BALBOA P500 Control Panels with Overlay User Guide

: June 13, 2024
: BALBOA

BALBOA P500 Control Panels with Overlay

Product Information

The TP500 and TP500S Control Panels are user interfaces for BP series systems that support Simplified Menus. They are equipped with display icons that provide information and control options for various functions of the system.

TP500 and TP500S Control Panels

User Guide for Simplified Menu

System Model: All BP series systems that support Simplified Menus Panel
Model : TP500 and TP500S Series
Panel Software Version: All versions

Display Icons

A – Heat
B – Ready Mode
C – Rest Mode
D – bba™2 On
E – WiFi (Cloud Connection)
F – Light
G – Cleanup Cycle H – Jets 1
I – Jets 2
J – Blower
K – Auxiliary (Jets 3 or
L – Temperature Range (High / Low)
M – Set (Programming)
N – Filter Cycle (1 or 2 or Both)

Main Menus

Navigation
Navigating the entire menu structure is done with 2 or 3 buttons on the control panel.

Some panels have separate WARM (Up) and COOL (Down) buttons, while others have a single Temperature button. In the navigation diagrams Temperature buttons are indicated by a single button icon.
Panels that have two Temperature buttons (Warm and Cool) can use both of them to simplify navigation and programming where a single Temperature icon is shown.
The MENU/SELECT Button is used to choose the various menus and navigate each section.
Typical use of the Temperature button(s) allows changing the Set Temperature while the numbers are flashing in the LCD. The menus can be exited with certain button presses. Simply waiting for a few seconds will return the panel operation to normal.

Power-up Screens
Each time the System powers up, a series of numbers is displayed. After the startup sequence of numbers, the system will enter Priming Mode (See Page 3).

Main Screen

Waiting a few seconds in the Main Menu will allow the display to revert to the Main Screen. Most changes are not saved unless Menu/Select is pressed. Refer to key above.

Fill it up!

Preparation and Filling

Fill the spa to its correct operating level. Be sure to open all valves and jets in the plumbing system before filling to allow as much air as possible to escape from the plumbing and the control system during the filling process.
After turning the power on at the main power panel, the top-side panel display will go through specific sequences. These sequences are normal and display a variety of information regarding the configuration of the hot tub control.

Priming Mode
This mode will last for 4-5 minutes or you can manually exit the priming mode after the pump(s) have primed.

Regardless of whether the priming mode ends automatically or you manually exit the priming mode, the system will automatically starts normal heating and filtering at the end of the priming mode. During the priming mode, the heater is disabled to allow the priming process to be completed without the possibility of energizing the heater under low-flow or no-flow conditions. Nothing comes on automatically, but the pump(s) can be energized by pushing the “Jets”
or “Aux” buttons.
If the spa has a Circ Pump, it can be activated by pressing the “Light” button during Priming Mode.

Priming the Pumps

As soon as the above display appears on the panel, push the “Jets” button once to start Pump 1 in low-speed and then again to switch to high-speed. Also, push the “Jets 2” or “Aux” button, if you have a 2nd pump, to turn it on. The pumps will now be running in high-speed to facilitate priming. If the pumps have not primed after 2 minutes, and water is not flowing from the jets in the spa, do not allow the pumps to continue to run.
Turn off the pumps and repeat the process. Note: Turning the power off and back on again will initiate a new pump priming session. Sometimes momentarily turning the pump off and on will help it to prime. Do not do this more than 5 times. If the pump(s) will not prime, shut off the power to the spa and call for service.
Important : A pump should not be allowed to run without priming for more than 2 minutes. Under NO circumstances should a pump be allowed to run without priming beyond the end of the 4-5 minute priming mode.
Doing so may cause damage to the pump and cause the system to energize the heater and go into an overheat condition.

Exiting Priming Mode

You can manually exit Priming Mode by pressing the “Warm” or “Cool” button. Note that if you do not manually exit the priming mode as described above, the priming mode will be automatically terminated after 4-5 minutes. Be sure that the pump(s) have been primed by this time.
Once the system has exited Priming Mode, the top-side panel will momentarily display the set temperature but the display will not show the water temperature yet, as shown below.
This is because the system requires approximately 1 minute of water flowing through the heater to determine the water temperature and display it.

