Pneumatic vs. Electronic
Pneumatic (or air) controls were the original types of controls used on hot tubs, introduced in the 1960s. Though these controls prove to be quite dependable, they have a short life expectancy due to the wear and tear they endure as a result of regular usage. Pneumatic controls work on the principle of relays, meaning that every time the spa is turned on, a spark occurs. The more arcs that occur, the more the relays wear down. This eventually leads to a service call

In the 1980s, electronic controls were introduced to provide consumers with more benefits, such as digital temperature display and automatic shut off features. However, early electronic controls received numerous complaints due to weather and moisture affecting their performance. It was feared that the electronic control would malfunction after a short amount of time and would be very expensive to repair. The spa industry realized that consumers wished to enjoy the benefits and features of electronic controls, but wanted better reliability.

There are a variety of features available on electronic controls that can provide many benefits, including safety, enjoyment, and cost savings. We recommend looking for the following features in an electronic control system.

Automatic Shut Off. Turns off the spa and its components when you forget.

The automatic shut off feature is designed to automatically turn off the spa's pumps, blowers, and lights within a set period of time; usually within twenty minutes for pumps and blowers, and within two hours for lighting. It is an excellent cost saving measure, especially if someone forgets to shut the pumps off after they leave the spa. In addition, it will help to extend the life of your equipment

Fault Display. Displays a digital readout of problems with your spa.

This diagnostic feature indicates problems on the display screen, acting as a troubleshooter for your spa. If a problem should occur, this feature allows you to call the manufacturer with the specific problem, often resolving the problem over the phone and eliminating prolonged down time. This can often eliminate the need for unnecessary and costly service calls - especially important if the warranty has expired..

Panel Locking. Prevents unwanted guests from using your spa.

This feature deactivates the control panel. The hot tub will still maintain the heat and filtering, but nothing else will operate. This prohibits anyone from using the spa or changing the spa's settings when you are not present. This is an excellent safety measure for homes with young children, as well as acting as a deterrent to unwanted "guests" using outdoor spas.

Temperature Locking. Keeps your water temperature at a constant.