Balboa 300 Series - User Manual

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Temp Control

(80°F - 104°F / 26°C - 40°C)

The last measured water temperature is constantly displayed.

The water temperature displayed is current only when the

pump has been running for at least 2 minutes.

On panels with a single “Temp” or “Set” button, to display

the set temperature, press the button once. To change the set

temperature, press the button a second time before the display

stops ﬂashing. Each press of the button will continue to either raise

or lower the set temperature. If the opposite direction is desired,

allow the display to revert to the current water temperature. Press

the button to display the set temperature, and again to make the

temperature change in the desired direction.

On panels with “Warm” and “Cool” buttons, to display the

set temperature, press “Warm” or “Cool” once. To change the set

temperature, press a temperature button again before the display

stops ﬂashing. Each press of “Warm” or “Cool” will adjust the

set temperature.

After three seconds, the display will stop ﬂashing and begin to

display the current spa temperature.

Jets

Press “Jets” to turn the pump on or off, and to shift between low

and high speeds (if equipped). The low speed will turn off after

4 hours. High speed will turn off after 15 minutes. Low speed may

run automatically at times, during which it cannot be deactivated

from the panel, but high speed may be operated. The ozone

generator (if installed) will activate anytime low speed is running.

Initial Start-up

Your spa will enter Priming Mode ( ) when it is energized.

During Priming Mode, press “Jets” button repeatedly and

be sure the pump is free of air. Priming Mode lasts less than

5 minutes. Press “Temp” to exit. After Priming Mode, the spa

will run in Standard Mode (see Mode section). Some panels may

not have a “Temp” button. On these panels the “Set,” “Warm,” or

“Cool” buttons are used.

Button shapes and labels may vary.

Balboa 300/300F-Series Operation Guide

For Systems with Software v38 Only.

This document covers VS and GS systems 300 and 300F using software v38 only with Balboa Panels VL200 through VL406.

Light

Press “Light” to operate the spa light. Turns off after 4 hours.

Mode

Depending on system conﬁguration, mode changing may not be

available and will be locked in Standard Mode.

Mode is changed by pressing “Temp,” then “Light”.

Standard Mode maintains set temperature. will be displayed

momentarily when you switch into Standard Mode.

Economy Mode heats the spa to the set temperature only during

ﬁlter cycles. will display when water temp is not current, and

will alternate with water temp when the pump is running.

Sleep Mode heats the spa to within 20°F/10°C of the set

temperature only during ﬁlter cycles. will display when water

temp is not current, and will alternate with water temp when the

pump is running.

Preset Filter Cycles

The ﬁrst preset ﬁlter cycle begins 6 minutes after the spa is

energized. The second preset ﬁlter cycle begins 12 hours later.

For 300-series systems, ﬁlter duration is programmable for

2, 4, 6, or 8 hours or for continuous ﬁltration (indicated by ).

The default ﬁlter time is 2 hours.

For 300F-series systems, ﬁlter duration is programmable for

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 hours or for continuous ﬁltration (indicated

). The default ﬁlter time is 1 hour.

To program, press “Temp,” then “Jets.” Press “Temp” to adjust.

Press “Jets” to exit programming.

Pump 1 low-speed is responsible for heating and ﬁltration and will

be referred to simply as the pump.

In multi-button sequences, if the buttons are pressed too quickly in

sequence, they may not register.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Balboa 300 Series and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Initial Start-up and Operation

Priming Mode

Guides initial spa energization, pump priming, and exiting Priming Mode to Standard Mode.

Temperature Control

Details how to display and adjust the spa water temperature using various panel buttons.

Jets Operation

Explains how to activate pumps, switch speeds, and understand automatic shut-off times.

Light Operation

Describes how to turn the spa light on and its automatic shut-off feature.

Mode Selection

Outlines Standard, Economy, and Sleep modes for spa heating and operation.

Preset Filter Cycles

Details programming options for filter cycle duration on 300 and 300F series systems.

Diagnostic Messages and Troubleshooting

No Message or Unknown Temperature

Covers no display, power loss, and unknown temperature states, with required actions.

Overheat Conditions

Explains 'Overheat' messages (118°F/47.8°C and 110°F/43.5°C) and required safety actions.

Sensor Malfunctions

Details issues with Sensor 'A', Sensor 'B', and unbalanced sensors, with troubleshooting steps.

Flow and Water Level Issues

Addresses flow problems, inadequate water detection, and potential freeze conditions.

This document describes the Balboa 300/300F-Series Operation Guide for spa control systems running software v38. It covers VS and GS systems 300 and 300F using Balboa Panels VL200 through VL406.

Function Description

The Balboa 300/300F-Series systems are designed to control various functions of a spa, including temperature, jets, lighting, and filtration. The system operates in different modes to optimize energy consumption and maintain water quality.

Initial Start-up and Priming Mode:

Upon initial power-up, the spa enters "Priming Mode" (Pr), which lasts less than 5 minutes. During this mode, users should repeatedly press the "Jets" button to ensure the pump is free of air. Exiting Priming Mode is done by pressing "Temp" (or "Set," "Warm," or "Cool" on some panels). After priming, the spa defaults to "Standard Mode." Pump 1 low-speed is crucial for heating and filtration.

Temperature Control:

The system displays the current water temperature, which is updated after the pump has run for at least 2 minutes. The temperature can be set within a range of 80°F - 104°F (26°C - 40°C).