Spa Behavior

Pumps

Press the “Jets” button once to turn pump 1 on or off, and to shift between low and high speeds if equipped.
If left running, the pump will turn off after a time-out period.
On non-circ systems, the low-speed of pump 1 runs when the blower or any other pump is on. If the spa is in Ready Mode (See page Pump 1 low may also activate once in a while for at least 1 minute to detect the spa temperature (polling) and then to heat to the set temperature if needed. When the low-speed turns on automatically, it cannot be deactivated from the panel, however the high speed may be started.

Circulation Pump Modes
If the system is equipped with a circ pump, it will be configured to work in one of three different ways:

The circ pump operates continuously (24 hours) with the exception of turning off for 30 minutes at a time when the water temperature reaches 3°F (1.5°C) above the set temperature (most likely to happen in very hot climates).
The circ pump stays on continuously, regardless of water temperature.
A programmable circ pump will come on when the system is checking temperature (polling), during filter cycles, during freeze conditions, or when another pump or blower is on.
The specific Circulation Mode that is used has been determined by the Manufacturer and cannot be changed in the field.

Filtration and Ozone

On non-circ systems, Pump 1 low and the ozone generator will run during filtration. On circ systems, the ozone will run with the circ pump. Most spas have one filter cycle per day, but some spas have two filter cycles per day. The first filter cycle occurs 6 minutes after power-up and then every 24 hours. The second filter cycle, if there is one, occurs 12 hours after the first one. The filter duration is programmable. (See page 7.)
At the start of each filter cycle, all water devices (other than the primary pump) will run briefly to purge the plumbing to maintain good water quality. The term “water devices” includes the Blower.

Freeze Protection

If the temperature sensors within the heater detect a low enough temperature, then the pump(s) and the blower automatically activate to provide freeze protection. The pump(s) and blower will run either continuously or periodically depending on conditions.
In colder climates, an optional freeze sensor may be added to protect against freeze conditions that may not be sensed by the standard sensors. Auxiliary freeze sensor protection acts similarly except with the temperature thresholds determined by the switch. See your dealer for details.

Clean-up Cycle (optional)

When a pump or blower is turned on by a button press, a clean-up cycle begins 30 minutes after the pump or blower is turned off or times out. The pump and the ozone generator will run for 30 minutes or more, depending on the system.

Temperature

Adjusting the Set Temperature

When using a panel with Up and Down buttons (Temperature buttons), pressing Up or Down will cause the temperature to flash. Pressing a temperature button again will adjust the set temperature in the direction indicated on the button. When the LCD stops flashing, the spa will heat to the new set temperature when required.
If the panel has a single temperature button, pressing the button will cause the temperature to flash. Pressing the button again will cause the temperature to change in one direction (e.g. UP). After allowing the display to stop flashing, pressing the Temperature Button will cause the temperature to flash and the next press will change the temperature in the opposite direction (e.g. DOWN).

Press-and-Hold

If a Temperature button is pressed and held when the temperature is flashing, the temperature will continue to change until the button is released. If only one temperature button is available and the limit of the Temperature Range is reached when the button is being held, the progression will reverse direction.

Mode – Ready and Rest

In order for the spa to heat, a pump needs to circulate water through the heater. The pump that performs this function is known as the “primary pump.”
The primary pump can be either a 2-Speed Pump 1 or a circulation pump.
Maintain a constant water temperature, heat as needed, and refresh the temperature display. This is known as “polling.”
Rest Mode (indicated by ) will only allow heating during programmed filter cycles. Since polling does not occur, the temperature display may not show a current temperature until the primary pump has been running for a minute or two.
Circulation Mode (See Page 4, under Pumps, for other circulation modes)
If the spa is configured for 24HR circulation, the primary pump generally runs continuously. Since the primary pump is always running, the spa will maintain set temperature and heat as needed in Ready Mode, without polling.
In Rest Mode, the spa will only heat to set temperature during programmed filter times, even though the water is being filtered constantly when in Circulation Mode.

