HydroQuip The Smart Choice Ultimate Series User manual

ULTIMATE SERIES
SOLID-STATE
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
ULTIMATE SERIES
SOLID-STATE
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
8600

CONTENTS
1
Important Safety Instructions
INTRODUCTION
Major Component Illustration
SYSTEM OPERATION
Heater Operation
Spaside Control
Spa Light
Error Identification
OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Warm Weather Conditions
Filtration
Freeze Protection & Winterizing
Chemical Water Treatment
TROUBLESHOOTING
Warranty Information
2
4
5
6
11
11
14
18
12
13
12
13
14

2
DANGER To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this product unless they are
closely supervised at all times.
WARNING - RISK OF CHILD DROWNING. Extreme caution must be exercised to prevent
unauthorized access by children. To avoid accidents, ensure that children cannot use a spa
or hot tub unless they are supervised at all times.
DANGER To reduce the risk of injury to persons, do not remove suction fittings.
Spa location must accommodate sufficient drainage of water around the base of the structure,
as well as the power source compartment.
Prolonged immersion in water that is warmer than normal body temperature can result in a
dangerous condition known as HYPERTHERMIA. The causes, symptoms, and effects of
hyperthermia may be described as follows: Hyperthermia occurs when the internal
temperature of the body reaches a level several degrees above the normal body
temperature of 98.6BF. The symptoms of hyperthermia include dizziness, fainting,
drowsiness, lethargy, and an increase in the internal temperature of the body. The effects of
hyperthermia include (1) unawareness of impending hazard, (2) failure to perceive heat, (3)
failure to recognize the need to exit spa, (4) physical inability to exit spa, (5) fetal damage in
pregnant women, (6) unconsciousness resulting in danger of drowning. WARNING The use
of alcohol, drugs or medication can greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia in hot tubs
and spas.
DANGER - RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK. Install at least 5 feet (1.5m) from all metal
surfaces. (A spa may be installed within 5 feet of metal surfaces if each metal surface is
permanently connected by a solid copper conductor attached to the wire connector on the
terminal box that is provided for this purpose. Refer to NEC and local codes in effect at the
time of installation.)
A pressure wire connector is provided on the control box to permit connection of a solid copper
bonding conductor between this point and any equipment, metal enclosures of electrical
equipment, metal water pipe, or conduit within 5 feet (1.5m) of the unit as needed to comply
with local requirements.
Bond accessible metal to the dedicated connector on the equipment grounding bus, bond the
equipment ground bus to the local common bonding grid as part of the installation in the
form of (1) a reinforced concrete slab for support, (2) a ground plate provided beneath the
hot tub or spa, or (3) a permanent ground connection that is acceptable to the local
inspection authority.
DANGER RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK. Do not permit any electrical appliance, such as a
light, telephone, radio, or television, within 5 feet (1.5m) of a spa or hot tub.
To reduce the risk of injury:
The water in a spa or hot tub should never exceed 104BF (40BC). Water temperatures between
100BF (38BC) and 104BF (40BC) are considered safe for a healthy adult. Lower water
temperatures are recommended for extended use (exceeding 10-15 minutes) and for young
children.
Excessive water temperatures have a high potential for causing fetal damage during the early
months of pregnancy, pregnant or possibly pregnant women should limit spa or hot tub
water temperatures to 100BF(38BC).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
!
!
!
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Before entering the spa or hot tub, the user should measure the water temperature with an
accurate thermometer.
The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication before or during spa or hot tub 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 or hot tub.
Persons using medication should consult a physician before using a spa or hot tub since
some medication may affect heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation.
This appliance is provided with a ground-fault-circuit-interrupter located on the control box.
Before each use and with the unit operating, push the test button. The unit should stop
operating and the reset button should appear. Push the reset button. The unit should now
operate normally. If the interrupter does not perform in this manner, a ground current is
flowing indicating the possibility of electrical shock. Disconnect the power, or unplug from
receptacle, until the fault has been identified and corrected.
Connected to a grounded, grounding type receptacle only. NEVER connect the spa to an
extension cord.
Do not bury the cord.
WARNING To reduce the risk of electrical shock, replace damaged cord immediately.
A terminal marked “G” or “ground” is provided in the wiring box located inside the equipment
compartment. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect the terminal or connector to
the grounding terminal of your electrical service or supply panel with a continuous green
insulated copper wire in accordance with National Electric Code Table 250-95 and any
other local codes in effect at the time of the installation.
The electrical supply for this product must include a suitably rated switch or circuit breaker to
open all ungrounded supply conductors to comply with Section 422-30 of the National
Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 1987. The disconnecting means must be readily accessible
to the tub occupant but installed at least 5 feet (1.5m) from the tub water.
WARNING - Do not install indoors. This unit uses a gas heater that requires proper ventilation
and is intended for outdoor use only.
Install at least 5 feet (1.5m) from tub water using nonmetallic plumbing. Install blower no less
than 1 foot (305mm) above the maximum water level to prevent water from contacting
electrical equipment. Install in accordance with the installation instructions.
To reduce the risk of drowning from hair and body entrapment, install a suction fitting(s) with a
marked flow rate in gallons-per-minute that equals or exceeds the flow rate marked on
the equipment assembly.
For Units with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
For Cord and Plug Connected Units
For Permanently Installed Units
For Permanently Installed Units not Provided with an Internal Disconnecting Method
For Units with Gas Heaters
For UL Listed Equipment Assemblies
3

