Kohler KARESS Installation Manual

Installation Guide

1276616-T01-A

English page 1-10

11-19

KARESS WHIRLPOOL BATH

SHANGHAI KOHLER LTD., NO.368, MIN LE ROAD,

FENG XIANDISTRICT, SHANGHAI,CHINA POST CODE 201419

368 201419

Product Notices

Before You Begin

A. Installation Hazard Notification

DANGER: Risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to Persons.

WARNING: Risk of electrical shock.

WARNING: Risk of electrical shock.

WARNING: Risk of electrical shock.

WARNING: Risk of injury or property damage.

NOTICE:

ATTENTION:

WARNING: Risk of damp.

ATTENTION: Temperature deviation.

Read important safety instructions included in

these instructions.

A licensed electrician should make all electrical connections.

Connect only to a circuit protected by a Ground-Fault Circuit-

Interrupter (GFCI) or Earth-Leakage Circuit-Breaker (ELCB).

Disconnect power before servicing.

Please read all instructions thoroughly before

beginning installation, including the following Product Requirements.

Follow all local plumbing and electrical codes.

Difference of the type of the plumping, which may differ the drain speed.

Silicone sealant shall be applied to connections of the bath drain pipe and the

bathroom drainage pipeline.

Water temperature at different parts of the bath may not be the same,
which may cause the temperature detected and shown on the panel slightly differ from the actual water
temperature in the bath.

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Please read these instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with the required tools, materials, and
installation sequences. Follow the sections that pertain to your particular installation. This will help you avoid
costly mistakes. In addition to proper installation, read all operating and safety instructions.

All information is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. Kohler Co.
reserves the right to make changes in product characteristics, packaging, or availability at any time without
notice.

These instructions contain important care, cleaning, and warranty information-please leave these

instructions for the consumer.

This product complies with QB 2585-2007.

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B. Factory-Assembled Features

Factory installed components include water motor with power supply cord, electronic drain, controller, piping,
water level sensor, user keypad, and keypad cable. Other than power wiring and plumbing, no assembly is
needed.

Do not make other modifications to the system in the absence of kit instructions, as this
could adversely affect the performance and safe operation of the bath. Kohler China shall not be liable
under its warranty or otherwise for personal injury or damage caused by any such unauthorized
modification.

WARNING: Unauthorized modification may cause unsafe operation or affect performance of the
bath with airjets.

B. Plumbing Specifications

C. Product Inspection

D. Electrical Requirements

If using a rim-mounted bath faucet, flexible connections between the valves and spout may be required. Confirm
adequate mounting, connection space of specified faucet for your installation.

Carefully unpack and inspect the massage bath for damage. Leave all materials in the carton during constructions
to prevent damage.

The installation must have a Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI). The GFCI protects against Line-to­ground shock hazard. Use a 220-240 V, 10 A (minimum), 50 Hz dedicated service for the massage bath.

Installation Requirements

A. Tools Required

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Adjustable pipe wrench

Rule

Level

Safety shoes

Safety glasses

Square

Screwdriver

Pliers

Utility knife

Pencil

Measuring Tape

Plus:

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Conventional woodworking tools and materials or conventional bricklaying tools and materials

Drop Cloth

Construction adhesive (optional)

Cement or mortar (optional)

B. Materials Required

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Plumbers putty

Wall coverings (if necessary)

Silicone sealant

Gypsum cement (optional)

Construction adhesive (optional)

Protective covering for bathtub

Nails

Silicone Sealant

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Product Requirements

A. Summary Of Key Requirements

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Observe all local plumbing and electrical codes.

Install the unit to a level subfloor.

Provide properly-dimensioned framing.

Baths with airjets are designed for a variety of installations, depending upon the model chosen.

Ensure a seal on the connection of bath drain pipe and bathroom drainage pipe.

It is recommended to use blinds-style access panel to ensure ventilation and avoid damp on back of the bath.

Site Requirements

A. Old Bath Removal (If Applicable)

Disconnect the drain at the trap. Remove the old wall material. Slip boards under the old bath feet to protect the
floor, and slide the old bath out of the recess as illustrated.

Old Bath

Floor Protection Boards

Bath

2mm

Tile

Brick

Bath may be installed next to the
wall or as an island installation.

Tile

Brick

B. Prepare the Site

CAUTION: Risk of product damage.

NOTICE:

Do not support the bath by the rim.

Unless otherwise specified, floor support under the bath must provide for a minimum of 80

lbs./square foot (390 kg./square meter) loading.