Key

Indicates Flashing or Changing Segment
Indicates Alternating or Progressive Message – every 1/2 second A temperature button, used for “Action” Menu/Select button Waiting time that keeps the last change to a menu item.
Waiting time (depends on menu item) that reverts to original setting and ignores any change to that menu item.

Rest Mode will not Poll and will only heat during ﬁlter cycles. The panel will not display a current temperature at all times.

The Main Screen will display RUN PUMP FOR TEMP if the primary pump has not run for over 1 hour.
The Main Screen will display normally during Filter Cycles or when the spa is in use.
If the primary pump has been off for an hour or more, when any function button, EXCEPT Light, is pressed on the panel, the pump used in conjunction with the heater will run so that temperature can be sensed and displayed.

Ready-in-Rest Mode
appears in the display if the spa is in Rest Mode and “Jets” is pressed. It is assumed that the spa is being used and will heat to set temperature. The primary pump will run until set temperature is reached, or 1 hour has passed. After 1 hour, the System will revert to Rest Mode. This mode can also be reset by entering the Mode Menu and changing the Mode.

Flip (Invert Display)

Adjusting Filtration

Main Filtration
Filter cycles are set using a duration. The filter duration setting can be adjusted in 1-hour increments. Filter Cycle 1 and Filter Cycle 2 (if enabled) are set to the same duration.

Purge Cycles
In order to maintain sanitary conditions, secondary Pumps and/or a Blower will purge water from their respective plumbing by running briefly at the beginning of each filter cycle.

General Messages

Priming Mode

Each time the spa is powered up, it will enter Priming Mode. The purpose of Priming Mode is to allow the user to run each pump and manually verify that the pumps are primed (air is purged) and water is flowing.
This typically requires observing the output of each pump separately, and is generally not possible in normal operation. Priming Mode lasts 4 minutes, but you can exit it earlier by pressing any Temp button. The heater is not allowed to run during Priming Mode.
NOTE : If your spa has a Circ Pump, it will turn on with “Light” in Priming Mode. The Circ Pump will run by itself when Priming Mode is exited.

Water Temperature is Unknown
After the pump has been running for 1 minute, the temperature will be displayed.

Too Cold – Freeze Protection

A potential freeze condition has been detected, or the Aux Freeze Switch has closed, and all pumps and blower are activated, either one at a time, or all at once, depending on how your system was built. All pumps and blower are ON for at least 4 minutes after the potential freeze condition has ended, or when the aux freeze switch opens.
In some cases, pumps may turn on and off and the heater may operate during Freeze Protection.
This is an operational message, not an error indication.

J29 Warning
J29 is typically used as a Heater Disable input. As such, it should not typically be shorted at power-up. This message appears if J29 is shorted at power-up.

Heater Flow is Reduced (HFL)
There may not be enough water flow through the heater to carry the heat away from the heating element. Heater start up will begin again after about 1 min. See “Flow Related Checks” below.

**Heater Flow is Reduced (LF)***
There is not enough water flow through the heater to carry the heat away from the heating element and the heater has been disabled. See “Flow Related Checks” below. After the problem has been resolved, you must press any button to reset and begin heater start up.

**Heater may be Dry (dr)***
Possible dry heater, or not enough water in the heater to start it. The spa is shut down for 15 min. Press any button to reset the heater start-up. See “Flow Related Checks” below.

**Heater is Dry***
There is not enough water in the heater to start it. The spa is shut down. After the problem has been resolved, you must press any button to reset and restart heater start up. See “Flow Related Checks” below.

**Heater is too Hot (OHH)***
One of the water temp sensors has detected 118°f (47.8°C) in the heater and the spa is shut down. You must press any button to reset when water is below 108°f (42.2°C). See “Flow Related Checks” below.

A Reset Message may Appear with other Messages.
Some errors may require power to be removed and restored.

Flow-Related Checks

Check for low water level, suction flow restrictions, closed valves, trapped air, too many closed jets and pump prime.
On some systems even when spa is shut down, some equipment may occasionally turn on to continue monitoring temperature or if freeze protection is needed.
This message can be reset from the topside panel with any button press.

Sensor Balance is Poor
The temperature sensors MAY be out of sync by or 3°F. Call for Service.

**Sensor Balance is Poor***
The temperature sensors ARE out of sync. The Sensor Balance is Poor fault has been established for at least 1 hour. Call for Service.

