aquatherm AT700 Instructions for use

MEMBER
Pool
Heat
Pump
Manufacturers
Association
MEMBER
OWNERS
OPERATIONAL MANUAL
WARNING: Specications may change without notice.
NATIONAL
POOL & SPA
INSTITUTE
DIGITAL
LOGIC™
© 2006 Aquatherm Heat Pumps a division of Calorex USA L.L.C
SWIMMING POOL & SPA
HEAT PUMPS
Specications may change without notice.
© 2006 Aquatherm Heat Pumps
MODEL
AT700
AT1200
with Titanium
Heat Exchanger
MEMBER
Pool
Heat
Pump
Manufacturers
Association
MEMBER
NATIONAL
POOL & SPA
INSTITUTE
2213 Andrea Lane
Ft. Myers FL 33912
888-297-3826 941-482-0606
www.aquathermheatpumps.com
NOTE: Installers should see separate installation manual!

A. Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
1. Unit Description.....................................................................................................3
2. How A Heat Pump Works ......................................................................................3
3. LED Display & Status Light Descriptions ........................................................ 4-5
B. Operational Instructions..................................................................................... Pages 6 - 7
1. Water Flow
2. Water Pump Timer Setting
3. Thermostat Setting & Mode Selection
4. Optional Time Clock Override Switch
5. Time Delay Modes
6. Normal Operation Indicators
7. Pool/Spa Cover Use
8. Spa Heating
9. Defrost Control In Cold Weather
C. Heat Pump Maintenance & Precautions........................................................ Pages 8 - 12
1. Air Flow & Service Access Clearances
2. Freeze Condition Precautions
3. Owner Cleaning & Maintenance
4. Professional Maintenance
D. Operational Sequence & Troubleshooting Flow Chart ..................................................10
E. Warranty Service ..............................................................................................................11
Table of Contents
A. Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new swimming pool/spa heat pump. Utilizing heat
pump technology is the most efcent method of heating a swimming pool. Please take a few
minutes to read this owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the operation and features of
the heat pump.
Please be sure to ll out the warranty card and send it back to us. If you have any questions
regarding your heat pump, or if you have a need for service, please contact us at our toll-free
number listed on the back page.
Important Information to Record
Installer Name ________________________________________________________________
Installer Phone____________________________ Install Date__________________________
Model Number _________________ Serial Number __________________________________
Page 11
E. Warranty Service
Before calling for warranty service you should check the following:
1. Clean all lters and traps in the pool circulation system. Low water ow will cause the unit
to shut down or cycle.
2. Check and adjust all water ow valves and adjust to the proper positions to insure proper water
ow through the heater.
3. Check the water pump timer setting to insure there is enough time allotted for a proper heating
cycle.
4. Check all circuit breakers and disconnects. Note: More than one disconnect may be required
to shut off or turn on power to the heater.
5. Conrm that all heater controls, thermostat, thermostat selector switch, reset tripper, and
optional auto heat switch (if so equipped), are in the correct position.
6. If any 3rd party control devices are installed on the pool/spa system make sure they are function-
ing properly. Factory service technicians will not diagnose 3rd party external control devices.
All external controls are disconnected during warranty service and the heater is diagnosed as
manufactured then reconnected.
7. The limited factory warranty does not cover damage or conditions caused by but not limited
to the following:
Improper installation.
Improper use.
Inadequate run time on the water pump timer.
Improper water ow to the heater.
Conditions caused or associated with 3rd party external controls.
Sprinkler damage.
Roof run off damage.
Freeze damage or operation damage during freezing conditions.
Salt and/or sand or debris damage.
Lack of maintenance and/or cleaning.
Unauthorized servicing of the heater during the warranty period.
Normal rusting and oxidation of metal components.
Non warranty service calls such as inspections, maintenance, or problems unrelated to the
heater as it was manufactured are not covered under the warranty.
8. You can contact the factory @ 888-297-3826 to be pre-qualied and scheduled with a factory
authorized service center in your area. Have your model number, serial number and installa-
tion date ready.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The heater will not heat faster if you turn the thermostat all the way up. The heater will never run
without water running through it from the pool/spa lter pump. When the heater is started the
fan will run right away. The compressor will start after a 5 to 7 minute delay. The heating light
will come on only when the compressor is running. The heater will produce condensation at a
steady rate. The condensation exits the heater from the bottom drains. The more humidity the
more condensation. The thermostat is accurate within three degrees and may not always match
exactly to the degree numbers printed on the control panel as it is effected by the humidity and
other factors. The heater is designed to shut off in defrost mode when the air temperature drop
below 45˚F to 50˚F.
