Kohler K-1189 User manual

Installation Guide
Overflowing Bath
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”
K-1188, K-1189
1019731-2-C

Important Information
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic precautions should always be followed, including
the following:
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Connect only to a circuit protected by a Ground-Fault
Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) or Earth-Leakage Circuit-Breaker (ELCB).
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.
Install to permit access for servicing.
A green with yellow stripe lead wire is provided within the wiring compartment. To reduce the risk of
electrical shock, connect this wire to the grounding terminal of your electric service or supply panel with
copper wire equivalent in size to the circuit conductor supplying this equipment.
A pressure wire connector is provided on the exterior of the pump 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.
Building materials and wiring should be routed away from the pump body and other heat-producing
components of the unit.
Important Product Information
Product Notices
WARNING: Unauthorized modification may cause unsafe operation and poor performance of the
bath. Do not relocate the pump, or make other modifications to the circulating system, as this could
adversely affect the performance and safe operation of your bath. Kohler Co. shall not be liable under
its warranty or otherwise for personal injury or damage caused by any such unauthorized
modification.
Product Inspection
Carefully unpack the product, and inspect the unit for damage. Return the unit to the carton during
construction to prevent damage.
NOTICE: Make sure the union connections to the pump, in-line heater, and butterfly valves are securely
tightened. Do not overtighten.
Factory-Assembled Features
Factory installed components include pump, level sensors, in-line heater, submerged chromatherapy lights
(optional), control and switch. The pump and piping are factory-assembled.
1019731-2-C 2 Kohler Co.

Important Product Information (cont.)
Connections and Service Access
NOTICE: Provide unrestricted service access to the pump and heater. Provide unrestricted service access
to the pump, in-line heater, adjustable feet, and control box. You must construct an access panel to provide
sufficient clearance for servicing the pump, in-line heater, and control box. The access panel must be
located immediately next to the pump and in-line heater. Study the roughing-in information.
Electrical Requirements
The installation must have two Class A Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) or Earth-Leakage
Circuit-Breaker (ELCB’s). The GFCI/ELCB protects against line-to-ground shock hazard. Use a 240 V, 20 A,
50/60 Hz dedicated service for the pump controls. Use a separate 240 V, 20 A, 50/60 Hz dedicated service
for the heater.
An equipment grounding terminal is provided in the field wiring compartment. To reduce the risk of
electrical shock, this terminal must be connected to the grounding means provided in the electrical supply
panel with a conductor equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying this equipment.
Install this unit in accordance with the Canadian Electric code, Part I.
Kohler Co. 3 1019731-2-C

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.
Tools and Materials
Introduction
Please read these instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with the required tools, materials, and
installation sequences. Follow the sections that pertain to your particular installation. This will help you
avoid costly mistakes. In addition to proper installation, read all operating and safety instructions.
All information in this manual is based upon the latest product information available at the time of
publication. At Kohler, we constantly strive to improve the quality of our products; we therefore reserve the
right to make changes in product characteristics, packaging, or availability at any time without notice.
Before You Begin
Your bath is designed for drop-in island installation. Undermount and alcove installations are also
possible.
You must install the bath onto an adequately supported, level subfloor.
Provide properly dimensioned framing.
Choose a fill spout which will provide adequate reach and a minimum 2″(5.1 cm) air gap above the
bathing well rim of the overflowing bath. You may need to build up the deck material to obtain
adequate air space because the outer rim may be lower than the bathing well rim depending on the
specific area of the bath.
Follow local plumbing codes.
The bath must be filled with water through the bathing well, not the overflow channel.
If you plan to install a deck-mounted, hand-held shower, the diverter vacuum breaker must
maintain a minimum 1″(2.5 cm) air gap above the outer rim.
When using the K-922 or K-923 Laminar Bath Spout with drip tray K-924, the distance from the
finished wall to the outside wall of overflow channel should not exceed 2″(5.1 cm).
• Conventional woodworking
tools and materials
• Drop cloth
• 2x4’s or 2x6’s
Silicon Sealant 4' (1.2 M)
Level Tape Measure Safety Glasses Pencil
1019731-2-C 4 Kohler Co.

