Kohler K-1170 User manual

Installation Guide
Drop-In Bath Whirlpool
K-1014, K-1110, K-1111,
K-1158, K-1170, K-1368,
K-1369, K-1375, K-1384,
K-1398, K-1418, K-1433,
K-1457, K-1460, K-1461,
K-1477, K-1487, K-1492,
K-1496
Mproduct numbers are for Mexico (i.e. K-12345M)
Los números de productos seguidos de Mcorresponden a México
(Ej. K-12345M)
Français, page “Français-1”
Español, página “Español-1”
1019749-2-E

Important Information
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic precautions should always be followed, including
the following:
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Connect only to circuits protected by a Ground-Fault
Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) or Earth-Leakage Circuit-Breaker (ELCB).
Building materials and wiring should be routed away from the pump body and other heat-producing
components of the unit.
Install to permit access for servicing.
A pressure wire connector marked ″Earth/Ground″is provided within the wiring compartment. To reduce
the risk of electric shock, connect this connector to the grounding terminal of your electric service or supply
panel with copper wire equivalent in size to the circuit conductor supplying this equipment.
Pressure wire connectors are provided on the exterior of the junction box or control within this unit to permit
connection of a bonding conductor between this unit and all other exposed metal in the vicinity, as needed to
comply with local requirements.
Grounding is required. The unit should be installed by a qualified service representative, and grounded.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. A licensed electrician should make all electrical connections.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Disconnect power before servicing.
WARNING: Risk of injury or property damage. Please read all instructions thoroughly before
beginning installation, including the following requirements.
NOTICE: Follow all local plumbing and electrical codes.
Product Information
Electrical Requirements
The installation must have a Class A Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) or Earth-Leakage
Circuit-Breaker (ELCB). The GFCI or ELCB protect against line-to-ground shock hazard. Use a 220 - 240 V, 20
A, 50/60 Hz dedicated service for the whirlpool.
Product Notices
WARNING: Unauthorized modification may cause unsafe operation and poor performance of the
whirlpool. Do not relocate the whirlpool pump, or make other modifications to the whirlpool system,
as this could adversely affect the performance and safe operation of the whirlpool. Kohler Co. shall not
be liable under its warranty or otherwise for personal injury or damage caused by any such
unauthorized modification.
Features
″-N1″Series: Components include a pump, heater, control, shut-off valve, neckjets, pulse cannister, and
illuminated switch (user keypad).
″-H2″Series: Components include a pump, heater, control and illuminated switch (user keypad).
The whirlpool pump and piping are factory-assembled.
Connections and Service Access
Before installation, ensure proper access to the final connections.
1019749-2-E 2 Kohler Co.

Product Information (cont.)
NOTICE: Provide generous, unrestricted service access to the pump. You must provide access for
servicing the pump and controls. The access must be located immediately next to the pump. Study the
roughing-in information packed with the whirlpool.
Table of Contents
Important Information .............................................................. 2
Product Information ............................................................... 2
Electrical Requirements .......................................................... 2
Product Notices ................................................................ 2
Features ..................................................................... 2
Connections and Service Access ................................................... 2
Thank You For Choosing Kohler Company .............................................. 3
Before You Begin ................................................................. 4
Tools and Materials ............................................................... 4
Prepare the Site ................................................................. 5
Prepare the Site ................................................................. 6
Prepare the Whirlpool ............................................................. 6
Secure the Whirlpool to the Subfloor .................................................. 7
Cut the Pump Banding Straps ....................................................... 8
Install the Plumbing ............................................................... 8
Install the Optional Pillow - For Models Without Neckjets .................................... 8
Make Electrical Connections ......................................................... 9
Install the Whirlpool Trim Kit ........................................................ 10
Install the Neckjet Pillow (″-N1″Series Only) ............................................ 10
Test Run the Whirlpool ............................................................ 10
Install the Optional Apron .......................................................... 12
Complete the Finished Wall/Deck .................................................... 12
Complete the Concrete Installation ................................................... 12
Clean-Up After Installation ......................................................... 12
Confirm Proper Operation .......................................................... 13
Operating Sequence ............................................................. 13
Troubleshooting Procedures ........................................................ 14
Thank You For Choosing Kohler Company
We appreciate your commitment to Kohler quality. Please take a few minutes to review this manual before
you start installation. If you encounter any installation or performance problems, please don’t hesitate to
contact us. Our phone numbers and website are listed on the back cover. Thanks again for choosing Kohler
Company.
Kohler Co. 3 1019749-2-E

Before You Begin
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not lift the whirlpool by the piping or pump, or use the
piping or pump for structural support of the whirlpool.
We recommend this whirlpool for drop-in, corner, or alcove installation.
Inspect the whirlpool for damage before you begin installation.
You must install this whirlpool to an adequately supported, level subfloor.
When used, the optional apron must be installed before the finished floor and wall materials are
completed.
Confirm adequate support for a rim-mounted faucet; large faucets that may be inadvertently used
as a means of support are not appropriate or safe for this installation.
Tools and Materials
• Conventional woodworking or concrete
installation tools and materials
• Drop cloth
Plus:
Silicone Sealant Measuring Tape Pencil Level
Safety Glasses Pipe Wrench
1019749-2-E 4 Kohler Co.