NOTICE
Technicians See Separate “Installation Manual”.
Specications may change without notice.

Water Pump
Starts Flowing
Water Pressure
SW Closes
Thermostat
Sensor
Heater
Stays Off
Low Pressure
Switch
Low Pressure
Switch Opens
LF displayed on LED
Low Pressure
SW Closed
All OK
LF Readout
Displayed on LED
T-Stat Relay
Closes
High Pressure
Switch
High Pressure
SW Closed
All OK
High Pressure
Switch Open
Heater Shuts Off
HP Displayed
Too Much Refrig.
or Low Water Flow
or Bad Hi Switch
Fan Starts
To Run, Green
Heating Light On
220V Power To
Heater Green
Power Light On
Water Rises To
Set Temp.
Water Press. SW
Stays Open
No Water Flow
To Heater or
Bad Water SW
Compressor Runs
or 3 to 5 Min.
Delay Activates
Heater & Green
Heating
Light Go Off
Water Pump
Timer Activates
Compressor Stops
Fan Runs
T-Stat Relay
Does Not Close
Heater Does
Not Activate
After Delay Period
Try Again or
Possible Bad
Time Delay
Possible Bad
T-Stat Board,
Ptomtr or Sensor
1 Hour Time
Delay Activates
Water Temperature
is Below Setting
Water
Temperature
is Above Setting
Compressor
Starts Green
Heating
Light ON
Time Delay Passes or
Air Temp. Increases
Safety Control Resets
Compressor
Restarts
or Below 45 to 50˚F
Air Temp or
Bad Low Press. Sw.
or Below 45 to 50
Deg. Air Temp
D. Operational Sequence & Troubleshooting
Flow Chart
TIME DELAYS
30 second compressor delay when switching pool/spa modes.
5 minute compressor delay when T.C.O. enables in pool mode.
5 minute T.C.O. off delay when: switching from spa to pool mode, when temperature is
reached in pool mode, or if LF (low water ow) is displayed on LED.
If water pump loses prime there will be a 3 minute compressor delay. Page 3
1. Unit Description
DANGER FROM ELECTRICAL
SHOCK & ROTATING FAN !
SHUT OFF ALL POWER BEFORE
SERVICING !
CAUTION: MORE THAN ONE
DISCONNECTION MAY BE
REQUIRED TO ELIMINATE ALL
POWER TO THIS UNIT INCLUDING
POWER TO THE OPTIONAL TIME
CLOCK OVERRIDE !
WARNING
A swimming pool & spa heat
pump utilizes proven refrigerant
technology to capture the heat
in the outside air and transfers
it to the pool water. Refrigerant
is used because of its ability to
absorb and transfer heat energy.
The fan circulates air through
the outer evaporator air coil
that acts as a heat collector. The
liquid refrigerant in the air coil
absorbs the available heat in the
ambient air, transforming it into
a gas. The refrigerant gas is then
pumped into the compressor.
When this warmed gas is compressed, it intensies or concentrates the heat, like a magnifying glass
in the sun. This intensely hot gas is then pumped into the heat exchanger condenser, where the
actual heat transfer takes place. As the pool water passes through the heat exchanger, the hot gas
gives up its heat to the cooler pool water. The refrigerant returns to a liquid state and is pumped
through the expansion valve then into the evaporator air coil to start the process all over again.
2. How A Heat Pump Works
How Efcient Is It ?
This graph is a operational cost comparison for equal
amounts of pool heat. As you can see heat pump is
the most efcient way to heat your pool.
Compared to L.P. gas heaters, a heat pump produces
5 to 6 times more heat for every $1.00 you spend
on operation.
Page 10
AIR DISCHARGE FAN
WARNING:
ROTATING BLADE
KEEP HANDS & HAIR
CLEAR!
CONTROLS with
LED READOUT
WATER OUT
2” MALE
THREADED
UNION
WATER IN
2” MALE THREADED
UNION
DATA
PLATE
ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATION
PORT(S)

HEATER ON/OFF:
To start the heater press this button and it’s green light will come on. To disable the heater press
this button and its green light will go off.
