Tuff Unicel 4CH-20, Pleatco PSG25P4, Filbur FC-0125, Unicel 5CH-402, Pleatco PJW40SC-F2M Owner Reference Manual
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OWNER’S
REFERENCE
GUIDE
NORTH AMERICA
Tuff Spas
7612 N. 74th Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85303
866-939-0851
Many troubleshooting inquiries can be handled by your dealer b y phone.
Side panel re moval allows easy access t o all interior spa plumbin g for easy inspection or
repair, allowing for total jet accessibility in seconds rather than minutes.
Most parts are readily available from the fac tory, if not a lready in stock at your local
dealer.
Quick Tip Guide
1. For 120v (volt) hook up, use a dedicated circuit (15 Amp minimum, 20 Am p
recommended) within the cord distance.
2. Spa cover must be closed for the spa to prop erly heat. Heating time dep e nds on air
temperature but gen era ll y the sp a will average 24 to 48 hours to heat on 120v. The spa
will automatic a lly filter twice a day for 1 hour each time (to change this see page 3 of
the ML260 User Guide attached). Jets must all b e open when th e spa is not used for
proper heating an d filtration. The pump will continue to run until reaching the set
temperature. The spa cord has a GFCI protection device. If it repeatedly trips,
disconnect the plug from the recep tacle until the fault has been iden t ified and corrected
by a spa technician.
3. If an extens ion cord is used, it must be as sh ort as possible and at least 10 gauge (for
outdoor use). Inferior c ords may cause spa controls to malfunction and void your
equipment warranty.
4. The heating spa will cause condensation to form on the outside and bottom of the spa
which may ca use reason t o believe the s pa is leaking. For this reason, small “leaks”
should be allowed a few days prior to further inve stigation.
5. The spa pump has an automatic high temperature shut off. If the motor stops, it will
auto start after it cools.
6. All tubing, manifolds, valves, etc. can be easily accessed throughout the spa by
removing the panels.
7. To convert the spa to 240v please contact your dealer or a licensed electrician. A 4-
wire, 50 amp breaker is neede d for 240v applications.
Tuff Spa Startup
Select ing Tuff Spa Site Location
It is important your new spa be installed on a solid, flat, and level surface that is engineered to
carry a load of 75 pound s per squa r e foo t. Spas should not be placed near or bel ow electrical or
telephone cables. If there is not a dedica te d 120 v receptacle within 10’ of your spa, contact a
Licensed Electrician to supply power near the spa. A GFCI Power Cord is supplied with all 120v
applications. For 240v you will need a licensed electrician to run the necessar y wiring unless
proper wiri ng is already at site location.
120v to 240v Conversion
1. Remove the necessary panel and locate the spa control pack
2. Remove the pac k cover and locate the 120v electrical wiring. Remove the 3-wire, 120v cord
and connect the 4-wire, 240v hookup (50 amp breaker required)
3. Locate the jumper wire that connects J11 to J32, remove it
4. Locate the DIP Switch bank and move #10 to the OFF position (down)
5. Turn power on
120v Tuff Spa DIP Switch Settings
240v Tuff Spa DIP Switch Settings
F illing Your Spa
Confirm that the drain valve is closed. Unthread and remove the filter. Place garden hose i n the
void where the filter was, this will help to eliminate air locks. With the electrical breaker in the
OFF position and/or the power cord un-plugged, fill to an approximate w ater level that will not
allow water to over flow the spa when bathers are in the hot tub. Every bather’s density is different
and therefore water level may vary ( r emember to make sure that the filter is covere d). Once the spa
is filled, power can then b e supplied to your spa.
NOTE: Please ensure that the water level does not cover or submerge any equipment for an
extended pe r iod of time when people enter the spa due to water displacement. If th is happens,
please lowe r the water level to prevent this as it could cause damage to the spa com po ne nt s tha t
would not be c overed under w arranty.
