Balboa M-3 Technical manual

M-3 Control Reference Card
Instruction card for M-3 systems equipped with Standard Digital control panels
Initial Start-up
When your spa is powered up, it begins running in an economy mode. This setting is designed for periods of little or no spa use, but
the spa continues to filter twice a day to maintain water quality. Press the pad to switch the spa to standard mode which will
automatically heat and maintain the water at 100°F or your desired set temperature.
Temperature Adjustment (80°F - 104°F)
The current temperature is constantly displayed on the LCD. Press either or once to display the set temperature. (The set
temperature is designated by a triangle in the upper left corner). Each time either pad is pressed again, the set temperature will increase
or decrease depending on which pad is pressed. After three seconds, the LCD will automatically display the current spa temperature.
Jets 1
Press the pad to turn on the low speed of pump 1. Press the pad again to turn on the high speed of the pump. Press the pad a final
time to turn off the pump. Due to Automatic Spa Control, the low speed of the pump will start automatically when the heater is
turned on or when a filter cycle is activated. If the low speed of the pump is on under Automatic Spa Control, it cannot be deactivated
from the panel; however, the high speed of the pump may be started. If left on, the low speed of the pump will automatically turn off
after 4 hours; the high speed will turn off after 30 minutes.
Systems with a circulation pump: Pump 1 has only one speed. The pump will turn off if the water temperature is 2°F above the set
temperature. It turns on again at 1°F below the set temperature. It always comes on during a filter cycle.
Jets 2
Press the pad to turn pump 2 on and off. If left on, the pump will automatically turn off after 30 minutes.
Blower
Press the pad to turn the blower on and off. The blower will automatically turn off after 30 minutes.
Light
Your spa light has three settings. Press the pad once for the brightest intensity and a second time for medium intensity. Press the
pad a third time for the dimmest setting and a final time to turn the spa light off. If left on, the light will automatically turn off after
4 hours.
Standard and Economy Mode
Press to switch between modes. Economy mode heats the water only during filter cycles. Standard mode maintains the set
temperature at all times.
Preset Filter Cycles
Your spa will automatically filter itself twice each day. The first filter cycle will begin 1 minute after the spa is energized. The second
filter cycle will begin 12 hours after the start of the first filter cycle. Filter duration is programmable at the topside panel for 2, 4, 6, or
8 hours. The default filter time is 2 hours. To program, press the “Warm” or “Cool” pad, then the “Jets 1” pad. Press the “Warm” or
“Cool” pad to select the filter duration. Press the “Jets 1” pad again to exit the programming mode. During filtration, the low speed of
the pump and the ozone generator (if installed) will run. To clean out the air channel, the blower will run for 30 seconds at the start
of the first filter cycle.
Systems with a circulation pump: If your spa has a circulation pump and an ozone generator, each will run 24 hours per day to
constantly maintain the spa water. Also, once a day, the blower will run for 30 seconds and the high speed of pump 1 will run for 5
minutes.
(over)

Freeze Protection
If the high-limit sensor detects 40°F at the heater, then all equipment is automatically activated to provide freeze protection. This is a
normal spa function; no corrective action is necessary. The equipment stays on until the sensor detects 45°F at the heater. Freeze
protection is enabled regardless of the status of the spa. In colder climates, an optional additional freeze sensor may be added to
protect against freeze conditions. See your dealer for details.
Diagnostic Messages
No message on display
Power has been cut off to the spa. The control panel will be disabled until power returns. Spa settings will be preserved for
30 days with a battery backup.
Overheat Protection (Spa is deactivated)
DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. If the spa water has reached 112°F, remove the spa cover to cool the water. Overheating
may occur if the filter cycle is set too long. At 110°F, the spa should reset itself. If the high-limit sensor detects 118°F at the
heater, the spa will shut down. When the heater cools to 110°F, press any button to reset the spa. If the spa will not reset,
then shut off power to the spa and call your dealer or service organization.
Flow (Flashing)
Flow of water is inhibited. Call your dealer or service organization.
Flow (Not Flashing)
A pressure switch is not working. Call your dealer or service organization.
Sensor (Spa is deactivated)
The high-limit sensor is not working. Call your dealer or service organization.
Sensor (Spa is deactivated)
The water temperature sensor is not working. Call your dealer or service organization.
Ice
A potential freeze condition is detected. No action is required. The pump(s) will automatically activate regardless of spa
status.
Cool
Water temperature is 20°F or more below the temperature last set. No action is required. Spa is functioning properly.
P/N DCM3S2 12/15/99
Warning! Shock Hazard! No User Serviceable Parts.
Do not attempt service of this control system. Contact your dealer or service organization for assistance. Follow all owner’s manual
power connection instructions. Installation must be performed by a licensed electrician and all grounding connections must be
properly installed.
System Options - Activated by Dealer or Service Organization Only!
Temperature control (80°F - 104°F): J17 on 1 pin
Overrange control (80°F - 108°F): J17 on 2 pins
Circulating pump & 24 hour ozone: J6 “B” position
Preset filter; ozone during filter cycle; no circulating pump: J6 “A” position
12/120VAC Light: J12