THERMOSTAT BUTTONS:
Pressing the + button will raise the set temperature. Pressing the - button will lower the set tem-
perature. When either button is pressed the LED display will begin to ash. The ashing numbers
indicate the thermostat setting.
MODE SELECT BUTTONS-POOL or SPA:
The heater has two thermostat modes for two different desired temperature settings, one for pool
mode and one for spa mode. If you do not have a spa use the pool mode only. If you do have a
spa, you can connect two Jandy™ motorized plumbing valves. Therefore, when you select either
mode the motorized valves will turn to isolate the heater to either the pool or spa. NOTE: There
is a 30 second delay when switching pool/spa modes.
“OPTIONAL” WATER PUMP TIME CLOCK OVERRIDE OPERATION
When the T.C.O. button is set to the ON mode, the Time Clock Override feature is designed to
start the water pump whenever the pool requires heat. Once the pool is up to the set temperature
the heater will stop and then 5 minutes later the water pump will stop. When this button is set
to the OFF mode, the heater will operate only when the water pump is running during the timed
period set on the water pumps time clock.
NOTE: The time clock override works best if used during cooler weather conditions where the
pool is losing more than 8 to 10 degrees over night or when the pool is being heated from “dead
cold”.
NOTE: If the time clock override starts the water pump and the thermostat does not continue to
call for heat for at least 5 minutes, the control will shut the water pump and heater off. Thereafter,
it will not re-attempt to start the water pump for 4 hours. This 4 hour delay can be bypassed by
pressing the T.C.O. button off then back on.
NOTE: When the T.C.O. button is activated while in “spa mode” the water pump will run the
entire time you are in spa mode. When you switch back to pool mode there will be a 5 minute
delay before the water pump shuts off. The T.C.O. option is built into the heater at the factory
and can not be added later.
Page 4
3. LED Display & Status Light Description 4. Freeze Condition Precautions
Page 9
LIGHT-FREEZE CONDITIONS
(Air temperature does not remain below 32ºf for more than 4-hours)
In the event your heater will not be used for an extended period, it is recommended pool water
be allowed to circulate through the heater during normally scheduled ltration cycles. If light
freeze conditions are expected, adjust water pump controls for continuous operation throughout
the light freeze episode. Moving water will not freeze under light-freeze conditions. Remain
aware of abnormal climatic conditions; use “hard-freeze” instructions (Below) if freezing
conditions will exceed 4-hours.
CAUTION !
FAILURE TO PROPERLY WINTERIZE HEAT PUMP MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE. FREEZE DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE
HEAT PUMP WARRANTY. FAILURE TO HEED THE FOLLOWING CAN RESULT IN
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT AND/OR PROPERTY.
HARD-FREEZE CONDITIONS
(Air temperature remains below 32ºf for more than 4-hours)
WARNING !
TO AVOID INJURY FROM ROTATING EQUIPMENT, DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL
POWER FROM HEAT PUMP BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH INTERNAL DRAIN
WINTERIZING PROCESS. FAILURE TO HEED THE FOLLOWING MAY RESULT
IN PERMANENT INJURY OR DEATH.
1. Disconnect all electrical power to the heater; turn off circulating pump.
2. At the two (2) connection unions, disconnect the plumbing to the heater (removal is
counterclockwise).
3. Locate the drain plug at outside, lower front of heater. (see gure 1)
If the unit does not have an external drain plug, remove the exterior front panel of the unit.The
internal drain plug is located at the base of the heat exchanger (see gure 2). Follow the same
procedure as with an external drain plug.
4. Using a 5/8”, box-end wrench, remove the drain plug (removal is Counterclockwise).
5. Permit all water to drain from the condenser and then replace the plug: thread the plug in
clockwise until just snug, then apply an additional 1/8 turn.
6. To prevent insects and vermin from entering the plumbing during the winterized period,
partially reconnect the two (2) plumbing connection unions: couple each union one or two
threads; this will permit condensation to drain, but will prevent most insects and animals from
entering the plumbing circuit.
7. Next season: to ready the heat pump for use, simply retighten plumbing connection unions.
Hand-tight is generally sufcient. FIGURE 2
INTERNAL
DRAIN PLUG
FIGURE 1
EXTERNAL
DRAIN PLUG

GREEN POWER LIGHT:
This light indicates that the heater has control power.
WARNING: This is not a supply line power indicator and caution should be used since more than
one power disconnection may be required to isolate the heater electrically. WARNING: If the
optional Time Clock Override is installed, you must also shut off the water pump’s main power
disconnect to eliminate all power to the heater.