Single "Temp" or "Set" button: Press once to display the set temperature. Press a second time before the display stops flashing to change the set temperature. Each press adjusts the temperature up or down. To change direction, allow the display to revert to the current water temperature, then press the button again.
"Warm" and "Cool" buttons: Press either "Warm" or "Cool" once to display the set temperature. Press a temperature button again before the display stops flashing to adjust the set temperature. After three seconds, the display stops flashing and shows the current spa temperature.

Jets Control:

Pressing the "Jets" button turns the pump on or off and switches between low and high speeds. Low speed automatically turns off after 4 hours, while high speed turns off after 15 minutes. Low speed may operate automatically for certain functions (e.g., filtration) and cannot be deactivated from the panel during these times, but high speed can still be operated. The ozone generator (if installed) activates whenever low speed is running.

Light Control:

Pressing the "Light" button operates the spa light, which automatically turns off after 4 hours.

Mode Selection:

Mode changing may not be available or may be locked in Standard Mode depending on the system configuration. Modes are changed by pressing "Temp," then "Light."

Standard Mode: Maintains the set temperature. "5t" is displayed momentarily when switching to this mode.
Economy Mode: Heats the spa to the set temperature only during filter cycles. "Ec" is displayed when the water temperature is not current and alternates with the water temperature when the pump is running.
Sleep Mode: Heats the spa to within 20°F/10°C of the set temperature only during filter cycles. "5L" is displayed when the water temperature is not current and alternates with the water temperature when the pump is running.

Preset Filter Cycles:

The first filter cycle begins 6 minutes after the spa is energized, and the second begins 12 hours later.

300-series systems: Filter duration is programmable for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours, or for continuous filtration (FC). The default is 2 hours.
300F-series systems: Filter duration is programmable for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 hours, or for continuous filtration (FC). The default is 1 hour. To program, press "Temp," then "Jets." Use "Temp" to adjust and "Jets" to exit programming.

Important Technical Specifications

Temperature Range: 80°F - 104°F (26°C - 40°C).
Low Speed Jets Auto-off: 4 hours.
High Speed Jets Auto-off: 15 minutes.
Light Auto-off: 4 hours.
Filter Cycle Defaults:
- 300-series: 2 hours (programmable 2, 4, 6, 8 hours, or continuous).
- 300F-series: 1 hour (programmable 1-8 hours, or continuous).
Software Version: v38 only.
Panel Compatibility: VL200 through VL406.

Usage Features

Multi-button Sequences: If buttons are pressed too quickly in sequence, they may not register.
Temperature Display: The displayed water temperature is current only after the pump has been running for at least 2 minutes.
Automatic Functions: Low-speed pump operation for filtration and ozone generation (if installed) can occur automatically.
Freeze Protection: The system includes "Ice" detection, which automatically activates all equipment to prevent freezing, regardless of spa status. Equipment stays on for 4 minutes after sensors detect the spa temperature has risen to 45°F/7.2°C or higher. An optional freeze sensor can be added for colder climates.

Maintenance Features

The manual provides a comprehensive list of diagnostic messages and their corresponding actions, which are crucial for troubleshooting and maintenance.

No message on display (--): Power cut off. Action: Control panel disabled until power returns. Spa settings preserved.
Temperature unknown (---): After 2 minutes of pump run time, current water temperature will display.
Overheat (HH): Spa shut down due to sensor detecting 118°F/47.8°C at heater. Action: DO NOT ENTER WATER. Remove cover, cool spa. Reset by pushing any button. If not, shut off power and call service.
Overheat (OH): Spa shut down due to sensor detecting 110°F/43.5°C spa water. Action: DO NOT ENTER WATER. Remove cover, cool spa. Should auto-reset at 107°F/41.7°C. If not, shut off power and call service.
Sensor A not working (SA): Spa shut down. Action: Contact dealer/service organization if problem persists. (May appear temporarily in overheat.)
Sensor B not working (5b): Spa shut down. Action: Contact dealer/service organization if problem persists. (May appear temporarily in overheat.)
Sensors out of balance (5n): May be temporary if alternating with spa temperature. If flashing alone, spa is shut down. Action: Contact dealer/service organization if problem persists.
Flow problem (HL): Significant difference between temperature sensors. Action: Check water level, prime pumps. If problem persists, contact dealer/service organization.
Persistent low flow (LF): Fifth occurrence of HL within 24 hours. Heater shut down, other functions run normally. Action: Follow HL actions. Heating will not auto-reset; press any button to reset.
Inadequate water/flow/air bubbles (dr): Spa shut down for 15 minutes. Action: Check water level, prime pumps. Press any button to reset. Resets within 15 minutes. If problem persists, contact dealer/service organization.
Inadequate water in heater (dY): Third occurrence of dr. Spa shut down. Action: Follow dr actions. Spa will not auto-reset; press any button to reset manually.
Potential freeze condition (IC): No action required. All equipment automatically activates regardless of spa status. Stays on 4 minutes after sensors detect spa temperature rises to 45°F/7.2°C or higher. Auxiliary freeze sensor protection is advisable in colder climates.

Safety Information:

The manual emphasizes a "Warning! Shock Hazard! No User Serviceable Parts." Users are instructed not to attempt service and to contact their dealer or service organization for assistance. All power connection instructions in the owner's manual must be followed, and installation must be performed by a licensed electrician with proper grounding.