Dontek Aquaheat 5RO Gas Pool Heater Run-On Controller
Dontek Aquaheat 5RO Gas Pool Heater Run-On Controller
The Dontek Aquaheat 5RO is an Australian-made gas pool heater run-on and cool-down controller designed for installations where the filtration pump and gas heater operate from a chlorinator, ioniser or sanitiser time clock.
Unlike a temperature-based pool heating controller, the Aquaheat 5RO does not control the pool water temperature. The required pool temperature is controlled by the gas heater's own internal temperature control system. The Aquaheat 5RO controls the filtration pump and heater operation and provides the important heater cool-down cycle when the sanitiser switches off.
When the sanitiser time clock finishes its filtration cycle, the Aquaheat 5RO switches the gas heater off first while keeping the filtration pump operating for an adjustable period. This continued water circulation allows residual heat to be removed from the heater before the pump stops, helping prevent heat soak within the heater and associated plumbing.
What Does the Aquaheat 5RO Control?
- Gas pool heater operation through the heater interlock
- 240V filtration pump
- Automatic heater cool-down / pump run-on
- Heater start delay
- Heating operation from a chlorinator, ioniser or sanitiser time clock
- Optional manual heating override
Key Aquaheat 5RO Features
- Designed specifically for gas pool heater installations
- Works in conjunction with a chlorinator, ioniser or sanitiser time clock
- Uses the gas heater's internal thermostat for pool temperature control
- Adjustable pump run-on / heater cool-down from 1 to 30 minutes
- Adjustable heater start delay from 0 to 30 minutes
- Automatic heater interlock control
- LCD operating display
- Auto Mode for normal heating operation
- Backwash Mode for manual filtration pump operation
- Heat Off Mode for periods when pool heating is not required
- Optional remote heating override switch capability
- Maximum combined 240V output load of 9.98 amps / 2395 watts
When Should I Use the Aquaheat 5RO?
The Aquaheat 5RO is designed for a pool equipment configuration where the chlorinator or sanitiser time clock controls the normal filtration period and the gas heater's internal thermostat controls the required pool temperature.
During the sanitiser's programmed operating period, the Aquaheat 5RO allows the filtration pump and gas heater to operate. When the sanitiser output switches off, the controller shuts down the heater and performs the programmed pump run-on cycle before switching off the filtration pump.
This makes the Aquaheat 5RO particularly useful where a gas pool heater requires a controlled cool-down period after the normal filtration cycle finishes.
Read More - Aquaheat 5RO Operation & Installation
Gas Pool Heater Cool-Down / Run-On Control
The primary function of the Aquaheat 5RO is to provide controlled shutdown of the gas pool heater.
When the heater is switched off, the Aquaheat 5RO can lock the filtration pump on for an adjustable period without heating. This continues circulating pool water through the heat exchanger to cool the heater before the filtration pump stops.
The run-on time is adjustable from 1 to 30 minutes, allowing the installation to be configured according to the gas heater and pool heating system requirements.
Adjustable Heater Start Delay
The Aquaheat 5RO also provides an adjustable heater start delay.
When heating is called for, the controller starts the filtration pump first and delays starting the gas heater. The heater delay can be adjusted from 0 to 30 minutes, with 0 effectively switching the delay function off.
This allows water circulation to be established before the heater is enabled.
Gas Heater Controls the Pool Temperature
An important difference between the Aquaheat 5RO and some other Aquaheat controllers is how the pool temperature is controlled.
The 5RO does not use its own pool temperature sensor to determine the required water temperature. Instead, the gas heater's internal temperature control system determines when heating is required and when the required pool temperature has been reached.
The Aquaheat 5RO is therefore primarily responsible for coordinating the filtration pump, sanitiser signal, heater interlock and safe heater cool-down operation.
Auto Mode
Auto Mode is the normal operating mode. In this mode, the gas pool heater operates during the sanitiser's programmed filtration period, subject to the gas heater's own internal temperature setting.
Backwash Mode
Backwash Mode allows the filtration pump to be operated manually for pool maintenance. Dontek recommends using this function outside the sanitiser's normal programmed run time.
