5.2. Systems

EXISTING SYSTEMS

Your spa is equipped with an electronic control system that will enable you to regulate the temperature of the water, choose the filter cycle that best suits your needs and activate the massage pumps and the blower pump. It will also enable you to turn on your spa lighting, change its colour and sequence. Depending on the design, your spa will have one of the following systems: 

TP500TP500S

TP600

2 Speed pump

Heater

Spotlight

Circulation Pump

Massage Pumps

Turbo-Blower pump

Heater

Spotlight

Circulation Pump

2 Massage Pumps

Heater

Spotlight

AUX

2 Massage Pump

Pump

portlight (s)

Massage Pump

Sportlight (s)

Touch Panel 2

Touch Panel 3

TP500 and TP500S Control Panels 

User Guide for Standard Menu 

System Model: All BP series systems 

Panel Model: TP500 and TP500S Series 

Panel Software Version: All versions 

Display Icons

A – Heat
B – Ready mode
C – Rest Mode
D – bbaTM 2 On
E – WiFi (Cloud Connection)
F – Light
G – Cleanup cycle
H – Jets 1
I – Jets 2
J – Blower
K – Auxiliary (Jets 3 or Microsilk)
L – Temperature Range (High/Low)
M – Set (programming)
N – Filter Cycle (1 or 2 or Both)
O – AM or PM (Time)

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.

4. 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 – MO19*

Priming Mode – MO19

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 a “Temp” button (Up or Down). 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 displaywill not show the 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 6), Pump 1 low may also activate once in a 38 

while for at least 1 minute to detect the spa temperature (polling) and then to heat to the settemperature 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:

1. 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).

2. The circ pump stays on continuously, regardless of water temperature.

3. 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.

The system is factory-programmed with one filter cycle that will run in the evening (assuming the time-of-day is properly set) when energy rates are often lower. The filter time and duration are programmable. (See page 10). A second filter cycle can be enabled as needed.

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. On some systems, you can change this setting. (See the Preferences section on page 12)

Temperature and Temp Range 

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. 

Dual Temperature Ranges 

This system incorporates two temperature range settings with independent set temperatures. The High Range designated in the display by a thermometer and an “up” arrow, and the Low Range designated in the display by a thermometer and “down” arrow. 

These ranges can be used for various reasons, with a common use being a “ready to use” setting vs. a “vacation” setting. The Ranges are chosen using the menu structure below. Each range maintains its own set temperature as programmed by the user. This way, when a range is chosen, the spa will heat to the set temperature associated with that range. 

For example: 

High Range might be set between 80°F and 104°F. 

Low Range might be set between 50°F and 99°F. 

More specific Temp Ranges may be determined by the Manufacturer. 

Freeze Protection is active in either range. 

See Ready and Rest on Page 6 

for additional heating control information 

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. If the primary pump is a 2-Speed Pump 1, Ready Mode (indicated by ) will circulate water periodically, using Pump 1 Low, in order to 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.

READY-IN-REST MODE | TP600

appears in the display if the spa is in Rest Mode and Jet 1 is pressed. It is assumed that the spa is being used and will heat to set temperature. While Pump 1 High can be turned on and off, Pump 1 Low 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.

Adjusting Filtration

Main Filtration

42339 rev A1 6
Filter cycles are set using a start time and a duration. Start time is indicated by an “A” or “Pin the bottom right corner of the display. Duration has no “A” or “P” indication. Each setting can be adjusted in 15-minute increments. The panel calculates the end time and displays it automatically.

Filter Cycle 2 – Optional Filtration

FIitltiseproCssyibcleleto 2oveisrlaOp FiFlterbCyycdle1fanudltF.ilter Cycle 2, which will shorten overall filtration by the overlap amount.

It is possible to overlap Filter Cycle 1 and Filter Cycle 2, which will shorten overall filtration

If Filter Cycle 1 is set for 24 hours, enabling Filter Cycle 2 will initiate a by the overlap amount

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.

