Aquacal HP9 - User Manual

A
Wake up heat pump
The display's backlight will be off when the heat
pump is in sleep mode. To wake up the heat pump,
slowly slide a finger across the buttons.
l The display will illuminate.
l The message "KEYPAD UNLOCKED" will
briefly appear.
l Then the water temperature and mode will
display.
B
Choose what you want the heat pump to do
C
Set a desired temperature (setpoint) for the water
Where are the controls?
The display panel is located in a door compartment on the front of the heat pump. This
compartment is designed to protect the display against harsh weather. It can also be padlocked for
extra security.
l
Press the bottom of
the panel to open the
display panel door.
l To close, push the
display panel up.
Then press the
bottom of the panel
in until a clicking
noise is heard.
What's on the display
Buttons Description
Slowly slide a finger across the buttons from left to right to disable the sleep mode.
Sleep mode will automatically reactivate after three minutes have passed.
Select either the pool or the spa thermostat.
Enter the user menu for heat pump options.
Used to increase temperature set point and navigate through menu options.
Used to decrease temperature set point and navigate through menu options.
Used to select the heat pump's operating mode. Also used to edit or confirm options
in a menu.
Indicators Description
Heating Red LED indicates the unit is heating the water.
Cooling Blue LED indicates the unit is cooling the water.
When calling for heating or cooling, up to a three-minute delay may occur before the compressor
starts. The compressor must be operating before the indicator will illuminate.
Quick Start Guide
LTP0117 Rev. 1.03- (project rel 7.02)

Summary

Wake Up Heat Pump

Choosing Heat Pump Operation Mode

Heat the Water

Select heating mode using the mode button for the heat pump.

Cool the Water

Select cooling mode using the mode button for the heat pump.

Use Auto Mode

Utilize automatic mode selection for heating or cooling.

Deactivate Unit

Turn off the heat pump unit using the mode button.

Setting Water Temperature

Select Pool or Spa

Choose whether to set the temperature for the pool or the spa.

Use Arrows to Set Temperature

Adjust the desired water temperature using the arrow buttons.

Control Panel and Operation

Control Panel Location

The display panel is in a front compartment protected from weather.

Display Buttons and Functions

Description of buttons like Pool, Menu, Mode, and Enter for operation.

Display Indicators

Explanation of LED indicators for heating and cooling status.

Heat Pump Entry Code

Initial Heating and Cooling

Heating the Water for the First Time

Steps to confirm mode, set temperature, and use a pool cover for initial heating.

Cooling the Water for the First Time

Steps to confirm mode, set temperature, and run the filter pump for initial cooling.

Water and Blanket Information

Water Under the Heat Pump

Normal condensation may be seen; ensure drain holes are clear of debris.

Pool Blankets

Assists in maintaining temperature, but poses drowning risk if improperly used.

Liquid Blankets

Alternative to conventional blankets for reducing heat loss.

Heat Pump Clearances and Safety

Required Clearances

Minimum clearances for air circulation and efficient operation are shown.

Safety Precautions

Avoid storing chemicals nearby; do not place objects on or near the unit.

Rain Run-off Direction

Rain run-off and sprinklers should be directed away from the heater.

Contact and Support Information

Finding More Information

Visit AquaCal.com for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting advice.

Contacting AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc.

Contact distributor/installer or AquaCal for assistance with model/serial number.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The AquaCal heat pump is designed to efficiently heat or cool swimming pools and spas, providing a comfortable water temperature for users. It features a user-friendly interface with a digital display and interactive buttons, making it easy to operate and monitor. The unit is built to withstand outdoor conditions, with a protective door compartment for the display panel that can also be padlocked for added security.

Function Description

The primary function of the AquaCal heat pump is to regulate the water temperature of pools and spas. It can operate in two main modes: heating and cooling. In heating mode, the unit warms the water to a desired setpoint, indicated by a red LED. In cooling mode, it lowers the water temperature, indicated by a blue LED. The heat pump utilizes a compressor to achieve these temperature changes, with a potential delay of up to three minutes before the compressor starts and the indicator illuminates.

The device features a sleep mode to conserve energy, where the display's backlight turns off. To wake the unit, users simply slide a finger across the buttons, which illuminates the display and briefly shows "KEYPAD UNLOCKED" before displaying the current water temperature and mode.

