Gulf Coast Spas DX 5000, LX 4000, EX 3000, IX 40 Owner's Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

DX 5000 | LX 4000 | EX 3000 | IX 40

5701 E. Hillsborough Ave.

Suite 2450

Tampa, FL 33610-5428

[phone]

www.GulfCoastSpas.com

Part Number 827359

Owner’s Information

Dealer:

Date Purchased:

__________________________

Company: __________________________

Address: __________________________

Telephone: __________________________

Installer:

Date Installed:

__________________________

Company: __________________________

Address: __________________________

Telephone: __________________________

Spa:

Date Delivered:

__________________________

Model: __________________________

Color: __________________________

Serial Number: __________________________

Your unique spa serial number is located on a data plate outside
the cabinet at ground level directly below the topside control
panel. When calling for service, have your serial number in hand to
expedite its servicing.

You will need this serial number to access the online troubleshooting
guide at

www.GulfCoastSpas.com

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Introduction....................................................................................2

Important Safety Information......................................................3

Installation.......................................................................................7

Electrical Specifications...............................................................8

Startup ...........................................................................................17

Operating Instructions................................................................24

Water Management ..................................................................25

Frequently Asked Questions......................................................25

Troubleshooting ...........................................................................28

Maintenance and Care ............................................................32

Shutdown / Winterizing ..............................................................34

Glossary.........................................................................................35

Specifications...............................................................................36

Conditions of Warranties ...........................................................46

Limited Warranty ............................................Inside Back Cover

Online troubleshooting is available at www.GulfCoastSpas.com.
You will need your serial number to access this site.

Important – Gulf Coast Spa Manufacturers is dedicated to offering
you the best in customer satisfaction and service. The warranty is a
manufacturer's limited warranty and is included in this manual. Be
sure to read, complete and sign the warranty to ensure you
understand what you are entitled to in terms of service. If you have
any questions whatsoever, do not hesitate to call Gulf Coast for
more details.

Copyright © 2007, Gulf Coast Spas, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual
may be reproduced in any manner without express written permission of Gulf Coast
Spas, Inc.

Printed in the U.S.A.

Part Number 827359 Version 4.9

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I n t r o d u c t i o n

Your choice of a Gulf Coast spa indicates that you are devoted to
excellence. The management and staff appreciate your
patronage and takes pride in the tradition of quality spas that our
company represents.

To properly acquaint yourself with your spa, we suggest that you
take time to read through this manual before hook up and
operation. Doing so will familiarize you with important operating
and safety procedures, thereby ensuring an enjoyable experience
right from the start.

If you need any more information than this manual provides, feel
free to visit our Web site at www.GulfCoastSpas.com or call our
24/7 technical support line at [phone].

WARNING: This manual was written to ensure the proper use

and installation of your spa. Any modifications to
the procedures outlined in this manual may result in
voiding your warranty.

Important – Please complete, sign, and submit the warranty card
located on the back page of this manual within 30 days of
purchase.

This manual and its contents are subject to change without notice.
Although Gulf Coast Spas has prepared this manual as accurate
and precise as possible, we will not be liable for loss, injury or
damages caused by improper installation or use of spa (improper
or otherwise).

All Gulf Coast spas (except for the IX-40) are
made with quality Eon synthetic cabinet
materials. Eon materials won’t fade and are
nearly invulnerable to mold and mildew.
Where wood splits, cracks, and stains, Eon
stands in timeless perfection.

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I m p o r t a n t S a f e t y I n f o r m a t i o n

Read and Follow All Instructions

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Avoid Risks To Children:

DANGER: RISK OF CHILD DROWNING: Extreme care must be

exercised, to prevent unauthorized access by
children. To avoid accidents, ensure that children
cannot use the spa unless they are supervised at all
times. Always cover the spa and use safety locks.

WARNING: RISK OF CHILD INJURY: Do not permit children to use

the spa unless they are closely supervised at all
times. Lower water temperatures are
recommended for children. Children are especially
sensitive to hot water.

Avoid Risks of Electrocution

DANGER: RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK: Install spa at least 5 feet

(1.5m) from all metal surfaces. A spa may be installed
within 5 feet (1.5m) of metal surfaces when each
metal surface is permanently connected by a
minimum No. 6 AWG (10 mm2) solid copper
conductor to the wire ground connector provided on
the terminal for this purpose. Do not permit any
electrical appliance, such as a light, telephone,
radio, or television within 5 feet (1.5m) of the spa,
unless factory installed.

Connect all metal equipment, metal enclosures of
electrical equipment, metal water pipes, or conduits
to the provided ground connector with a minimum
No. 6 AWG (10 mm2) solid copper conductor.