Relieving Air Locks
Occasiona lly, on a fresh fill or refill, an air lock may occur. This is caused by the build up of air in
the plumbing lines which will not allow water or air to flow through the jets. If left un-attended, the
pump can overheat from lack of water flow. This type of dama ge is not covere d under the
warranty . The easiest way to remedy this situation is to repeatedly cycle between low- and highspeed on the topside controls. If this does not fix the issue you will have to op en the acc es s pan el
that houses the pump. Once the panel is re moved, locate the pump and you will see two large,
white nuts a ttached to the pump. One is horizontal to the pump and the oth e r is vertical. Take a
large pair of channel locks and loosen the horizontal nu t with the pump in high-speed. Continue to
loosen the n ut until the je ts begin to work. Doing this will cause water to come out the nut you are
loosening which is normal. Once the jets are functioning proper l y , tighte n the nut bac k up and pu t
the panel back on.
Adj usting Massage Jets
To adjust for direction, rotate the "eyeball" of the jet in the desired direction. To adjust f or flow,
turn the outer jet face counter clockwise to increase flow and clockwise to decrease flow. At no
time fully de crease flow to all of the jets. This may cause your pump to malfunction and suffer
catastrop hic failure which will not be covered under the warranty.
Air Adjustment
To introduc e air into the jets, turn the air controls (located on the spa's top edge) counter
clockwise. To decrease air flow, turn the air controls clockwise.
Suction Fitting
Keep the suc tion fitting (located in the foot well area) of the spa unobstructed and free from debris
at all times. Only remove the suction-fitting screen for cleaning. Never remove it while the spa is
connected to electrical power.
Care and Maintenance Instructions
Cleaning the Filter Cartridge
1. Disconnect pow er
2. Remove the filter cover
3. Unthread the Filter Cartr idge counter clockwise
4. Rinse dirt and debris away thoroughly with a garden hose
5. Replace filter cartridge and cover
6. Reconnect power
Replacement Filter Cartridge Part Numbers
-150, 350 Models – Unicel 4CH-20, Pleatco PSG25P4, or Filbur FC-0125
-250, 450, 650 Models – Unicel 5CH-402, Pleatco PJW40SC-F2M, or Filbur FC-2811
Water Chemistry
Read and understand the spa chemistry guidelines supplied by your deale r or local chemical
supplier. There are many solutions available to balance your water chemistry. If you are unfamiliar
with water chemistry, your best option is to work with your dealer or your local chemical supplier.
It is unhealthy to use y our spa when the water is not in proper chemical balance.
Warning:
Do not use Calcium Hypochlorites or Tr ichlors. Doing so may cause corrosion to your pump and
possibly fa de your spa surface. This will not be covered under the warranty.
Minimum Weekly Maintenance
1. Test water for chlorine and pH
2. Adjust pH to 7.2-7.8
3. Adjust chlorine to 1-3ppm
Winterizing
If the Spa is to be transported or stored in temperatures 32º F (0º C) or lower, it is critical that the
spa be fully winterized. For specific, re gional winterization guides, please contact your local
dealer. Below are general guidelines:
1. The spa must be completely free of water
2. The drain valve m ust r emain in the open positi on
3. The drain va lve cap must be removed and stored
4. The filter cartridge element must be removed, dried and stored
5. Remove the plug from the pump housing
Hard Top Covers
1. Hot and cold weather natural ca uses the material to expan d and contract which may all ow
for gaps and/or incon sistencies between the cover and spa. As long as t he seal sits on the top
edge of the spa any inconsistencies or small gaps around the edge of the cover wi ll not affe c t
the ability of the cover to retain heat and is purely aesthetic.
2. The high-grade resin from which the spa s are constructed can be easily cleaned with a mild
soap and wate r solution.
3. Any bolts/screws on the cover may need to be tig htened on occasion, depending on use.
Soft Top Covers
1. Soft top covers are composed of a vinyl skin and high density foam insert. They have straps
and two part c lips which are a ttached to the spa.
2. The vinyl sur face can be cared for with a ny mild house hold cleanser or products made for
the care and maintenance of vinyl products.
Cleaning Your Tuff Spa
1. The filter s hould be cleaned every 3-6 months with your garden hose. You may also choose
to use a filter cleaner. Follow the d irec ti o ns prov ide d with t he cle ane r.
2. If the shell gets dirty, you can simply use pressurized water to clean the majority of the dirt.
In some case s you may need to use a mild soap and water solution. In this instance, you will
need to thoroughly rinse the spa. If not, you will have an issue with bubbles.