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your new purchase. Hydro-Quip Equipment & Control Systems
are constructed of the finest materials and assembled under the strictest quality
control standards. With proper care and maintenance your system will provide you
with many years of reliable performance.
The following pages contain informative information concerning the operation and
care of your system.
Major Components
4
(Note: Your Control may differ from the illustration below although the
basic operation and configuration will be the same.)
Pump Assembly
Heater Assembly
Control Box
Air Blower

5
HEATER OPERATION
Your control system may have a convertible heater (120 volts; or 240 volts). Refer to the
system data label to determine which, if any, convertible options are available to you. The
heater configuration was set at the factory and may have been changed by your installer.
Acovered, 300-gallon spa will experience a heat rise approximately as detailed below.
Your system will operate with one of the following configurations:
120 Volts - The heater will operate on demand at 1500 Watts during low speed pump
operation. It will automatically shut off when the high-speed pump or blower is activated.
You can expect a heat rise of 1BF to 2BF per hour.
240 Volt - The heater will operate on demand at 5500 Watts during high and low
speed pump operation. It will continue to operate when the blower is activated. You
can expect a heat rise of 6BF to 8BF per hour.

6
YOUR SPASIDE CONTROL
PUMP 2 ICON
HEATER ON ICON
PUMP 1 ICON
LIGHT/ENTER KEY
PROGRAM KEY
ECONOMY/NORMAL
MODE KEY
UP/DOWN ARROWS
LCD WINDOWS
FILTERING ICON
TEMPERATURE SET ICON
ECONOMY MODE ICON
BLOWER/LIST KEY
PUMP 2 KEY
PUMP 1 KEY
AIR BLOWER ICON
PROGRAM MODE ICON
LIGHT ON ICON
AUXILIARY 2 KEY
AUXILIARY 3 KEY