Make sure the flooring offers adequate support for your bath, and verify that the subfloor is flat and level.
This bath may be installed in a drop-in or in an island installation. An island installation requires a four side
surround. In both instances, make sure the deck is adequately supported.
Install an access panel to allow the blower, the controller and the keypad to be serviced. Jalousie access is
recommended. Please refer to rough-in for exact location of access panel.
Construct brick or concrete supports.
Provide a 2mm gap between the bath rim and the concrete or brick framing.

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Before Installing the Bath

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B.

C.

D.

E.

Your new bath has been manufactured to the highest possible standards, it has been factory tested and approved.

When removing bath from protective carton . Inspect for any
possible damage that may have occurred in transit. Position a clean drop cloth or similar material in the bottom
of the bath to pretect the finish. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the bath.

Identify blower and switch access location before proceeding with installation.

Ventilation must be

provided to access panel. Jalousie access is recommended.

Refer to roughing-in to pre-arrange positions for hot and cold pipes, power supply and drainage hole before
installation.

Bath must be installed level on all top edges.

DO NOT LIFT BATH BY PIPE WORK

NOTE NO BLOWER AND SWITCH ACCESS NO WARRANTY SERVICE.

IMPORTANT:

Install the Bath

CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not support the bath by the rim.

If the subfloor is not level, shim the bath support blocks as necessary.

A. Choose to Use Concrete or Mortar Bed

NOTE: Do not use gypsum concrete or drywall compound for this application, as they will not provide an
acceptable, durable bond.

Spread a 50mm thick layer of cement or mortar on the subfloor where the bath will be set. This will help
secure, level, and support the unit.

Brush a layer of waterproof paint on top of the cement or mortar bed.

With help, carefully lift the bath into place.

Insert the drain tailpiece into the bathroom drainage pipe. Make sure the bath is level and all feet are
sufficiently supported.

Remove the protective tape from the rim.

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B. Install the Plumbing

CAUTION: Risk of property damage. Ensure a watertight seal on the bath drain.

Run water into the bath, and check the drain connections for leakage.

Install the faucet valving according to the faucet manufacturer's instructions. Do not install the faucet trim
until instructed. Open the hot and cold water supplies, and check the supply connections for leakage.

Ensure a seal on the bath drain and the floor drain.

Connect the cold water valve and pipe cleaning inlet valve with hose. Refer to roughing-in for position of the
cold water valve.

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Drain

Inlet hole for the

inlet valve.
Connect to cold water
valve with hose.

pipe

cleaning

Drain Pipe

Seal on the bath

Floor

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C. Make Electrical Connections

WARNING: Risk of electric shock.

NOTE:

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, connect the control box to a

properly grounded, grounding-type receptacle protected by Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI 's).

Electronic parameter label located on the bath. This label also identifies the electrical rating.

Your bath is equipped with a cord and plug. The blower motor has been wired at the factory. A licensed
electrician must install a dedicated GFCI-protected, 220 V, 10 A, grounded water proof outlet.

Plug the control box into this outlet.

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D. Test Run the Bath

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Check all electrical connections.

Make sure all piping connections are secure.

Temporarily remove the plastic drop cloth or other
protective sheeting from the bath.

Push the electronic drain on/off button " " to
close the drain. Fill the bath to 350mm.

Refer to "Bath Operation" to make sure that every
function works well.

Check the piping for leaks. Repair any leaks.

Operate the bath. Check the air piping for leaks.

Stop the massage and drain water.

Return the plastic drop cloth or other protective
sheeting to the bath. Check the drain connections for
leakage.

E. Seal the Bath Rim

CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not

support the weight of the bath by the rim.
For sunken type installation, construct the ceramic or
marble tiles. Seal the joints between the bath rim and
the tiled wall with silicone sealant.

Finished tiled Wall

Brick or
Concrete Wall

Bath

Silicone Filler

Paste Mortar

F. Apply Sealant to Bath with Apron

1 After the bath is fixed, apply sealant around the

connections of the bath and the wall.

Apply Silicone Sealant

Wall

Wall

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Power On/Off

Electronic
Drain On/Off

Massage Pillow
On/Off

Massage Pump On/Off
Massage Strength Adjustment

Pipe
Cleaning

Display Panel:
Water Temperature,
Massage Strength,
Drain, Pipe Cleaning

H. Drilling And Cutting Acrylic

I. Clean-Up After Installation

DRILLING:

NOTE:

CUTTING:

Do not use abrasive cleansers

Do not use powdered cleaners unless the cleaner is fully dissolved

in water. Do not use bleach or ammonia cleaning solutions

Small holes can be drilled with a twist drill, but the cutting edge MUST be backed off with an oil
stone (the sharp edge dulled). Large holes must be drilled with a hole saw. Maximum drill size-12mm. Drill
speeds-6mm 1800 RPM-12 mm 900 RPM.

