{"product_id":"dontek-aquasmart-5rta-solar-heater-controller","title":"Dontek AquaSmart 5RTA Solar \u0026 Gas\/Heat Pump Pool Heating Controller","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDontek AquaSmart 5RTA Solar \u0026amp; Gas\/Heat Pump Pool Heating Controller\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eDontek AquaSmart 5RTA\u003c\/strong\u003e is an Australian-made \u003cstrong\u003esolar and auxiliary pool heating controller\u003c\/strong\u003e designed to control a swimming pool using \u003cstrong\u003esolar pool heating together with either a gas pool heater or electric heat pump\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike simpler solar controllers, the AquaSmart 5RTA can manage the \u003cstrong\u003epool filtration pump, separate solar pump, solar heating system and auxiliary heater\u003c\/strong\u003e from one controller. It can also control an automatic 3-way valve actuator where required by the plumbing configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe controller supports both \u003cstrong\u003estandard\/independent\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eretro\/integrated\u003c\/strong\u003e solar plumbing systems, making it suitable for a wide range of existing and new pool heating installations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Does the AquaSmart 5RTA Control?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePool filtration\/circulation pump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeparate solar pool heating pump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolar pool heating system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGas pool heater or electric pool heat pump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional 3-way solar valve actuator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePool water temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolar roof temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFiltration operating times\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuxiliary heater operating times\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutomatic solar and auxiliary heating priorities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey AquaSmart 5RTA Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombined solar, filtration and auxiliary heater controller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControls two pumps – filtration pump and solar pump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with gas pool heaters and electric heat pumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard\/independent or retro\/integrated plumbing configurations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAutomatic solar heating using pool and roof temperature sensors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProgrammable filtration run times\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProgrammable auxiliary heater run times\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional automatic 3-way solar valve control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolar-to-filter locking option for integrated installations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGas heater cool-down control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolar drain function\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNight Cooling Mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuto Standby Mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreeze protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoil protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePipe protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrime Protection for the filtration pump\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum combined 240V output load of 9.98 amps \/ 2395 watts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAustralian-made Dontek controller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow the AquaSmart 5RTA Works\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA uses separate \u003cstrong\u003epool and roof temperature sensors\u003c\/strong\u003e to monitor the pool temperature and the amount of useful solar heat available at the solar collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen sufficient solar energy is available, the controller can automatically operate the required pumps and solar system to heat the pool. If solar heating cannot achieve the required pool temperature, an auxiliary \u003cstrong\u003egas pool heater or electric heat pump\u003c\/strong\u003e can be controlled according to the programmed temperature and heater operating times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA also controls normal pool filtration times, allowing the filtration, solar heating and auxiliary heating systems to work together through one central controller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead More - AquaSmart 5RTA Solar, Filtration \u0026amp; Heater Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo-Pump Solar \u0026amp; Filtration Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA major feature of the AquaSmart 5RTA is its ability to control \u003cstrong\u003etwo separate pumps\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pool filtration\/circulation pump is controlled through the FILTER output, while a separate solar heating pump can be connected to the SOLAR output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows the controller to manage both normal pool filtration and solar pool heating rather than relying on a separate filtration timer and solar controller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStandard \/ Independent Plumbing Configuration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA can be configured for a \u003cstrong\u003estandard or independent solar heating installation\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this arrangement, the solar heating system and auxiliary heater can be plumbed separately from the main filtration line. The AquaSmart 5RTA controls the filtration pump and the separate solar pump and can operate a 3-way valve where required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRetro \/ Integrated Plumbing Configuration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe controller can also be configured for a \u003cstrong\u003eretro\/integrated solar installation\u003c\/strong\u003e where the solar system relies on water supplied by the main filtration system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this configuration, the solar pump may require the filtration pump to operate at the same time so sufficient water is available for the solar heating circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA includes a \u003cstrong\u003eLock to Filter\u003c\/strong\u003e setting that determines whether solar heating is restricted to the programmed filtration times or can override the filtration timer when useful solar energy becomes available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar Pool Heating Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA compares the temperature measured by the roof sensor with the pool water temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the solar collectors become sufficiently warmer than the pool, the controller can automatically activate solar heating. When the available solar temperature falls below the required differential, solar heating is stopped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe solar temperature differential and minimum roof temperature can be adjusted during setup to suit the particular solar heating installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGas Heater or Heat Pump Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA can control an auxiliary \u003cstrong\u003egas pool heater or electric pool heat pump\u003c\/strong\u003e using the heater interlock connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe auxiliary heater has its own temperature limit and programmable operating periods, allowing the pool owner to determine when additional heating is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuxiliary heating can also be disabled if the system is required to operate using solar pool heating only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar Priority \u0026amp; Energy Saving\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA is designed to take advantage of available solar energy before unnecessarily operating the auxiliary heater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen sufficient solar energy is detected at the roof sensor, auxiliary heating can be switched off so that available solar energy is used to heat the pool instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows the gas heater or heat pump to provide additional heating when required while making maximum practical use of the solar pool heating system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProgrammable Filtration Times\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA includes programmable filtration control and can be configured for \u003cstrong\u003eone or two filtration cycles per day\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe filtration pump operates between the selected start and finish times for normal pool filtration. A 24-hour filtration period can also be configured where required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProgrammable Heater Run Times\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeparate auxiliary heater operating periods can also be programmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe controller supports one or two heater cycles per day. During these periods, the circulation pump can operate as required for auxiliary heating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows pool filtration and auxiliary heating schedules to be managed separately from the same controller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOptional 3-Way Solar Valve Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA provides a dedicated \u003cstrong\u003e24V AC valve actuator output\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the plumbing configuration, a 3-way valve can be used to select or bypass the solar collectors when auxiliary heating is operating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a retro\/integrated system, the valve can also be used instead of a solar pump or in conjunction with the solar pump to help prevent unwanted thermal syphoning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInline or Parallel Heater Configurations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA supports different auxiliary heater positions within the pool return plumbing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInline with Solar:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water returning from the solar collectors passes through the auxiliary heater before returning to the pool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParallel with Solar:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water returning from the solar collectors returns to the pool without passing through the auxiliary heater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe selected configuration changes how the controller operates the heating system. When configured for parallel operation, the auxiliary heater will not operate in conjunction with solar heating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGas Heater Cool-Down\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen configured for a gas pool heater, the AquaSmart 5RTA provides an adjustable \u003cstrong\u003eheater cool-down period from OFF to 20 minutes\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the gas heater reaches temperature or the programmed heating period ends, the heater is switched off while the circulation pump continues operating for the selected cool-down period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows residual heat to be removed from the heater before the circulation pump shuts down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSolar Drain Function\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA can be configured with a solar drain period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen solar heating is no longer required, the controller can stop the pumps for an adjustable period of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e3 to 15 minutes\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing water to drain from the solar collectors before normal pump operation resumes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNight Cooling Mode\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNight Cooling Mode can help reduce excessive pool temperatures caused by solar heating or hot weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen suitable conditions occur, the controller can circulate pool water through the cooler roof-mounted solar collectors to release excess heat from the pool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrime Protection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA includes \u003cstrong\u003ePrime Protection\u003c\/strong\u003e for the filtration pump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe controller can monitor the electrical load of the filtration pump. If the pump load falls below the configured threshold, indicating that the pump may have lost prime, solar pump operation can be stopped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis function can be configured automatically or manually and is particularly useful with variable-speed filtration pumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFreeze, Boil \u0026amp; Pipe Protection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA incorporates several protection functions for the solar heating system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreeze Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can operate the pump when the roof temperature falls to the selected low-temperature setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoil Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can operate the system when excessive temperatures are detected at the solar collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePipe Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can prevent further solar heating when the roof temperature exceeds the selected pipe protection temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich Dontek Solar\/Heater Controller Do I Need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe correct Dontek AquaSmart controller depends on how your filtration system, solar heating, auxiliary heater, pumps and valves are plumbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquaSmart 5SV\u003c\/strong\u003e – designed primarily for systems using a circulation pump with automatic 3-way solar valve control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquaSmart 5RTA\u003c\/strong\u003e – controls the filtration pump and a separate solar pump, with support for standard\/independent and retro\/integrated plumbing configurations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not select a replacement controller by appearance alone.\u003c\/strong\u003e The correct controller needs to match the existing pool heating plumbing and electrical configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does the Dontek AquaSmart 5RTA control?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA can control the pool filtration pump, separate solar pump, solar pool heating system, auxiliary gas heater or heat pump and an optional 3-way valve actuator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between the AquaSmart 5RTA and AquaSmart 5SV?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA is designed to control both a filtration pump and separate solar pump and supports standard\/independent and retro\/integrated plumbing configurations. The AquaSmart 5SV is designed around a different solar valve and circulation-pump configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the AquaSmart 5RTA control a gas pool heater?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. A compatible gas pool heater can be controlled through the AquaSmart 5RTA heater interlock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the AquaSmart 5RTA control a pool heat pump?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The controller can be configured for an electric heater or heat pump as the auxiliary heating source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the AquaSmart 5RTA control the filtration pump?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The pool circulation pump is controlled through the FILTER output and the controller provides programmable filtration run times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the AquaSmart 5RTA control a separate solar pump?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. A dedicated SOLAR output is provided for the solar heating pump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the AquaSmart 5RTA control a solar valve actuator?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The controller provides a dedicated 24V AC valve output for a compatible automatic valve actuator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the AquaSmart 5RTA control filtration and heating at different times?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Filtration cycles and auxiliary heater cycles can be programmed separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the AquaSmart 5RTA prioritise solar heating?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. When sufficient solar energy is available, the controller can prevent unnecessary auxiliary heating so available solar energy is used first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the AquaSmart 5RTA provide gas heater cool-down?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. When configured for a gas heater, an adjustable cool-down period from OFF to 20 minutes is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AquaSmart 5RTA should ideally be installed out of direct weather, at least \u003cstrong\u003e3 metres from the water's edge\u003c\/strong\u003e and a minimum of \u003cstrong\u003e600mm above ground\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe controller requires correct installation and configuration of the filtration pump, solar pump, pool sensor, roof sensor, heater interlock and any automatic valve actuator used by the system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e The heater interlock is designed for extra-low-voltage switching only, with a maximum rating of \u003cstrong\u003e24V at 1 amp\u003c\/strong\u003e. Where the heater control circuit is 240V AC, an appropriate external relay must be installed by a licensed electrician.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNeed Help Choosing the Correct Solar \u0026amp; Heater Controller?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDontek AquaSmart controllers are designed for specific pool filtration, solar heating and auxiliary heater configurations. Choosing the wrong controller can result in incompatibility with the existing pumps, valves or plumbing arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeaterFix specialises in pool heating systems, including solar pool heating, gas pool heaters, heat pumps and heating controllers.\u003c\/strong\u003e If you're unsure whether the AquaSmart 5RTA is suitable for your system, contact HeaterFix before ordering.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/5051\/2974\/files\/AQUASMART-5-RTA-New-V1.4-1-HeaterFix.pdf?v=1786098706\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eDownload User Manual Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dontek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44134085001294,"sku":null,"price":1450.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/5051\/2974\/files\/DontekAquatek5RTASolarHeaterController_d74a87ca-7733-4e8c-883b-620ed8eedbff.jpg?v=1786099578","url":"https:\/\/www.heaterfix.com.au\/products\/dontek-aquasmart-5rta-solar-heater-controller","provider":"HeaterFix - Pool Heater Repairs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}