3. Refill spa w ith fresh water to the recommended level. T he water line s hould cover all the
upper jets in the spa. If you encounter an air lock, refer to the “Relieving Air Locks” section
above.
Troubleshooting
“LF” Error Code Fixes
1. The most com mon reason for this error co de is a lack of water in the hot t ub. The water line
should be equal to the top of the highest jets (pleas e refer to the “Filling Your S pa” section
above). If it is not, add water to the spa to reach this level, then reset spa power. This w ill
reset the memory and the error should be cleared.
2. The 2
spa. Air locks are common when filling u p a spa for the first time. P lease see “Relieving Air
Locks” secti on for tips on relieving air lock s. If after the air lock is remedied you may still
have a “LF” error on the topside. To reset the memory, simply reset spa power . This should
clear the error code.
3. The 3
off the spa, remove the filter, and reset power. If the issue persists, please contact your dealer
for additional assistance.
nd
most com mon reason for this error is a n a ir lock during a fresh fill of w ater into the
rd
most common reason for t his error code is a dirty filter or a clog in the line. Power
“Why Is My Spa Constantly Running?”
All Tuff Spa s are fitted with state-of-the-art technology that automatically filter your spa as well as
check to ens ure the spa is always at the desired tempera ture. Part of this process is that the spa
pump runs tw ice a day for at l east 1 hour ea ch time to filter. Additionally, the pump runs once
every 30 minutes t o verify that the spa is at the correct temperature. So while it may seem the spa is
constantly running, this is simply par t of the heating and filtration process. If you still feel the spa
is running c onstantly, please contact your de aler .
Draining Your Spa
DISCONNECT THE POWER TO YOUR HOT TUB
150, 250, 450, 650 Models:
On the outer side of the spa you, will see a black circular area that has a handle. Simply pull the
handle out and twist off the cap. Attach a garden hose a nd carefully pull on the part where the hose
and the drai n assembly meet. The assembly will pop out approxim ately ¼” opening the valve. Th is
is a gravity drain and as such, will be slow so you may not see water dra ining immediately. If y ou
need to drai n the spa more quickly, you may rent/buy a su bmersible pump.
350, 550 Models:
Remove the panel below th e topside controller and locate the drain hose ( 3/4” flex pipe with drain
attachment) . Remove the dr ain assembly cap and attach a garden hose . Twist the valve allowing
water to flow out. This is a gravity drain and as such will be slow so you may not see water
draining imm e diat ely. If you need to drain the spa more quickly, you may rent/buy a submersible
pump.
DO NOT LEAVE SPA EMPTY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. LEAVING THE
SPA EMPTY MAY RESULT IN THE JET HOUSING GASKETS D RYING OUT,
CAUSING LEAKS AND/OR WARPING. THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED
UNDER THE WARRANTY.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCT IO NS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY:
Spa water should never exceed 40° C (104° F). Water temperatures between 38° C (100° F) and 40° C (104° F)
are considered safe for a health y adult. Lower water temperatures are recom m ended for exten ded use
(exceeding 15-20 minutes) and for younger children.
Excessive water temperature has a high potential for causing fetal damage, during the early months of
pregnancy, pregnant or possibly pregnant women should limit spa temperatures to 30° C (100° F).
Before entering a spa, the user should measure the water temperature with an accurate thermometer since the
tolerance of temperature regulating devises may vary as much as plus or minus 3° C (5° F).
The use of alcohol, drugs or medication before or during spa use may lead to unconsciousness with the
possibility of drowning.
Persons suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease low or high blood pressure, circulatory
system problems, or diabetes should consult a physician before using a spa.
Persons using medication should consult a physician before using a spa. Some medication may induce
drowsiness while other medication may affect heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation.
Do not sit or stand on the edge of the spa or cover.
Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a level several degrees above the
normal body temp plus or minus temperature of 98.8° F. The symptoms of hyperthermia include dizziness,
fainting, drowsiness, lethargy and an increase in the internal body temperature. The affects of hyperthermia
include (1) unawareness of impending hazard, (2) Failure to perceive heat, (3) Failure for the need to exit the
Spa, (4) Physical inability to exit Spa, (5) Fetal damage to pregnant women, and (6) Unconsciousness
resulting in a danger of drowning.
