United Spa Controls T8-X Topside Guide

T8-S / T8-X To
p
side
Installation Manual & User’s Guide
For C5 Series Spa Controls with the T8-S / T8-X Topside
Revision 09.13

Disclaimers
1
End User Disclaimer:
United Spa Controls systems have absolutely no end user
serviceable parts. United Spa Controls does not authorize attempts
by the spa owner/user to install or repair/service any United Spa
Controls products.
Non-qualified users should never open or remove the control box’s
cover, as this will expose dangerous voltage points and other
serious risks.
Non-qualified users should not attempt to make changes to
the topside’s programming, as mis-programming can result in
malfunction or possible damage.
Please contact your dealer or a locally licensed service center for
service and technical support.
Warranty Disclaimer:
It is extremely important that any user read this user’s guide in
it’s entirety before attempting to operate this United Spa Controls
system. Any damage that may occur due to misuse may void the
warranty. See warranty page for more information.
Safety Disclaimer:
When using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions
should always be followed. Read and follow the important safety
instructions in the safety section before and during use.

Table of Contents
2
Disclaimers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
For Qualified Service Professionals Only!
T8 Topside Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About The T8 Topside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using The T8 Topside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
For Qualified Service Professionals Only!
T8 Topside Initial Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Table of Contents
3
User Configurable Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
T8 User Settings Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Entering/Using the User Settings Menu . . . . . . . . . . . 14
T8 User Settings Menu Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Time Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Filtration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Interface Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Lock Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Heating Modes: ‘Standard’ and ‘Economy’ . . . . . . . . . 18
Operation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Temperature Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Heating Modes: ‘Standard’ and ‘Economy’ . . . . . . . . . 21
Toggling Display Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Operating Pump-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Operating Pump-2 (If Applicable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Operating Aux (Pump-3/Air Blower - If Applicable) . . . 25
Operating the Spa Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Standard Display & Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Safety
4
Important Safety Instructions:
When using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions
should always be followed, including the following.
Read and follow all instructions!
1. Warning: Children should not use spas or hot tubs without adult
supervision
AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS LAISSER LES ENFANTS UTILISER
UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION SANS SURVEILLANCE
2. Warning: Do not use the spa unless all suction guards are installed
to prevent body and hair entrapment
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR ÉVITER QUE LES CHEVEUX OU
UNE PARTIE DU CORPS PUISSENT ÊTRE ASPIRÉS, NE PAS
UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION SI LES GRILLES DE
PRISE D’ASPIRATION NE SONT PAS TOUTES EN PLACE.
3. Warning: People using medication and/or having an adverse medical
history should consult a physician before using a spa or hot tub
AVERTISSEMENT: LES PERSONNES QUI PRENNENT DES
MÉDICAMENTS OU ONT DES PROBLÈMES DE SANTÉ
DEVRAIENT CONSULTER UN MÉDECIN AVANT D’UTILISER UNE
DE RELAXATION
4. Warning: People with inpectious diseases should not use a spa or
hot tub
AVERTISSEMENT: LES PERSONNES ATTEINTES DE MALADIES
INFECTIEUSES NE DEVRAIENT PAS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE
RELACATION

Safety
5
5. Warning: To avoid injury exercise care when entering or exiting
the spa or hot tub
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR ÉVITER DES BLESSURES, USER DE
PRUDENCE EN ENTRANT DANS UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION ET
EN SORTANT
6. Warning: Do not use drugs or alcohol before or during the use of a
spa or hot tub to avoid unconsciousness and possible drowning
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR ÉVITER L’ÉVANOUISSEMENT ET
LA NOYADE ÉVENTUELLE, NE PRENDRE NI ALCOOL AVANT
D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION NI QUAND ON S’Y
TROUVE
7. Warning: Pregnant or possibly pregnant women should consult a
physician before using a spa or hot tub
AVERTISSEMENT: LES FEMMES ENCEINTES, QUE LEUR
GROSSESSE SOIT CONFIRMÉE OU NON, DEVRAIENT
CONSULTER UN MÉDECIN AVANT D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE
RELAXATION
8. Warning: Water temperature in excess of 100°F (38°C) may be
injurious to your health.
AVERTISSEMENT: IL PEUT ÊTRE DANGEREUX POUR LA SANTÉ
DE SE PLONGER DANS DE L’EAU À PLUS DE 38° C (100° F)
9. Warning: Before entering a spa or hot tub measure the water
temperature with an accurate thermometer
AVERTISSEMENT: AVANT D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE
RELAXATION MESURER LA TEMPÉRATURE DE L’EAU À L’AIDE
D’UN THERMOMÈTRE PRÉCIS
10. Warning: Do not use a spa or hot tub immediately following strenuous
exercise