If Filter Cycle 1 is set for 24 hours, enabling Filter Cycle 2 will initiate a purge when Filter Cycle 2 is programmed to begin.

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR TP600

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 – M019 | TP600
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 return to 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 “Jet” buttons.If the spa has a Circ Pump, it can be activated by pressing the “Light” button during Priming Mode.

You can manually exit Priming Mode by pressing a “Temp” button (Up or Down). 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 displaywill not show the 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.

ADJUSTING THE SET TEMPERATURE | TP600

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 a Temperature button is pressed and held when the temperature is flashing, the temperature will continue to change until the button is released.

MODE READY & REST / READY IN REST MODE | TP600

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 “heater pump.” The heater pump can be either a 2-Speed Pump 1 or a circulation pump. READY Mode will circulate water every 1/2 hour, using Pump 1 Low, in order to maintain a constant water temperature, heat as needed, and refresh the temperature display. This is known as “polling.”

REST Mode will only allow heating during programmed filter cycles. Since polling does not occur, the temperature display may not show a current temperature until the heater pump has been running for a minute or two.

If the spa is configured for 24HR circulation, the heater pump generally runs continuously. Since the heater 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.

READY-IN-REST MODE | TP600

READY/REST appears in the display if the spa is in Rest Mode and Jet 1 is pressed. It is assumed that the spa is being used and will heat to set temperature. While Pump 1 High can be turned on and off, Pump 1 Low 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.

PURGE CYCLES | TP600

In order to maintain sanitary conditions, as well as protect against freezing, secondary water devices will purge water from their respective plumbing by running briefly at the beginning of each filter cycle. (Some systems will run a certain number of purge cycles per day, independent of the number of filter cycles per day. In this case, the purge cycles may not coincide with the start of the filter cycle.)

If the Filter Cycle 1 duration is set for 24 hours, enabling Filter Cycle 2 will initiate a purge when Filter Cycle 2 is programmed to begin.

MEANING OF FILTER CYCLES | TP600

1. The heating pump always runs during the filter cycle*

2. In Rest Mode, heating only occurs during the filter cycle

3. Purges happen at the start of each filter cycle

* For example, if your spa is set up for 24/hour circulation except for shutting off when the water temperature is 3˚F/1.3˚C above the set temperature, that shutoff does not occur during filter cycles.

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR Touch panel 2

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 will display a splash screen or startup screen.

MAIN SCREEN  | TOUCH PANEL

1.   H = High Temperature Range. L = Low Temperature Range.

2.   R = Ready Mode. RR= Ready And Rest Mode.  |R= Rest Mode.

3.   F1= Filter1 Mode. F2 = Filter2 Mode.  F+ = Filter 1 and 2 Mode.

4.   O3=Water Care (Ozone or UV, depending the system installed) is Running. 

If you don’t see the icon that means the Disinfection (Ozone or UV) is OFF

5.   C= Cleanup Cycle is Running. 

Note: Not all systems that can run a Cleanup Cycle display this icon.

6. – Wi-Fi icon just indicates that the Wi-Fi link is connected. It does not indicate signal strength. 

Note: Not all systems that support Wi-Fi display this icon.

7.   Lock Icon: When displayed, indicates the panel is in a locked mode. To unlock or lock a setting or panel lock, first press the corresponding icon on the Lock Screen then press the word “Lock” for 5+ seconds until the text and icon change to the opposite state.

There are 2 lock icons that can be shown on the title bar of most screens.  

A tall skinny one  representing a settings lock is applied. It is shown on screens that are affected by the settings lock.  And the standard lock icon  which represents the Panel being locked.  If both settings and panel are locked, only the panel lock will show since the settings lock doesn’t do much in that situation.  When the panel is locked, the Settings Screen will only show items not affected by that lock (System Info and Lock Screens).

8.      Invert (or flip) Screen.

9.     =  Light is turned ON.    = Light is Inactive.   = Light is Disabled.

10.   = Music is active         = Music is inactive.       = Music is disabled.