1. Prepare the Site
Concrete Construction
NOTICE: Adequate floor support must be provided. Consult the roughing-in sheet packed with your
whirlpool for specific floor loading requirements.
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not support the whirlpool by the rim.
Make sure the flooring offers adequate support for your whirlpool, and verify that the subfloor is
flat and level.
This whirlpool may be installed next to the wall or in an island installation. An island installation
requires a four side surround. In both instances, make sure the deck is supported by brick or
concrete.
Install an access panel to allow the pump to be serviced.
Construct brick or concrete supports.
Provide a 1/16″(2 mm) gap between the whirlpool rim and the concrete or brick framing. Frame
the floor, or construct a frame for a raised installation, in accordance with the roughing-in
information packed with the whirlpool.
Position the plumbing according to the roughing-in information packed. Cap the supplies, and
check for leaks.
Brick
Bath
1/16"
(2 mm)
Tile
Approved
Tile Backing
Typical
access
panel
Tile
Approved
Tile Backing
Brick
Whirlpool may be installed
next to the wall or as an
island installation.
Install an access panel to allow
the pump to be serviced.
Kohler Co. 5 1019749-2-E

2. Prepare the Site
Wood Construction
NOTICE: Adequate floor support must be provided. Consult the roughing-in sheet packed with your
whirlpool for specific floor loading requirements.
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not support the whirlpool by the rim.
Make sure the flooring offers adequate support for your whirlpool, and verify that the subfloor is
flat and level.
The whirlpool may be used in a drop-in, corner, or alcove installation. Construct 2x4 stud framing
designed for your particular installation. Frame the floor, or construct a frame for a raised
installation in accordance with the roughing-in information packed with the whirlpool.
Use the roughing-in cut-out information to carefully lay out and cut the rough deck material.
Install an access panel to allow the pump to be serviced.
Position the plumbing according to the roughing-in information. Cap the supplies, and check for
leaks.
3. Prepare the Whirlpool
We recommend a tiling-in bead for straight-rimmed whirlpools, if one or more sides of the
whirlpool contact a wall. This bead prevents water from seeping between the whirlpool rim and the
wall. Follow the instructions packed with the tiling-in bead to install the bead now.
Install the drain to the whirlpool according to the drain manufacturer’s instructions. Do not connect
the trap at this time.
Position a clean drop cloth or similar material in the bottom of the whirlpool. Be careful not to
scratch the surface of the whirlpool.
Construct 2x4
stud framing
according to
the roughing-in
information.
Position
the rough
plumbing.
Verify that the subfloor
offers adequate support,
and is flat and level.
Typical access panel
Frame the floor according to
the roughing-in information.
Position the
rough plumbing.
Verify that the subfloor offers
adequate support, and is flat
and level.
Typical access panel
1019749-2-E 6 Kohler Co.

4. Secure the Whirlpool to the Subfloor
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not lift the whirlpool by the piping or pump, or use the
piping or pump for structural support of the whirlpool.
Choose the installation option that best applies to your particular installation. Follow the
appropriate instructions.
If the subfloor is not level, shim the whirlpool support blocks as necessary.
Option for Using a Cement or Mortar Bed
Spread a 2″(5.1 cm) thick layer of cement or mortar on the subfloor where the whirlpool will be set.
This will help secure, level, and support the unit. Clear all the material away from the pump control
and support block locations.
NOTE: Do not use gypsum cement or drywall compound for this application, as they will not provide an
acceptable, durable bond.
NOTE: The pump control (when the pump banding straps are cut) and support blocks must rest
directly on the subfloor.
Position a piece of plastic drop cloth material on top of the cement or mortar bed. With help,
carefully lift the whirlpool into place, and make sure the pump control and support blocks do not
rest in the bed material.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level and resting on all support
blocks.
Option for Using Construction Adhesive
Apply a generous amount of high-quality construction adhesive to the bottom of the support blocks.
With help, carefully lift the whirlpool into position.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level and resting on all support
blocks.
Option for Using Silicone Sealant
With help, carefully lift the whirlpool into position.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level and resting on all support
blocks.
Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant around the entire rim of the whirlpool.
Clear spaces
for support
blocks.
Apply a bead of
silicone sealant
around the entire rim
or
Apply construction
adhesive to the
support blocks.
Spread a 2" (5.1 cm)
layer of cement or
mortar bed material.
Clear space for
pump.
Kohler Co. 7 1019749-2-E

