Cal Spas Patio, Patio Plus, Escape, Escape Plus, Special Edition Owner's Manual

LTR20171000, Rev. C
4/13/17

Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . 1

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa . 2

Pre-Delivery Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Planning the Best Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Preparing a Good Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

240 Volt Electrical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Wiring Requirement/GFCI Wiring Diagram 4

120 Volt Electrical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Testing the 240 Volt GFCI Breaker. . . . . . . . 5

Filling and Powering Up Your Portable Spa 5

Priming the Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Operating Your Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

TP400 and TP600 Control Panel Operation . 9

Cal Spas Hot Tub Wi-Fi App . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Microsilk Therapy System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Cloud Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Jets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

LED Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Aquatic Air TherapyTM (AAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Diverter Knobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Air Venturis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Waterfalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Hydro Streamer Waterfall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Water Clarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Water Quality Terms and Denitions . . . . . 23

Water Testing Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Adding Chemicals To The Spa Water . . . . . 25

1. Balancing the Water Chemistry Levels . 25

2. Sanitation and Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3. Filtration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4. Regularity (Maintenance Schedule). . . . 29

Generic Names for Chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Common Water Chemistry Questions . . . . 30

Do’s and Don’ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Bather Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Pure Cure™ Water Sanitizer . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Ozonator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Troubleshooting Water Clarity Problems . . 33

Bromine Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Intelligent Controller Codes for the Bromine

Generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Cleaning and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . 36

Removing and Reseating the Pillows . . . . . 36

Jet Removal and Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 36

Draining Your Portable Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Winterizing (Cold Climate Draining) . . . . . 38

Cleaning and Replacing the Filter. . . . . . . . 38

Spa Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Vacation Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Cleaning Your Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Changing the UV Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Using the Digital Media Locker. . . . . . 41

Aquatic AV AQ-DM-5UBT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Using the Freedom Sound System . . . . . . . 44

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Basic Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Warranty Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Copyright 2017 LMS. All rights reserved. Duplication without written consent
is strictly prohibited.

Cal Spas®, Pure Cure™, and Freedom Sound System™ are registered
trademarks.

Due to continuous improvement programs, all models, operation, and/or

specications are subject to change without prior notice.

LTR20171000, Rev. C
4/13/17

100-1457

CONTACT INFORMATION

For customer service, please contact your
authorized dealer immediately. If you need
additional information and/or assistance, contact:

LMS Customer Service Department
1462 East Ninth Street
Pomona, CA 91766.

Toll Free: 1-800-CAL-SPAS
Fax: [phone]

Important Safety Instructions

READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

1

Read This First!

DANGER -- Risk of accidental drowning:

Do not allow children to be in or around a spa unless a
responsible adult supervises them. Keep the spa cover
on and locked when not in use. See instructions enclosed
with your cover for locking procedures.

DANGER -- Risk of injury:

The suction ttings in this spa are sized to match the
specic water ow created by the pump. Should the need
arise to replace the suction ttings, or the pump, be sure
the ow rates are compatible.

Never operate the spa if the suction tting or lter baskets
are broken or missing. Never replace a suction tting with
one that is rated less than the ow rate marked on the
original suction tting.

WARNING -- To reduce the risk of injury:

The spa water should never exceed 104˚F (40˚C). Water
temperatures between 100˚F (38˚C) and 104˚F (40˚C)

are considered safe for a healthy adult. Lower water
temperatures are recommended for young children and
when spa use exceeds 10 minutes.

High water temperatures have a high potential for causing
fetal damage during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant,
or who think they are pregnant, should always check with
their physician prior to spa usage.

The use of alcohol, drugs or medication before or during

DANGER -- Risk of electric shock:

Install the spa at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) from all metal
surfaces. As an alternative, a spa may be installed within 5
feet of metal surfaces if each metal surface is permanently
bonded by a minimum #8 AWG solid copper conductor to
the outside of the spa’s control box.

Do not permit any external electrical appliances, such as

lights, telephones, radios, televisions, and etc., within ve

feet (1.5 meters) of the spa. Never attempt to operate any
electrical device from inside the spa.

Replace a damaged power cord immediately.

Do not bury the power cord.

Connect to a grounded, grounding-type receptacle only.

spa use may lead to unconsciousness, with the possibility
of drowning.

Persons suffering from obesity, a medical history of heart
disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory system
problems or diabetes should consult a physician before
using the spa.

Persons using medications should consult a physician
before using the spa since some medications may induce
drowsiness while others may affect heart rate, blood
pressure and circulation.

HYPERTHERMIA DANGER:

Prolonged exposure to hot air or water can induce
hyperthermia. Hyperthermia occurs when the internal

temperature of the body reaches a level 3˚F to 6˚F above
the normal body temperature of 98.6˚F (or 2˚C to 4˚C
above 37˚C). While hyperthermia has many health benets,

it is important not to allow your body’s core temperature to

rise above 103˚F (39.5˚C).

