Dontek Aquaheat 5RO-I Heat Pump Priority-to-Heat Controller
Dontek Aquaheat 5RO-I Heat Pump Priority-to-Heat Controller
The Dontek Aquaheat 5RO-I is an Australian-made pool heater and filtration pump controller designed for systems where a compatible pool heat pump or electric heater has a Priority to Heat / Heat Demand output.
The Aquaheat 5RO-I allows the filtration pump to operate when circulation is requested by either the chlorinator or sanitiser during normal filtration times, or directly by the heater when additional heating is required. This allows a compatible heater to call for water flow outside the normal filtration schedule so the pool can continue heating until the heater's own temperature setting is satisfied.
Unlike temperature-based Aquaheat controllers, the 5RO-I does not independently set the pool temperature. The heater monitors the pool water temperature using its own internal control system and sends a Heat Demand signal to the Aquaheat 5RO-I when circulation is required.
What Does the Aquaheat 5RO-I Control?
- 240V filtration pump
- Compatible electric pool heaters and heat pumps with Heat Demand / Priority to Heat control
- Pump operation during normal sanitiser filtration times
- Pump operation when the heater calls for additional heating
- Heater interlock operation
Key Aquaheat 5RO-I Features
- Designed for pool heaters with a Priority to Heat or Heat Demand function
- Allows the heater to call the filtration pump outside normal filtration times
- Works with chlorinator, ioniser or sanitiser-controlled filtration systems
- Heater controls the required pool temperature
- Automatic filtration pump override when heat is required
- Low-voltage heater interlock connection
- LCD display showing heater and pump status
- Maximum combined 240V output load of 9.98 amps / 2395 watts
- Australian-made Dontek controller
When Should I Use the Aquaheat 5RO-I?
The Aquaheat 5RO-I is intended for a pool heating system that already has a normal filtration schedule controlled through a chlorinator, ioniser or sanitiser, but where the heater may need additional circulation time to maintain the desired pool temperature.
For example, the pool may normally filter for eight hours per day, but the heat pump may require additional operating time to maintain the selected water temperature. If the heater has a compatible Heat Demand or Priority to Heat output, the heater can signal the Aquaheat 5RO-I to start the filtration pump even when the normal filtration time has finished.
Once the heater no longer requires heating, the Heat Demand signal is removed and the filtration pump returns to operation according to the normal sanitiser schedule.
Read More - Aquaheat 5RO-I Operation & Installation
How Priority-to-Heat Control Works
The key feature of the Aquaheat 5RO-I is its ability to respond to a heater-generated Heat Demand signal.
The heater continuously monitors the pool water temperature during its configured heating periods. If the water temperature falls below the heater's set point, the heater sends a Heat Demand signal to the Aquaheat 5RO-I.
The controller then overrides the normal filtration schedule and starts the filtration pump so water can circulate through the heater. This allows the heater to continue heating even when the chlorinator or sanitiser would normally have the filtration pump switched off.
Normal Filtration Operation
During the normal filtration period, the chlorinator or sanitiser controls when filtration is required. A switching lead from the Aquaheat 5RO-I connects to the sanitiser's pump output, allowing the controller to recognise when normal filtration operation has been requested.
The filtration pump plugs directly into the Aquaheat 5RO-I's 240V pump outlet.
Heater Demand Operation
When the heater requires heating outside the normal filtration period, the heater's Priority to Heat / Heat Demand output signals the Aquaheat 5RO-I.
The Aquaheat 5RO-I then starts the filtration pump independently of the sanitiser time clock, providing the required water flow through the heater.
This arrangement is particularly useful with pool heat pumps and electric heaters because their longer heating cycles may require significantly more operating time than the pool's normal filtration schedule.
Who Controls the Pool Temperature?
The heater controls the pool temperature, not the Aquaheat 5RO-I.
The heater's internal temperature controller determines whether heating is required. The Aquaheat 5RO-I responds to the heater's Heat Demand signal by providing the required circulation pump operation.