7
SPASIDE CONTROL - Continued

8
Programming Parameters: There are 11 parameters that may be programmed. Follow these
procedures to set each parameter: Press and hold the Program Key for 5-seconds, the program
icon ( ) will appear. You may continue to press the Program key to access the desired parameter
to be modified. Once you have reached the parameter to be modified, press the Enter (Light) key.
Use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the value. If no key has been pressed for 15-seconds the
programming mode is exited. During programming all keys other than the Program, Enter (Light)
and Warmer/Cooler keys will be ignored.
Time of Day: This is the first parameter and will appear with the hour flashing. To adjust, press
the Enter (Light) key. Use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the hour from 00: to 11:. Press the
Program key, then Enter (Light) key to adjust minutes, use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the
minutes from :00 to :59. Press the Program key to confirm the new setting and move to the next
parameter to be programmed.
Filtration Start Time 1: (”Fon1”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the hour from 00 to 11. Press the Program key, then Enter (Light) key
to adjust minutes, use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the minutes from 00 to 59. Press the Program
key to confirm the new setting and move to the next parameter to be programmed.
Filtration Duration 1: (”Fdu1”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key.
Use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust from OFF (always off) to 12 (always on). Press the Program
key to confirm the new setting. The display will then return to the next parameter to be
programmed.
Filtration Start Time 2: (”Fon2”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the hour from 00: to 11:. Press the Program key, then Enter (Light)
key to adjust minutes, use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the minutes from :00 to :59. Press the
Program key to confirm the new setting and move to the next parameter to be programmed.
Filtration Duration 2: (”Fdu2”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust from OFF (always off) to 12 (always on). Press the Program key to
confirm the new setting. The display will then return to the next parameter to be programmed.
Economy Start Time 1: (”Eon1”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust any hour from 00 to 23. Press the Program key, then Enter (Light)
key to adjust minutes, use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the minutes from 00 to 59. Press the
Program key to confirm the new setting and move to the next parameter to be programmed.
Economy Duration 1: (”Edu1”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust from OFF (always off) to 24 (always on). Press the Program key to
confirm the new setting. The display will then return to the next parameter to be programmed.
Economy Start Time 2: (”Eon2”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust any hour from 00 to 23. Press the Program key, then Enter (Light)
key to adjust minutes, use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the minutes from 00 to 59. Press the
Program key to confirm the new setting and move to the next parameter to be programmed.
Economy Duration 2: (”Edu2”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust from OFF (always off) to 24 (always on). Press the Program key to
confirm the new setting. The display will then return to the next parameter to be programmed.
Economy Start Time 3: (”Eon3”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust any hour from 00 to 23. Press the Program key, then Enter (Light)
key to adjust minutes, use the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust the minutes from 00 to 59. Press the
Program key to confirm the new setting and move to the next parameter to be programmed.
Economy Duration 3: (”Edu3”) appears in the display. To adjust, press the Enter (Light) key. Use
the Warmer/Cooler keys to adjust from OFF (always off) to 24 (always on). Press the Program key to
confirm the new setting and exit to the Time/Temperature display.

9
SPASIDE CONTROL - Continued
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Inverted Display: The lower display can be inverted for easy viewing inside or outside
the spa. Press and hold the Economy key for 2 seconds to toggle between inverted and
normal display modes.
Panel Lock: It is possible to lock all of the spaside control keys. Press and hold the Pump
1 key for 5 seconds, “LocF” will appear indicating all the keys have been locked. To
unlock keys, simply press and hold the Pump 1 key for 5 seconds until “Uloc” will appear
indicating the spaside has returned to normal operation.

10
ADDITIONAL FEATURES - Continued
Smart Winter Mode: If the system detects ambient conditions below a preset factory
setting, the system will automatically activate the Smart Winter Mode for a period of 24
hours. In this mode, if a pump has not been powered in the last 2 hours, the system will
turn it on for one minute to prevent freezing. The Filter Mode light indicator will flash while
the pump is running in this mode. Note: If you notice the pump coming on every 2
hours. This is the most likely cause. This will continue for a 24-hour period. This is
normal and is the Systems protection against freezing.
Freeze Mode: If the actual spa water temperature drops below a preset factory setting,
the pump and heater will be turned on until the spa water has been sufficiently heated to
prevent freezing. All functions (except the alarms) will be disabled while the freeze
protection is active.
Over Temperature Protection: If the water temperature exceeds 112F at the
Temperature sensor 3 flashing dots will appear below the temperature display and the
heater as well as all other outputs will shut off. After the water has cooled down power to
the spa must be cycled off then on to reset the system. If the spa water temperature does
not seem to be elevated, the error indication may have been caused by poor water flow or
electrical line interference (thunder storms, voltage surges, etc.). Simply reset and
monitor the system.
Dry Run Protection: If the Dry Run feature has been activated on your system, when
3 flashing dots appear in the spaside control display (see error identification) indicating
that, although the pump has been activated, there is no water flowing through the
plumbing for more than 10-minutes, the circulation pump will be turned off to prevent the
pump from being damaged. If any key is pressed on the spaside control, the pump will
restart for another 10-minutes until the problem is corrected.
Summer Mode: If activated, the Summer Mode has been created to prevent stagnant
water trapped in the heater in hot climates from casing a over/high temperature (see error
identification) problem. To prevent this, when the external SWM sensor is exposed to
temperatures above 110BF, Pump 1 will be activated for 5-minutes every 15-minutes.
Power-Up Detection: Upon first powering the system or if a power outage occurs, the
display will flash until a key is pressed. This feature also lets the user know there has
been a power failure.