Safety
6
AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION
IMMÉDIATEMENT APRÈS UN EXERCICE FATIGANT
11. Warning: Prolonged immersion in a spa or hot tub may be injurious
to your health
AVERTISSEMENT: L’UTILISATION PROLONGÉE D’UNE CUVE DE
RELAXATION PEUT ÊTRE DANGEREUSE POUR LA SANTÉ
12. Warning: Do not permit electric appliances (such as a light, telephone,
radio, or television) within 5 feet (1.5 m) of this spa or hot tub
AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS PLACER D’APPAREIL ÉLECTRIQUE
(LUMINAIRE, TÉLÉPHONE, RADIO, TÉLÉVISEUR, ETC) À MOINS
DE 1.5M (5 FEET) DE CETTE CUVE DE RELAXATION
13. Caution: Maintain water chemistry in accordance with manufacturer’s
instruction
ATTENTION: LA TENEUR DE L’EAU EN MATIÈRES DISSOUTES
DOIT ÊTRE CONFORME AUX DIRECTIVES DU FABRICANT
14. Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body
reaches a level several degrees above the normal body temperature
of 98.6°F (37°C). The symptoms of hyperthermia include drowsiness,
lethargy, and an increase in the internal temperature of the body.
Effects: 1- Unawareness of impending hazard.
2- Fetal damage in pregnant women.
3- Failure to recognize the need to exit spa.
4- Physical inability to exit spa.
5- Unconsciousness and danger of drowning.
6- Failure to perceive heat.
15. Warning: The use of alcohol or drugs can greatly increase the risk of
fatal hyperthermia in hot tubs and spas
AVERTISSEMENT: LA CONSOMMATION D’ALCOOL OU DE
DROGUE AUGMENTE CONSIDÉRABLEMENT LES RISQUES
D’HYPERTHERMIEMORTELLEDANSUNECUVEDERELAXATION

T8-S / T8-X Topside Installation
7
Topside Installation Preparation
The T8-S / T8-X topside control requires three 2-1/4” holes to be cut out
of the shell of the hot tub it is to be installed into. Using a 2-1/4” hole saw,
three holes will need to be drilled in a straight line, with the center of each
hole spaced 1-5/8” from the center of the previous hole, as shown:
Topside Control Installation
Once ready to install, plug one end of the topside cable into the back of the
T8 topside control, and snake the topside cable through the cutout in the
spa’s shell and down to the control box. Then plug the opposite end of the
topside cable into the topside receptacle on the control box.
Simply affix the topside to the hot tub by peeling off the paper over the
adhesive back of the topside and press it firmly into place, slowly pressing
all around the perimeter of the topside firmly to assure a firm bond.
NOTE: Do NOT connect/disconnect the T8-S/T8-X topside while the
control box is powered. Always make sure the power is shut off at the
breaker before removing/installing a topside, as to avoid damaging the
electronics.
Approx. 3-3/8” (83.5 mm)
Approx. 6-3/8” (~161 mm)
2-1/4” Hole 2-1/4” Hole 2-1/4” Hole
1-5/8” 1-5/8”