Symptoms of excessive hyperthermia include dizziness,
lethargy, drowsiness and fainting. The effects of excessive
hyperthermia may include:

WARNING: People with infectious diseases should not use
a spa or hot tub.

WARNING: To avoid injury, exercise care when entering or

exiting the spa or hot tub.

WARNING: Do not use drugs or alcohol before or during
the use of a spa or hot tub to avoid unconsciousness and
possible drowning.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

2017 Portable Spa
LTR20171000, Rev. C

• Failure to perceive heat

• Failure to recognize the need to exit spa or hot tub

• Unawareness of impending hazard

• Fetal damage in pregnant women

• Physical inability to exit the spa

• Unconsciousness

WARNING: The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication can
greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia.

WARNING: Do not use a spa or hot tub immediately
following strenuous exercise.

WARNING: Prolonged immersion in a spa or hot tub may

be injurious to your health.

CAUTION: Maintain water chemistry in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.

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2

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

Pre-Delivery Checklist

Most cities and counties require permits for exterior
construction and electrical circuits. In addition, some
communities have codes requiring residential barriers such
as fencing and/or self-closing gates on property to prevent
unsupervised access to the property by children. Your dealer
can provide information on which permits may be required
and how to obtain them prior to the delivery of your spa.

Planning the Best Location

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

Safety First

Do not place your spa within 10 feet (3 m) of overhead
power lines.

Consider How You Will Use Your Spa

How you intend to use your spa will help you determine
where you should position it. For example, will you use
your spa for recreational or therapeutic purposes? If your
spa is mainly used for family recreation, be sure to leave
plenty of room around it for activity. If you will use it for
relaxation and therapy, you will probably want to create a

specic mood around it.

Plan for Your Environment

Before Delivery

Plan your delivery route

Choose a suitable location for the spa

Lay a 5 - 8 cm concrete slab

Install dedicated electrical supply

After Delivery

Place spa on slab

Connect electrical components

Provide a View with Your Spa

Think about the direction you will be facing when sitting in
your spa. Do you have a special landscaped area in your

yard that you nd enjoyable? Perhaps there is an area

that catches a soothing breeze during the day or a lovely
sunset in the evening.

Keep Your Spa Clean

In planning your spa’s location, consider a location where
the path to and from the house can be kept clean and
free of debris.

Prevent dirt and contaminants from being tracked into
your spa by placing a foot mat at the spa’s entrance where
the bathers can clean their feet before entering your spa.

If you live in a region where it snows in the winter or rains
frequently, place the spa near a house entry. By doing
this, you will have a place to change clothes and not be
uncomfortable.

Consider Your Privacy

In a cold-weather climate, bare trees won’t provide
much privacy. Think of your spa’s surroundings during all
seasons to determine your best privacy options. Consider
the view of your neighbors as well when you plan the
location of your spa.

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Allow for Service Access

Make sure the spa is positioned so that access to the
equipment compartment and all side panels will not be
blocked.

Many people choose to install a decorative structure
around their spa. If you are installing your spa with
any type of structure on the outside, such as a gazebo,
remember to allow access for service. It is always best
to design special installations so that the spa can still be
moved, or lifted off the ground.

2017 Portable Spa

LTR20171000, Rev. C

Preparing a Good Foundation

3

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

Your spa needs a solid and level foundation. The area
that it sits on must be able to support the weight of the
spa, with water and the occupants who use it. If the
foundation is inadequate, it may shift or settle after the
spa is in place, causing stress that could DAMAGE YOUR
SPA SHELL AND FINISH.

Damage caused by inadequate or improper
foundation support is not covered by the
warranty. It is the responsibility of the spa
owner to provide a proper foundation for the
spa.

Place the spa on an elevated 3 to 4” / 30 cm concrete slab.
Pavers, gravel, brick, sand, timbers or dirt foundations are
not adequate to support the spa.

We strongly recommend that a qualied, licensed

contractor prepare the foundation for your spa.

If you are installing the spa indoors, pay close attention

to the ooring beneath it. Choose ooring that will not be

damaged or stained.

If you are installing your spa on an elevated wood deck or
other structure, it is highly recommended that you consult
a structural engineer or contractor to ensure the structure
will support the weight of 150 pounds per square foot
(732 kg / m2).

liter. For example, an average 8’ spa holds approximately
500 gallons, or 1892 liters, of water. Using this formula, you

will nd that the weight of the water alone is 4,165 lbs, or

1892 kg. Combined with the dry weight of the spa you will
note that this spa will weigh approximately 5,000 lbs, or
2267 kg, when full of water.

