If you just bought a new spa, it is essential that you know and understands how to manage its basic functions to run it efficiently and effectively.
Like every new spa owner, the energy costs of using it may also cause worry. When you consistently turn it on and off, you would risk wasting electricity as the heater is constantly heating thousands of liters of water.
The Economy mode (EC), Sleep mode (SL), and Standard mode (ST) are the three heating modes that you can choose when you operate your spa and want to cut costs incurred in the use of energy, particularly the EC mode. If this sounds new to you, read through the end of this article to learn the different modes and their essential functions.
What Does EC Mean On A Hot Tub?
EC stands for the Economy mode. When you put your hot tub in this mode, it will switch to the “filter mode,” It is only when the water temperature drops below the preset thermostat that it will turn on the heater.
In this economy heating mode, your hot tub’s heater won’t turn on between 7 and 5 a.m. every day or, in earlier models, won’t turn on beyond its primary filter cycles.
The hot tub’s insulation will be used to preserve heat during non-filter hours, which are, by default, two hours early in the morning and two hours in the evening.
The economy is recommended for hot tub owners who use the hot tub frequently. Throughout the year, the temperature reductions vary from minimal to nonexistent in the summer to considerable decreases in the coldest months, especially during the winter.
As a general overview, this is what this mode does to the hot tub.
- The spa only gets warm while the filter cycle is running.
- The temperature will decline between filter cycle intervals but still near the ideal temperature.
- If users can establish a habit, the filter cycle period should begin one hour after consumption. It will have a spa temperature that is nearest to what is needed.
- It works well in places with mild to warm climates.
What Is The SL Mode, And How Is It Similar With The EC Mode?
It operates similarly to the EC mode, except when you use the spa filter cycle, the heater won’t turn on until the set temperature drops by 10ºc below the standard mode. For example, if your usual setup is 36 degrees, the heaters won’t turn on until the set temperature falls under 26 degrees.
It is useful if you will be away from your home from Monday through Friday for business or if you will be taking an extended vacation. This setting is sometimes called a vacation mode, which will keep your spa water for the least expensive price. This makes it an ideal choice for saving energy costs.
For a general overview, this is what a Sleep mode can do:
- The spa will only heat while you are using the filtration cycle.
- An approximate drop of 20 degrees lower than your preferred set temperature
- will function in all climates and prevent the spa from freezing.
- Compared to regular mode, testing showed an energy consumption reduction of 50% or more.
When Should You Use The Economy Mode (EC)?
If you only want to use your spa for two or more days, you should choose economy mode; otherwise, it is more cost-effective to maintain the temperature at the set level. Instead, you can reduce the temperature setting by two degrees. A hot tub’s energy usage can change significantly even with a two-degree temperature drop.
If you only use your device on weekends, many companies even have preset routines that instantly turn between normal mode on weekdays and economy mode on weekends.
Are The EC And SL Mode Good For Your Hot Tub?
Energy conservation is the economy and sleeping mode’s key benefit. Because the heater shuts off for a longer length of time, you will consume lesser energy. Until you change to the standard mode and use the heater to warm the water, the temperature could be too cold to allow you to enjoy a bath. The water will take 30 to 60 minutes to reach your desired temperature.
Sleep modes and economy modes can also cause temperature fluctuations in your control system and operating modes. Temperature swings of much more than a few degrees are irregular and may point to a broken switch or an issue with the water supply. For illustration, suppose you set the heater to 103 degrees, and the temperature drops to 100 degrees before it turns on.
In the long run, it will not hold the desired temperature, which would damage the tub’s heater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you in knowing more about the Economy mode and the other spa modes.
How Do I Get My Hot Tub Out Of EC Mode?
On the topside panel, hitting the “warm/temp” button, then the “light” key, or the “warm” or “cool” buttons, and the “mode” key will frequently switch the device into economy mode. Although this is a general rule, the keys will still vary depending on the brand and model of the spa.
What Does EC Mean On A Balboa Hot Tub?
Like regular hot tubs, the EC mode stands for Economy mode in a Balboa. Only while a scheduled filter cycle is running is the water temperature monitored. Likewise, it is only during filter cycles will the heater run and achieve the target temperature.
How Do I Get My Hot Tub Out Of SL?
While the sleep mode might save you money, it can also be confusing to know how to activate it, so the jet, compressors, and heater start working again. One of the challenges in giving a client advice on how to wake up a hot tub is that doing so typically involves following a procedure unique to each manufacturer. Usually, hitting a few keys on the settings menu is necessary. It is best to look at the manual or ask your manufacturer directly.
Conclusion
When you want to cut electricity expenses when using your hot tub, putting it in the Economy mode and Sleep mode is a smart choice. This is true when you decide to leave home for a couple of days or weeks and won’t be using it. However, it is essential to remember that even when you can save a good amount of energy, regularly relying on these modes can cause confusion and damage how your spa controls its temperature. So, ensure you only use it wisely and only in the ideal times.