Position your spa to provide proper drainage of the compartment
for electrical components. For floor-recessed spas, allow access for
servicing from above or below floor. Consideration should be
taken for water to splash out. Water can ruin wood floors and
some finishes.

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• DO NOT use a wall switch, ground fault circuit interrupter,
circuit breaker, fuse, or plugging and unplugging the spa as a
means of turning your spa on or off for normal everyday use.

• DO NOT bring any electrical appliances into or near the spa,
with the exception of a space heater used for
winterizing/troubleshooting ONLY. Call [phone] for
instructions on this procedure.

• DO NOT operate any electrical appliances from inside the spa
or when you are wet unless such appliances are built-in by the
manufacturer.

Avoid Risks of Hyperthermia

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, the water temperature in

a spa should never exceed 40ºC (104ºF). Water
temperatures between 38ºC (100ºF) and 40ºC
(104ºF) are considered safe for a healthy adult.
Lower water temperatures are recommended for
young children, senior citizens, and when spa use
exceeds 10 minutes.

WATER TEMPERATURE IN EXCESS OF 38ºC MAY BE
INJURIOUS TO YOUR HEALTH.

AVERTISSEMENT: DES TEMPERATURES DE L'EAU SUPERIEURES A

38ºC PEUVANT PRESENTER UN DANGER POUR LA
SANTE. L'AVERTISSEMENT: LA TEMPERATURE D'EAU
DEPASSANT 38ºC MAI EST NUISIBLE A VOTRE SANTE.

Since excessive water temperatures have a high potential for
causing fetal damage during early pregnancy, pregnant or
potentially pregnant women should limit water temperatures to
38ºC (100ºF). Before entering a spa, measure the water
temperature with an accurate thermometer. The tolerances of
water temperature-regulating devices vary.

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Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body
reaches a level several degrees above the normal body
temperature of 98.6ºF (37ºC). The symptoms of hyperthermia
include drowsiness, lethargy, and an increase in the internal
temperature of the body. The effects of hyperthermia include:

• Unawareness of

impending hazard

• Failure to perceive

heat

• Failure to recognize

the need to exit spa

• Physical inability to
exit spa

• Fetal damage in
pregnant women

• Unconsciousness and
danger of drowning.

Avoid Risks of Burns

• Before entering a spa, measure the water temperature
with an accurate thermometer since the tolerance of
temperature-regulating devices may vary by as much as
±5°F (2°C).

• Test the water with your hand before entering the spa to
be sure it’s comfortable.

Warning Sign

Warning Sign Must Be Posted – The

red WARNING sign like the one
shown is packed with your new spa.
This sign must be posted in a
prominent place in close proximity to
the spa installation site immediately
upon completion of spa installation.

It is extremely important that this sign be permanently placed in
clear view of any persons using the spa. Occasional spa users may
not be aware of some of the dangers hot water poses to pregnant
women, small children, and people under the influence of alcohol.
If you did not receive a warning sign or your sign has become
damaged, please contact our 24/7 technical support line at
[phone] for a replacement.

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Basic Safety Guidelines

Your Gulf Coast spa is meant to be enjoyable, healthful and
relaxing. Below are some basic safety guidelines to follow every
time you use your spa.

1) Always check the temperature of your spa before entering.
High water temperatures can be hazardous to your health.

2) Persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low
blood pressure and pregnant women should consult a doctor
before using your spa.

3) Persons under the influence of medication, drugs, or alcohol
should not be allowed into your spa.

4) Do not allow children to use your spa without continuous
supervision of an adult.

5) Do not use your spa alone.

6) The GFCI breaker must be tested prior to using your spa each
time to ensure it operates properly.

7) Any electrical devices near your spa must be GFCI protected
and out of reach from inside the spa.

8) Keep all breakables away from the spa area.

9) Lock the cover on your spa when not in use.

10) Enter and exit the spa slowly. Wet surfaces can be slippery.

11) Prolonged immersion can be hazardous to your health.

12) Maintain water chemistry in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.

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I n s t a l l a t i o n

Proper planning is an important consideration when installing your
new spa. Site selection is a critical step and should be given some
serious thought. Planning ahead, before the delivery of your spa,
makes the installation process easier. The following information is
provided to assist you in site preparations.

1) Always comply with local building codes with respect to gates,
fences, etc.

2) Be sure your spa has proper access to water, drainage and
electricity.

3) Properly support its weight. There are many ways to support
your spa. In most cases, a 4-inch thick cement pad suffices. [Or
you may purchase a durable, synthetic spa pad by calling the
24/7 technical support line at [phone].] Please consult
your spa sales representative before constructing a base.

4) Be sure your spa will fit into the space you have chosen.