To properly identify the weight of your new spa when full,
remember water weighs 8.33 lbs. per gallon, or 1 kg per

240 Volt Electrical Installation

All 240V spas must be permanently connected (hard wired)
to the power supply. See the GFCI and wiring requirements
on page 4.

These instructions describe the only acceptable
electrical wiring procedure. Spas wired in any other
way will void your warranty and may result in serious
injury.

When installed in the United States, the electrical wiring of
this spa must meet the requirements of NEC 70 and any
applicable local, state, and federal codes.

The electrical circuit must be installed by an
electrical contractor and approved by a local building
or electrical inspector.

Failure to comply with state and local codes may

result in re or personal injury and will be the sole

responsibility of the spa owner.

The power supplied to the spa must be on a dedicated
GFCI protected circuit as required by NEC 70 with no
other appliances or lights sharing the power.

Use copper wire with THHN insulation. Do not use
aluminum wire.

Use the table below to determine your GFCI and wiring
requirements.

Wires that run over 100 feet must increase wire gauge to
the next lower number. For example: A normal 50 amp
GFCI with four #6 AWG copper wires that run over 100
feet would require you to go to four #4 AWG copper wires.

2017 Portable Spa
LTR20171000, Rev. C

www.calspas.com

4

House Breaker Box

GREEN (Ground)

WHITE

(Neutral)

BLACK

(Hot)

BLACK

(Hot)

RED

(Hot)

RED

(Hot)

GFCI Breaker Box

Front View of GFCI

WHITE

GREEN (Ground)

RED

(Hot)

WHITE (Neutral)

BLACK

(Hot)

BLACK (Load Hot)

RED (Load Hot)

Spa Control Box

CIRCUIT BOARD

WHITE
(NEUTRAL)

BLACK (HOT)

RED (HOT)

GREEN
(GROUND)

GROUND TERMINAL BLOCK (ATTACHED
TO OUTSIDE OF SYSTEM BOX)

GROUND TERMINAL BLOCK (ATTACHED
TO OUTSIDE OF SYSTEM BOX)

BP501G1 and BP501X control
boxes and Auxiliary Heater

WHITE
(NEUTRAL)

BLACK (HOT)

RED (HOT)

GREEN
(GROUND)

CIRCUIT BOARD

GROUND TERMINAL BLOCK (ATTACHED
TO OUTSIDE OF SYSTEM BOX)

BP20X control box

Two 220V circuit breakers
Two GFCIs
Seven wires:
Two Red (hot)
Two Black (hot)
Two White (neutral)
One Green (ground)

Wiring Requirement/GFCI Wiring Diagram

Control System GFCI Required Wires Required

BP501G1 (one pump system) One 40 amp GFCI Four #8 AWG copper wires

BP501G1 (two pump system)
BP501X
BP20X

One 50 amp GFCI Four #6 AWG copper wires

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

House Breaker Box

BLACK (Hot)

WHITE

(Neutral)

GREEN (Ground)

RED (Hot)

One 220V circuit breaker
One GFCI
Four wires:
Red (hot)

Black (hot)
White (neutral)
Green (ground)

Spa Control Box

BP501G1 and BP501X control boxes

WHITE
(NEUTRAL)

BLACK (HOT)

RED (HOT)

CIRCUIT BOARD

GREEN
(GROUND)

GROUND TERMINAL BLOCK (ATTACHED

GROUND TERMINAL BLOCK (ATTACHED
TO OUTSIDE OF SYSTEM BOX)

TO OUTSIDE OF SYSTEM BOX)

GFCI Breaker Box

BLACK

(Hot)

GREEN (Ground)

BP20X control box

WHITE
(NEUTRAL)

BLACK (HOT)

RED (HOT)

CIRCUIT BOARD

GREEN
(GROUND)

GROUND TERMINAL BLOCK (ATTACHED
TO OUTSIDE OF SYSTEM BOX)

WHITE (Neutral)

RED

(Hot)

WHITE

WHITE (Load Neutral)

RED (Load Hot)

BLACK (Load Hot)

Front View of GFCI

RED (HOT)

BLACK (HOT)

WHITE

WHITE

(LOAD NEUTRAL)

Bottom View of GFCI

Box

Control

See the Cal Spas Pre-Delivery Guide for more information on spa placement for service
access and electrical service.

www.calspas.com/manuals

www.calspas.com

2017 Portable Spa

LTR20171000, Rev. C

120 Volt Electrical Installation

5

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

Always follow applicable local, state and federal codes
and guidelines.

Use only a dedicated electrical line with a 15 amp
breaker.

Cord-and-plug connections may not use a cord longer
than 15 feet (4.6 m) and must be plugged into a
dedicated 15 amp GFCI connection (NEC 680.42(A)
(2)). Do not use extension cords!

Always use a weatherproof-covered receptacle.

