Pentair Pool Products Acu-Tol AT8 Operating instructions

Installation and
Operation Guide
For Software Version AT-8-1.6
AT8™
Pool and Spa Controller
800-831-7133
www.pentaircommercial.com
www.pentairpool.com

32009 AT8M anual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ChApTEr 1 INFOrMATION.............................................................4
1.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS................................................................................................4
1.2 WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................4
1.3 AT-8 OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................5
1.4 IMPORTANCE OF WATER MAINTENANCE ..................................................................5
ChApTEr 2 AT-8 SpECIFICATIONS................................................6
ChApTEr 3 INSTALLATION ............................................................7
3.1 INSTALLATION PREPARATION .....................................................................................7
3.2 INSTALLATION SUMMARY ............................................................................................7
3.3 FLOW CELL INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................8
3.4 AT-8 INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................... 11
3.5 ELECTRICAL WIRING CONNECTIONS.......................................................................12
ChApTEr 4 SENSOrS...................................................................18
4.1 PH AND ORP SENSORS..............................................................................................18
4.2 TEMPERATURE SENSOR............................................................................................19
4.3 FLOW SENSORS..........................................................................................................19
4.4 SENSOR CARE.............................................................................................................19
ChApTEr 5 OpErATION ANd prOgrAMMINg.........................20
5.1 READING SCREEN ......................................................................................................20
5.2 AT-8 SET UP..................................................................................................................23
5.3 PH PROGRAMMING.....................................................................................................26
5.4 ORP PROGRAMMING..................................................................................................30
5.5 TEMPERATURE PROGRAMMING...............................................................................34
5.6 DATA SUBMENU...........................................................................................................37
ChApTEr 6 MAINTENANCE............................................................... 39
ChApTEr 7 TrOuBLEShOOTINg.....................................40
ChApTEr 8 MENu TrEES..................................................41

2009 AT8 Manual 4
WARRANTY
Pentair Acu-Trol warrants the AT-8 to be free from defects in manufacturing and workmanship
for a period of one (1) YEAR from the date of manufacture for the electronic module.
AllcommercialpH andORPsensorshavea warrantyoftwo (2)years. Flowcells haveawarranty
of one (1) year. Other equipment is covered by manufacturer’s own warranty. During the warranty
period, any defective parts will be repaired or replaced when necessary by Acu-Trol.
This warranty does not cover: (a) the buyers’labor or any servicing fees related to replacement
of the Product; (b) damage resulting from the use of this Product in other than its normal manner; (c)
damage from misuse, accident or neglect; (d) damage from improper testing, operation, or installa-
tion; (e) not operating the Product on a dedicated (separate) circuit or under conditions other than
those recommended or at voltages or amperages other than the voltage or amperage indicated on
the Product; and (f) acts of Mother Nature (i.e. lightning, electrical storms, oods, etc.). In addition,
attempting to service or modify the Product will render this Warranty Void. Defective parts should be
returned immediately to the local PentairAcu-Trol dealer, any parts returned to the factory require a
return of material authorization form to subsequently generate an RMA Number (Returned Materi-
als Authorization). An Acu-Trol technician will analyze the returned part and determine the cause of
failure and process accordingly.
WARRANTY CARD MUST BE COMPLETED AND
RETURNED FOR WARRANTY TO BE VALID.

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PLEASE READ THIS USER MANUAL completely before installing or operating the equipment.
The AT-8 is a Class 1 product for protection against electric shock and a Type 1 product with regards to disconnection
of the control circuits.
Be sure to observe the following safety precautions:
• Do not permit anyone untrained or under the age of 18 to use this product.
• Unit must be properly connected to earth ground.
• Never apply power when front panel is not secured in the closed position.
• Never service unit with power applied, always turn OFF main circuit breaker to unit and
all equipment when servicing.
• Touching the controller’s internal parts could result in injury and or damage to the controller.
In case of a malfunction, only a qualied technician should repair the controller.
• Risk of Electric Shock. Connect only to a grounding type receptacle protected by a
ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Do not bury cord. Route cord to eliminate abuse from heater exhaust, lawn mowers,
hedge trimmers, and other equipment.
• Be careful not to damage any of the insulation on wires or the power cord. Should the cord
be damaged, return it to your dealer for a replacement. Continued use could result in re
or electric shock.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not use an extension cord to connect unit to
electric supply; provide a properly located GFCI.
• Never remove or install any cables between the circuit cards when power is applied,
damage to the components may occur.
CHAPTER 1
INFORMATION
1.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING:
CHEMICAL BURN HAZARD - If possible, make sure pumps are OFF before drilling into
pipes. Securely fasten all electrical, water and chemical lines. Locate chemical feed pumps and
chemical storage tanks in a safe and secure area.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION GUIDE!
!