About The T8-S / T8-X Topside
8
The T8-S / T8-X Topside
You will be using the T8-S / T8-X topside to operate your United Spa
Controls C5 Series control box. The T8-X is pictured below, with the
descriptions of the items that will be referenced throughout this user’s
guide. The difference between the T8-S and the T8-X is that the T8-X has
an ‘Jets-3’ button, to operate a 3rd booster pump or air blower.
* T8-X Only: There is no Jets-3 Button on T8-S Topsides.
10- LED Display
20- Jets-1 Button & Indicator Light
30- Menu Button
40- Jets-2 Button & Indicator Light
50- Jets-3 Button & Indicator Light*
60- Temp Down Button
70- Heat Indicator Light
80- Light Button
90- Temp Up Button
1
7
6
2
3
4
5
9
8

Using The T8-S / T8-X Topside
9
Using The T8-S / T8-X Topside
The T8-S / T8-X topside uses United Spa Controls’
technology. This hybrid switching technology marries the
satisfaction of having a physical button to press, with the longevity and
reliability of touch-panel switching system with no moving parts to break
down over time.
If your button presses are not registering, make sure that you are pushing
the raised buttons completely flat against the panel, and that you are
waiting a second between button presses.
Upon Power-Up
Whenever the T8 topside is powered on, the unit will briefly flash between
‘T8-S’ or ‘T8-X’ and the current software version by showing a ‘V’ followed
by a number (Example: ‘V 03’) while it starts up. All configurable settings
are saved to permanent memory, the only thing that needs to be set upon
power-up of a T8-S or T8-X topside that has already been configured
previously is the current time (it will default to 12 AM upon power-up).
Checking Software Version After Power-up
The software version can be accessed after initial power-up by simply
pressing the Menu button (Display will read ‘MENU’), followed by pressing
the Light button. The display will then show either ‘S’ or ‘X’ depending on
the topside’s decal setting, followed by ‘-’ and the software version number.
For example, a T8-X with software version 03 would display ‘X-03’.

T8-S / T8-X Initial Conguration
10
T8-S / T8-X Topside Configuration
Once the control box and topside have been properly installed, you can
power up the unit and program the topside for the control’s desired
equipment and operational configuration.
The configuration instructions that follow are meant to be carried out by a
spa service professional!
T8-S / T8-X Topside Configuration Menu & Codes
The topside has a configuration menu consisting of five codes that
configure what components the system will operate, and what maximum
amperage the system will operate at.
Each code has a number of options that the code can be set to. By default,
all codes are set to their first option (Option 1).
Use the code chart on the next page to figure out which options you’ll need
to set for each code for the hot tub the control is being installed into.
Once you know what options all the codes should be set to, turn to the
pages that follow for instructions on entering the configuration programming
mode, and how to select the different options for each code.

T8-S / T8-X Initial Conguration
11
T8 Configuration Code Chart
Code 1: Jet-1 Button Configuration
Option 1: Jet-1 button operates Hi-Speed Pump-1
Option 2: Jet-1 button operates Lo-Speed and Hi-Speed Pump-1 *
Code 2: Jet-2 Button Configuration
Option 1: Jet-2 button operates Lo-Speed Pump-1
Option 2: Jet-2 button operates Hi-Speed Pump-2
Option 3: Jet-2 button operates Lo-Speed and Hi-Speed Pump-2
Code 3: T8-S / T8-X Decal & Jets-3 Button Configuration
Option 1: T8-S Decal (No Jets-3 / Air Blower)
Option 2: T8-X Decal, Aux button operates Air Blower
Option 3: T8-X Decal, Aux button operates Hi-Speed Pump-3
Code 4: Power (Amperage) Configuration
Option 1: 50A Operation (No heat with Aux)
Option 2: 60A Operation (No power restriction)
Option 3: 50A Operation (No heat with P-2)
Option 4: 40A Operation (No heat with P-2, and Aux)
Option 5: 20A 120V Operation or 30A 240V Operation
(No heat with anything other then P-1 Lo-Speed)
Code 5: Heater Operation
Option 1: Electric Heater operates with Lo-Speed Pump-1
Option 2: Electric Heater operates with Circulation Pump
Option 3: External Gas Heater operates with Lo-Speed Pump-1
Option 4: Electric Heater operates with Timed Circulation Pump **
Option 5: Electric Heater operates with Circulation Pump but uses
low-speed Pump-1 for the filtration cycle.
** - Code 1 should only be set to Option 2 if there is a second jet pump in the spa. If there
is only one jet pump, the default should be left so the unit operates as described later in
this manual, where the Jet-1 button operates Hi-Speed, and the Jet-2 button operates
Lo-Speed (avoiding ‘unused’ buttons).
** - When setting Code 5 to Option 4 it is important to make sure that Pump-1 is wired as
a single speed (Hi-Speed) pump - and not connected to the red (Lo-Speed) wire. In
addition the Circulation Pump cord will need to be reconfigured to use the receptacles
red wire for the power line going to the circulation pump.