Always drill from acrylic surface.

If for any reason the acrylic requires cutting, use a fine tooth hacksaw and proceed with caution.
Edges can be smoothed with a second-cut file and medium-fine sandpaper. If the surface of the acrylic should
happen to be damaged, it can be restored by polishing with an abrasive cleaner. Deep scratches can be removed
by rubbing with 600 grade wet & dry sandpaper then polishing.

Use warm water and a liquid detergent to clean the surface of the bath. , as
they may scratch and dull the surface.

Solid substances could block the airjets. .

Chemically active cleaning solutions can damage the bath surface. Refer to the homeowners guide for normal
cleaning recommendations.

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A. Fill the Bath

NOTE:

NOTE:

NOTE:

Please read these steps carefully before you operate your bath. Troubleshoot any problems using the

"Troubleshooting" section.

Please do not use the bath in case of outage. In this case, the electronic drain automatically opens and

the bath can not be filled with water.

Massage function may fail to start if waterlevel is lower than 350mm.

Bath Function Check and Guide

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G. Install and Remove the Apron

If the apron needs removing, please follow the steps below:

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Remove the screw cap and loosen the screw.

Push the upper part of the apron inwards, pull down the apron and it can be removed easily.

When installing the apron, insert the top of the apron into the enclosement, then fix and cap the screws.

11Massage Pump On/Off and Strength Adjustment

Press , pump is on with massage strength of

L1. Press again , and massage strength is

changed to L2. Press again, and massage

strength is changed back to L1.

""

""

""

Pipe Cleaning

Start piping cleaning by pressing " ", and pipe

cleaning animation is displayed. Press again to stop

pipe cleaning. Meanwhile, electronic drain is open.

Massage Pillow

Press " " to start massage pillow. Press " "

again to stop it.

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Display Panel

Display water temperature in the bath and display

air temperature when the bath is empty.

Before taking bath, please make sure of water

temperature with hands.

When massage pump is on, massage strength is

displayed.

Electronic Drain

Start the drain by pushing the button " " once,

drain animation is displayed. Push again to stop it.

When pushing this button, a slight sound can

be heard from the drain at the bottom of the bath.

Power On/Off

Push the button " " to start system and enter

standby mode.

Push " " to stop system.

Note:

Tip:

C. Operation Instructions

If the unit does not function properly, please refer to the "Troubleshooting" section.

Press power on/off " " to start system.

Press the electronic drain on/off button " " on the user keypad to close the drain.

Fill the bath. Massage pump can only be started when water level is above 350mm.

Observe water temperature displayed on the keypad for comfort and safety, make sure of water temperature

with hand.

Carefully enter the bath basin.

Press pump on/off " " and massage strength " " to start massage.

If desired, adjust massage strength by pressing " ".

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1276616-T01-A

B. Keypad Instructions

Power On/Off

Electronic
Drain On/Off

Massage Pillow
On/Off

Massage Pump On/Off
Massage Strength Adjustment

Pipe
Cleaning

Display Panel:
Water Temperature,
Massage Strength,
Drain, Pipe Cleaning

OVERFLOW STATUS

NOTE:

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Water level reaches overflow level.
The electronic drain automatically opens. Overflow animation is displayed and sound alarm starts.
Turn off the tap. When water level is below overflow level, the electronic drain automatically closes. Sound
alarm stops. Overflow level is 400mm.

When the bath reaches overflow level, water level may rise quickly if you enter the bath, which
may trigger the compelling drain function. Compelling drain function will discharge lots of water, so it is
not recommended to use the bath when it reaches overflow level.

STOPPING THE BATH

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Long press " " to stop massage.
Carefully exit the bath.
Press the electronic drain on/off button " ". Drain animation is displayed.

POWER OFF STATUS

NOTE:

11The electronic drain automatically starts under power off status.

Please do not use the bath in case of outage. In this case, the electronic drain automatically opens and

the bath can not be filled with water.

Plug again, and the electronic drain is at draining status.

PIPE CLEANING OPERATION

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Press the purge button " " and pipe cleaning animation is displayed.
The bath automatically drains.
After the bath is drained, the electronic drain is off and the bath will be filled automatically.
The bath fills until water reaches the water level for automatic cleaning.
The pump automatically runs for two minutes.
Electronic drain opens. The bath automatically drains and pipe cleaning is finished.

