Hot Tub & Spa Pumps - Direct Drive or Clutches

Switchless technology motors reduce the effects of pump slippage and eliminate up to 17 moving parts used
by some spa manufacturers. Additionally they tend to last quite a bit longer as well. Without clutches to wear
out and a direct drive technology backing them up, you’ll feel an immediate response. You can notice the
difference while at the hot tub dealer, press the “Jet” button and see if it’s immediate or delayed a second or
two.

Direct drive technology

Over the years we have heard several different pitches on this particular technology. It still goes that there
are fewer parts to fail, thus a lower fail rate. Just goes hand in hand for the most part. Another feature is
immediate response to the controls. We're still checking on the noise level between the two types of motors
used in hot tubs, but the big issue we've been facing is that most hot tub manufacturers that use the switchless
motors also tend to insulate their hot tubs very well.

From many years of chatting with service techs and
owners alike, it appears that there are fewer
occurrences of failures with switchless motors. G.E. ®
seems to be the dominant supplier to the industry
when comes to these type of motors, however there
are other suppliers.