Receptacle shall be located not less than 5 feet (1.5
m) from and not exceeding 10 feet (3.0 m) from the
inside wall of the spa. (NEC 680.43(A))

Do not bury the power cord. If your cord becomes
damaged, replace it before next usage.

All 120V spas must have a GFCI. This can be either a
15 amp GFCI receptacle or a 15 amp GFCI cord and
plug kit as shown (CKIT110 - P/N ELE09700086).

Testing the GFCI plug

Test the GFCI plug prior to

rst use and periodically

when the spa is powered.

1. Plug in the GFCI into
the power outlet. The
indicator should turn on.

2. Press the TEST button.
The GFCI will trip, the
indicator will turn off,
and the spa will stop
operating.

3. Press the RESET button. The GFCI will reset, the indicator will
turn on again, and the spa will turn back on.

The spa is now safe to use.

If the GFCI trips while the spa is in use, press the RESET button.
If the GFCI does not reset, unplug the spa and call your local Cal
Spas dealer for service. DO NOT USE THE SPA!

Testing the 240 Volt GFCI Breaker

Test the GFCI breaker prior to rst use and periodically when the spa is powered. To test the GFCI breaker follow these

instructions (spa should be operating):

1. Press the TEST button on the GFCI. The GFCI will trip and the spa will shut off.

2. Reset the GFCI breaker by switching the breaker to the full OFF position, wait a moment, then turn the breaker back
on. The spa should have power again.

Filling and Powering Up Your Portable Spa

1. Inspect the spa equipment.

Inspect all plumbing connections in the
equipment area of your spa.

• Make sure unions in the equipment pack are tight. (Be careful
not to over-tighten the plumbing ttings.)

• If your spa has gate

valves, make sure they
are all in the UP or OPEN
position.

• Make sure the drain
valve is closed and
capped. (See page 37 for
a description of drain
valves.)

Never run the spa with the gate valves closed or without
water circulating for long periods of time.

2017 Portable Spa
LTR20171000, Rev. C

www.calspas.com

6

2. Remove the cartridge from lter canister.

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

If you have a skimmer like this:

Grip the lter by the handle and unscrew it from the

canister.

If you have a skimmer like this:

Remove the black skimmer cap and barrel, grip the lter

by the handle and unscrew it from the canister.

Teleweir Mega

lter skimmer

• 75 square feet
ltration

• Smooth cap

If you have a skimmer like this:

Rotate and remove the black locking ring. Remove the

black skimmer cap and barrel, grip the lter by the

handle and unscrew it from the canister. Replace and
lock the locking ring and slide the skimmer cap and
barrel back in the canister.

Note: The skimmer cap and barrel were locked in place
at the factory to prevent damage during shipment. It

must be unlocked and replaced in the lter canister so that
it can oat when the spa is lled. If you do not remove the
cap and barrel, your spa’s ltration system will not perform

as it was designed to.

Teleweir lter

skimmer

• 50 square feet
ltration

• Spoked cap

After you remove the lter, remove the plastic

wrapper and soak it in water for 30 minutes before

you replace it. A dry lter can allow air into the
ltration system which can cause the pump to fail

to prime.

3. Fill the spa.

Place a garden hose in the lter canister and ll your spa.

Always ll the spa through the lter canister. Failure

to do so may cause air to be trapped in the ltration system

and prevent the pumps from operating properly.

Never ll your spa with soft water.

Soft water makes it impossible to maintain the proper water chemistry and may cause the water to foam, which

will ultimately harm the nish of the spa and void your warranty.

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Fill the spa until water level is about six inches from the top.

If the water level is too low or too high, your spa will not
operate properly.

2017 Portable Spa

LTR20171000, Rev. C

4. Turn on power to the spa.

When the spa is lled to the correct level, turn on the power at

the GFCI breaker. (Ensure that the 120V spas are connected to
the proper electrical outlet.)

5. Prime the pump.

Your spa will perform a self-diagnostic check and go into Priming
Mode. The control panel will display either RUN PUMPS PURG
AIR --- or Priming Mode, depending on which control panel
you have.

Do the following:

Press the JETS or JETS 1 button once to start the pump in low
speed.

a. Press it again to switch the pump to high speed.

b. If you have other pumps, press JETS 2 or JETS 3 to turn

them on also.

Running the pumps helps the pumps prime.

After two minutes, the pump should prime. If it does not, follow the priming instructions on the next page. If it does,
continue with the next step.

7

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

6. Install the lter into the lter canister.

Make sure the lter has soaked at least 30 minutes

before you install it.

2017 Portable Spa
LTR20171000, Rev. C

7. Adjust water chemistry.

Test and adjust the water chemistry. See the section on

page 25 for instructions on keeping your water clear.

Spa owners with the bromine generator need to follow the
instructions on page 34.

8. Let the spa heat up.

When the spa has nished priming, the heater will

activate. Put the cover on and let the spa heat to the set
temperature.