5. Cut the Pump Banding Straps
IMPORTANT! This step is necessary to make your Kohler whirlpool operate more quietly.
Use tin snips to cut the two pump banding straps from the whirlpool pump.
NOTE: Do not raise the pump higher than it was before you cut the pump banding straps. If the pump is
raised too high, it will not prime properly. Make sure the rubber isolation feet are in place.
To minimize whirlpool noise and vibration, be sure the pump is not in direct contact with the
shipping bracket after the pump banding straps are cut. The pump control contains rubber isolation
feet to reduce pump noise.
6. Install the Plumbing
CAUTION: Risk of property damage. Ensure a watertight seal on the whirlpool drain.
Connect the drain to the trap according to the drain manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTICE: An access panel will simplify future maintenance.
Install the faucet valving according to the faucet manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install the
faucet trim until instructed. Open the hot and cold water supplies, and check the supply
connections for leakage.
Run water into the whirlpool, and check the drain connections for leakage.
If your whirlpool requires grip rails, install them now according to the installation instructions
packed with the grip rails.
7. Install the Optional Pillow - For Models Without Neckjets
CAUTION: Risk of property damage. Do not submerge the pillow underwater, or use as a seat
cushion.
Clean the whirlpool surface of any soap film or oils. Suction cups are located on the back side of the
pillow. Moisten the back side of the pillow at the suction cup locations, and position the pillow in
the appropriate location on the whirlpool. Press firmly at the suction cup locations with the heel of
your hand.
Detach the pillow by lifting it off the whirlpool surface.
Pump
Wiring
Harness
Rubber Isolation Feet
Control
Cut the pump banding straps.
Moisten the back of the pillow and
firmly press the suction cups against
the whirlpool surface.
Optional Pillow-
For Models
Without Neckjets
1019749-2-E 8 Kohler Co.

8. Make Electrical Connections
NOTE: The whirlpool model number is printed on a label near the whirlpool pump. This label also
identifies the electrical rating of the whirlpool. All whirlpools come equipped with a wiring junction box
and will only operate at 220 V through 240 V and at 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect the pump to a
properly grounded Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) or Earth-Leakage Circuit-Breaker (ELCB).
This will provide additional protection against line-to-ground shock hazard. A 220 - 240 V, 20 A, 50/60
Hz dedicated circuit is required.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Make sure the power has been disconnected before performing the
following procedures.
The whirlpool controls and system have been prewired at the factory. A licensed electrician should
make a routine service connection to the junction box.
Connect service to the junction box. The junction box contains blue, brown and green with a yellow
stripe colored wires and a ground lug.
Provide a separate equipment earthing conductor for the earth lug located inside the junction box.
The earthing conductor must not be connected to any current-carrying conductor. Follow local
electrical codes. Bond in accordance with national and local codes.
A wiring harness has been prewired at the factory, allowing communication between the keypad, all
features, and the control. No additional wiring is required, but ensure that all wires are securely
fastened.
NOTE: Your wiring harness includes an antenna for the optional remote control. Do not alter or damage
this antenna during installation.
Ground (Green with
Yellow Stripe)
Blue
Supply 60 Hz 50 Hz From Control
L1 L1 Brown
L2 N Blue
Electrician to
provide suitable
strain relief.
The junction box should be
wired as shown. Bond in accordance with
national and local codes.
Wire
Connectors
From Control
Brown
Heater (models may
vary) T-style (shown)
or inline (not shown)
Heater Electrical Cord
Wiring
Harness
Junction
Box Control
Pump
Electrical
Cord
Kohler Co. 9 1019749-2-E

9. Install the Whirlpool Trim Kit
Install the whirlpool trim kit according to the instructions packed with the trim kit. Pay particular
attention to the jet installation steps below - they are very important and are included here to help
you obtain smooth, trouble-free jet operation.
NOTE: The jet O-ring must be correctly positioned, must be lubricated, and must be in good condition to
permit easy rotation and proper operation of the jet.
Install the O-ring onto the first shoulder of the jet. Lubricate the O-ring with silicone lubricant to
prevent noisy operation of the jet.
Carefully insert the jet into the housing, and lightly push and rotate the jet until it snaps into
position. Do not force the jet.
NOTE: When installed correctly, the jet should turn smoothly both clockwise and counterclockwise.
10. Install the Neckjet Pillow (″-N1″Series Only)
The whirlpool is supplied with one pillow and two slip covers. The pillow includes a built-in
magnetic reed switch. The neckjets will not operate unless the pillow is installed. Always use a slip
cover to prevent water from spraying from the whirlpool.
Choose a slip cover, and fit it over the pillow.
Carefully slide the pillow down onto the neckjet body grooves until it is secure. The neckjets are
now ready for use.
We recommend periodic cleaning of the slip cover. Follow the cleaning instructions on the label
attached to the slip cover.
11. Test Run the Whirlpool
Check all electrical connections, and make sure the electrical power to the whirlpool is turned on.
Make sure all union connections to the pump and heater are securely hand tightened.
Verify that the pump banding straps have been cut, and that the pump control is resting directly on
the subfloor. Ensure that the rubber isolation feet are in place.
Fill the whirlpool to a level at least 2″(5.1 cm) above the top of the highest jet.
Operate the whirlpool for 5 minutes (refer to the ″Operating Sequence″section) and check all
whirlpool piping connections, on the back side, for leaks.
Slide the O-Ring
onto the first
shoulder of the jet.
Inspect and
lubricate the
O-Ring.
Insert the jet into the housing,
and lightly push and rotate
until it snaps in position.
Housing
Slide the pillow onto
the neckjet body.
Fit the slip cover
over the pillow.
Neckjet Body
1019749-2-E 10 Kohler Co.