AUTOPILOT SYSTEMS Pool Pilot Digital

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Summary

General Product Information

Product Information and Contact Numbers

Provides contact details for customer assistance and manufacturer information.

Record Installation Details

Section for recording essential installation and unit details.

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

Crucial safety warnings and precautions to be followed before and during installation and use.

Electrical and Equipment Safety

Specific safety guidelines and requirements related to electrical connections and bonding.

Installation

Main Components

Overview of the primary components of the Pool Pilot Digital system.

Control Box Installation

Step-by-step guide and template for mounting the control box.

Electrical Connections

Detailed instructions for making electrical connections, including voltage conversion.

Cell and Manifold Installation

Procedure for installing the electrolytic cell and manifold assembly.

Operation

Key Features

Overview of the digital display, control buttons, and operational modes.

Main Menu and System Diagnostics

Navigating the main menu for system diagnostics and initial testing.

Owner Options and Settings

Customizing display preferences, time settings, and pump programs.

Maintenance and Installer Menus

Accessing menus for maintenance, calibration, and installer-specific configurations.

Pool Water Preparation

Salt Requirements

Recommended salt levels and guidance on adding salt to the pool.

Start Up Procedures

Steps for initial pool startup, including balancing chemicals and setting the unit.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Water Chemistry Parameters

Essential water chemistry ranges and periodic checks for optimal system performance.

Saturation Index (Si)

Explanation of the Saturation Index formula and its importance for water balance.

Service and Maintenance

Control Box and Fuse Locations

Location of serviceable parts within the control box, including fuses and their ratings.

Tri-Sensor Assembly

Details on the Tri-Sensor assembly, its function, and removal procedure.

Cell Inspection and Cleaning

Guidelines for visually inspecting and manually cleaning the electrolytic cell.

Filter Backwashing

Recommendation for output setting during filter backwashing.

Troubleshooting

Insufficient Purifier Production

Diagnosing and resolving issues related to low or no purifier output.

Scale Build-up within the Cell

Identifying causes and solutions for calcium scale buildup inside the cell.

Premature Cell Failure

Troubleshooting reasons for premature cell failure and replacement procedures.

No Power to the Control Box

Steps to diagnose and fix issues where the control box receives no power.

Service Light Flashing; Error Messages

Interpreting service light indicators and error messages for system problems.

The Pool Pilot Digital is a swimming pool and spa purification system designed to convert AC power into low-voltage DC current, which energizes an electrolytic cell to produce a purifying agent. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Function Description:

The system's primary function is to generate a purifying agent (chlorine or bromine) for pools and spas. It features an Automatic Temperature Compensation feature that adjusts the output level based on water temperature, optimizing purifier production between 50°F and 90°F (10°C to 32.2°C). The system also includes a Tri-Sensor Assembly that monitors flow, salt level, and water temperature to prevent conditions that could damage the cell.

Important Technical Specifications:

Input Power: 115 VAC (3.0 AC amps) or 230 VAC (1.5 AC amps), 50/60 Hz.
Output Power:
- Cell Power 1: 5.0* DC amps
- Cell Power 2: 6.5* DC amps
- Cell Power 3: 8.0* DC amps
- (*Indicates nominal amperage output. The dual-axis controller will slightly vary the amps to optimize the power to the cell.)
Maximum Daily Cl2 Output Rating:
- SC-60: 1.92 lbs/day (0.88 kg/day)
- SC-48: 1.56 lbs/day (0.71 kg/day)
- SC-36: 1.28 lbs/day (0.58 kg/day)
Internal Pump Relay: Rated for 30-amp max.
Maximum Operating Pressure: 50 psi.
Maximum Flow Rate: 100 gpm.
Minimum Flow Rate for Tri-Sensor Activation: 15 gpm (3.4 m³/hr).
Salt Residual: Recommended 2500-3500 ppm (2.5-3.5 g/l) for peak efficiency. Can handle up to 35,000 ppm (35.0 g/l) for seawater pools.
Bonding: Requires a minimum No. 8 AWG (8.4 mm²) solid copper bonding conductor to metal equipment within 10' (3 m) of the spa or hot tub.
Installation Distance: At least 10' (3 m) for 115VAC Units from the inside wall of the pool or spa (non-metallic plumbing). 5' (1.5 m) minimum distance for 230VAC Units.
Power Disconnection: A disconnection device with a contact separation of at least 0.12" (3mm) in all poles must be incorporated in the fixed wiring.
Fuses:
- F1 (Main AC Power Fuse): 3 Amps 250 VAC (6 Amps @ 115 VAC)
- F2 (Control Panel Circuit Board Fuse): 3 Amps 250 VAC
- F3 (Cell Fuse): 20 Amps 250 VAC

Usage Features:

Digital Display: Provides full information and diagnostics, including Purifying Output Level (%), current time, temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius), cell status (ON/OFF), and Polarity Direction.
Purifying Output Level Adjustment: Adjustable from 0% (OFF) to 100% (MAX) using Up/Down Arrows, corresponding to the cell's energized time during a 15-minute cycle.
BOOST Mode: Increases purifier output to 100% for 24 hours.
SUPERBOOST Mode: Achieved by pressing and holding the Boost Button for 5 seconds, this mode increases purifier output to 100% for up to 72 hours.
PUMP Button: Temporarily overrides the pump timer to turn the pump on or off, or manually turn it off for maintenance.
CHECK SYSTEM Light: Flashes to indicate a system problem, with error messages displayed on the screen.
FREEZE PROTECTION: Automatically runs the pump continually (30-minute minimum) when water temperature falls below 40°F (4.4°C) to prevent PVC damage.
Owner Options Menu: Allows users to change display preferences (English/Metric, Temperature Units, 12/24-hour Time), set the time of day, and program pump on/off cycles for one-speed or two-speed pumps.
Installer Menu: Provides access to advanced settings such as setting pool volume, cell power level (1, 2, or 3), and pump configuration (External Timer, One-Speed Pump, Two-Speed Pump, or Remote Runs Pump).
Self-Cleaning Reverse Rate: Adjustable to 2, 4, 8, or 16 hours to prevent calcium scale build-up on the cell. Factory default is 4 hours.

Maintenance Features:

Visual Cell Inspection: Users should periodically inspect the titanium cell blades for straightness, debris, and scale build-up. White flaky or crusty build-up indicates scaling.
Manual Cell Cleaning: If scale builds up beyond the self-cleaning capability, the cell can be removed and cleaned with a high-pressure hose nozzle and a mixture of one part muriatic acid to four parts water. Immersion for up to 15 minutes is recommended.
Tri-Sensor Assembly Removal and Inspection: The Tri-Sensor can be removed by unscrewing two screws from the sides of the Tee Assembly. Inspect the metallic paddle for erosion and straightness, and the salt sensor blades for scale and debris.
Filter Backwashing: It is recommended to turn the Control Panel Output setting to 0% (OFF) when backwashing a Sand or DE filter.
Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting section with common problems, causes, and solutions, including issues like insufficient purifier production, scale build-up, electrical problems, and error messages.
Water Chemistry Monitoring: Regular checks of Free Chlorine/Bromine, pH, Calcium Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Cyanuric Acid, and Salt Residual are recommended. The Saturation Index chart helps determine water balance.
Fuse Locations: The manual details the location and ratings of the main AC power fuse, control panel circuit board fuse, and cell fuse for easy replacement.

The Pool Pilot Digital system is designed for ease of use and maintenance, with features to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the purification cell.