GREEN HEATING LIGHT:
This light indicates that the unit is heating and the compressor is running. The compressor starts
after a 3 to 5 minute time delay. NOTE: The water pump must be running at the same time in
order for the heater to run.
LED READOUTS:
When the unit has power, the LED will display the current water temperature. When pressing the
thermostat buttons the ashing readout will indicate the set temperature. The following are LED
code readouts for the internal sefety controls that regulate the unit for various reasons.
LF = LOW WATER FLOW
This light indicates there is no water ow through the heater. The heater is designed to shut off
whenever the water pump is not pumping water through the heater. If LF is on while the water
pump is running, the water pump may not be supplying enough ow for the heater to operate
properly. During normal operation the heater turns off and on with the water pump. LF will be
displayed whenever the water pump is off.
DF = DEFROST MODE
This readout indicates that the internal defrost safety control has disabled the heater. During
cold weather where the air temperature drops below approximately 45 to 50 degrees (depending
on humidity), the low refrigerant pressure switch (or defrost control) is designed to disable the
compressor only. Once the unit is in defrost mode the compressor will shut off for 1 hour while
the fan continues to help deice and warm the air coil. After 1 hour the unit will attempt to restart.
If the air temperature has increased to the operational range the compressor will continue to run,
otherwise the compressor will return to the defrost mode for another 1 hour delay cycle.
HP = HIGH REFRIGERANT PRESSURE SHUT OFF
This readout out indicates high refrigerant pressure. The high refrigerant pressure switch is de-
signed to shut the compressor and fan off if a heat buildup occurs for whatever reason. Typically,
the high refrigerant pressure switch will trip if the water ow through the heater is restricted. It
may also trip if the air ow is restricted through the heater. The only way to reset the unit after
HP is displayed is to shut the unit off then back on with the heater button.
Page 5
TIME DELAYS:
30 second compressor delay when switching pool/spa modes.
5 minute compressor delay when T.C.O. enables in pool mode.
5 minute T.C.O. off delay when: switching from spa to pool mode,
when temperature is reached in pool mode, or if LF (low water ow)
is displayed on LED.
If water pump loses prime there will be a 3 minute compressor delay.
1. Make sure the unit has a rm base. The heat pump will produce condensation (water) while
in operation. You will notice water coming from the bottom drain ports when the unit is run-
ning. The condensation will increase as the outdoor air humidity level increases. Make sure
the bottom drain ports do not become clogged with debris. Make sure the run off water does
not puddle inside the heater and does not undermine the equipment base.
2. Keep the top air ow discharge & air ow intake area clear as shown here so the air ow through
the heater is not restricted. Make sure the unit can “breathe” well. The cooler discharge air from
the top should not accumulate and be drawn into the side air intake coils. Keep all plants and
shrubs trimmed away from the heater. Make sure the front is accessible for future service.
3. Do not allow lawn sprinklers to spray on the heater in any way. Keep sprinkler heads away
from the heat pump to prevent corrosion and damage. Use a deector if needed.
4. If the unit is installed under a steep roof pitch or under a roof valley that has no gutter, a gutter
or diverter should be tted to prevent excessive water from pouring through the unit.
1. Air Flow & Service Access
Clearances
C. Heat Pump Maintenance & Precautions
AIR COIL
(on 3 Sides)
Page 8
BASE
(CONCRETE OR
FRONT
2” 6’
60”
BACK
12” 12”
12”
36”
AIR
COIL
FRONT
2. Owner Maintenance & Cleaning
1. The heat pump will produce condensation water run off while in operation. Make sure the
condensation drains in the bottom of the heater cabinet do not become blocked with debris.
The condensation run off may attract increased plant growth and insects in the heat pump area,
be sure to keep all plants trimmed back and treat for insects as needed.
2. The outer air coil (located on three sides of the heater), should be kept free of debris and buildup.
Aminimal air coil cleaning should be done as needed and at least two times per year. If the heater
is installed in a sandy or salty condition, the air coil should be cleaned more frequently.
3. To clean the air coil SHUT OFF ALL POWER, then use a garden hose at low pressure, (without
a pressure nozzle) to lightly rinse the air coil in an up and down motion. You can use a mild
soap while rinsing to help neutralize and clean. DO NOT spray water directly in heater at
high pressure.
