This document provides installation and operation instructions for the AstralPool Viron XT Series 2 Pumps, specifically models P320XT and P520XT. It emphasizes safety, proper installation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the equipment.
Function Description
The Viron XT Series 2 Pumps are designed for use in swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. They serve as the primary circulation component, moving water through the filtration system, heaters, and other pool equipment. These pumps are variable-speed, allowing for adjustment of flow rates to suit different pool operations and maximize energy efficiency. The P320XT model is ideal for average-sized pools, capable of backwashing sand filters up to 30 inches or 800mm in diameter, providing powerful vacuum for cleaning, and driving up to 6 spa jets. The P520XT model offers higher flow and pressure, incorporating electronic power factor correction for further reductions in power consumption, even at maximum speed.
Key functions include:
- Water Circulation and Filtration: Moving water through the pool's filtration system to remove debris and maintain water clarity.
- Backwashing: Providing sufficient flow rate and pressure to backwash sand filters, cleaning the filter media.
- Pool Cleaning: Supporting suction cleaners by providing adequate vacuum power.
- Spa Jet Operation: Driving spa jets for hydrotherapy.
- Water Features: Operating water features such as waterfalls.
- Energy Efficiency: Variable speed operation allows for reduced energy consumption during periods of lower demand, such as daily filtration.
Usage Features
The Viron XT Series 2 Pumps are equipped with advanced features to enhance user experience and operational flexibility:
Control Panel and Speed Selections
The pumps feature an LCD backlit screen that displays the motor's RPM and allows for easy adjustment of various settings. There are three pre-set speed settings: Low, Medium, and High, which can be customized.
- Low Speed: Recommended for daily pool filtration when a cleaner is not connected. It's designed to gently turn over the water once per day and circulate it completely. The installer should adjust this speed to ensure the chlorinator cell remains full and the skimmer weir door creates sufficient surface tension for skimming leaves.
- Medium Speed: Generally used for special purposes, such as operating in-floor cleaning systems (which require higher pressures and flow rates), spa jets, water features, or suction pool cleaners.
- High Speed: Typically used for backwashing sand filters. This speed should be set to achieve a filter gauge pressure of approximately 70-100 kPa, depending on the filter size and backwash pipe line.
- Overdrive Mode: Can be used for in-floor cleaning systems, to obtain extra pressure for spa jets, or for additional vacuum suction when cleaning the pool.
Programmable Timer Settings
The pumps include an in-built 24-hour timer that can be easily enabled, allowing for up to four time periods each day with different speed settings. This provides flexibility for various applications, such as in-floor cleaning or programming water features at specific times.
Priming Function
The pump automatically starts on a "PRIME" speed for the first five minutes to assist with priming, quickly filling the hair and lint pot with water. After this period, the pump returns to the last set speed in MANUAL mode. The start-up priming time can be adjusted from 2 minutes to 120 minutes, and the priming flow rate can also be customized. The Viron XT Series 2 Pump primes 30% faster than conventional maximum speed.
Connectivity and External Control
The pumps can be integrated with compatible AstralPool devices such as VX Salt Chlorinators, Viron Salt Chlorinators, or Viron Connect Touch Screens via an RJ12 communication cable. When connected, these external devices can control the pump's speed and operating hours, overriding the pump's in-built timer. This requires deactivating the pump's internal timer and enabling the communication port.
Suction Cleaner Operation
When using a suction cleaner, it is essential to achieve full prime on the pump before connecting the cleaner hose. The pump's speed can be adjusted to optimize the cleaner's travel across the pool.
Gas Heater Integration
For compatible AstralPool Gas Heaters, the pump can automatically increase its speed to ensure sufficient water pressure for the heater's pressure switch to activate and for proper water flow. This integration also uses an RJ12 data cable.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the Viron XT Series 2 Pumps to ensure long life, trouble-free performance, and to prevent serious damage. The manual outlines a maintenance schedule and troubleshooting tips.
Routine Maintenance
- Hair and Lint Basket Inspection: Users should regularly inspect the pump filter basket for debris by looking through the clear pump lid. Accumulated debris can block water flow, reducing pump performance. The basket should be removed, cleaned thoroughly with a garden hose, and any remaining debris removed by hand.
- Lid O-ring Maintenance: The lid o-ring seal should be checked for debris and cleaned to prevent air leaks into the system. If damaged, it should be replaced. The lid should be hand-tightened only to ensure an air-tight seal.
- Valve Checks: All valves should be verified to be in the proper position for normal operation.
- Pressure Release Valve: The filter's pressure release valve should be opened and closed to ensure it is clean and ready for operation.
Winterizing the Pump
To protect the pump from freezing temperatures, which can cause severe damage and void the warranty:
- Drain Water: All water should be drained from the pump, system equipment, and piping.
- Drain Plugs: The two drain plugs (with captured o-rings) should be removed and stored safely, then reinstalled when the cold weather season is over.
- Motor Protection: The motor should be kept covered and dry, but not with plastic, as this can create condensation.
- Professional Disconnection: AstralPool recommends having a qualified service technician or electrician properly disconnect the electrical wiring and store the pump indoors. Conduit and terminal box covers should be reinstalled to prevent contaminants.
Troubleshooting
The manual includes a troubleshooting section with common issues, possible causes, and solutions. When an error condition occurs, a message is displayed on the screen.
- Noisy Pump: Possible causes include issues with the impeller, bearings, mechanical seal, capacitor, or a burnt-out motor. Solutions range from checking for impeller obstructions to calling for service.
- Pump Not Running: Could be due to something stuck in the impeller or a motor failure.
- Leaking Pump: Leaks can occur from the lid (due to a cracked o-ring or insecure lid) or from underneath (due to general wear and tear of the mechanical seal or poor water chemistry).
- Pump Not Priming: Often caused by debris build-up in the skimmer or hair and lint basket, restrictive suction cleaners, or damaged/misaligned o-rings.
Fault Codes
The pump displays specific fault codes to indicate problems:
- HIT (Over Temperature): Indicates the control is very hot, possibly due to extreme ambient temperatures or poor airflow. The pump will attempt to slow down to cool.
- HI A (Over Current): Suggests excessive current draw, potentially from an incorrect impeller, damaged bearings/seal, or motor winding issues.
- LO V (Under Input Voltage): Indicates low mains voltage, possibly due to poor supply, excessive cable length, or an undersized cable.
- BSUC (Motor is Stuck): Means the rotor is stuck or stiff, or there's a short circuit in two phases, usually a mechanical fault.
Regular checks for leaves, debris, flooding, insects/ants, and leaks under the pump are also part of the maintenance schedule. For issues requiring technical expertise, contacting a local pool professional or AstralPool Technical Support is recommended.