Balboa Water Group 500Z User Manual

Balboa 500Z-Series Operation Guide

Initial Start-up

Your spa will enter Priming Mode ( ) when it is energized.

During Priming Mode, press “Jets” button(s) repeatedly and
be sure all pumps are free of air. Priming Mode lasts less than

5 minutes. Press “Temp” to exit. After Priming Mode, the spa
will run in Standard Mode (see Mode section). Some panels may
not have a “Temp” button. On these panels the “Set,” “Warm,” or
“Cool” buttons are used.

Temp Jets Blower Light

The pump responsible for heating and filtration (pump 1 low-speed
on non-circ system, or the circ pump on circ systems) will be
referred to simply as the pump.

In multi-button sequences, if the buttons are pressed too quickly in
sequence, they may not register.

Button shapes and labels may vary.

Temp Control (80°F - 104°F / 26°C - 40°C)

The last measured water temperature is constantly displayed.

The water temperature displayed is current only when the
pump has been running for at least 2 minutes.

On panels with a single “Temp” or “Set” button, to display

the set temperature, press the button once. To change the set
temperature, press the button a second time before the display
stops flashing. Each press of the button will continue to either raise
or lower the set temperature. If the opposite direction is desired,
allow the display to revert to the current water temperature. Press
the button to display the set temperature, and again to make the
temperature change in the desired direction.

On panels with “Warm” and “Cool” buttons, to display the
set temperature, press “Warm” or “Cool” once. To change the set

temperature, press a temperature button again before the display
stops flashing. Each press of “Warm” or “Cool” will adjust the

set temperature.
After three seconds, the display will stop flashing and begin to

display the current spa temperature.

Jets 1

Press “Jets 1” to turn pump 1 on or off, and to shift between low
and high speeds (if equipped). The low-speed will turn off after
4 hours. High-speed will turn off after 15 minutes. Low-speed
may run automatically at times, during which it cannot be
deactivated from the panel, but high-speed may be operated.

Jets 2/Jets 3/Blower (If equipped)

Press the corresponding button once to turn the device on or
off. The device will turn off after 15 minutes. Pump 2 may be
two-speed on some systems.

Some systems use this one button to control two devices. The first
button press will activate one device. Press again to have both
devices active. Press again to turn off the first device only. Press
one more time to turn both devices off.

Light

Press “Light” to operate the spa light. Turns off after 4 hours.

Mode

Depending on system configuration, mode changing may not be
available and will be locked in Standard Mode.

Mode is changed by pressing “Temp,” then “Light”.
Standard Mode maintains set temperature. will be displayed

momentarily when you switch into Standard Mode.
Economy Mode heats the spa to the set temperature only during

filter cycles. will display when water temp is not current, and
will alternate with water temp when the pump is running.

Sleep Mode heats the spa to within 20°F/10°C of the set
temperature only during filter cycles. will display when water
temp is not current, and will alternate with water temp when the
pump is running.

Preset Filter Cycles

The first preset filter cycle begins 6 minutes after the spa is
energized. The second preset filter cycle begins 12 hours later.
Filter duration is programmable for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours or for
continuous filtration (indicated by ). The default filter time is
2 hours for non-circ systems and 4 hours for circ systems.

To program, press “Temp,” then “Jets 1.” Press “Temp” to adjust.
Press “Jets 1” to exit programming.

For non-circ systems, low-speed pump 1 and the ozone generator
(if installed) run during filtration.

For 24 hour circulation systems, the circ pump and the ozone
generator (if installed) run 24 hours. In hot environments, the
circ pump may turn off for 30 minute periods, except during
filter cycles.

For non-24 hour circulation systems, the circ pump and ozone
generator (if installed) run during filtration (and may also run

automatically at other times).
At the beginning of each filter cycle all other equipment will

run briefly to purge the plumbing.

This document covers VS and GS systems 500Z through 521Z with Balboa Panels VL200 through VL406.
http://www.balboawatergroup.com/

Automatic polling (in Standard Mode only)

The pump will activate for 1 to 2 minutes to check the temperature:

- every 30 minutes

- whenever any other pump or blower is turned on

- whenever the set temperature is raised

Diagnostic Messages

Message

Meaning

No message on display.
Power has been cut off to the spa.

Temperature unknown.

“Overheat” - The spa has shut down.* One of the
sensors has detected 118°F/47.8°C at the heater.

“Overheat” - The spa has shut down.* One of
the sensors has detected that the spa water is
110°F/43.5°C.

Spa is shut down.* The sensor that is plugged into
the Sensor “A” jack is not working.

Spa is shut down.* The sensor that is plugged into
the Sensor “B” jack is not working.

Sensors are out of balance. If alternating with spa
temperature, it may just be a temporary condition.
If flashing by itself, spa is shut down.*

A significant difference between temperature
sensors has been detected. This could indicate a
flow problem.

Action Required

The control panel will be disabled until power returns. Spa settings
will be preserved until next power up.

After the pump has been running for 2 minutes, the current water
temperature will be displayed.

DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa cover and allow
water to cool. Once the heater has cooled, reset by pushing any
button. If spa does not reset, shut off the power to the spa and call
your dealer or service organization.

DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa cover and allow
water to cool. At 107°F/41.7°C, the spa should automatically reset.
If spa does not reset, shut off the power to the spa and call your
dealer or service organization.

If the problem persists, contact your dealer or service organization.
(May appear temporarily in an overheat condition.)

If the problem persists, contact your dealer or service organization.
(May appear temporarily in an overheat condition.)

If the problem persists, contact your dealer or service organization.

If the water level is normal, make sure all pumps have been primed.
If problem persists, contact your dealer or service organization.

Persistent low flow problems. (Displays on the
fifth occurrence of message within 24 hours.)
Heater is shut down, but other spa functions
continue to run normally.

Possible inadequate water, poor flow, or air
bubbles in detected in the heater. Spa is shut down
for 15 minutes.

Inadequate water detected in heater. (Displays on
third occurrence of message.) Spa is
shut down.*

“Ice” - Potential freeze condition detected.

* - Even when spa is shut down, some equipment will
turn on if freeze protection is needed.

Follow action required for message. Heating capability of the
spa will not reset automatically; you may press any button to reset.

If water level is normal, make sure all pumps have been
primed. Press any button to reset. This message will reset
within 15 minutes. If problem persists, contact your dealer or
service organization.

Follow action required for message. Spa will not automatically
reset. Press any button to reset manually.

No action required. All equipment will automatically activate
regardless of spa status. The equipment stays on 4 minutes after the
sensors detect that the spa temperature has risen to 45°F/7.2°C or
higher. An optional freeze sensor may be added to protect against
extraordinary freeze conditions. Auxiliary freeze sensor protection is
advisable is colder climates. See your dealer for details.

Warning! Shock Hazard! No User Serviceable Parts.

Do not attempt service of this control system. Contact your dealer or service organization for assistance.
Follow all owner’s manual power connection instructions. Installation must be performed by a licensed
electrician and all grounding connections must be properly installed.

P/N 40789_G 09/27/2011