BALBOA VL403 Hot Tub Topside Control Installation Guide
- June 13, 2024
- BALBOA
Table of Contents
BALBOA VL403 Hot Tub Topside Control
Balboa 500Z-Series Operation Guide
Product Information:
The Balboa 500Z-Series is a spa control system that allows you to operate and control various functions of your spa. It features a user-friendly interface with buttons and a display panel. The system includes pumps, temperature sensors, a blower (if equipped), and a spa light.
Main Features:
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Priming Mode: The spa enters Priming Mode when it is energized.
During this mode, you can press the Jets button(s) repeatedly to ensure that all pumps are free of air. Priming Mode lasts less than 5 minutes. -
Standard Mode: After Priming Mode, the spa runs in Standard Mode. In this mode, you can adjust the water temperature, control the pumps, blower, and spa light.
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Temperature Display: The last measured water temperature is constantly displayed. The displayed temperature is current only when the pump has been running for at least 2 minutes.
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Temperature Adjustment: On panels with Warm and Cool buttons, you can press either button once to display the set temperature. To change the set temperature, press a temperature button again before the display stops flashing. Each press of Warm or Cool will adjust the set temperature.
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Pump Control: The Jets 1 button turns pump 1 on or off and allows you to shift between low and high speeds (if equipped). The low-speed automatically turns off after 4 hours, while the high-speed turns off after 15 minutes.
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Device Control: The Jets 2, Jets 3, and Blower buttons (if equipped) allow you to turn on or off the corresponding devices.
The devices will turn off automatically after 15 minutes. -
Blower Light: The Light button operates the spa light and turns it off after 4 hours.
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Diagnostic Messages: The system provides diagnostic messages to indicate any issues or malfunctions with the spa. These messages are displayed on the panel.
Product Usage Instructions
- Initial Start-up: When energized, the spa enters Priming Mode. During this mode, press the Jets button(s) repeatedly to ensure all pumps are free of air. Priming Mode lasts less than 5 minutes. Press the Temp button to exit Priming Mode.
- Temperature Adjustment: On panels with Warm and Cool buttons, press either button once to display the set temperature. To change the set temperature, press a temperature button again before the display stops flashing. Each press of Warm or Cool will adjust the set temperature.
- Pump Control: Press the Jets 1 button to turn pump 1 on or off. You can also shift between low and high speeds (if equipped). The low-speed automatically turns off after 4 hours, while the high-speed turns off after 15 minutes.
- Device Control: Press the corresponding button (Jets 2, Jets 3, or Blower) once to turn the device on or off. The devices will turn off automatically after 15 minutes. For systems controlling two devices with one button, refer to the user manual for specific instructions.
- Spa Light: Press the Light button to operate the spa light. The light will turn off after 4 hours.
- Diagnostic Messages: If any diagnostic message is displayed on the panel, refer to the user manual for the meaning and appropriate action to be taken.
For detailed information on the Balboa 500Z-Series and compatible panels, please visit the official website: http://www.balboawatergroup.com/
Initial Start-up
Your spa will enter Priming Mode ( ) when it is energized.
During Priming Mode, press “Jets” button(s) repeatedly and be sure all pumps
are free of air. Priming Mode lasts less than 5 minutes. Press “Temp” to exit.
After Priming Mode, the spa will run in Standard Mode (see Mode section). Some
panels may not have a “Temp” button. On these panels the “Set,” “Warm,” or
“Cool” buttons are used.
The pump responsible for heating and filtration (pump 1 low-speed on non-circ
system, or the circ pump on circ systems) will be referred to simply as the
pump.
In multi-button sequences, if the buttons are pressed too quickly in sequence,
they may not register.
Temp Control (80°F – 104°F / 26°C – 40°C)
- The last measured water temperature is constantly displayed.
- The water temperature displayed is current only when the pump has been running for at least 2 minutes.
- On panels with a single “Temp” or “Set” button, to display the set temperature, press the button once. To change the set temperature, press the button a second time before the display stops flashing. Each press of the button will continue to either raise or
- lower the set temperature. If the opposite direction is desired, allow the display to revert to the current water temperature. Press the button to display the set temperature, and again to make the temperature change in the desired direction.
- On panels with “Warm” and “Cool” buttons, to display the set temperature, press “Warm” or “Cool” once. To change the set temperature, press a temperature button again before the display stops flashing. Each press of “Warm” or “Cool” will adjust the set temperature.
- After three seconds, the display will stop flashing and begin to display the current spa temperature.
Jets 1
- Press “Jets 1” to turn pump 1 on or off, and to shift between low and high speeds (if equipped).
- The low-speed will turn off after 4 hours.
- High-speed will turn off after 15 minutes. Low-speed may run automatically at times, during which it cannot be deactivated from the panel, but high-speed may be operated.
Jets 2/Jets 3/Blower (If equipped)
Press the corresponding button once to turn the device on or off. The device
will turn off after 15 minutes. Pump 2 may be two-speed on some systems.
Some systems use this one button to control two devices. The first button
press will activate one device. Press again to have both devices active. Press
again to turn off the first device only. Press one more time to turn both
devices off.
Light
Press “Light” to operate the spa light. Turns off after 4 hours.
Mode
Depending on system configuration, mode changing may not be available and will
be locked in Standard Mode.
Mode is changed by pressing “Temp,” then “Light”.
Standard Mode maintains set temperature. will be displayed momentarily when
you switch into Standard Mode.
Economy Mode heats the spa to the set temperature only during filter cycles.
will display when water temp is not current, and will alternate with water
temp when the pump is running.
Sleep Mode heats the spa to within 20°F/10°C of the set temperature only
during filter cycles. will display when water temp is not current, and will
alternate with water temp when the pump is running.
Preset Filter Cycles
- The first preset filter cycle begins 6 minutes after the spa is energized. The second preset filter cycle begins 12 hours later.
- Filter duration is programmable for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours or for continuous filtration (indicated by ). The default filter time is 2 hours for non-circ systems and 4 hours for circ systems.
- To program, press “Temp,” then “Jets 1.” Press “Temp” to adjust.
- Press “Jets 1” to exit programming.
- For non-circ systems, low-speed pump 1 and the ozone generator (if installed) run during filtration.
- For 24 hour circulation systems, the circ pump and the ozone generator (if installed) run 24 hours. In hot environments, the circ pump may turn off for 30 minute periods, except during filter cycles.
- For non-24 hour circulation systems, the circ pump and ozone generator (if installed) run during filtration (and may also run automatically at other times).
- At the beginning of each filter cycle all other equipment will run briefly to purge the plumbing.
Automatic polling (in Standard Mode only)
The pump will activate for 1 to 2 minutes to check the temperature:
- every 30 minutes
- whenever any other pump or blower is turned on
- whenever the set temperature is raised
Diagnostic Messages
Warning! Shock Hazard! No User Serviceable Parts.
Do not attempt service of this control system. Contact your dealer or service
organization for assistance.
Follow all owner’s manual power connection instructions. Installation must be
performed by a licensed electrician and all grounding connections must be
properly installed.
This document covers VS and GS systems 500Z through 521Z with Balboa Panels VL200 through VL406.
http://www.balboawatergroup.com/