Spa-Quip Intuitive Series Manual

DEALER STAMP:

DATE INSTALLED
SERIAL NUMBER
SOLD BY

INSTALLED BY
STARTUP TESTING

SPA-QUIP LTD

3 BUTTON ELECTRONIC

STANDARD SPA POOL

CONTROLLER

Intui3butbk.99-PSE/NRC

Contents

1.....OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:

2.....SPA POOL START UP

2.....PRIMING FUNCTION

3.....PUMP FUNCTION SWITCH

4.....AIR SWITCH

Single speed version:
Multi speed version:

4.....LIGHT/AUXILIARY SWITCH

4.....THERMOSTAT CONTROL

5.....THE TIME CLOCK FUNCTION

5.....INSTALLATION GENERAL

7.....CONTROL BOX & HEATER INSTALLATION

7.....INSTALLATION OF HEATER ELEMENT

8.....SWITCH INSTALLATION

8.....SPECIAL NOTES

9.....TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

10...WATER CHEMISTRY

11...WARRANTY POLICY

MY SPA IS TOO

HOT IN SUMMER!!

Many people would like to reduce the normal

running temperature of their spa, which is usually

38º or 39º in winter to 26º or less in summer.

All spas are supplied with an efficient heater, made more
efficient with the insulation around spa. This is what spas
are all about - HOT WATER and the therapeutic effects

of hot water and massage jets.
Manufacturers make no attempt too supply a system that cools water.

Please consider this......

a) In the winter your spa gets cold because the air temperature is cold. To combat
this we heat the water and keep the spa covered when not in use. If the spa is
turned off and the ambient temperature is 15º, eventually the spa will lose heat until
it too is 15º.

b) In the summer the same applies – you can turn the heater down, even turn the
pump off, but if the daytime temperature is 38º - 42º then the spa will also remain at
that temperature.

Manufactured by:

SPA-QUIP LTD

PO Box 302-114, N.H.P.C.

Auckland. New Zealand

Ph [phone], Fax [phone]

Email: [e-mail].

Australian Distrubution and Service:

SPA-QUIP (Australia) PTY LTD

Unit 2A, 4 Hudson Ave

Castle Hill, NSW 2154

Ph (612) 9634 5600, Fax [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Here are a few suggestions......

The quickest way is to change the water. However, eventually even this new water
will also heat up to the air temperature and need changing to cooler water.

Turn the heater down, but you also have to reduce the pump running times as well,
as the pump alone adds heat to the spa. Pump running time is controlled by both
heating and filtration requirements. Some control can be obtained by adjusting the
sleep times to longer periods and the on times for night running where the ambient
temperatures are cooler.

If the nighttime temperature is low, leave the cover off the spa to let heat escape,
but put it back on during the day to keep heat out. Make sure the spa is shaded from
direct sunlight.

You are lucky to live in a semitropical climate, but when it is hot EVERYTHING
IS HOT, unless air conditioned.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:

The Intuitive Series heat pump and control system has been designed so that
the pool can be automatically operated maintaining predetermined heat and
filtering operations. An in built clock puts the system into a sleep mode when
absolute quiet is needed.

Fig 1: Control box
with analogue
time clock

Before operating the spa pool ensure the following conditions are checked:
1/ That the spa pool support equipment is properly plugged in. Check that

each item is plugged into the correct socket as marked on the controller's
label.

2/ Ensure that the power supply is correctly rated, ie. a 15 amp system is

plugged into a 15 amp rated outlet. Rating is printed on front decal of
control box.

3/ The control

a suitable supply is further from the spa than required ensure a

electrician

4/ Fill the spa pool to the correct operating level as specified by the

manufacturer.

5/ The spa pool equipment must be adequately ventilated. Ensure the

manufacturer has provided proper ventilation in spa pool cabinet.

must not be installed on an extension cord

fits a suitable power supply lead or power point.

. If the location of

qualified

Page 1

6/ Ensure that you the Spa pool owner understand how to operate the

equipment. Check with your supplier if you are having difficulty.

Note:

In some installations, severe electrical interference can cause the control
to lock into a fault condition. If this continues, check with an electrician or with
the supplier's service representative to ensure that your power supply is
adequate. The manufacturer does not guarantee that all power supplies are
suitable.

Ampac Int. Systems Ltd

Spa-Quip Ltd

P.O.Box 1000-33 N.S.M.C.

PO Box 302-114

Auckland, New Zealand

North Harbour Post Centre
Auckland, New Zealand

SPA POOL START UP

1/ The spa pool must be properly filled. Ensure there is no obstruction to the

skimmer (if fitted) and the water level is well above the minimum level.
2/ Check that all valves are in correct operating position.
3/ Ensure cartridge filter is properly cleaned.