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8

Priming the Pump

New spa owners often have difculty the rst time they start their spa

and the pump fails to prime. This can be frustrating, but these simple
instructions can help you.

Sometimes air can become trapped in the pump while lling the spa. You
will know this has happened when after you have lled and started the spa,

the pump does not seem to function. You will hear the pump operating, but no water will be moving.

Preparing for Your New Portable Spa

Starting Up: Priming Mode

After the initial start-up sequence,
the spa will enter Priming Mode,
which lasts 4 to 5 minutes. The
message shown right will appear.

As soon as the Priming Mode screen appears on the panel,
press the Jets or Jets 1 button once to start Pump 1 in low
speed and then again to switch to high speed. Also, select
the other pumps, to turn them on. The pumps should be
running in high speed to facilitate priming.

If the pumps have not primed after two minutes, and water

is not owing from the jets in the spa, do not allow the

pumps to continue to run. Turn off the pumps and repeat
the process. Note: Turning the power off and back on again
will initiate a new pump priming session.

Exiting Priming Mode

The pump will not work
properly while air is trapped in it.
Continuing to operate the pump
in this way will cause damage.

Sometimes momentarily turning the pump off and on will

help it to prime. Do not do this more than ve times. If the

pumps will not prime, shut off the power to the spa and
call for service.

Important: A pump should not be allowed to run without
priming for more than two minutes. Under NO circumstances
should a pump be allowed to run without priming beyond
the end of the 4 to 5 minute priming mode. Doing so
may cause damage to the pump and cause the system to
energize the heater and go into an overheat condition.

You can manually exit Priming Mode by pressing an Up or
Down button. Note that if you do not manually exit the
priming mode as described above, the priming mode will
be automatically terminated after 4 to 5 minutes. Be sure
that the pumps have been primed by this time.

Once the system has exited Priming Mode, the top-side
panel will momentarily display the set temperature but
the display will not show the temperature yet. This is
because the system requires approximately one minute of

water owing through the heater to determine the water

temperature and display it.

Bleeding Air from the Pump

If you have tried priming the pump several times unsuccessfully using the
control panel, you can bleed the air from the pump manually.

1. Shut off the power to the spa.

2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the front panel from the spa and
locate the pump.

3. Close the gate valve on the discharge side of the pump (if your spa is
installed with one.)

4. Turn the bleeder valve counter clockwise with a small pair of pliers until
the air has been released from the pump.

5. If this is unsuccessful, loosen the union nut on side of the pump with
channel locks. When air is bled out, tighten the nut.

6. Turn on power to the spa and press the JETS button. If there is still air
trapped in the pump, repeat steps 2 through 5 until the pump primes.

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2017 Portable Spa

LTR20171000, Rev. C

SET

RANGE

SET

SET

RANGE

READY

RANGE

FLTR1

SET

1

READY

SET

2

Adjust the set
temperature

Set temperature
ranges

Select heat mode

Set time of day

Flip (invert display)

Lock the display
(restrict operation)

Hold mode (standby)

Adjust ltration cycle 1

Adjust ltration cycle 2

Set personal
preferences

System utilities
(for diagnostics only)

Main screen

Press

2X

3X

4X

5X

6X

7X

8X

9X

10X

1X

1X

To go through all menus:

(1) Press the

Temperature button

1

2

(2) Then press the
Light button.

Each time you
press the Light
button, it will
take you to the
next menu item.

Operating Your Spa

TP400 and TP600 Control Panel Operation

Primary Navigation and Functions

Navigating and programming the entire menu structure
is done with 2 or 3 buttons on the control panel. During
normal operation, the control panel will show the actual
temperature of the water, as the control panels below
illustrate.

There are eleven settings, or menu items, you can
access in the control panel. To access them in order, start
by pressing the Warm or Cool button once. The Set

Temperature will start to ash. While the set temperature
is still ashing, press the Light button. This will take you

to the next menu item. Each time you press the Light
button, it will take you to the next screen.

The gures below show the order the menu items appear. Tap

each menu item to go to the section that explains its function.

Warm Cool Light Jets Aux

TP400 Control Panels

For one pump systems

9

Operating Your Spa

For two pump systems

TEMP JETS AUX

TP600 Control Panels

For two and three pump systems

For one pump systems

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LTR20171000, Rev. C

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10

Jets and Pumps

Jet Operation

One Pump Systems

Uses the TP400 control panel

Single pump systems are all two-speed pumps.

To operate the jets, press the JETS button:

• Once to turn on low speed.

Operating Your Spa

• Twice to turn on high speed.

• Three times to turn off the pump.

Two pump systems

Uses either the TP400 or TP600 control panel

Press the Jets or Jets 1 button:

Press the Aux or Jets 2 button:

• Once to turn on low speed.

