulation pump to continue operating for the selected cool-down period. Dontek specifies an adjustable cool-down setting from OFF to 20 minutes. This function is intended for gas heater installations and is not normally required when controlling an electric heat pump. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Independent Heating Outside Filtration Times
The Aquaheat 5TC can continue operating after the chlorinator's normal filtration period has finished if the programmed heating times and temperature settings still require heating.
This makes the 5TC useful where the required pool heating period does not always correspond with the normal sanitiser filtration schedule.
Initial Pool Heating - 1st Heat Mode
The controller includes a 1st Heat Mode designed for initial pool heating. In this mode, the controller can ignore the normal programmed heating run times and operate the pool circulation and heater until the desired temperature is reached. It then returns to normal Heating Mode operation. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Gas Heater or Heat Pump Control
The Aquaheat 5TC can be used with either a gas pool heater or a compatible electric pool heat pump. The controller monitors pool temperature and switches the heater through its heater interlock connection.
For heaters using an appropriate extra-low-voltage control circuit, the interlock is typically connected into the heater's pressure, flow or external control circuit. The Dontek manual specifies that the heater interlock is for extra-low-voltage switching only, with a maximum rating of 24V at 1 amp.
If the heater uses a 240V flow, pressure or external switching circuit, Dontek specifies that an appropriate external relay kit must be installed by a licensed electrician. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Which Dontek Aquaheat Controller Do I Need?
Dontek manufactures several Aquaheat 5 controller configurations because pool heating systems can be wired and controlled differently. The correct controller depends on how your filtration pump, sanitiser and heater are configured.
- Aquaheat 5A – alternative Aquaheat heater control configuration
- Aquaheat 5TC – suited to systems where filtration is normally controlled through a chlorinator or sanitiser time clock
- Aquaheat 5RO – alternative relay-output configuration
- Aquaheat 5RO-I – alternative RO installation configuration
- Aquaheat 5RO-S – alternative RO installation configuration
Do not select an Aquaheat controller by appearance alone. The controllers are designed for different equipment configurations and electrical/control arrangements. Check your existing installation and controller model before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Dontek Aquaheat 5TC control a gas pool heater?
Yes. The Aquaheat 5TC is designed to control a heater through its heater interlock and includes an adjustable gas heater cool-down function.
Can the Aquaheat 5TC control a pool heat pump?
Yes. It can control compatible electric pool heat pumps and also includes a Cooling Mode for heat pumps that provide a cooling function.
Can the heater operate outside the chlorinator filtration times?
Yes. The Aquaheat 5TC can continue operating the filtration pump and heater according to its own programmed heating times and temperature requirements.
Does the Aquaheat 5TC control the filtration pump?
Yes. The filtration pump connects to the controller's 240V OUTPUT socket. The manual specifies a maximum combined output load of 9.98 amps / 2395 watts.
What temperature can the Aquaheat 5TC be set to?
The controller provides a temperature setting range from OFF and 20°C through to 40°C.
Does the Aquaheat 5TC have a heater run-on timer?
Yes. For gas heater installations, an adjustable heater cool-down period can keep the circulation pump operating after the heater has been switched off. The manual provides an OFF to 20-minute adjustment range.
Can it run the pool heater continuously for the first heat-up?
The 1st Heat Mode allows the controller to disregard its normal run-time schedule and operate the pool and heater until the selected temperature is reached.
Installation Information
The correct installation of the Aquaheat 5TC depends on the heater, filtration pump and sanitiser configuration. Heater interlock wiring must also be compatible with the heater manufacturer's control system.
Dontek specifies that the controller should ideally be installed out of direct weather, at least 3 metres from the water's edge and a minimum of 600mm above ground. Refer to the Aquaheat 5TC installation manual and the heater manufacturer's instructions before installation. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Need Help Choosing the Correct Aquaheat Controller?
The Aquaheat 5A, 5TC, 5RO, 5RO-I and 5RO-S are designed for different pool heater installations. If you're replacing an existing controller or adding automatic control to a gas heater or heat pump, check the existing wiring and equipment configuration before ordering.
HeaterFix specialises in pool heating systems, controllers and replacement heater components. Contact us if you're unsure which Dontek Aquaheat controller suits your installation.
Download User Manual Here
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