4. Cabinet surfaces can be wiped clean with a towel and mild cleaner.
3. Professional Maintenance
The heater should be serviced annually like any other machine. A factory authorized, licensed air
conditioning or mechanical contractor should perform the maintenance. Contact Aquatherm at
888-297-3826 for authorized service centers in your area.

When heating the pool or spa you should check the following items as they are all critical
to the proper operation of the heater.
1. WATER FLOW
Make sure all pool lters and traps are clean since the unit requires a minimum water
ow in order to operate properly. The heater should and will not run unless the water
pump is running. There is an internal water pressure switch that disables the heater
whenever the water pump is not supplying water ow.
2. WATER PUMP TIMER SETTING
Since the heat pump collects heat from the outside air, you want to set the water pump
timer to run during the hottest part of the day. If you are heating the pool from “dead
cold” you may need to set the water pump timer to run 24 hours until the pool reaches
temperature, then reset the timer for a normal run time. Run times are determined by
pool size, set pool/spa temperature and weather conditions.
3. THERMOSTAT SETTING & MODE
SELECT BUTTONS
The LED display will show a constant readout of the actual
current water temperature. To set the desired water temperature
press either the + or - thermostat buttons. While adjusting the
set temperature, the LED will ash. The ashing numbers will
indicate the thermostat setting.
If you have a spa you can press the spa mode button and set the desired spa temperature.
If you do not have a spa use the pool mode only.
4. OPTIONAL TIME CLOCK OVERRIDE SWITCH
The optional “Time Clock Override” control you can set the switch turn this switch
ON and the heater will start the water lter pump automatically whenever the water
temperature drops below the thermostat setting.
This option is best used when heating the pool from “dead cold” and for
maintaining water temperatures during non timed periods where the pool
is losing 8 to 10 degrees or more overnight. The heating mode select
switch is best left in the OFF position during the warmer parts of the
swimming season. The optional time clock override feature is built into
the heater at the factory and can not be added later. See the bottom of page 4 also.
B. Operational Instructions
Page 6
5. TIME DELAY MODE
This heater is equipped with an internal compressor time delay to allow the refrigerant to
settle during start-up or restart cycles. When the heater is started the fan will run but the
compressor will not start until the 3 to 5 minute delay has passed. The green heating light
will be on when the compressor is running. In some cases (when the heater is new or during
cold weather), it may be necessary to allow the unit to go through the time delay several
times before the unit will start. The unit will delay for other reasons noted below:
6. NORMAL OPERATION INDICATORS
When the fan and compressor are running, the unit will discharge cool air from the top. The
heater will produce condensation while running and is considered normal. It will produce more
condensation the more humid the ambient air is. The condensation will exit the heater through
the bottom drain ports.
7. POOL/SPA COVER USE
You can substantially reduce the heat loss and electrical consumption by utilizing a pool cover or
pool blanket. You can get higher water temperatures in less operational time using a cover. If you
keep the pool or spa covered whenever you are not swimming you can typically reduce heat loss
by as much as 80% and reduce heating costs as much as 50%. Using a cover during the initial
heat up period will greatly reduce the operational time needed.
8. SPA HEATING
When heating a spa it is advisable to not run the air blower or air inlet venturis during the initial
heat up time. Air blowers and venturis inject air into the water to create the spa therapy action.
During colder weather the air blower or inlet venturis will inject cold air into the spa thus increas-
ing heat demand. Leaving these items off until the spa reaches the set temperature will reduce the
heat up time. A cover is highly suggested for spa heating.
9. DEFROST CONTROL IN COLD WEATHER
DF This readout indicates that the internal defrost safety control has disabled the
heater. During cold weather where the air temperature drops below approximately 45
to 50 degrees (depending on humidity), the low refrigerant pressure switch (or defrost
control) is designed to disable the compressor only. Once the unit is in defrost mode the
compressor will shut off for 1 hour while the fan continues to help deice and warm the
air coil. After 1 hour the unit will attempt to restart. If the air temperature has increased
to the operational range the compressor will continue to run, otherwise the compressor
will return to the defrost mode for another 1 hour delay cycle.
You my experience some frost or icing on the outer air coil in cold weather temperatures
and is considered normal. If the air coil ices up, shut the heater off, allow it to defrost and
wait for warmer weather to restart the heater. If you live in an area where the weather
is expected to drop below 45˚F to 50˚F for an extended period you should disable the
heater during those times.
Page 7