Abstract: An improved temperature sensing and control apparatus for a spa is described, which control apparatus is located at the spa. A switching means is disposed in the series electrical circuit of a water heating mechanism. The switching means is remotely controlled as a function of the water temperature and operates in the low voltage and low current range, thereby minimizing a safety hazard.

Abstract: A check valve for substantially preventing fluid flow in a first direction, but allowing a substantially unrestricted fluid flow in a second, opposite direction, the check valve including a tubular body and a flapper valve hingedly disposed within the tubular body so that the flapper valve, which is formed from a diagonally-cut section of tubing, may substantially block the tube by sealing its cut edges against a first inner wall portion of the tubular body and so that its cut edges may also lie substantially flush along a second inner wall portion of the tubular body allowing for substantially unimpeded fluid flow.