5) Ensure there is proper access into the area of the spa for
normal servicing.

6) Provide adequate ventilation for the humidity created by your
spa. In most cases, a Spa Hard Cover is sufficient.

7) Check the load carrying capabilities of the floor on which the
spa will reside. Most homes meet the requirement of 80 pounds
per square foot.

8) Protect the pump and all equipment from the weather by
ensuring the cabinet panels are secure at all times.

Important – When building a skirt or sinking a spa into a deck or
ground, allow a minimum of 36 inches (1 meter) of unobstructed
access to all sides of your spa. This ensures proper serviceability to
internal plumbing and equipment. Consider your design carefully.
The more access the better. Make the access door in a logical
place (i.e. near controls and equipment). Call the 24/7 technical
support line at [phone] for more details.

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E l e c t r i c a l S p e c i f i c a t i o n s

Important – Qualified and licensed electricians must perform all

electrical hookups. The following specifications must be followed in
order to ensure proper performance and safety.

WARNING: Starting an incorrectly wired spa could cause

severe damage to the mechanical equipment or
even bodily harm. Have your licensed electrician
verify GFCI (or RCD) wiring with the schematics on
pages 9-13 prior to starting the spa or call the
technical support line at [phone].

Caution: Failure to abide by specifications listed may result in

damage to the equipment and will void the warranty.

US/Canada:

All spas must be wired with a properly-sized GFCI breaker (see
table below). Failure to do so will cause equipment damage and
will not be covered under your warranty.

All spas must be protected with an over current protective device
with built-in GFCI in the service panel.

Model Volts Freq.

Rating

Amps

GFCI

Amps Wire size Controller

DX 5000

240/120 60 32 40 6-3 plus ground VS500Z

DX 5000

(Europe)

220-240 50

1x32

or 2x16

IEE wire

regulation

3 or 5 Wires 4mm² GS500Z

LX 4000

240 60 40 50 6-3 plus ground VS501Z

LX 4000

(Europe)

220-240 50

1x32

or 2x16

IEE wire

regulation

3 or 5 Wires 4mm² GS501Z

EX 3000

120/240 60 16 20 12-3 cord with GFCI plug VS500Z

EX 3000

240/120 60 32 40 6-3 plus ground VS500Z

IX 40

240 60 40 50 6-3 plus ground VS501Z

EUROPE:

WARNING: Disconnect the electrical power before servicing.

Before obtaining access to terminals, all supply
circuits must be disconnected.

Avertissement: Disconnecter du circuit d'alimentation

electrique avent l'entretien.

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Caution: Connect only to a circuit protected by a residual

current device (RCD). Test the RCD before each use
of the spa.

Attention: Connecter uniquement a un circuit protege par un

disjoncteur differentiel.

Toujours verifier l'efficacite du disjoncteur differentiel
avant d'utiliser le bain. Bonding lugs. Cosses demise a
la masse. Use the copper conductors only. Employer
uniquement des conduteurs de cuivre.

Nos stations thermales sont certifiées par les Services
de l'Essai d'Intertek NA Ltd. Ontario à CAN/CSA­C22.2 No. 218.1-M89 et ANSI/UL 1563.

Parts with extra low voltage not exceeding 12v must be
inaccessible to a person in the spa. Earthed appliances must be
permanently connected to fixed wiring. Parts incorporating
electrical components, except remote control devices, must be
located or fixed so that they cannot fall into the spa. Appliances
should be supplied through a residual current device (RCD) having
a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30ma.

Means for disconnection must be used in fixed wiring in
accordance with wiring rules.

Important – To allow the 240V GFCI to function properly, connect
the white Neutral wire from the spa to the Neutral terminal on the
GFCI breaker, not the Neutral bus in the GFCI breaker box. An
improperly connected Neutral causes the GFCI breaker to trip.

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US & Canada 240V Wiring Diagram

All wiring is 6-3 plus ground, solid copper

11

European 1x32A Wiring Diagram

All wiring is 3x4mm2, solid copper

Note: Make sure that the DIP switches in the
Spa Pack are properly set for 50Hz operation
and Jumper A is in place (see VS 500Z Export
diagram on page 15).

12

European 2x16A Wiring Diagram

All wiring is 5x4mm2, solid copper

Note: Make sure that the DIP switches in the
Spa Pack are properly set for 50Hz operation
and Jumper A is removed (see VS 500Z Export
diagram on page 15).

13

European 3-phase Wiring

Note: 3-phase wiring is not possible with these

spas. Wire as 1-phase or 2-phase only.

14

120V 20A Wiring Diagram

GFCI Plug Test/Reset

For DX 5000 Domestic models