Heater Interlock Connection
The Aquaheat 5RO-I connects to the heater through its external control or Heat Demand connection.
Dontek specifies that the heater interlock is intended 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.
Filtration Pump Output
The filtration pump connects directly to the controller's 240V socket labelled PUMP. The maximum combined rated output load is 9.98 amps / 2395 watts.
LCD Operating Display
The Aquaheat 5RO-I LCD display provides clear operating information including:
- Heat On / Heat Off
- Pump On / Pump Off
- Controller status
This makes it easier to determine whether the filtration pump is running because of normal filtration demand or because the heater has requested additional heating.
Which Dontek Aquaheat Controller Do I Need?
Dontek manufactures several Aquaheat controllers because pool heaters, filtration pumps and sanitisers can be connected and controlled in different ways.
- Aquaheat 5A – automatic heater and circulation pump control with temperature sensing and programmed heating periods
- Aquaheat 5TC – temperature-based heater control designed to work alongside a chlorinator or sanitiser filtration time clock
- Aquaheat 5RO – gas heater run-on controller where the gas heater's internal thermostat controls pool temperature
- Aquaheat 5RO-I – designed for heaters with a Priority to Heat / Heat Demand output that can call the filtration pump when additional heating is required
- Aquaheat 5RO-S – alternative RO control configuration for a different pool heating setup
Do not select an Aquaheat controller by appearance alone. The correct model depends on how the heater, filtration pump and sanitiser are electrically controlled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Dontek Aquaheat 5RO-I do?
The Aquaheat 5RO-I operates the filtration pump when either the chlorinator calls for normal filtration or a compatible heater calls for additional heating through its Priority to Heat / Heat Demand output.
Can the Aquaheat 5RO-I run the heater outside normal filtration times?
Yes. If the heater requires additional heating, its Heat Demand output can signal the Aquaheat 5RO-I to start the filtration pump even when the sanitiser's normal filtration period has finished.
Does the Aquaheat 5RO-I control pool temperature?
No. The compatible heater or heat pump monitors and controls the pool temperature. The Aquaheat 5RO-I provides the required filtration pump operation when the heater calls for heat.
Is the Aquaheat 5RO-I a heater run-on timer?
No. Its primary purpose is Priority-to-Heat pump control. Unlike the Aquaheat 5RO, the 5RO-I manual does not specify an adjustable heater cool-down or pump run-on timer.
What is Priority to Heat?
Priority to Heat allows a compatible heater to request circulation independently of the normal filtration schedule. When heating is required, the heater sends a control signal that causes the Aquaheat 5RO-I to start the filtration pump.
Can I use the Aquaheat 5RO-I with a pool heat pump?
Yes, provided the heat pump has a compatible external Heat Demand or Priority to Heat control output and the installation meets Dontek's control requirements.
Can I use the Aquaheat 5RO-I with a gas heater?
The controller can be used where the heater provides the required compatible Heat Demand / Priority to Heat signal. The suitability of a particular gas heater should be confirmed from the heater manufacturer's control specifications before installation.
Installation Information
The Aquaheat 5RO-I 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 filtration pump connects to the controller's 240V PUMP output. The switching lead connects to the sanitiser's pump output, and the heater interlock connects to the heater's compatible external control point.
The installation diagram in the Dontek manual shows the Aquaheat 5RO-I operating with a chlorinator or ioniser, filtration pump and electric heater equipped with a Priority to Heat output. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Important: The correct heater connection point must be confirmed with the heater manufacturer. Incorrect electrical connections may damage the controller or heater and can void warranties.
Need Help Choosing the Correct Aquaheat Controller?
The Aquaheat 5A, 5TC, 5RO, 5RO-I and 5RO-S may look similar but are designed for different pool heating configurations.
HeaterFix specialises in pool heater controllers, gas pool heaters and pool heat pumps. If you're unsure whether your heater has a Priority to Heat or Heat Demand function, contact HeaterFix before ordering and we'll help determine which Aquaheat controller is suitable for your installation.
Download User Manual Here
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- 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.
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