NOW-

1/ Turn the power supply switch on where lead is plugged into supply.
2/ Turn the mains switch on, at face of control box if fitted.

feature an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker on the cord set and the reset

switch should be in the on position. When the switch is initially turned on

the pump and blower should momentarily switch on. This is simply the

microprocessor resetting itself.
3/ Turn the thermostat control knob around clockwise to high to allow system

to operate (Fig 6).
4/ The control automatically starts in demand heat mode. The switch mode

light should be yellow/orange (Fig 3).
5/ The time clock should be adjusted to allow system to operate (pg 5). The

spa pool should now be heating.

dependent on ambient temperature, type of cover, size of pool, quality of

insulation etc. If the pump is not operating refer to trouble shooting section

(page 9).

PRIMING FUNCTION

The system will automatically run for 10 seconds to prime itself. While
unprimed the lamp associated with the pump switch will flash (Fig 2). The
pump switch can be further operated manually as an aid to priming. Once
water is achieved the control will operate in the automatic mode (see fault
finding section for possible causes of water absence - page 9).

Fig 2: Lamp flashes red/

green for no water

Note

: Initial heat up time will vary and is

Note

: Some models

WARRANTY POLICY

1. We undertake to repair, or at our option, replace without

cost to the purchaser either of materials or labour, any part
which within 12 months from the date of purchase is found to
be defective, provided that the product has been used in
accordance with the Instruction Book, under normal domestic
use and has not been subject to misuse, neglect or accident or
dismantled, repaired or serviced by any other than an
authorised Spa-Quip Ltd or Spa-Quip (Australia) Pty Ltd
service agent.

2. All claims for warranty must be done through the retailer or
supplier from whom the product was purchased. Proof of
purchase or the warranty card stamped by the supplier must be
supplied.

3. This warranty is a “return to base” warranty which means
the item must be returned to the manufacturer for repair. An
exchange unit may be provided in this case. If replacement or
service under this Warranty Policy is required and distance
prevents you calling personally, forward your product FREIGHT
PREPAID to the nearest authorised Spa-Quip Ltd or Spa-Quip
(Australia) Pty Ltd service agent.

4. Any costs incurred to repair a unit that is not covered by
warranty will be passed on to the consumer including cost
incurred to remove the faulty unit and replace with an
exchange unit. Spa-Quip Ltd or Spa-Quip (Australia) Pty Ltd
are not responsible for any on site costs for goods not covered
by warranty.

Model____________S/No_____________Date purchased_______________

Page 2

PSE 0985 NRC

Page 11

SPA WATER TREATMENT

RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL VALUES

PUMP FUNCTION SWITCH

When the pump switch is depressed it toggles between auto, manual and
standby modes. The default start up mode is automatic so that in event of a
power failure, the pool always starts in the heating mode.

CHLORINE........... 1.5 - 3.0 PPM ( PARTS PER MILLION )

pH................. 7.4 - 7.6

TOTAL ALKALINITY... 100 - 120 PPM

FAILURE TO MAINTAIN YOUR SPA WATER CHEMISTRY TO
THE ABOVE VALUES CAN BE UNHEALTHY BOTH TO YOU
AS BATHERS, AND TO YOUR SPA POOL EQUIPMENT.

pH
This is a measure of how acid or alkaline the spa water is (below

7.0 is acid, above 7.0 is alkaline). Low pH will cause corrosion of
any metalwork in the water (element, thermostat pockets). High
pH will cause scale formation and cloudy water.

TOTAL ALKALINITY

This is a measure of how resistant your spa water is to change of
pH. A low TA (0 - 80 ppm) will allow the pH to fluctuate rapidly,
normally to the acid end, and will make it very hard to correct the
pH back to the ideal range.

CHLORINE

Levels of sanitiser are important to prevent the build up of
bacteria and algae in the pool water. Chlorine is not the only
sanitiser available to do this. Other sanitisers are Bromine,
Ozone.

DAMAGE TO THE ELEMENT, THERMOSTAT POCKETS AND
ASSOCIATED METALWORK DUE TO THE POOR
MAINTENANCE OF WATER CHEMISTRY IS NOT COVERED
BY W ARRANTY.

Page 10

AB 0695

When in the automatic mode, the indicator shows yellow/orange (Fig 3). The
time clock will automatically turn the system on and off at preset times (see
time clock setting instructions - page 6).

During the on periods as set by the clock and while in automatic mode the
pump and heater are controlled by the thermostat setting, commonly referred
to as a demand heat system. The controller will switch the pump and heating
on and off as well as the intelligent filtration cycling when required.