T8-S / T8-X Initial Conguration
12
Entering The T8 Topside’s Configuration Menu
Once you’ve gone over the code chart and have chosen the options
you want to set for each code, follow these instructions for entering the
programming mode and setting the options. There is a time-out delay, so
taking longer then 10 seconds between steps will cause the topside to
time-out and resume normal operation.
Step 1
Press and the display will read:
Step 2
Press & Hold for ~15 seconds, until
the display will reads:
Step 3
Then press to see the first code:
While in the Configuration Mode
Press to change the selected Option of the displayed Code
Press to cycle to the next Code
Or press at any time to save any changes and
exit the Configuration Menu
Code 1 - Option 1

T8-S / T8-X Initial Conguration
13
Changing The T8 Topside’s Configuration Codes
Once you have entered the programming
mode, you will have Code 1 and its selected
Option showing on the display. This is shown
on the display as ‘C-O’, where C is the current
Code, and O is the currently selected/enabled
Option for that code. While in programming
mode the same 10 second time-out applies, if
you take longer then 10 seconds to change a
code’s selected option or cycle through to the next code, all settings will be
saved and the topside will time-out and resume normal operation.
Conflicting Codes
You may notice, when programming the topside that certain codes may
not be visible/selectable. This means you have another code set to an
option that conflicts with the missing option. So if you program the topside
to use the Jets-2 button to operate a two-speed Pump-2, you will no longer
see the code option allowing an air blower or third pump to be used on the
Jets-3 button (since those functions all use the same relay). Likewise, you
will not be able to set Code 5 to Option 4 if Code 1 is set to Option 2 and/
or Code 2 is set to Option 1.
Saving Configuration Menu Changes
When the settings in the configuration menu have been properly set for
the spa’s configuration, press the ‘Menu’ button (or let the menu time-out
after approximately 15 seconds) to save changes and exit back to the
normal operation display.
Upon Configuration Completion
Once the topside has been initially configured, it will not lose those settings,
regardless of whether power to the unit is shut off or not.
Code 2 - Option 1
Currently Displayed Code
Currently Selected Option

User Congerable Settings
14
T8-S / T8-X User Settings Menu
The user settings menu is home to all of the user configurable settings of
the topside. See the following page for a full menu tree.
Later in this section the individual settings will be explained in further
detail. What follows are the instructions on getting into, maneuvering
between, and making changes to these settings, which will be referenced
throughout this section.
Entering the User Settings Menu
Step 1
Press and the display will read:
Step 2
Press again to see the first setting (Time/Hour Setting).
Using the User Settings Menu
Press to cycle through the different settings
Press to view/cycle through the displayed setting’s options
Press at any time to save your settings and exit - or - let the
topside time-out and save the settings and return to the
temperature display on its own (in about 15 seconds).

User Congerable Settings
15
User Settings Menu
TimeFiltration
System Time (Press to view/change)
thru
thru
(The ‘--’ will actually show the currently set hour)
Filter Cycle Duration (Press to view/change)
thru
thru
Filter Cycle 1 - Start Time (Press to view/change)
thru
Filter Cycle 2 - Start Time (Press to view/change)
or
Filtration Purge (Press to view/change)
(Continued on next page...)