COMPELLING DRAIN FUNCTION

1 If the overflow level sensor does not work, you can use the compelling drain function to prevent water

overflow to your bathroom. Automatic drain water level is 430mm.

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Troubleshooting Chart

SYMPTOMS PROBABLE CAUSES

RECORRECTIVE ACTION

1. Massage does not start. A. Controller is not power on.

2. Pump stops automatically
within 20 minutes.

B. User keypad cable loose or damaged.

C. User keypad does not work.

D. Pump does not work.

A. Set/reset GFCI or ELCB breaker;

check wiring.

B. Check wire connections. If necessary,

replace user keypad.

C. Replace user keypad.

D. Replace pump.

A. GFCI or ELCB trips. A. Correct GFCI or ELCB trips.

A. Replace controller.

3. Pump does not stop
automatically after 20 minutes.

A. Controller trips.

Consumer Responsibilities

Please confirm that the massage bath is installed according to the installation instructions.

Massage system should be used at least once a month to avoid the possibility that the electrical fittings be
damaged because of excessive moisture.

Cleaning Acrylic Surfaces: Do not use abrasive cleansers on any acrylic surfaces, as they will scratch and dull
the surface. Wipe out the bath after each use to prevent a build-up of soap and scum.

If the acrylic surface becomes dull, an automotive type rubbing compound *may be used on the unit, followed
by an application of paste wax.

*We recommend:
Rubbing compound mequiars mirror glaze 28 metal polish (import product) or "green oil".

Important Consumer Information

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B. Replace user keypad.

C. Replace the controller.

D. Replace electronic adjustment valve.

5. Pump operates but can not
adjust massage strength.

A. User keypad cable loose or damaged.

B. User keypad does not work.

C. Controller dose not work.

A. Check wire connections. If necessary,

replace user keypad.

D. Electronic adjustment valve does not

work.

6. Pipe cleaning does not work.

7. Cannot operate or stop
electronic drain.

A. User keypad cable loose or damaged.

A. User keypad trips.

B. User keypad does not work.

B. Controller trips.

C. Pump does not work.

D. Controller dose not work.

C. Electronic drain mechanism.does not

work

A. Check wire connections. If necessary,

replace user keypad.

A. Replace user keypad.

B. Replace user keypad.

B. Replace controller.

8. The bath cannot overflow. A. Water level sensor trips.

B..Electronic drain mechanism does not

work

A. Replace water level sensor.

B. Replace electronic drain mechanism.

C. Replace pump.

D. Replace the controller.

C. Replace electronic drain mechanism.

9. Water level cannot be
maintained after the bath is
filled with water.

A. Water level protector functions.

B. Water level surpasses overflow level.

C. Overflow level is not correct.

A. Lower the water level in the bath.

B. Lower the water level in the bath.

C. Contact customer service personnel of

Kohler to readjust the water level.

10. Water temperature cannot

be shown.

11. Abnormity shown of water

emperature.

A. User keypad cable trips.

A. Temperature sensor of electronic drain

mechanism does not work.

B. User keypad trips.

A. Check wire connections, or replace

user keypad.

A. Replace electronic drain mechanism.

B. Replace user keypad.

A. Check wire connections. If necessary,

replace user keypad.

4. Pump does not stop when
massage pump on/off
button on user keypad is
long pressed.

A. User keypad cable loose or damaged.

B. User keypad does not work.

B. Replace user keypad.

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QB 2585-2007

A.

B.

(GFCI)

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B.

C.

D.

(GFCI) GFCI 220-240

10 ( ) 50

A.

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1

1

:

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1

()

()

B.

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()

()

()

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A.

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A. ()

2mm

B.

80 / (390 / )

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B.

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A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

A.

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1

50

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C.

GFCI

220 10 GFCI

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D.

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1

350

E.

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F.

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/

H.

I.

12mm 6mm 1800 / 12mm 900 /

600

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A.

350

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G.

1

1

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1

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1

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1

1

1

/

350mm

/

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/

/

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L1

L2

L1

C.

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B.

/

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/

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430mm

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400mm

1. A.

B.

C.

D.

A. / GFCIELCB

B.

C.

D.

2. 20

A.GFCIELCB A. GFCIELCB

3. 20

A.

A.

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4.

/

A.

B.

A.

B.

*

*2

Mequiars 28 ( )

()

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5. A.

B.

C.

D.

A.

B.

C.

D.

6. A.

B.

C.

D.

A.

B.

C.

D.

7. A.

B.

C.

A.

B.

C.

8. A. A.

B. B.

10.

11.

A.

A.

B.

A.

A.

B.

9. A.

B.

C.

A.

B.

C. Kohler