Indicator

yellow/orange = auto mode
red = manual
green = standby
red - green flash = no water

Fig 3: Automatic mode

The pump can be operated manually at any time by pushing the switch until
the lamp indicates red. During manual operation the pump will run up to 3
hours with the heater turning on and off under thermostat control. Repressing
the switch restarts the 3 hour timer. At the completion of the manual running
time the controller will revert to automatic mode.

Standby mode switches the pump functions off if absolute quiet is required.
This function is also on a timer reverting to automatic mode after 3 hours.

Heating indicator

Page 3

AIR SWITCH

Single speed version:

The air blower injects air into the spa pool water usually from the seat well or
floor of the spa depending on design. Often the air will feel colder than the
water and can be used as an aid to reducing water temperature as desired by
the bather. When operated the lamp will show red. While the blower is operat­ing the pool heating is automatically turned off (load shedding). When blower
turned off lamp extinguishes and heating resumes if required, dependent on
operating mode.

Multi speed version:

The multi speed switches the blower through three different speeds. When
switch pressed the blower starts at full speed with the lamp indicator showing
red. Each subsequent step reduces speed with the lamp changing to yellow/
orange for mid speed and green for low (Fig 4). The multi speed version is
available with or without air heating. As above the pool heating is switched off
when the blower is operating, however the pump will remain running.
NOTE: The blower function has an in-built 30 minute timer.

Fig 4: Air control switch and indicator

LED indicator
Single speed = red

Multi speed high = red
medium = yellow/orange
low or ramping = green

THE LIGHT/AUXILIARY SWITCH

This is a single on/off function normally used to run the pool light. When on, a
red lamp (Fig 5) is illuminated.

NOTE: The light function has an in-built 30 minute timer.

Fig 5: Auxiliary switch function

LED indicator = red when on

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

FAULT CAUSE REMEDY

No power (LEDs not on) Supply fault. Check fuse or circuit breaker at

Power available but will not
run.

No water (LED lamp flashes
on pump switch)

Pump will not switch on.

Pump operates but no
pressure.

Blower/Aux will not go. Accessory not plugged in. Make sure accessory plugged

No Light. Light not plugged in. Lamp

Spa will not reach heat or
has trouble maintaining heat.

LEDs flashing High temperature cut out.

Air lock in plumbing. Re-plumb system to eliminate

Valves shut. Air lock.
Insufficient water. Probe
requires cleaning.

Pump switch in time clock
mode.

Jets turned off (if fitted).
Water level low. Suction
blocked. Air leak on suction
line. Filter dirty.

blown.

Temperature control set to
low. Blower operating.
Excessive heat loss. Spa not
operated long enough. Clean
filter - check for obstructions.

Electronic failure.

switch board. Check switch
plugged into control box. Check
RCD on cord set.

air-locks.

Open valves. Correct plumbing.
Make sure water above
skimmer minimum level. Call
serviceman to clean water
probe.

Switch to manual mode. Check
time clock also override switch
on clock face. Make sure pump
is plugged in securely. Check
overload switch on motor if
fitted.

Turn jets on. Top up pool to
correct level. Unblock suction.
Repair air leaks. Clean filter.

into socket on control box.

Check plug is secure in correct
socket on control box. Replace
blown lamp.

Adjust temperature control
clockwise to increase heat.
Turn blower off (heating is
disabled while operating). Fit
pool cover. Check time clock
settings (sleep mode).
Dependent on pool insulation &
site location, heating perfor­mance may be effected.

Turn power off at mains switch
for 5 seconds. Refer Fig 9:
page 8 for reset information.

Page 4

IF ANY OF THE ABOVE MEASURES FAILS TO RECTIFY THE LISTED FAULTS CONTACT

YOUR DEALER OR THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTRE LISTED ON INSIDE FRONT COVER.

Page 9

SWITCH INSTALLATION

The Intuitive control pad must be installed in compliance with local electrical
body regulations. Particular attention should be paid to the certain zones that
are part of the regulations, ie. in certain areas the switch must be installed on
the top side or outer side of the lip of the pool.

A rectangular hole of 93mm x 40mm x 35mm deep is required to mount the
Intuitive control pad. Cable access is required at base of hole. Switch is
mounted on a bead of silicon with label right reading from the bathers point of
view. (Please note that the yellow/orange colour generated for the mode
function can only be viewed from this perspective). The switch lead should be

positioned clear of other support equipment and their power leads where
possible. It is advisable to allow a drip loop in cable to avoid water/
condensation seeping into the controller's socket. The switch cable plug
should be orientated and pushed firmly into its mating socket where the
locking tabs will close about it. In case of removal use locking tabs which act
as ejectors in reverse. Do not try to remove switch plug by its lead.