11
SPA LIGHT
Your control may contain a high intensity,
low voltage light to enhance nighttime use.
This illustration shows how and where to
find the bulb for replacement. It also shows
the mounted spa light with a replacement
(colored) lens. Colored lenses will further
the enhancement of the light. Simply snap
on or off to change the mood of your spa.
ERROR IDENTIFICATION

12
CHEMICAL WATER TREATMENT
Your dealer is familiar with local water conditions and which chemicals are
compatible with the water and are designed specifically for your spa. This is the best
person to advise you on proper water quality management.
The one thing you can do to insure years of trouble free equipment operation
is to maintain proper water chemistry.
Two basic goals of the chemical water treatment are sanitizing and balancing
the water.
Sanitizing simply means keeping the water free from living microorganisms
including algae, bacteria and viruses. The current most popular chemicals for
sanitizing include chlorine, bromine and ozone.
Balancing water means establishing a balance among pH, total alkalinity and
total hardness. Water that is unbalanced can corrode the spa and it's support
equipment or leave deposits of minerals. Properly balanced water is essential to allow
the sanitizing chemical to work effectively. There are numerous chemical additives to
help you in controlling pH, total hardness and total alkalinity. NEVER use softened
water when filling your spa. Softened water is extremely corrosive to the metal parts of
the spa equipment and may lead to an unforeseen failure.
Sometimes, despite your most diligent efforts, your water may become too
far out of balance to be managed chemically. At this point it is probably better to drain
and clean the spa and start over with fresh water.
Equipment failure caused by improper water chemistry will not be covered
under warranty.
WARM WEATHER CONDITIONS
The following describes situations you may encounter and situations to be
aware of.
Since your spa will normally be expected to maintain warm to hot water to be ready
for your use, a great deal of attention has been directed to the energy conservation
detail of insulation so as to keep electrical costs down. This energy conservation
efficiency may be achieved by extensive insulation of the skirt, plumbing and spa
shell, and in some climates full foam insulation may have been provided.
This energy conservation feature may cause an inconvenience during warmer times
of the year. During warm periods of the year, the temperature within the equipment
compartment can elevate to a point that the pump will automatically turn off for a short
period of time (15-30 minutes) to allow the pump to cool down before automatically
restarting. This cool down feature will not harm your spa but serves only to protect the
pump from damage and as an indicator that it is too hot. To minimize this occurrence,
refrain from using your Hydrotherapy Jets for prolonged periods of time during warm
seasons.
The jet pump chosen for your spa has been specifically sized for maximum
performance and your Hydrotherapy enjoyment.
OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

13
FILTRATION
Please refer to your Spa Manufacturer's owner's manual regarding the operation,
maintenance and cleaning of your filtration system.
Dirty or clogged filters can cause flow restrictions and you may experience difficulty in
reaching and/or maintaining desired heat levels.
FREEZE PROTECTION & WINTERIZING
When freezing weather and/or power losses are expected, contact your local spa
dealer for freeze protection or winterizing recommendations for both the spa and the
equipment system. Freeze related damage is not covered by the Hydro-Quip
warranty.

14
NO, LOW OR SURGING WATER FLOW
Air Lock in Plumbing System - “Bleed” the system.
Restricted Flow - Insure that the water shut-off valves are open and that suction
fittings are not blocked by debris.
Dirty Filter - Clean or replace filter.
Low Water Level - Increase water level to recommended level.
TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTHING OPERATES
The following describes situations and possible solutions to common
problems you may encounter as a spa owner.
Main Breaker is OFF - Set to On.
Sub-Panel Breaker Off - Set to On.
Equipment GFCI Off - Set to On.
Power switch in Off position - Set to On.
Components not plugged in - Plug in components.
Power cord not plugged in - Plug in power cord.
Over or High Temperature Protection On - Refer to Section 3
NO THERAPY JET OPERATION
Water Shut-Off Valves are Closed - Open Shut-Off valves.
Dirty Filter - Clean or replace filter.
Jets Not Properly Adjusted - Adjust Jets properly.
Diverter Valve Not Properly Adjusted - Adjust diverter valve properly.
Thermal Overload Tripping - Check for restricted flow of water.
Over or High Temperature Protection On - Press button to reset.
NO LOW SPEED PUMP OPERATION
Low Level Programming Incorrect - Contact your local dealer.
Over or High Temperature Protection On - Press button to reset.
Pump Not Plugged-In - Plug in the Pump.
NO JETS OR BLOWER OPERATION
Blower or Pump Not Plugged-In - Plug in the Blower or Pump.
Over or High Temperature Protection On - Press button to reset.