List of Terms
Bathing well - The deep portion of the overflowing bath used by the bather.
Bathing well rim - The high rim between the bathing well and the overflow channel. Water will
evenly cascade over the bathing well rim and into the overflow channel during operation.
Cavitation - When air is drawn into the pump instead of water to a point where it impairs or stops
the pump’s ability to circulate water.
Chromatherapy control pad - Turns the chromatherapy lights on and off (if equipped).
Chromatherapy lights - Lights provided in the basin of the bath (if equipped) to enhance your
bathing experience.
Heater - Designed to automatically help maintain the temperature of the water up to 104º F (40º C)
to enhance your hydro-massage experience. The heater turns on automatically when the whirlpool
is operating, and turns off when the pump motor is turned off.
Master control - This unit is located beneath the pump. It provides the ″brains″of the system,
interpreting all incoming and outgoing signals.
Metal suction screen - The removable metal screen located over the suction cover in the overflow
channel. The suction screen must always be clean and in place when the overflowing bath is
running to prevent debris from entering the water intake port and to prevent cavitation and poor
operation.
Outer rim - The rim along the outside of the bath.
Overflow channel - The overflow water collection channel surrounding the bathing well. The
overflow channel collects the water overflowing the bathing well rim during normal operation, and
channels the water back into the piping system for recirculation.
Overflow channel sensors - The two metal probes located in the wall of the overflow channel
beneath the drain overflow hood. These sensors prevent activation of the pump if insufficient water
is available, and will automatically shut off the pump if the water level drops below them. The
pump will only operate when these two sensors are completely submerged.
Pump control switch - Turns the pump on and off.
Plastic suction cover - The plastic guard attached over the water intake port located in the overflow
channel. The suction cover must always be installed during product use to ensure user safety.
Pump - The pump circulates the water.
Wire harness - The wire harness connects all powered peripheral components (valves, pump, heater,
switches, lights) to the master control.
Overflow Channel
Sensors
Overflow
Channel
Outer Rim
Bathing Well
Rim
Bathing Well
Metal Suction
Screen Plastic
Suction Cover
Kohler Co. 5 1019731-2-C

1. Roughing In Information
NOTICE: The floor support under the whirlpool must provide for a minimum of 2000 lbs. (907.2 kg).
Two separate 240 V electrical services are required: one for the pump/control, and one for the
heater.
Consult local and national codes for minimum air gap requirements when installing a spout on the
faucet deck.
The overflowing bath must be filled through the bathing well.
Hot water supply should be 70% of the capacity or greater.
The fixture conforms to ANSI Standard Z124.1. All dimensions are nominal.
There is no change in measurements if connected with the drain illustrated (K-7193, K-7193M).
Cut-Out = 73-1/2″(186.7 cm) x 39-1/2″(100.3 cm)
An access panel is required. The recommended dimensions for this access panel are 40″(101.6 cm)
Wx15″(38.1 cm) H. Refer to the roughing-in diagram for suggested access panel location.
Make sure the flooring is in good condition and offers adequate support for your bath.
IMPORTANT! Verify that the subfloor is flat and level. This will help minimize the leveling adjustments
necessary for proper product performance.
No change in measurements if connected with drain
illustrated. (K-7193 or K-7193M)
Cut-out 73-1/2" (186.7 cm) x 39-1/2" (100.3 cm)
Pump/Control Access
40" (101.6 cm) W x 15" (38.1 cm) H
2" (5.1 cm) 31-1/2" (80 cm)
25"
(63.5 cm)
16-13/16"
(42.7 cm)
41"
(104.1 cm)
20-1/2"
(52.1 cm)
7-1/4"
(18.4 cm)
5-1/2"
(14 cm)
1-1/2" NPS
1-1/2" OD
1" (2.5 cm)
75" (190.5 cm)
63" (160 cm)
1" (2.5 cm)
3" (7.6 cm)
2-7/8" (7.3 cm)
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2. Construct the Stud Framing
NOTICE: Provide unrestricted service access to the pump, in-line heater, adjustable feet, and control box.
You must construct an access panel to provide sufficient clearance for servicing the pump, in-line heater,
and control box.
Construct stud framing designed for your particular installation. The overflowing bath can be
installed in a deck, undermount, or alcove installation.
Frame the floor, or construct a frame for a raised installation in accordance with the roughing-in
information.
When constructing the framing, allow for the thickness of sub and finished deck materials.
Framing should be of 2x4 construction.
For undermount installation, allow for the thickness of the planned deck material, and provide
proper support.
Do not support the bath by the rim.
When planning the stud framing, take into account the required 2″(5.1 cm) air gap between the end
of the fill spout and the top of the bathing well rim. Take into account the thickness of your planned
finished deck material, and construct the framing and deck material with this minimum air gap in
mind.
Deck
Undermount Alcove
Kohler Co. 7 1019731-2-C