SPECIAL NOTE

All equipment attached must not exceed the total rating as specified on the
cover of the control box. NB. 10 and
15 amp versions available. It is
essential that 15 amp rated controllers
are plugged into the correct mains
socket. (The plug will not fit standard
outlet sockets). When connecting to
the power supply ensure that the lead
is installed in conjunction with all local
electrical regulations. Do not install
power lead where damage may be
caused by people walking over it or
similar.

DO NOT OPERATE
CONTROL ON AN EXTENSION
LEAD

. Ensure that plugs are in there
correct position and fully inserted. If
the controller flashes in fault condition
check and operate the small
the heating element cover. If the controller fails to reset allow time for the
Reset Device to cool down (20 - 30 mins) before trying again. If it still fails then
Technical Service is required.

RED Over Temperature Reset Button

Fig 9: Reset button

(Fig 9) on

THE THERMOSTAT CONTROL

The thermostat adjustment knob (located on the top of control box - Fig 6)
may need to be adjusted slightly for the first few days of operation to obtain
the desired temperature of 36°C or that which is comfortable to the bather as
indicated by a pool thermometer. Turning the thermostat to maximum will not
make the pool heat any quicker. (Control range approx. 25° - 40° degrees
Celsius).

NOTE: The initial heating of the water will take a number of hours dependent
on various factors:­1/ The quality of the insulation around the pool.
2/ The quality and fit of the pool cover. (While heating or when not in use it is

recommended that a good fitting cover be installed).

3/ The ambient temperature surrounding the pool and whether it is an indoor

or outdoor situation.
4/ Proper water flow through the filter pump and heater.
5/ That all air bleeds where possible are turned off and the air blower is not

operating.
6/ The quality of the power supply.

Fig 6: Temperature control knob

THE TIME CLOCK FUNCTION

The time clock is used to regulate the operating times of the pool equipment.
This function is used to turn all operations of the pool to standby or sleep
mode. The clock is only effective in the auto mode (Fig 3). Any functions left
on like the pool light or blower will be terminated when the controller goes to
sleep. When the clock allows the controller to run again, pump and heating will
resume. However the light and blower will remain off until their switches are
pressed again.

Page 8

To set the time (Fig 7) remove clear cover from clock. The clear lens [1] over

Page 5

the clock face should be rotated clockwise only to set the time. The
segments each representing 10 minutes are pulled out as shown [2] to activate
sleep mode. A minimum of 2 adjacent segments are needed between sleep
and auto modes. Figure 10 shows the sleep mode set to switch off at midnight
through to 7am the following morning. The clock is set to 7.45am as indicated
by the hands and the white arrow [3] on the outer segments. The clock may be
overridden at any time by entering the manual function (Fig 3) or operating the
override switch [4]. The indicator [5] is shown in the normal operating position
"0". When settings are complete be sure to refit clock cover.

[3] Time indicator

Fig 8A

Fig 8: Mounting method for
control box.

[1] Clock lens

[4] Override

switch

[5] Indicator

[2] Segments

Fig 7: Time clock (If time clock is different to one shown refer to insert)

INSTALLATION GENERAL

The control system has been designed so that it is easily removed for service,
or so that any ancillary spa equipment can be removed without the need of an
electrician. It is recommended that the control and equipment are positioned
so they are accessible. The heat pump system allows for the filter to be
installed on either the suction or return lines of the heater. All other equipment
including chlorinators must be installed after the heater. The control box
mounting points are located below the plastic cover screws (Fig 8A) at each
corner of the lid. These are designed to take a type 6PK 25mm screw or a
similar type on a mounting matrix of 190 x 140mm (Fig 8).

Page 6

CONTROL BOX & HEATER INSTALLATION

The control box must be installed in a position considering the following
matters.
A/ The control box must be mounted in a vertical plane so that the front label

is right reading. The ventilation holes in the controller lid must have
unrestricted air flow.

B/ It must be mounted so that water can not be splashed on it or its

connections, ie. mounted above the filter opening, hair and lint pot or
drainage valves. The controller must be protected from rain & splashing.

C/ It must be mounted so the end user can easily operate the time clock.
D/ It must be mounted so the leads of the support equipment can be easily

plug into the control box sockets.

E/ It must be positioned so the heating element can reach the heating "T" on

pump.

F/ It must be mounted so that all spa support equipment is accessible and

can be easily removed for service.

G/ The control box must be installed on a stable platform so that it is not

subjected to vibration.

H/ The control box is designed so that the pump/s, blower and light where

fitted can be plugged into the box. The sockets are clearly marked.

INSTALLATION OF HEATER ELMENT

The element must be installed so that the lead is not stretched and the
element/control box can be easily removed for service. Pay attention to
instructions on element cover ensuring the element is positioned correctly.
The ‘O’ ring provided must sit properly on the shoulder of the element when
tightening the lock nut. Tighten the lock nut by hand only, tools are not
required.

Page 7