2009 AT8 Manual 6
1.3 AT-8 OVERVIEW
Acu-Trol, the technological leader in swimming pool automation, congratulates you on your
selection of the AT-8 swimming pool controller. The AT-8 will maintain the pH and sanitizer levels,and monitor and
report temperature levels.
The AT-8 features:
• Easy Read Display: The AT-8 uses an easy to read LCD display screen.
• Data Recording: TheAT-8 has the ability to record data from all sensors and to store a
selected amount of that data.
• Easy Programming: TheAT-8 uses a simple and intuitive programming method.
• Selectable Voltage: The AT-8 can be congured to use either 110 VAC or 220 VAC.
This allows the controller to be plugged in to an existing outlet, or wired directly in to the
electrical system.
1.4 IMPORTANCE OF WATER MAINTENANCE
A chemical controller is designed to maintain specic levels of sanitizing and balancing chemicals. Sanitizing chemi-
cals help to control the growth of bacteria and other organisms in the water of a pool or spa. Balancing chemicals
keeps a pool or spa at a certain pH level, preventing the water from becoming acidic, and corroding the pool and its
equipment, or becoming basic, and causing buildup on the equipment.
Water maintenance is an important part of operating a pool and or spa. Pool operators should be trained in water
maintenance by an authority recommended by their local health department. Water maintenance requirements are
generally determined by the county or state and can vary widely. However, most requirements fall within the following
range recommended by the National Swimming Pool Foundation:
• Filtration – Minimum turnover rate of six hours for a pool and 30 minutes for a spa.
• Water Balance – pH 7.2 – 7.6, alkalinity 80-120 PPM.
• Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) – A reading of 650 mV - 750 mV.
• Total Dissolved Solids – Should not exceed 2000 PPM. (excluding salt pools)
This information is meant to provide pool operators with a basic idea of the range of water maintenance requirements,
and the importance of water maintenance. To ensure that your facility is in compliance with all local regulations please
check with your local health department.

72009 AT8M anual
ChApTEr 2
AT-8 SpECIFICATION
Inputs: pH TEMPERATURE (10K probe)
ORP FLOW (switch only)
Display Range: pH 0.1 – 9.9 +/- 0.1
ORP 450 – 999mV +/- 2
TEMP 15 – 150 +/- 1
FLOW ON / OFF
Calibration Range: pH +/- 0.9
ORP +/- 125
TEMP +/- 50
Output Relays: pH 110/220 VAC 6A
ORP 110/220 VAC 6A, DRY, 24VAC 0.5A
Power Input: 120 VAC, 10A, 50/60 Hz
Control: ORP/pH Feed Auto/Proportional/Manual
pH Selection Acid/Base
pH Delay For suction side sanitizer feeders
Expansion Up to 8 bodies of water
Data Log 2048 lines of data at timed intervals
Safety: Feed Safety Prevents overfeed
Alarms High/Low
Password 6 digit password
ORP Lockout If pH greater than
No Flow Lockout No feed with loss of  ow