• Twice to turn on high speed.

• Three times to turn off the pump.

• Once to turn the pump ON.

• Twice to turn the pump OFF.

What is the difference between a 24-hour
circulation pump and a two-speed pump?

Circulation Pump - A 24-hour circulation pump is an

optional, dedicated low power pump just for ltration.

A circulation pump will reduce wear and tear on main
pump and can cost less to run than using pump 1 for

ltration. When a spa has a circulation pump, pump 1

will have only one speed.

Although it can be set to run continuously, some spa

owners prefer to reduce their ltration times in order
to lower their energy cost. See “Adjusting Filtration”

on page 14.

Two-Speed Pump - Spas without a circulation pump
use the low speed setting of pump 1 as a circulation
pump. Pump 1 will have two speeds, low speed and

high speed. Low speed is used for ltration, and high
speed is used for operating the jets.

Three pump systems

Uses the TP600 control panel

Press the Jets 1 button:

• Once to turn on low speed.

• Twice to turn on high speed.

• Three times to turn off the pump.

Press the Jets 2 button:

• Once to turn the pump ON.

• Twice to turn the pump OFF.

Press Jets 3 button:

• Once to turn the pump ON

• Twice to turn pump OFF.

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2017 Portable Spa

LTR20171000, Rev. C

Adjusting the Set Temperature

arrows on the display.

temperature.

Main Screen

Press the WARM or COOL buttons to adjust the set temperature.

Press Once

When the temperature stops ashing, the spa will heat to the new set temperature when

required. The temperature can be set between 60°F and 104°F.

11

Operating Your Spa

RANGE

SET

RANGE

SET

SET

Set Temp
will show
and flash

Press the Temp buttons to
change the temperature.

Setting Dual Temperature Ranges

You can set two temperature range settings with independent set temperatures. The High

Press Once

Then
Press

SET

RANGE

Once

Range is shown in the display by an “up” arrow and the Low Range with a “down” arrow. The
ranges can be used for different reasons, the most common being a “ready to use” setting
versus a “vacation” setting. (See “Vacation Setting below.) Each range maintains its own set
temperature that you program according to your needs. This way, when a range is chosen,
the spa will heat to the set temperature programmed to that range.

High Range can be set between 80°F and 104°F.

Low Range can be set between 50°F and 99°F.

The example below shows setting the Low Range temperature.

RANGE

SET

RANGE

SET

RANGE

FLTR1

READY

RANGE

FLTR1

READY

RANGE

1

RANGE

RANGE

FLTR1

SET

SET

FLTR

FLTR1

Select High Range or Low
Range. Toggle the Range

Vacation Setting

Set the spa to operate in the Lower Range temperature choice before you go on vacation.

1. Press the Temp button. The “Set Temp” will show and

ash.

2. Press the Light button. “TEMP” will show on the
display, which give you the choice of High Range or
Low Range.

3. To set the Low Range, press the Light button, then

2017 Portable Spa
LTR20171000, Rev. C

Set Temp will
show and flash

Press a Temp Button

Main Screen

repeatedly to change the

press the Temp button. The “Set Temp” will show and

ash.

4. Press the Temp buttons to adjust the temperature.

5. Press the Light button or wait several seconds to
return to the main screen.

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12

Press Jets 1

Main Screen

Main Screen

READY and REST

Operating Your Spa

Setting the Heat Mode

There are two heat modes: READY Mode and REST Mode.

Press Once

Then
Press

READYSET

Toggle between

to set temperature. While Pump 1 High can be turned on and off, Pump 1 Low
will run until set temperature is reached, or 1 hour has passed. After 1 hour, the
system will revert to Rest Mode. This mode can also be reset by entering the Mode
Menu and changing the Mode.

Freeze Protection

If you live in an area that experiences extreme freezing weather, you need to know how to how to set your spa to

prevent freeze damage. Some spa owners choose to drain and winterize their spas, but others prefer to keep it lled

and operating. If you don’t want to drain your spa, you can continue to run it safely through the winter, providing you
program it correctly.

When you expect the temperature to approach freezing, always keep the spa in READY Mode. As long as the spa is in
READY Mode, it will regularly check the water temperature (known as “polling”) and circulate water every 1/2 hour. When
the sensors within the heater detect water temperature has dropped to 42°F (5.5°C), then the pumps and the blower
automatically activate to provide freeze protection. The pumps and blower will run either continuously or periodically
depending on conditions.

Twice

SET

READY Mode: In order for the spa to heat, a pump needs to circulate water through the
heater. The pump that performs this function is known as the “heater pump.”

The heater pump can be either a 2-Speed Pump 1 or a circulation pump. If the heater
pump is a 2-Speed Pump 1, READY Mode will circulate water every 1/2 hour, using Pump
1 Low, in order to maintain a constant water temperature, heat as needed, and refresh
the temperature display. This is known as “polling.”

