Kohler K-1394 Series User manual

Installation Guide
Round Bath Whirlpool
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-1394, K-1397, K-1399
1022205-2-B

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 Ground-Fault Circuit-
Interrupters (GFCI’s) or Earth-Leakage Circuit-Breakers (ELCB’s).
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.
Building materials and wiring should be routed away from the pump bodies and other heat-producing
components of the unit.
Install to permit access for servicing.
Pressure wire connectors marked “Earth/Ground” are provided within the wiring compartments. To reduce
the risk of electric shock, connect these connectors to the grounding terminals of your electric service or
supply panel with copper wire equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying this equipment.
Pressure wire connectors are provided on the exterior of the junction boxes or controls within this unit to
permit connection of bonding conductors 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.
NOTICE: Follow all local plumbing and electrical codes.
Product Information
Electrical Requirements
The installation must have two Class A Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) or Earth-Leakage
Circuit-Breakers (ELCB’s). The GFCI’s or ELCB’s protect against line-to-ground shock hazard. Use two
220-240 V, 20 A, 50/60 Hz dedicated services; one for the pumps and controls, and another for the heater.
Product Notices
WARNING: Unauthorized modification may cause unsafe operation and poor performance of the
whirlpool. Do not relocate the whirlpool pumps, 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
Components include two pumps, two controls, a heater, Waterfall, Flexjets, Riverjets, chromatherapy lights
(Model H2 only), integral fill valve (K-1397 only), and illuminated keypad with remote control.
Connections and Service Access
Before installation, ensure proper access to the final connections.
1022205-2-B 2 Kohler Co.

Product Information (cont.)
NOTICE: Provide generous, unrestricted service access to the pump. You must provide a minimum 48”
(122 cm) wide x 15” (38.1 cm) high access panel for servicing the pumps and controls. The access must be
located immediately next to the pumps. 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
Recommended Tools and Materials ................................................... 4
Prepare the Site ................................................................. 5
Prepare the Whirlpool ............................................................. 5
Secure the Whirlpool to the Subfloor .................................................. 6
Cut the Pump Banding Straps ....................................................... 7
Install the Plumbing ............................................................... 7
Make Electrical Connections ......................................................... 8
Install the Whirlpool Trim Kit ......................................................... 9
Test Run the Whirlpool ............................................................. 9
Complete the Finished Wall/Deck .................................................... 10
Complete the Concrete Installation ................................................... 10
Clean-Up After Installation ......................................................... 10
Install the Removable Pillows ....................................................... 11
Confirm Proper Operation .......................................................... 12
Operating Sequence ............................................................. 13
Chromatherapy Operation ......................................................... 14
Remote Control Operation ......................................................... 14
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 1022205-2-B

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 or flush installation.
Inspect the whirlpool for damage before you begin installation.
You must install this whirlpool to an adequately supported, level subfloor.
Model K-1397 features an integral fill system using dual fill ports at both sides of the Waterfall, and
preinstalled valving.
Model K-1399 allows you to use the fill valving of your choice - you can use the pre-installed dual
fill ports or a separate fill spout if you desire. Confirm adequate support for a rim-mounted faucet,
if used; large faucets that may be inadvertently used as a means of support are not appropriate or
safe for this installation.
Consult local and national codes.
Recommended Tools and Materials
Plus:
• Conventional woodworking tools and materials
• Drop Cloth
• Cement, mortar or construction adhesive
• 2 x 4's
Silicone Sealant Measuring Tape Pencil Tin Snips Level
Safety Glasses Pipe Wrench
1022205-2-B 4 Kohler Co.

1. Prepare the Site
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 should be installed in a drop-in or flush installation. Construct 2x4 stud framing or
concrete or brick support designed for your particular installation. Frame the floor, or construct a
frame or support for a raised installation in accordance with the roughing-in information packed
with the whirlpool.
Use the template packed with the whirlpool to carefully lay out and cut the rough deck material.
For flush-mount installation, allow for the thickness of the planned deck material.
Position the plumbing according to the roughing-in information packed. Cap the supplies, and
check for leaks.
2. Prepare the Whirlpool
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.
Drop-In Installation
Whirlpool
Rim
Do not support
the whirlpool
by the rim.
Use the roughing-in
information to
construct the stud
framing.
Allow for the thickness of
the planned deck material.
Wood
Batten
Whirlpool
Rim
Flush Installation
Kohler Co. 5 1022205-2-B

3. Secure the Whirlpool to the Subfloor
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not lift the whirlpool by the piping or pumps, or use the
piping or pumps 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 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
controls 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 controls (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 controls 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 cm)
layer of cement or
mortar bed material.
Clear space for
pump.
1022205-2-B 6 Kohler Co.