WARNING The use of Alcohol, Drugs or medication can greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia.
DANGER: RISK OF E L E CT RIC SHOCK
Do not permit any electric appliance such as a light, telephone,
radio, or television within 5 feet of a spa or hot tub.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCT IO NS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE SPA OR HOT TUBS WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION
AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS LAISSER LES ENFANTS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION SANS
SURVEILLANCE
WARNING: DO NOT USE SPAS OR HOT TUBS UNLESS ALL SUCTION GUARDS ARE INSTALLED
TO PREVENT BODY AND HAIR ENTRAPMENT
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR EVITER QUE LES CHEVEUX OU UNE PARTE DU CORPS PUISSENT ETRE
ASPIRES, NE PAS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION SI LES GRILLES DE PRISE D’ASPIRATION
NE SONT PAS TOUTES EN PLACE
WARNING: PEOPLE USING MEDICATIONS AND/OR HAVING ADVERSE MEDICAL HISTORY
SHOULD CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING A SPA OR HOT TUB.
AVERTISSEMENT: LES PERSONNES QUI PRENNENT DES MEDICAMENTS OU ONT DES PROBLEMES
DE SANTE DEVRAIENT CONSULTER UN MEDECIN AVANT D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION
WARNING: PEOPLE WITH INFECTIOUS DESEASES SHOULD NOT USE A SPA OR HOT TUB
AVERTISSEMENT: LES PERSONNES ATTEINES DE MALADIES INFECTIEUSES NE DEVRAIENT PAS
UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION
WARNING: TO AVOID INJURY EXERCISE CARE WHEN ENTERING OR EXITING THE SPA OR
HOT TUB
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR EVITER DES BLESSURES, USER DE PRUDENCE EN ENTRANT DANS ONE
CUVE DE RELAXATION ET E SORANT
WARNING: DO NOT USE DRUGS OR ALCOHOL BEFORE OR DURING THE USE OF A SPA OR
HOT TUB TO AVOID UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND POSSIBLE DROWNING
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR EVITER L’EVANOUISSEMENT ET LA NOYADE EVENTUELLE, NE PRENDE
NI DROGUE NI ALCOOL AVANT D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION NI QUAND ON S’Y
TROUVE
WARNING: PREGNANT OR POSSIBLY PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD CONSULT A PHYSICIAN
BEFORE USING A SPA OR HOT TUB
AVERTISSEMENT: LES FEMMES ENCEINTES, QUE LEUR GROSSESSE SOIT CONFIRMEE OU NON,
DEVRAIENT CONSULTER UN MEDECIN AVANT D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION
WARNING: WATER TEMPERATURE IN EXCESS OF 38° C MAY BE INJURIOUS TO YOUR HEALTH
AVERTISSEMENT: IL PEUT ETRE DANGEREUX POUR LA SANTE DE SE PLONGER DANS DE L’EAU A
PLUS 38° C
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCT IO NS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: BEFORE ENTERING THE SPA OR HOT TUB MEASURE THE WATER TEMPERATURE
WITH AN ACCURATE THERMOMETER
AVERTISSEMENT: AVANT D’UTILISER ONE CUVE DE RELAXATION MESURE LA TEMPERATURE
DE L’EAU A L’AIDE D’UN THERMOMETRE PRECIS
WARNING: DO NOT USE A SPA OR HOT TUB IMMIDIATELY FOLLOWING STRENUOUS
EXERCISE
AVERTISSMENT: NE PAS UTILISER ONE CUVE DE RELAXATION IMMDIATEMENT APRES UN
EXERCISE FATIGANT
WARNING: PROLONGED IMMERSION IN A SPA OR HOT TUB MAY BE INJURIOUS TO YOUR
HEALTH
AVERTISSMENT: L’UTILISATION PROLONGEE D’UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION PEUT ETRE
DENGEREUSE POUR LA SANTE
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT ELECTRIC APPLIANCES (SUCH AS A LIGHT, TELEPHONE, RADIO
OR TELEVISION WITHIN 1.5 M OF THIS SPA OR HOT TUB
AVERTISSMENT: NE PAS PLACER D’APPAREIL ELECTRIQUE (LUMINARE, TELPHONE, RADIO,
TELEVISEUR ETC) A MOINS DE M DE CETTE COVE DE RELAXATION
CAUTION: MAINTAIN WATER CHEMISTRY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURE’S
INSTRUCTIONS
ATTENTION: LA TENEUR DE LEAU EN MATIERS DISSOUTES DOIT ETRE CONFORME AUX
DIRECTIVES DU FABRICANT
Connect to a grounded, Grounding Type Receptacle Only
To reduce the risk of electric shock, replace damaged cord immediately
To reduce the risk of injury to persons, DO NOT REMOVE Suction Fittings
WARNING
DO NOT BURY THE CORD
DANGER
TO ALL ORIGINAL PURCHASERS OF THIS PRODUCT
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Tuff Spas™ warrants the entire Spa Shell and Hard Cover surface against water loss and structural integrity due to defects in the spa for
Lifetime. For original purchaser only, wa rranty is no n-transferable.