REST Mode: REST Mode will only allow heating during

programmed lter cycles. Since polling does not occur, the

READY

RANGE

REST

FLTR1

temperature display may not show a current temperature
until the heater pump has been running for a minute or two.

Ready-in-Rest Mode

READY/REST appears in the display if the spa is in Rest Mode

and Jet 1 is pressed. When the spa is being used, it will heat

RANGE

REST

READY

/ REST

RANGE

Setting Time

Press Once

Then
Press

3X

SET

Set hour Set minutes Main Screen

Flip (Invert Display)

Press Once

Then
Press

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4X

Setting the time of day is important for determining ltration times and other background

features. 24-hour time display can be set under the PREF menu.

Note: This system does NOT display the time of day. The default display on
the Main Screen is the current water temperature. Displaying time of day is
not a selectable feature.

P

SET

P

SET

P

SET

P

READY

RANGE

FLTR1

Inverting the display allows you to be able to read the control panel while you are in the
spa.

SET

SET

READY R

ANGE

FLTR1

Press Temp button to
flip the display

Main Screen

2017 Portable Spa

LTR20171000, Rev. C

Locking the Control

and hold

twice

Main screen

Press Once

Then
Press

5X

13

Operating Your Spa

The control can be locked to prevent unwanted use or temperature adjustments. You can

lock the set temperature or the control panel.

Locking the temperature allows Jets and other features to be used, but the Set Temperature

and other programmed settings cannot be adjusted.

Locking the panel prevents the controller from being used, but all automatic functions are
still active.

TO LOCK SET TEMPERATURE

SET

SET

Press Light button to

lock control panel

TO LOCK THE CONTROL PANEL

SET

Unlocking the Control

While pressing and holding the
WARM Button, press the LIGHT
button twice.

SET

SET

You can toggle between ON and OFF
using the Warm and Cool buttons

SET

SET

You can toggle between
ON and OFF using the
Warm and Cool buttons

FLTR1

ANGE

READY

R

Press

Press

FLTR1

Main screen

READY

RANGE

The set temperature
has been locked

FLTR1

Main screen

READY

RANGE

The control panel
has been locked

READY

RANGE

FLTR1

Hold Mode

Hold Mode is used to disable the pumps during service functions like cleaning or replacing

Press Once

Then
Press

2017 Portable Spa
LTR20171000, Rev. C

6X

Timer will count down for 60 minutes Main Screen

the lter. (See page 28 for instruction on cleaning the lter.)

Hold Mode will last for 1 hour unless the mode is exited manually.

READY

FLTR1

RANGE

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14

READY

RANGE

FLTR1

SET

FLTR

2 P

SET

FLTR

2 P

SET

FLTR

2 P

FLTR

2

FLTR

2

SET

FLTR

2

SET

FLTR

2

SET

FLTR

2

FLTR

2

A

SET

FLTR

2 P

2

SET

FLTR

2

SET

FLTR

2

****

****

*****

READY

RANGE

FLTR1

If you wait several seconds, it
will revert to original setting.

Note: Waiting several seconds will lose any new
Filter 2 On/Off, Start Time and Run Hours and
revert to the previous Filter 2 settings.

Main Screen

Main Screen

to set

to set

to set

Press Light button
to select Filter 2

Shows start
time

Sets start
hour

Sets
minutes

Sets 15- minute
increments

to show RUN HRS

to show F2 ENDS xx:xx

to set

Sets Filter 2
length in hours

Selects part
of an hour

Sets 15-minute
increments

SET

FLTR1 P

FLTR1

FLTR1

SET

FLTR1

SET

FLTR1

FLTR1

A

1

READY

RANGE

FLTR1

SET

FLTR1 P

SET

FLTR1 P

SET

FLTR1 P

SET

FLTR1

****

****

Shows start
time

Sets start
hour

Sets
minutes

Sets 15- minute
increments

to show RUN HRS

Sets Filter 1
length in hours

Selects part
of an hour

to show F1 ENDS xx:xx

Sets 15-minute
increments

Note: Waiting several seconds will lose any
new Filter 1 Start Time and Run Hours and
revert to the previous Filter 1 settings.

to set

to set

Main Screen

If you wait

several seconds,

it will revert to

original setting.

Operating Your Spa

Adjusting Filtration

Press Once

Then
Press

7X

Main Filtration

Filter cycles are set using a duration. Each setting can be adjusted in 15-minute increments.

Filter Cycle 1 and Filter Cycle 2 (if enabled) are set to the same duration.

If Filter Cycle 2 is enabled, Filter 2 will appear in the LCD. If Filter 2 is disabled, Filter 1
will appear.