4. 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 each whirlpool pump.
NOTE: Do not raise the pumps higher than they were before you cut the pump banding straps. If the
pumps are raised too high, they will not prime properly. Make sure the rubber isolation feet are in place.
To minimize whirlpool noise and vibration, be sure the pumps are not in direct contact with the
whirlpool after the pump banding straps are cut. The pump controls contain rubber isolation feet to
reduce pump noise.
5. 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.
K-1397 only: Connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the integral fill valves according to
local codes. An additional hole is pre-drilled in the bath shell for the handshower. Install the
handshower at this time. Connect the end of the handshower hose to the open port of the transfer
valve (beneath the bath rim). Make sure the transfer valve stem is rotated fully clockwise. The
transfer valve includes an integral vacuum breaker that protects both the fill spouts and the
handshower from water backflow.
K-1399 only: Install the faucet valving according to the faucet manufacturer’s instructions. Connect
the valving to the whirlpool fill ports (spouts) according to local codes.
All models: 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.
Rotate the transfer valve stem, and check the handshower connections for leakage.
Heater
Junction
Box
Pump
Wiring Harness
Rubber Isolation
Feet
Control
Cut the pump
banding straps.
Kohler Co. 7 1022205-2-B

6. Make Electrical Connections
NOTE: The whirlpool model number is printed on a label near the whirlpool pumps. This label also
identifies the electrical rating of the whirlpool. These whirlpools come equipped with two wiring
junction boxes and will only operate at 220-240 V and at 50/60 Hz.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect the pumps and heater
to properly grounded Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) or Earth-Leakage Circuit-Breakers
(ELCB’s). This will provide additional protection against line-to-ground shock hazard. Two 220-240 V,
20 A, 50/60 Hz dedicated circuits are 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 routine service connections to the junction boxes.
Connect service to the junction boxes. The junction boxes contains blue, brown and green with a
yellow stripe colored wires and ground lugs. Use one service for the pump controls, and another for
the heater. A communication cord from the heater to the primary control has been prewired at the
factory.
Provide separate equipment earthing conductors for the earth lugs located inside the junction boxes.
The earthing conductors must not be connected to any current-carrying conductors. Follow local
electrical codes.
Bond in accordance with national and local codes.
Wiring harnesses have been prewired at the factory. They allow communication between the
keypad, all features, and the controls. No additional wiring is required, but ensure that all wires are
securely fastened.
NOTE: Each wiring harness includes an antenna for the remote control. Do not alter or damage this
antenna during installation.
Ground (Green with
Yellow Stripe)
Blue
Supply 60 Hz 50 Hz From Control or Heater
L1 L1 Brown
L2 N Blue
Electrician to
provide suitable
strain relief.
Both junction boxes should be wired as
shown.Each should have a separate supply.
Bond in accordance with
national and local codes.
Wire
Connectors
From Control
or Heater
Brown
Heater (models may vary) inline
(shown) or T-style (not shown)
Heater
Electrical
Cord
Heater
Junction
Box
Wiring
Harness
Junction Box
Control Pump
Electrical Cord
1022205-2-B 8 Kohler Co.

7. Install the Whirlpool Trim Kit
Install the whirlpool trim kit (if not factory installed) 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.
8. Test Run the Whirlpool
Check all electrical connections.
Make sure all union connections to the pumps and heater are securely hand tightened.
Verify that both sets of pump banding straps have been cut, and that the pump controls are resting
directly on the subfloor. Ensure that the rubber isolation feet are in place.
Turn electrical power to the whirlpool on.
Fill the whirlpool to a level above the Riverjet water level sensors located on either side of the
Riverjets.
Operate the whirlpool for 5 minutes (refer to the ″Operating Sequence″section) and check all
whirlpool piping connections, on the back side, for leaks.
Turn on the each of the whirlpool features and verify proper function. Check for any water leakage
on the whirlpool’s back side.
If equipped, turn on the chromatherapy cycle and allow it to sequence through all eight colors;
white, violet, indigo blue, aqua blue, green, yellow, orange and red. It takes approximately 1 minute
to cycle through all eight colors.
Verify functions using the remote control. Refer to the ″Remote Control Operation″section.
For additional information on whirlpool operation, see ″Confirm Proper Operation″section.
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
Kohler Co. 9 1022205-2-B

9. Complete the Finished Wall/Deck
If you have not already done so, carefully remove the protective tape from the whirlpool rim.
Cover the framing with water-resistant wall material. Seal the joints between the whirlpool rim edge
and the water-resistant wall material with silicone sealant.
Tape and mud the water-resistant wall material. Install the finished wall to the water-resistant wall
material so it is 1/16” (2 mm) above the enameled surface. Seal the joints between the whirlpool rim
and the finished wall material with silicone sealant.
Install the faucet trim according to the instructions packed with the trim.
10. Complete the Concrete Installation
If you have not already done so, carefully remove the protective tape from the whirlpool rim.
Apply mortar and tile to the wall, deck and surround material as needed.
Apply a bead of sealant where the tile meets the whirlpool surface.
Install the faucet trim according to the instructions packed with the trim.
11. Clean-Up After Installation
When cleaning up after installation, do not use abrasive cleansers, as they may scratch and dull the
whirlpool surface. If necessary, use warm water and a liquid detergent to clean the surface of the
whirlpool, user keypad and remote control.
Remove stubborn stains, paint, or tar with turpentine or paint thinner. Do not allow cleaners
containing petroleum distillates to remain in contact with any whirlpool surfaces for long periods
of time. Remove plaster by carefully scraping with a wood edge. Do not use metal scrapers, wire
brushes, or other metal tools. Use a powder-type detergent on a damp cloth to provide mild
abrasive action to any residual plaster.
Apply silicone sealant to the water-resistant
wall material and the finished wall.
Install the finished
wall material.
First install water-
resistant wall material.
Apply silicone sealant to the water-resistant
wall material and the finished wall.
Install the finished wall
material.
First install water-
resistant wall material.
Drop-In Installation
Flush Installation
Whirlpool
Whirlpool
1022205-2-B 10 Kohler Co.