3- YEAR EQUIPMENT WARRANTY
The Original Manufacturers provide limited warranties on the “Topside” Controls, Heater, Master Control center, and Pump for 3 years
from date of manufacturing. See terms and conditions in separate manufacture documents.
1- YEAR PARTS WARRANTY
The Original Manufacturers provide limited warranties on all Plumbing and Fittings, Wiring, Cords, GFCI, Jets, Hard Cover Arm Bars,
Vinyl Spa Covers, Pillows, Har d Cover Gaskets & St raps, and other non-electrical mechanical parts for 1 year. The ozone is also covered
for 1 year. See terms and conditions in separate manufacture documents.
1- YEAR LABOR WARRANTY
Tuff Spas™ warrants all the labor involved with manufacturing defects for 1 year from date of purchase. This does not include electrical
issues, ozone systems, issues with air locks or other issues that do not a rise from de fects in manufacturing. In some cases, the servicing
dealer may charge you a reasonable repairperson travel/service charge that is not covered by this warranty. Please contact the dealer for
information regarding any such charges.
PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY
Tuff Spas™ shall repair or replace (at our option) warranted product if it fails or becomes defective during the warranty period. To obtain service in the
event of a defect covered by this Warranty, contact your Tuff Spas™ dealer or Tuff Spas™ as soon as possible and take appropriate precautions to prevent
further damage to your spa. Tuff Spas™ or a designated service technician will correct the defect subject to the terms in this warranty. In the event that a
replacement or repair is necessary, costs for the removal of the defe ctive spa, shipping costs for the replacement or rep aired spa, and delivery and
installation of the replacement or repaired spa will be the responsibility of the spa owner.
EXCEPTIONS TO WARRANTY
1. Any damage caused by negligent misuse, improper installation, improper water chemistry, and/or failure to follow instructions in the
Owners Manual.
2. Cartridge filter elements, light bulbs, stereos and all stereo components, foam, insulation, and cover straps.
This warranty is void if the spa has been subject to any alteration, misuse, or abuse. Alteration shall include any component or plumbing change,
electrical conversion, or the addition of any sanitation or water purification device or heating system, which contributes to a component or unit failure or
unsafe operating system. Misuse and abuse shall include use of the spa in an application for which it is not designed. Specifically: Damage caused by
clogged or dirty cartridges, damage/discoloration to the spa surface caused by ha rsh chemicals or chemical misuse, and damage/discoloration to
the spa surface caused by improper pH balance or other i mproper water chemistry maintenance. Damage to the spa surface caused by leaving
the spa uncovered or without water, for long periods of time.
Tuff Spas™ shall not be liable for injury to any person or any claim for damage however it shall arise. All consequential expenses including loss of use,
transportation char ges ar ising out of alleged defici ency of spa are specifically excluded. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also
have other rights, which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion of consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply
to you.
Tuff Spas™ 7612 N. 74th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85303
TO ALL ORIGINAL PURCHASERS OF ITS PRODUCT
Tuff Spas™
7612 N. 74th Ave. Warranty Regi stration: Mail this in with a
Glendale, AZ 85303 copy of your invoice or contract.
Name:_________________________________ Dealer Name:_______________________
Address: _____________________________________City: _____________________
State: ______ Zip: _________ Phone: ____________________
Spa Model & Serial #: ____________________________________ Date of Purchase ___/___/___
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