11. Message Waiting Indicator:

The Message Waiting Indicator will show one of the following icons:

 = Fatal error (Spa can’t function until it’s fixed)

 = Normal Error or Warning

 = Reminder Message

 = Information Message

Some messages will include the “Call for Service” text as it requires a service technician to fix the problem. If the panel is locked and a message alert appears, you will be taken to the UNLOCK screen before you can clear the message. Touching the Error/Warning/Reminder/Info Icon on the Message Screen will take you to the System Information Screen to allow for troubleshooting over the phone or for a field service tech to better understand what is going on.  Exiting the System information Screen will take you back to the Message Screen in that situation.

12.  Adjust set temperature higher. 

13.  =Spa Equipment Control Icon. Brings up  a screen where the spa jets, blower or other equipment can be controlled.   = Jet is Inactive. Indicates if a pump is running or not.

14. Indicates if the temperature is in ºF = Fahrenheit or ºC = Celsius.

15. Current water temperature.

16. Setting Icon.  = Settings is Active.  = Settings is Inactive (when a Lock is applied). Takes you to Settings Screen.

Where the available specific features that can be adjusted for the control can be adjusted. The same goes for the Utilities Screen and the Test Screen (used by Spa Technicians).

17. Indicates when the spa heater is on.

18. Adjust set temperature lower.

Note: After 30 minutes* the display will automatically go into sleep mode, which turns the display off. This is normal operation. Touch anywhere on the screen to wake the panel up.

SETTING SCREEN | TOUCH PANEL

The Settings Screen is where all programming and other spa behaviors are controlled. Each icon on the Settings screen takes you to a different screen, where one or more setting may be viewed and/or edited.

The Heat Icon  takes you to a screen where you control the Heat Mode and the Temperature Range.

DUAL TEMPERATURE RANGES (High vs Low) | TOUCH PANEL

This system incorporates two temperature range settings with independent set temperatures. The specific range can be selected on the Settings screen and is visible on the Main Screen in the upper left corner of the display.
These ranges can be used for various reasons, with a common use being a “ready to use” setting vs. a “vacation” setting.

Each range maintains its own set temperature as programmed by the user. This way, when a range is chosen, the spa will heat to the set temperature associated with that range.

High Range can be set between 80°F and 104°F/ 27 ºC and 40 ºC.
Low Range can be set between 50°F and 99°F / 10 ºC and 37 ºC.

Freeze Protection is active in either range.

HEAT MODE – READY vs REST  | TOUCH PANEL

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 “heater pump”.

The heater pump can be either a 2-speed pump (Pump 1) or a circulation pump.

Rest Mode will only allow heating during programmed filter cycles. Since polling does not occur, the temperature display may not show a current temperature until the heater pump has been running for a minute or two.

CIRCULATION MODE  | TOUCH PANEL

If the spa is configured for 24HR circulation, the heater pump generally runs continuously. Since the heater 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 24HR circulation mode.

READY-IN-REST MODE  | TOUCH PANEL

Ready in Rest Mode appears in the display if the spa is in Rest Mode and the Jets 1 Button is pressed. After 1 hour, the System will revert to Rest Mode. This mode can also be reset by selecting the Heat Mode line on the Screen shown here.

FILTRATION | TOUCH PANEL

Main filtration

Using the same adjustment as Setting the Time, Filter Cycles are set using a start time and a duration. Each setting can be adjusted in 15-minute increments. The panel calculates the end time and displays it automatically.

The Filter Icon  on the Settings Screen takes you to a screen where you control the Filter Cycles.

Filter cycle 2 – optional filtration

Filter Cycle 2 is OFF by default. Press “1” to view Filter 1. Press “2” once to view Filter 2. Press “2” again to turn Filter 2 ON or OFF. When Filter Cycle 2 is ON, it can be adjusted in the same manner as Filter Cycle 1. It is possible to overlap Filter Cycle 1 and Filter Cycle 2, which will shorten overall filtration by the overlap amount.