2009 AT8 Manual 8
3.1 Installation Preparation
3.2 Installation Summary
Receipt Inspection: Upon receiving the controller from shipping, check the carton carefully. Report any damaged
items directly to the shipping company. Examine the shipping list and verify that all items are present. Please contact
your local Acu-Trol dealer if any items are missing or have been damaged. Use care when unpacking equipment to avoid
damage or loss of small parts.
The following steps are required to completely install an AT-8:
1. Identify new and existing equipment to be connected.
2. Decide if the sensors will be in-line, in a separate by-pass line, or if the AK1200 ow cell will be used.
Caution: If the AK1200 is used, the input water maximum pressure is 25 PSI.
3. Determine the supply voltage, 110 VAC or 220 VAC, and set the supply
voltage switch as necessary.
4. Determine if the control to the equipment uses the same voltage as the supply
voltage. All controlled equipment must be compatible.
5. Determine the water-tap points for the ow cell bypass inlet and outlet.
6. Mount the AT-8 away from direct sunlight and on a at vertical surface.
7. Connect the supply voltage with main breaker off
(Must be a separate dedicated circuit GFCI).
8. If using an AK1200 ow cell install the bypass now.
9. Connect the sensors.
10. Test the plumbing for leaks.
11. Turn on/plug in the AT-8 for the rst time.
12. Test the equipment, using the AT-8 manual relay mode.
13. Calibrate the probes, then recalibrate as the probes acclimate to the system.
Acclimation can take as little as two hours or as long as 24 hours.
14. Program the AT-8.
15. Call or visit the controller over the next few days to insure the system is balanced and
in control. Fine-tune the setup if necessary.
CHAPTER 3
INSTALLATION

92009 AT8M anual
In order to install the AK1200 ow Cell, you will need
A Phillips screwdriver
A drill
A 1/4" drill bit
A 1/4" NPT tap
A small at head screwdriver
A 1/2" poly tubing
Remove ow cell from shipping carton and make sure all parts are included with AK1200 ow cell.
• 1 – AK1200 Lid • 1 – AK1200 Jar with O-Ring
• 1 – Flow switch magnet • 3 - ¼” Valves.
• 1 -Sample barb tting • 4 - ¼” NPT by ½” ex ttings.
• 1 - Filter assembly with O-Ring • 2 - ¼” plugs.
• 1 - Flow switch with O-Ring, 2’ • 1 - ¼” Close Nipple
and 10’ wire lengths available. • 1 - Teon Tape
• 2 - Mounting screws • 1 – Pressure gauge*
Note that ½” exible tubing is not included and is supplied by the installer or may be ordered from Acu-Trol.
* Use of Pressure Gauge is Optional
WARNING: DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN FITTINGS ON FLOW CELL TOPAS
THIS MAY BREAK OR CRACK FLOW CELL TOP.
1. Wrap all four ex ttings with Teon tape. Install two ex ttings into two ball valves.
2. Wrap barb tting with Teon tape. Install barb into remaining ball valve.
3. Wrap both ends of the close-nipple with Teon tape. Install into the lter assembly using
(either end OK). Hand-tighten only.
4. Install one ball valve into the lter.
5. Install the lter and remaining ball valves as shown in the gure.
6. Verify that the ow switch magnet is in the ow cell tube with the large, or hat end pointing
down.
NOTE: Wrap ttings only twice around with Teon tape.
3.3.2 Flow Cell Assembly
3.3 AK1200 Flow Cell Installation
3.3.1 Tools & Supplies Needed
• Mount the ow cell in an area away from direct sunlight.
• Mount the ow cell away from electrical panels.
• Mount the ow cell within 6ft of intended mounting place of the AT-8
• Mounting surface must be at and level.
3.3.3 Selecting the Flow Cell Mounting Location

2009 AT8 Manual 10
Select a suitable location for the ow cell meeting the following recommendations:
• The sensors should be away from direct sunlight, as this may affect the readings.
• The location should be where some water spillage will not damage anything.
Preferably below the level of the controller.
• Securely mount the bracket to wall using the two supplied screws.
3.3.4 Mounting the Flow Cell
Make sure pumps are OFF before drilling into pipes. Never turn chemical feed pumps ON when both ow cell
valves are closed. If injecting more than one chemical into the AK1200 make sure they will not be on at the same
time.
• It is essential that the supply line be at a higher pressure than the discharge line so the water will ow
through the cell at a steady rate in the right direction. Installing a ball valve in the main circulation line
may be required if the pressure is too low.
• Inlet should be installed after lter and before heater.
• Exit should be installed after heater and as far away from any equipment as possible.
• Drill and tap at above locations with 7/32” drill and 1/4” NPT tap. Choose a location on a tting
where the pipe enters so you are drilling through both the pipe and tting to get maximum depth
of thread.
• Install ¼” NPT by ½” ex ttings then route inlet and exit lines.
3.3.5 Plumbing the Flow Cell