User Congerable Settings
16
(...Continued from previous page)
User Interface
Temperature Scale (Press to view/change)
or
Fahrenheit Celsius
Time Display (Press to view/change)
or
Buzzer (Beep on Keypress) (Press to view/change)
or
Temp/Settings Lock (Press to view/change)
, or,
Lock Set Temperature Lock User Settings Lock Set Temperature
and User Settings

User Congerable Settings
17
User Settings Explained
System Time
The first setting in the user’s configuration menu is for setting the system
time. Pressing ‘Temp Up’ will display the first setting, the Hour Setting. The
system time is reset to the default of 12 PM whenever the units’ power is
reset. Pressing ‘Temp Up’ will cycle from 12 AM (‘12:A’) to 12 PM (‘12:P’).
Pressing ‘Temp Down’ takes you to the second setting, the Minutes Setting.
Pressing ‘Temp Up’ will cycle from ‘--:00’ thru ‘--:59’.
Filter Cycle Duration
The filtration cycle duration setting can be set from 0 Hours to 12 Hours.
It is during these filtration cycles that the control will run the spa’s ozonator,
if one is installed. If set to zero there will be no filtration cycles, while setting
between 1-12 will set the duration of each filtration cycle accordingly. The
factory default filter cycle duration is 2 hours per cycle.
Filter Cycle 1 - Start Time
Filter Cycle 1’s Start Time (‘FC-1’) sets the hour of day the first filtration
cycle starts. Pressing ‘Temp Up’ will show the currently set start time, which
can be set from 12 AM to 12 PM (or Off for no cycle) by pressing ‘Temp
Up’. The factory default start time for the first daily filtration cycle is 6 AM.
Filter Cycle 2 - Start Time
Filter Cycle 1’s Start Time (‘FC-1’) sets the hour of day the first filtration
cycle starts. Pressing ‘Temp Up’ will show the currently set start time,
which can be set from 12 AM to 12 PM (or Off for no cycle) by pressing
‘Temp Up’. The factory default start time for the second daily filtration cycle
is 6 PM.

User Congerable Settings
18
Filtration Purge
When the Purge Setting is turned on, the control will automatically purge
the plumbing of whatever components the system is programmed to
operate (on low speed where applicable) for 30 seconds each, starting a
minute after the beginning of each cycle. This serves to push any water
currently in those components’ plumbing back into the main body of water
for circulation and filtration.
Temperature Scale
The T8 topside can display the temperature in either Fahrenheit (‘F’) or
Celsius (‘C’). The factory default setting is Fahrenheit, and can be changed
by pressing ‘Temp-Up’.
Time Display
By factory default, Time Display is set to ‘ON’. This means that during
normal operation the display will flash between the current time, and the
current temperature. Turning this setting ‘OFF’ will make it so that the
display just shows the current temperature during normal operation.
Buzzer (Beep on Keypress)
By default the T8 topside will sound an internal buzzer when a button press
is registered. Simply toggle this code off (‘boF’) to disable the buzzer.
Temp/Settings Lock
The T8-S / T8-X topside can be set to lock the set temperature (‘TEMP’),
the user settings menu (‘MENU’), both the set temperature and the user
settings menu (‘BOTH’), or nothing at all (‘OFF’). The factory default is that
the lock is ‘OFF’. See the next page for more on how these locks operate.

Lock Operation
19
Lock Operation Explained
Set Temperature Lock
When the topside is set to lock the set temperature, pressing either ‘Temp
Up’ or ‘Temp Down’ during normal operation will display the currently set
temperature as usual. Pressing either ‘Temp Up’ or ‘Temp Down’ button
again, will display ‘LOCK’ on the screen briefly, instead of allowing the set
temperature to be changed.
Settings Menu Lock
When the topside is set to lock the user settings menu, pressing the
‘Menu’ button will display ‘LOCK’ instead of ‘MENU’. This prevents
accessing the user settings menu, changing the heat mode (standard or
economy, explained later in this section), and accessing the initial system
configuration menu.
Both Temp & Settings Menu Lock
When the lock is set to ‘BOTH’, both the above described locks are put into
place; locking the set temperature, heat mode, and the user and system
configuration menus.
Unlocking the Topside
Unlocking the topside, regardless of which lock is implemented, is done
as follows:
Press (which will display ‘MENU’, or ‘LOCK’
depending on which lock is in effect)
Then press within 3 seconds.