Northern Lights ACC Smartouch Digital 1000 Hybrid Spa Controller

The 1000 controls a 2-speed primary pump, a single-speed air blower or a single-speed circulation pump, a 12-volt spa light, an ionizer, and an ozonator. The system comes with a calibrated pressure switch, a heavy-duty 2-pole contractor to control the 5.5 KW attached heating element. Has 240V Auxiliary power and auxiliary on/off dry contact.

Industrial-Grade Reliability with Expert Engineering Support

When it comes to spa controls, you have two choices: mass-produced consumer electronics, or ACC (Applied Computer Controls)—the heavy-duty, "Made in America" workhorse.

The SmarTouch Digital 1000 is designed for longevity. It skips the flashy gimmicks in favor of robust relays, a calibrated pressure switch, and a high-flow 5.5kW heater. But the real value isn't just the box—it's who stands behind it.

The Northern Lights Difference: On-Staff Engineering

Buying a spa pack online can be intimidating. Will the wiring match? How do I set the dip switches?

• We include an Engineer: Uniquely at Northern Lights, your purchase includes free access to our on-staff engineer. We don't just ship you a box; we help you install it. From pre-purchase compatibility checks to live troubleshooting, we are your safety net.

Why "Hybrid"? (The Gas Heater Advantage)

This is the ultimate controller for versatility.

• Dual Heating Capability: The SmarTouch 1000 features an Auxiliary On/Off Dry Contact. This allows the system to act as a "Thermostat" for an external Gas Heater (Natural Gas or Propane) or a Heat Pump.

• Efficiency: You can use the built-in 5.5kW electric heater for maintenance, or fire up an external gas heater for rapid heat-up times—all controlled by the same digital topside.

System Capabilities

This "Standard" Series pack handles the most common spa configurations:

1. Pump 1: 2-Speed (High/Low)

2. Secondary: Single-Speed Air Blower OR Circ Pump

3. Lighting: 12-Volt Light

4. Sanitation: Dedicated outputs for Ozonator and Ionizer

5. Heater: 5.5kW High-Flow Electric Element

Technical Information

This section targets technical buyers and installers.

1. The Topside: SmarTouch Digital

The included keypad is designed for clarity and ease of use.

• Display: High-Intensity LED (visible in bright sunlight) or Multi-Color LCD.

• Smart Diagnostics: Displays plain-English error codes (e.g., "FLO", "OH", "ICE") rather than cryptic blinking lights, making troubleshooting instant.

• Programmability: Full control over filter cycles, time-of-day settings, and temperature locks.

2. Calibrated Pressure Switch Technology

While some brands rely on fragile sensors, ACC uses a Calibrated Pressure Switch.

• Why it's better: This mechanical switch physically detects water pressure from the pump. It acts as a fail-safe "Dry Fire" protection. The heating element cannot turn on unless the pump is pushing water with sufficient force. This is incredibly reliable and prevents heater meltdowns.

3. Power & Electrical Specs

• Input Voltage: 240V (Requires 4-Wire Service: Line 1, Line 2, Neutral, Ground).

• Heater Output: 5.5 kW @ 240V.

• Aux Power: 240V Auxiliary receptacles built-in.

• Contactor: Uses a "Heavy-Duty 2-Pole Contactor" to switch the heater load. This is a significant upgrade over the cheap relays found on budget boards, ensuring a longer lifespan for the switching mechanism.

4. Retrofit Ready

Designed to replace aging systems from Balboa, Gecko, Brett Aqualine, and Len Gordon.

• Note: Because this unit uses standard AMP Plugs, you may need to swap the cords on your pumps (new AMP cords are usually included or available as add-ons) if your old motors use "Mold" or "J&J" plugs.