3. Install the Rough Plumbing
IMPORTANT! Choose a fill spout which will provide a minimum 2″(5.1 cm) air gap above the basin rim
of the overflowing bath. In addition, if you plan to install a deck-mounted, hand-held shower, the diverter
vacuum breaker must maintain a minimum 1″(2.5 cm) air gap above the outer rim of the overflowing
bath.
Position the plumbing. Position the fill spout supply so the spout will reach beyond both the outer
rim and the bathing well rim. Water from the fill spout must be directed into the bathing well to
fill the overflowing bath. The overflowing bath should never be filled by directing water into the
overflow channel.
Cap the supplies, and check for leaks.
4. Prepare the Unit
Carefully lift the overflowing bath out of the carton.
Identify the box located inside the overflow channel. This box contains the metal suction screen, and
must be saved for use with this product.
Install the drain 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 bath. Be careful not to scratch the
surface of the overflowing bath.
2" (5.1 cm)
Min.
Bathing
Well
Bathing
Well Rim
Outer
Rim
1019731-2-C 8 Kohler Co.

5. Position the Unit
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not lift or support the overflowing bath by the pump or
piping.
NOTE: Do not use adhesive or a cement or mortar bed to secure this product to the subfloor.
With help, carefully lift the overflowing bath into place. Using metal plates under the adjustable feet
is recommended and will make leveling the bath easier.
NOTE: If you do not have a 4’ (1.2 m) level, go to the next section.
Level by turning the adjustable feet up or down with the wrench (7/8″) attached to the harness near
the pump. Make sure all four adjustable feet rest directly on the subfloor, and make sure the bathing
well rim is level within 1/8″(3 mm) in all directions.
After the overflowing bath is level, adjust the leveling foot located underneath the pump. Turn the
foot until it rests directly on the subfloor. Use an accurate 4’ (1.2 m) level, if available. Taking the
time to carefully level the overflowing bath now minimizes the need to make leveling adjustments
later in the installation.
Cut and discard the banding straps from the pump.
Make sure the rubber isolation feet are in place.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap.
Adjustable
Foot
Wrench
Metal Plate
Pump Banding
Straps
Kohler Co. 9 1019731-2-C

6. Level the Overflowing Bath (without level)
NOTICE: You do not need electrical power for the unit for the following leveling procedure.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap, and connect the drain to the trap according to the drain
manufacturer’s instructions.
Close the drain, and plug or cover the suction cover to temporarily make them watertight.
Use a hose and fresh water supply to fill the bathing well to the bathing well rim.
Observe the water level in relation to the bathing well rim, and use the wrench to turn the
adjustable feet up or down as needed to obtain a uniform water level at each of the four corners.
Open the drain, and unplug the suction cover to drain the bathing well.
IMPORTANT! Allow adequate access to each of the four adjustable feet until after you have test run your
bath.
7. Install the Plumbing
CAUTION: Risk of property damage. Ensure a watertight seal on the drain connections.
IMPORTANT! Choose a fill spout which will provide adequate air space above the bathing well rim of the
bath. You may need to build up the deck material to obtain adequate air space because the outer rim may
be lower than the bathing well rim. In addition, if you plan to install a deck-mounted, hand-held shower,
the diverter vacuum breaker must maintain a minimum 1″(2.5 cm) air gap above the outer rim.
NOTE: An access panel will simplify future maintenance.
If you have not yet done so, connect the drain to the trap according to the drain manufacturer’s
instructions.
Install the faucet valving according to the faucet manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install the
faucet trim until instructed.
Make sure all butterfly valves and supply connections are tightened securely.
Open the hot and cold water supplies, and check the supply connections for leakage.
Run water into the bathing well, and check the drain connections for leakage.
Water Not
Level
Bathing Well Rim
Water Level
Bathing Well Rim 2" (5.1 cm)
Min.
Bathing
Well
Bathing
Well Rim
Outer
Rim
1019731-2-C 10 Kohler Co.