Note: The default setting for ltration is two hours per day with one ltration cycle. This

will probably not be enough for your needs. See page 28 for information about determining

how much ltration your spa needs.

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2017 Portable Spa

LTR20171000, Rev. C

15

Setting Preferences

Press Once

Then
Press

9X

Utilities

This allows you to set the following preferences for system operation:

• Change the temperature between Fahrenheit and Celsius

• Change the clock between 12-hour and 24-hour display

• Turn periodic reminders (like “CLEAN FILTER”) on or off

SET

Toggle °F and °C

SET

Toggle 12-hour clock
and 24-hour clock

SET

SET

SET

to set

to set

SET

Toggle Yes and No

Operating Your Spa

to set

This menu feature is for system information only and is used mainly for repair and troubleshooting.

Other Spa Systems

Several spa functions operate in the background and require no action or maintenance from you. This is for your
information only.

Pumps

Press the “Jets 1” button once to turn pump 1 on or off,
and to shift between low- and high-speeds if equipped. If
left running, the pump will turn off after a time-out period.
The pump 1 low-speed will time out after 30 minutes. The
high-speed will time out after 15 minutes.

On non-circ systems, the low-speed of pump 1 runs when
the blower or any other pump is on. If the spa is in Ready
Mode, Pump 1 low may also activate for at least 1 minute
every 30 minutes to detect the spa temperature (polling)
and then to heat to the set temperature if needed. When the
low-speed turns on automatically, it cannot be deactivated
from the panel, however the high speed may be started.

Circulation Pump

The circulation pump will come on when the system is

checking temperature (polling), during lter cycles, during

freeze conditions, or when another pump is on.

The ozonator will run with the circulation pump during

ltration cycles.

Purge Cycles

In order to maintain sanitary conditions, secondary Pumps
and/or a Blower will purge water from their respective

plumbing by running briey at the beginning of each lter

cycle.

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16

Operating Your Spa

Diagnostic Messages

Message Meaning Action Required

RUN PMPS PURG AIR Priming Mode

Each time the spa is powered up, it will enter
Priming Mode. The purpose of Priming Mode
is to allow the user to run each pump and
manually verify that the pumps are primed

(air is purged) and water is owing. This

typically requires observing the output of
each pump separately, and is generally not
possible in normal operation.

---F - ---C Water Temperature Is Unknown

After the pump has been running for 1
minute, the temperature will be displayed.

42F TOO COLD Too Cold - Freeze Protection

A potential freeze condition has been
detected and all pumps and blower are
activated. All pumps and blower are ON for
at least 4 minutes after the potential freeze
condition has ended. In some cases, pumps
may turn on and off and the heater may
operate during Freeze Protection.

WATR TOO HOT Water Is Too Hot

One of the water temp sensors has detected
spa water temp 110°F (43.3°C) and spa
functions are disabled.

SFTY TRIP ---- Safety Trip - Pump Suction Blockage

The Safety Trip error message indicates that
the vacuum switch has closed. This occurs
when there has been a suction problem or
a possible entrapment situation avoided.
(Note: not all spas have this feature.)

HTR FLOW LOSS ---- Heater Flow Is Reduced

There may not be enough water ow through

the heater to carry the heat away from the
heating element.

HTR FLOW FAIL ---- Heater Flow Is Reduced

There is not enough water ow through

the heater to carry the heat away from the
heating element and the heater has been
disabled.

HTR MAY BE DRY ---­WAIT ----

HTR DRY ---- Heater Is Dry

Heater May Be Dry

Possible dry heater, or not enough water in
the heater to start it. The spa is shut down
for 15 min.

There is not enough water in the heater to
start it. The spa is shut down.

Priming Mode lasts 4 minutes, but you
can exit it earlier by pressing any Temp
button. The heater is not allowed to run
during Priming Mode.

NOTE: If your spa has a Circ Pump, it will
turn on with Jets 1 in Priming Mode. The
Circ Pump will run by itself when Priming
Mode is exited.

None.

None.

None. System will auto reset when the
spa water temp is below 108°F (42.2°C).
Check for extended pump operation or
high ambient temp.

Drain or lter may be covered, creating a

blockage. Clear the blockage and reset by
pressing any button on the topside panel.

Check for low water level, suction ow

restrictions, closed valves, trapped air, too

many closed jets and pump prime. Heater

start up will begin again after about 1
minute.

Check for low water level, suction ow

restrictions, closed valves, trapped air, too

many closed jets and pump prime. Heater

start up will begin again after about 1
minute.

Check for low water level, suction ow

restrictions, closed valves, trapped air, too

many closed jets and pump prime. Press

any button to reset the heater start-up.

Check for low water level, suction ow

restrictions, closed valves, trapped air, too

many closed jets and pump prime. Press

any button to reset the heater start-up.

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2017 Portable Spa

LTR20171000, Rev. C