Purge cycles

In order to maintain sanitary conditions, as well as protect against freezing, secondary water devices will purge water from their respective plumbing by running briefly at the beginning of each filter cycle. (Some systems will run a certain number of purge cycles per day, independent of the number of filter cycles per day. In this case, the purge cycles may not coincide with the start of the filter cycle.)

If the Filter Cycle 1 duration is set for 24 hours, enabling Filter Cycle 2 will initiate a purge when Filter Cycle 2 is programmed to begin.

Meaning of the filter cycles

1. The heating pump always runs during the filter cycle*.

2. In Rest Mode, heating only occurs during the filter cycle.

3. Purges happen at the start of each filter cycle.

* For example, if your spa is set up for 24/hour circulation except for shutting off when the water temperature is 3˚F/1.3˚C above the set temperature, that shutoff does not occur during filter cycles.

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR Touch panel 3

WAKE UP THE PANEL, NAVIGATION & COMMON BUTTONS | TOUCH PANEL 3

Controlling your spa is easy with the intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). This section describes how to navigate and use the GUI.

Wake Up the Panel

The screen is blank when it is in sleep mode. When you touch the blank screen, this screen appears (A) and then swiping in the direction of the arrows.

The panel automatically goes into sleep mode when it is not used for 1 minute. The 1 minute duration can be adjusted.

3 – The hand icon will appear. Wake up the panel by pressing the hand icon (A1) and then swiping in the direction of the arrows.

The panel automatically goes into sleep mode when it is not used for a specified duration. The duration can be adjusted (view Panel on page 25).

BUTTONS | TOUCH PANEL 3

A variety of button styles provide quick access to functions and settings. The large temperature display is a button (B) that controls the Set Temperature. The whole bottom row of the Main screen contains buttons (C).

MINI PLAYER BUTTON (SET TEMPERATURE/TIME) | TOUCH PANEL 3
The Mini Player button gives fast access to the Set Temperature and time (D). Show or hide

the Mini Player button by pressing the Heater Status button once (E).

MINI PLAYER BUTTON (MUSIC) | TOUCH PANEL 3

The Mini Player displays music controls (F), if your spa is equipped with bbaTM (Balboa Bluetooth Audio) and it is activated. Hide the Mini Player button by pressing the Heater Status button twice (G). The first press displays the Set Temperature/Time Mini Player button. The second press hides the Mini Player button.

bbaTM BUTTON (H | TOUCH PANEL 3

If bbaTM is activated, pressing the bbaTM button (H) once displays the Mini Player (F) with music controls. Pressing the bbaTM button (H) a second time opens the Music screen ( I ). If bbaTM is activated, a white ring appears around the button, as shown here ( I ).

If bbaTM is not activated, pressing the bbaTM button (H) once opers the Music screen ( I ).

If your spa is equipped whit bbaTM, refer to the bbaTM user guide that came with the spa, If a user guide was not included, please contact the spa dealer or spa manufacturer.

SCREEN NAMES | TOUCH PANEL 3
Screen names appear on the top row of the screen. For example, this is the Settings

screen (J). Screen names are referenced troughout this user guide. NAVIGATION | TOUCH PANEL 3
Navigate screens and/or lists with the following buttons:

SWIPING & SELECTUIN ITEMS IN LISTS | TOUCH PANEL 3

Swipe a list (N) to find the setting you want. The list will have an arrow (M) that indicates the current settings. If your desired setting appears but is not aligned with the arrow, tap the desired setting to make it align with the arrow. The temperature list will disappear when you tape anywhere outside of it.

SAVING & CANCELING | TOUCH PANEL 3
After you input a new setting, press the Save button (B). After you press Save, the change is complete. If you don’t want to apply a new setting, press the Cancel button (A).

MESSAGE BUTTONS | TOUCH PANEL 3
Messege buttons provide reminders to help you keep your spa running smoothly. Message

buttons also provide warning information that helps spa technicians with troubleshooting.

When a message button appears (C), press it to view the corresponding message (D) or (G). Press the Exit button (E) to go back to the Main screen, or press the Clear button (F) to dismiss the message.

Buttons vary depending on the type of message. View the list below.