Usage Features

The AquaCal heat pump offers several intuitive usage features:

• Display and Controls: The display panel is located behind a protective door on the front of the unit. To access the controls, users press the bottom of the panel to open the door. To close it, the panel is pushed up until a clicking noise is heard. The display shows essential information such as pool/spa temperature, operating mode (heating/cooling), and menu options.
• Button Interaction: The interface uses a series of interactive buttons. Sliding a finger across the buttons from left to right wakes the unit from sleep mode. The "Pool/Spa" button allows users to select either the pool or spa thermostat, enabling independent temperature control for each. The "Menu" button provides access to user options for heat pump settings. Arrow buttons are used to increase or decrease temperature setpoints and navigate through menu options. The "Mode/Enter" button selects the operating mode (heating/cooling/auto/off) and confirms selections within menus.
• Setting Temperature: Users can easily set their desired water temperature (setpoint). First, they select either "Pool" or "Spa" using the corresponding button. Then, they use the arrow buttons to adjust the temperature to their preferred level.
• Operating Modes: The heat pump supports various operating modes:
  • Heat the Water: Select this mode to warm the pool or spa water. The display will show "HEAT SETPOINT" and the desired temperature.
  • Cool the Water: Select this mode to cool the pool or spa water. The display will show "COOL SETPOINT" and the desired temperature.
  • Auto Mode: This mode allows the unit to automatically switch between heating and cooling to maintain a set temperature range.
  • Deactivate Unit (System Off): This mode turns off the heat pump's heating and cooling functions.
• Entry Code: For enhanced security, an entry code can be enabled in the user menu. If active, users must enter a code using the arrow buttons to unlock the keypad and access heat pump options.
• First-Time Operation:
  • Heating: For initial heating, confirm the unit is in heating mode, set the desired temperature, and temporarily set the filter pump for continuous operation. Using a pool cover or blanket is recommended to reduce heating time.
  • Cooling: For initial cooling, confirm the unit is in cooling mode, set the desired temperature, and temporarily set the filter pump for continuous operation.
• Water Under the Heat Pump: It is normal to observe water around the heat pump, as it produces condensation as a byproduct of its operation. The amount of condensation varies with humidity, with common rates of 8 to 10 gallons per hour.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and efficient operation of the AquaCal heat pump:

• Clearances: Adequate air circulation is crucial for efficient operation. The unit requires specific minimum clearances around its perimeter to prevent obstruction of airflow.
  • Overhead: A minimum of 5 feet (152 cm) overhead clearance is required. Overhangs with gutters should direct rain runoff away from the heater.
  • Sides: A minimum of 1 foot (30 cm) clearance is needed on the sides.
  • Back: A minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) clearance is required at the back.
  • Front: A minimum of 3 feet (91 cm) clearance is needed at the front.
• Environmental Considerations:
  • Avoid storing chemical containers near the heat pump, as chemicals can cause equipment damage.
  • Do not place objects like shrubbery or lawn furniture near or on top of the heat pump, as this can reduce performance, efficiency, and hinder maintenance access.
  • Ensure sprinklers are directed away from the heater.
• Condensation Management: Keep the drain holes at the base of the unit free of grass and weeds to allow condensation to drain properly. If the unit is located under trees, accumulated leaves and debris should be regularly removed by a qualified technician.
• Pool Blankets: Using a pool blanket can significantly reduce heating costs and help maintain water temperature. Conventional "Solar Blankets" are thin plastic membranes that float on the water surface. Liquid blankets offer an alternative, reducing heat loss by approximately 30% overnight, though strong winds can reduce their effectiveness.
  • Safety Warning: It is critical to note that pool/spa solar blankets are not safety covers and are not designed to support the weight of a person or pet. Never enter a pool until the solar cover is completely removed, and no one should swim under the blanket. Always follow the manufacturer's safety recommendations.

For further assistance, users can contact their distributor or installer. If unavailable, AquaCal can provide a partner in the user's area. Having the heat pump model and serial number available will assist in quicker support. Additional information on installation, maintenance, winterization, equipment, or troubleshooting advice is available on the AquaCal website.

Aquacal HP9 Specifications

General

Category	Heat Pump
Compressor Type	Scroll
Model	HP9
Power Supply	230V, 1 Phase, 60Hz
Max Current	40 Amps
Refrigerant	R410A
Water Flow Rate	30 GPM