Sensor Failure – Sensor A, Sensor B

A temperature sensor or sensor circuit has failed. Call for Service.

Miscellaneous Messages

No Communications
The control panel is not receiving communication from the System. Call for Service.

Pre-Production Software
The Control System is operating with test software. Call for Service.

°F or °C is replaced by °T

The Control System is in Test Mode. Call for Service.
This message can be reset from the topside panel with any button press.

Memory Failure – Checksum Error
At Power-Up, the system has failed the Program Checksum Test. This indicates a problem with the firmware (operation program) and requires a service call.

**Memory Warning – Persistent Memory Reset***
Appears after any system setup change. Contact your dealer or service organization if this message appears on more than one power-up, or if it appears after the system has been running normally for a period of time.

**Memory Failure – Clock Error***
Contact your dealer or service organization.

Configuration Error – Spa will not Start Up
Contact your dealer or service organization.

GFCI Failure – System Could Not Test/Trip the GFCI
NORTH AMERICA ONLY. May indicate an unsafe installation. Contact your dealer or service organization.

A Pump Appears to be Stuck ON
Water may be overheated. POWER DOWN THE SPA. DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Contact your dealer or service organization.

Reminder Messages

General maintenance helps.

The display of Reminder Messages can be suppressed by using the PREF Menu. See Page 12.
Reminder Messages can be chosen individually by the Manufacturer. They may be disabled entirely, or there may be a limited number of reminders on a specific model.
The frequency of each reminder (e.g. 7 days) can be specified by the Manufacturer.
Press a Temperature button to reset a displayed reminder message.

Appears on a regular schedule, e.g. every 7 days.
Check sanitizer level and other water chemistry with a test kit and adjust with the appropriate chemicals.

Appears on a regular schedule, e.g. every 30 days.

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Residual Current Device (RCD) is an important safety device and must be tested on a regular basis to verify its reliability.
Every user should be trained to safely test the GFCI or RCD associated with the hot tub installation.
A GFCI or RCD will have a TEST and RESET button on it that allows a user to verify proper function.

Warning

If freezing conditions exist, a GFCI or RCD should be reset immediately or spa damage could result.
The end user should always trained to test and reset the GFCI or RCD on a regular basis.

Appears on a regular schedule, e.g. every 365 days.
Have a service technician do a check-up on your spa per your spa manufacturer’s instructions.

Warning! Qualified Technician Required for Service and Installation

Use minimum 6AWG copper conductors only.
Torque field connections between 21 and 23 in lbs.
Readily accessible disconnecting means to be provided at time of installation. Permanently connected.
Connect only to a circuit protected by a Class A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Residual Current Device (RCD) mounted at least 5’ (1.52M) from the inside walls of the spa/hot tub and in line of sight
from the equipment compartment. CSA enclosure: Type 2 Refer to Wiring Diagram inside the cover of the control enclosure.
Refer to Installation and Safety Instructions provided by the spa manufacturer.
Warning : People with infectious diseases should not use a spa or hot tub.
Warning : To avoid injury, exercise care when entering or exiting the spa or hot tub.
Warning : Do not use a spa or hot tub immediately following strenuous exercise
Warning : Prolonged immersion in a spa or hot tub may be injurious to your health
Warning : Maintain water chemistry in accordance with the Manufacturers instructions.
Warning : The equipment and controls shall be located not less than 1.5 meters horizontally from the spa or hot tub.

Warning! GFCI or RCD Protection.

The Owner should test and reset the GFCI or RCD on a regular basis to verify its function.

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.

CSA Compliance

Caution

Test the ground fault circuit interrupter or residual current device before each use of the spa.
Read the instruction manual.
Adequate drainage must be provided if the equipment is to be installed in a pit.
For use only within an enclosure rated CSA Enclosure 3.
Connect only to a circuit protected by a Class A ground fault circuit interrupter or residual current device.
To ensure continued protection against shock hazard, use only identical replacement parts when servicing.
Install a suitably rated suction guard to match the maximum flow rate marked. Warning:
Water temperature in excess of 38°C may be injurious to your health.
Disconnect the electrical power before servicing.