Heat Off Mode
Heat Off Mode is intended for periods when pool heating is not required, including off-season or holiday operation.
Rather than completely switching off the controller, Heat Off Mode allows the system to perform a short daily circulation cycle to move treated pool water through the heating system and help maintain circulation pump and mechanical seal condition.
Optional Heating Override
An optional remote override switch can be connected to the Aquaheat 5RO to allow the pool heater and filtration pump to be manually operated when required.
When the override is activated, the controller can switch on the heater and pump independently of normal operation. When the override is switched off, the Aquaheat 5RO performs the programmed heater cool-down period before returning to automatic operation.
The optional override switch and cable are not supplied with the standard controller and must be purchased and installed separately.
Heater Interlock Connection
The Aquaheat 5RO controls the gas heater through its heater interlock connection. The heater interlock is designed for extra-low-voltage switching only, with a maximum rating of 24V at 1 amp.
The appropriate connection point within the heater depends on the heater manufacturer and model and may involve the heater's pressure switch, flow switch, fireman's switch or external control circuit.
If the heater's flow, pressure or external switching circuit operates at 240V AC, Dontek specifies that an appropriate external relay kit must be used and installed by a licensed electrician.
Which Dontek Aquaheat Controller Do I Need?
Dontek manufactures several Aquaheat 5 controller configurations because pool heating systems can be wired and controlled differently. Selecting the correct model depends on how the filtration pump, sanitiser and heater are currently configured.
- Aquaheat 5A – alternative Aquaheat heater control configuration
- Aquaheat 5TC – provides independent temperature and programmed heating-time control
- Aquaheat 5RO – sanitiser-controlled gas heater system using the heater's internal temperature control
- Aquaheat 5RO-I – alternative RO installation configuration
- Aquaheat 5RO-S – alternative RO installation configuration
Do not select an Aquaheat controller by appearance alone. Although the controllers look similar, the different Aquaheat models are designed for different equipment configurations and control arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Dontek Aquaheat 5RO do?
The Aquaheat 5RO operates a filtration pump and gas heater from a sanitiser time clock and provides an adjustable heater cool-down / pump run-on cycle when the sanitiser switches off.
Does the Aquaheat 5RO control pool temperature?
No. The pool water temperature is controlled by the gas heater's internal temperature control system.
Is the Aquaheat 5RO a gas heater run-on timer?
Yes. One of its primary functions is keeping the filtration pump operating after the gas heater has switched off so water continues circulating through the heater during the cool-down period.
How long can the Aquaheat 5RO run the pump after the heater switches off?
The run-on / cool-down time is adjustable from 1 to 30 minutes.
Does the Aquaheat 5RO have a heater start delay?
Yes. The heater start delay is adjustable from 0 to 30 minutes. This allows the filtration pump to start before the gas heater is enabled.
Can the Aquaheat 5RO operate from my chlorinator time clock?
Yes. This is the intended configuration. A switching lead from the Aquaheat 5RO connects to the pump output of the chlorinator, ioniser or compatible sanitiser.
Can I manually operate the heater outside normal operation?
An optional remote override switch can be installed to provide on-demand heating. The switch and cable are optional accessories and are not included with the standard controller.
Installation Information
The Aquaheat 5RO should be installed according to the Dontek installation instructions and the gas heater manufacturer's requirements.
The filtration pump connects to the controller's 240V OUTPUT socket, while the sanitiser connects directly to a general power outlet. The Aquaheat switching lead connects to the sanitiser's pump output, allowing the controller to detect the sanitiser operating period.
Dontek specifies a maximum combined output load of 9.98 amps / 2395 watts. 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.
Need Help Choosing the Correct Aquaheat Controller?
The Aquaheat 5A, 5TC, 5RO, 5RO-I and 5RO-S are designed for different pool heater installations. Selecting the correct controller depends on how your filtration pump, sanitiser and heater are currently controlled.
HeaterFix specialises in gas pool heating systems, heater controllers and replacement heater components. If you're unsure which Dontek Aquaheat controller suits your installation, 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