15
NO HEAT
Temperature Not Set Correctly - Adjust Set Point.
Over or High Temperature Protection On - Press button to reset.
Current Limiting On - 120V Systems will not heat if High Speed or Blower is on.
Contact your local dealer.
No Power - Reset breaker at service panel.
Low Water Flow - Clean or Replace filter.
HIGH HEAT
Temperature Sensor Not in Dry-Well - Place sensor in dry-well.
Temperature Set Too High - Adjust Set Point.
High Ambient Temperature - Remove spa cover.
WATER LEAKS
Spa Overfilled - Adjust water level.
Too Many People in the Spa - Adjust water level.
Drain-Valve Left Open - Close drain valve.
Couplings or Unions Loose - Tighten or contact your local dealer.
Pump Seal Leaking - Contact your local dealer.
Plumbing / Connections Leaking - Contact your local dealer.
Water Leaking from Spaside Control - Contact your local dealer.
Water in Air Blower Plumbing - Contact your local dealer.
GFCI BREAKER TRIPS OCCASIONALLY
Lightning or Electrical Storm, Power Surge, Extremely Humid Conditions, or
Radio Frequency Interference - Reset GFCI Breaker.
NOTE: The GFCI breaker must be properly installed by a licensed electrician.
GFCI BREAKER TRIPS IMMEDIATELY
Defective Component or Improper GFCI Breaker Installation - Contact a qualified
service technician or the factory for assistance.
Light Bulb Defective - Replace bulb or contact your local dealer.
Reflector has Fallen Off - Replace deflector or contact your local dealer.
Light Not Plugged-In - Plug in the Light.
NO LIGHT OPERATION

16
SYSTEM DATA LABEL
The system data label is located on the control box. This label is very important and
contains information you will need to establish your electrical service. The voltage and
amperage ratings are shown on the bottom of the label. Product, Model, Serial and
Code numbers are also shown on the label.
Note: This information will be necessary if you should ever have to request warranty
or any other type of service.
ORDER CODE:
MODEL:
CODE:
SERIAL:
VOLTS:
AMPS:
PRODUCT:
REFER TO NEC FOR
BREAKER SIZING

17
Dealer:
Contact:
Address:
City:
Phone:
State: Zip:
Date of Install:
Notes:
NOTES
Use this section to jot down any information you may need at a later date.

18
WARRANTY INFORMATION
To all original purchasers, HYDROQUIP warrants its products to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
HYDROQUIP will repair or replace the part, which in our opinion, is defective.
This warranty excludes damage as a result of: normal wear, freezing, low voltage,
chemical abuse, accident, negligence, alteration, improper installation, use or care.
To obtain warranty service, return defective products within the warranty period to
HYDROQUIP.
Purchaser is responsible for removal or reinstallation labor, freight charges, or any
other such costs incurred in obtaining warranty service.
HYDROQUIP assumes no responsibility for incidental or consequential damages.
Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
THE SPA DEALER MAY PROVIDE A DIFFERENT WARRANTY,
CONTACT YOUR SPA DEALER FOR DETAILS

18
WARRANTY INFORMATION
To all original purchasers, HYDROQUIP warrants its products to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
HYDROQUIP will repair or replace the part, which in our opinion, is defective.
This warranty excludes damage as a result of: normal wear, freezing, low voltage,
chemical abuse, accident, negligence, alteration, improper installation, use or care.
To obtain warranty service, return defective products within the warranty period to
HYDROQUIP.
Purchaser is responsible for removal or reinstallation labor, freight charges, or any
other such costs incurred in obtaining warranty service.
HYDROQUIP assumes no responsibility for incidental or consequential damages.
Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
THE SPA DEALER MAY PROVIDE A DIFFERENT WARRANTY,
CONTACT YOUR SPA DEALER FOR DETAILS