Blue Whale Spa Balboa 500DZ Series User manual

Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
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Balboa 500DZ-Series Operation Guide
Initial Start-up
Your spa will enter Priming Mode ( ) when it is
energized. During Priming Mode, press “Jets”
button(s) repeatedly and be sure all pumps are
free of air. Priming Mode lasts less than 5 minutes.
Press “Warm” or “Cool” to exit. After Priming Mode, the
spa will run in Standard Mode (see Mode/Prog section).
The pump responsible for heating and
filtration (pump 1 low-speed on non-circ
system, or the circ pump on circ systems)
will be referred to simply as the pump.
In multi-button sequences, if the buttons are
pressed too quickly in sequence, they may
not register.
The last measured water temperature is
constantly displayed. The water temperature
displayed is current only when the pump has
been running for at least 2 minutes.
To display the set temperature, press “Warm” or
“Cool” once. To change the set temperature,
press a temperature button again before the
display stops flashing. After three seconds, the
display will stop flashing and begin to display
the current spa temperature.
Light
Press “Light” to operate the spa light. Turns off
after 4 hours.
Mode is changed by pressing “Warm” or “Cool”
then “Mode”/Prog button.
Standard Mode
maintains a set temperature
and the STANDARD icon will be displayed
Economy Mode
heats the spa to the set
temperature only during filter cycles.
will
display when water temp is not current, and will
alternate with water temp when the pump is
running. The ECONOMY icon will be
displayed.
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Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
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Sleep Mode
heats the spa to within 20°F /
10°C of the set temperature only during filter
cycles “ “ will display when water temp is not
current, and will alternate with water temp when
the pump is running.
The first preset filter cycle starts at 8:00 AM and
ends at 10:00 AM. The second preset filter cycle
starts at 8:00 PM and ends at 10:00 PM.
For non-circ systems, low-speed pump 1 and
the ozone generator (if installed) run during
filtration.
For 24 hour circulation systems, the circ
pump and the ozone generator (if installed) run
24 hours. In hot environments, the circ pump
may turn off for 30 minute periods, except
during
For non-24 hour circulation systems, the
circ pump and ozone generator (if installed) run
during filtration (and may also run automatically
at other times).
At the beginning of each filter cycle, all
other equipment will run briefly to purge the
plumbing.
Jets 1
Press “Jets 1” to turn pump 1 on or off, and to
shift between low and high speeds (if equipped).
The low-speed will turn off after 4 hours. High-
speed will turn off after 15 minutes. Low-speed
may run automatically at times, during which it
cannot be deactivated from the panel, but high-
speed may be operated.
Jets 2/ Jets 3/ Blower (if
equipped)
Press the corresponding button once to turn the
device on or off. The device will turn off after 15
minutes. Pump 2 may be
If the panel has a button with 2 devices
assigned to it, like Pump 2 and Pump 3, press
the button repeatedly to step through the
various combinations of On and Off for both
devices.
Setting the Time of Day
When the spa is first powered up, the words
SET TIME will flash on the display. Press
“Time”, then “Mode/Prog”, then “Warm” or
“Cool.” The time will begin changing in one-
minute increments. Press “Warm” or “Cool” to
stop the time from changing. Press “Time” to
confirm.
This document covers VS and GS systems 500Z through 521Z with Balboa Panels VL200 through
VL406. www.balboawatergroup.com
Optional Filter Cycle Programming
You are not required to change the filter cycles, but if you
wish to, press “Time,” “Mode/Mode,” “Mode/Prog” within 3
seconds. SET START FILTER1
(AM) will appear. Press
“Warm” or “Cool” to reset the filter start time.
Press “Mode/Prog” to see SET STOP FILTER 1
and adjust the
time with “Warm” or “Cool” as done above. Press
“Mode/Prog” to see

Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
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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 until next power up.
Temperature unknown.
After the pump has been running for 2
minutes, the temperature will be displayed.
“Overheat” - The spa has shut
down. * One of the sensors has
detected 118°F/47.8°C at the
heater.
DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the
spa cover and allow water to cool. Once the
heater has cooled, reset by pushing any
button. If spa does not reset, shut off the
power to the spa and call your dealer or
service organization.
“Overheat” - The spa has shut down.
One of the sensors has detected
110°F/43.5°C.
DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the
spa cover and allow water to cool. At
107°F/41.7°C, the spa should automatically
reset. If spa does not reset, shut off the
power to the spa and call your dealer or
service organization.
Spa is shut down. * The sensor that
is plugged into the Sensor “A” jack
is not working
If the problem persists, contact your dealer
or service organization. (May appear
temporarily in an overheat condition)
Spa is shut down. * The sensor that
is plugged into the Sensor “B” jack
is not working.
If the problem persists, contact your dealer
or service organization. (May appear
temporarily in an overheat condition)
Sensors are out of balance. If alternating
with spa temperature, it may just be a
temporary condition. If flashing by itself, spa
is shut down. *
If the problem persists, contact your dealer
or service organization.
A significant difference between
temperature sensors has been detected.
This could indicate a flow problem.
If the water level is normal, make sure all pumps
have been primed. If problem persists, contact
your dealer or service organization.
Persistent low flow problems. (Displays on
the fifth occurrence of “ “ message within
24 hours.) Heater is shut down, but other
spa functions continue to run normally.
Follow action required for message. Heating
capability of the spa will not reset automatically;
you may press any button to reset.
Possible inadequate water, poor flow, or air
bubbles detected in the heater. Spa is shut
down for 15 minutes.
If water level is normal, make sure all pumps have
been primed. Press any button to reset. This
message will reset within 15 minutes. If problem
persists, contact your dealer or service organization.
Inadequate water detected in heater. (Displays on
third occurrence of message.) Spa is shut
down.*
Follow action required for message. Spa will
not automatically reset. Press any button to reset
manually.
“Ice” – Potential Freeze condition detected
No action required. All equipment will automatically
activate regardless of spa status. The equipment stays
on 4 minutes after the sensors detect that the spa
temperature has risen to 45°F/7.2°C or higher. An
optional freeze sensor may be added to protect against
extraordinary freeze conditions. Auxiliary freeze sensor
protection is advisable is colder climates. See your
dealer for details.
*- Even when spa is shut down, some equipment
will turn on if freeze protection is needed.
Diagnostic Messages
Message
Meaning
Action Required

Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
-5-
Winter – Potential Frost Damage
If your tub is going to be left empty over the winter months or in any very cold climate where there
is a possibility of sub zero conditions it is very important to remove all the water from the pipework
and pumps as well as from the tub itself.
Water that freezes in the pipework and pumps can expand and crack the pipes and pump wet ends
leading to major leaks, which will leave your tub unusable and will need an engineer to repair. Frost
damage is not covered in the warranty on your tub.
Your hot tub water needs to be treated with certain chemicals to
maintain its cleanliness.
Sanitiser levels, Ph Levels and Total Alkalinity can be measured with readily available water testing
strips. As you use your tub, chemical levels will change as they do their job, keeping the water clean.
Remember to only add small quantities of chemicals to your water as once it is
dissolved into the water it is impossible to take any out.
Sanitiser
Sanitiser, chlorine or bromine can be used in either granule or tablet form. Granules dissolve into the
tub water quickly and can be used to boost chlorine levels quickly. Tablets are slower to dissolve and
are floated around in the hot tub in a floating dispenser. This can keep Chlorine levels more stable,
reducing the need for regularly dissolving granules into the water. Never mix Chlorine and
Bromine in the same water !
Ph
Also required is a chemical for controlling the Ph of the water. Either a Ph increaser or a Ph Reducer
can be used to keep the Ph within a safe level.
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.

Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
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Total Alkalinity
This is the measure of the ability of water to resist changes in Ph. Total Alkalinity increaser is added
once the Chlorine content and the Ph level are correct.
Testing Strips
Testing strips have coloured pads which change colour dependent on the amount of the above
chemicals dissolved into your water.
Dip the testing strip in your water and compare the colour of the pads on the strip to the
coloured squares on the testing strip container.
If the coloured pad is the same as the square patch on the container you do not need to add any
chemicals.
If the coloured pads are different to the squares on the container add small amounts of chemicals to
the water re-testing each time until the coloured pads match the squares on the container.
Oxidiser (Shock)
This should be used as directed on the package once a week or after the spa has been used for
several hours by a larger than normal number of people.
These chemicals could be the only things you need to put into your water to keep it clean. There are
however various other things that affect the quality of your water as the tub is used. All of these
chemicals should be used sparingly in small amounts, retesting after each addition of chemicals.

Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
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Other Chemicals and Products
Anti Foam
This chemical reduces foam that can occur when hair products, make up, false tan, creams or skin
conditioners get into the water in your tub. Simply pour a capful of anti foam around the edges of your
tub and watch the foam disappear.
Water Clarifiers
Use these types of products as instructed on the package to keep your water sparkling clean.
Anti Scale
In areas of hard water add a couple of capfuls of anti scale to reduce the buildup of scale and any
staining that may occur.
Waterline Cleaner
Use waterline cleaner every week to remove any build up of dirt that may occur around the waterline.
Filter Cleaning
Dependent on the amount of use that your tub gets you should clean your filters every two weeks.
There are various overnight soak solutions or instant cleaner sprays that can keep your filters clean.
The most effective method of extending filter life is to have a pair or two sets of filters to rotate. Whilst
one set is in the tub working, the other set is cleaned and dried out and then when it is time to clean
the filter again you simply replace it with the clean dry filter.
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Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
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Water changing
Check the water level in your tub regularly and top up as necessary.
If you keep a check on your water and chemical levels either every day or each time you use the tub
and add the necessary chemicals you should be able to keep your water in the tub for up to three
months.
After three months it is recommended that you drain the tub, clean the shell and jets and then refill
with clean water
Cleaning your filters is very important
There are a number of ways to clean your hot tub filter and all are effective. However, you will get
different results with each method.
Let’s start by saying what NOT to use. Do not clean your hot tub filters with: Laundry Detergent
Car Wash
Dish washing Soap
Or any bubbly household soap for that matter
Any of the following methods for cleaning your hot tub filters will improve the quality of your hot tub
water.
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1. The hose jet
Remove the filters from your hot tub and give them a good blast with water from your garden hose.
Do this outside as it can get a little messy
Be sure to spread apart each pleat and rinse well between them to get any dirt, hair, or other debris
out. This will help keep the debris from building up and the chemicals from eating away at your filter
material. By doing this, you will allow your hot tub filters to work more efficiently and last longer.
This only takes a few minutes and should be done at least once a week if you use your hot tub
regularly

Blue Whale Spa Ltd, 11 Glaisdale Drive East
Nottingham, NG8 4GU
-9-
2. The Chemical Rinse
Use a filter cleaner spray. These are a degreasing agent and are quite effective
Generously spray down your hot tub filters and let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse them
down with clean water.
Spray!the!filters!down!with!the!cleaner!and!let!them!sit!for!about!15!minutes.!This!will!allow!the!chemical!to!
sink!and!do!its!job.!
Then with clean water, rinse the filter thoroughly until all the soapy substance is gone.
Note: Make sure you rinse the filters really well.
Filter cleaner sprays can cause a lot of foaming in your tub when you put the filters back in.
3. The Chemical Soak
Use a hot tub filter soak chemical; DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS dilute the
chemical with water according to the directions on the bottle.
Make sure you use enough water to completely submerge one filter. If you have room, you can add
more filters to the solution.
Let the filter rest in the solution overnight or 24 hours.
After soaking, be sure to rinse the filters very thoroughly with clean water. Again, you don’t want
foamy hot tub water.
1. Rinse your hot tub filters with clean water every week.
2. Chemical rinse your filters using a standard filter cleaner every month.
3. Chemical soak your spas filters overnight every month
Some people buy two sets of filters to switch between the two sets. This is a good idea and will
extend the life of your filters.
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If you have two sets of filters, leave one set to dry completely, while the other set of filters are working
in the tub
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Remember! A clogged filter can prevent your tub from heating up and might even burn out your
circulation pump resulting in a costly repair because this is seen as a non warranty Issue!
©2011!Blue!Whale!Spa.!All!rights!reserved!