“Friction” Heaters don’t work
Hi Pete,
I know you have been looking for information on “friction” heaters and the performance comparison to using a “real” electric heater. It is unfortunate that some of your competitors are using this gimmick and trying to sell it as a “real” heater with any heating capability in jetted tubs when it has no value at all to the consumer. Passing the water through a fitting, even if it is molded in red, will have no effect on increasing or maintaining the temperature in a jetted bath tub. It will be exactly the same as having no heater on the tub at all.
Unfortunately, the consumer needs to be reminded that there are NO devices for sale for any application in the commercial or residential markets that provide free heat. Heat can only be generated by changing one energy (Gas, Solar, Electricity, Coal etc…) into heat. If the “friction” heater worked, hot water heaters worldwide would use this method and would not need to be operated by an energy medium.
If there is anything more we can provide to help you combat this gimmick please let us know. The only way to maintain heat in a jetted tub without constantly adding hot water is to use a “real” electric heater that can maintain the water temperature and extend the comfort zone of the bather.
Thanks,
Jerri Freed
VP Spa & Bath OEM Sales
HYDROQUIP
I see your original post is 2018 , any follow up ? There are a lot of Friction Heated pools on the market now in 2024 . So you are saying these hot-tubs just stay at ambient temperature?
Hi,
What are the dimensions of this unit? Does it need any other device for the pumping action?
Thanks, Andy
Are you looking at the Inline Heater or the Soaking bath tub heater? The inline heater is plumbed into the water lines and cuts on when the water pump cuts on. The Soaking Heater has its own pump.
It would depend if it is a bathtub or a hot tub. Hot tubs normally have a built in heater to keep the water warm. You would need a heater of some sort for jetted tub to keep the water warm.