Balboa VS300 - User Manual

Spa Quick Start Guide
Balboa VS300 System for VL406U Topside Control
For Use with Four Winds Spas Tropical Series: One pump pack, Non-Wifi Topside
Start-up
Your spa will enter Priming Mode ( ) after the initial start-up
sequence . During Priming Mode, press “Jets” button
repeatedly and be sure the pump is free of air. Priming
Mode lasts less than 5 minutes. Press “Warm” or “Cool” to exit.
After Priming Mode, the spa will run in its preset mode (see
Mode section for details.).
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.
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). If left running, the pump will turn
off after a preset length of time, which on some systems may be as
long as 2 hours for low speed. 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.
In multi-button sequences, if the buttons are pressed too quickly
in sequence, they may not register.
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 “Warm” 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.
Filter duration is programmable for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours or for
continuous filtration. The default filter time is 2 hours.
It is important to set filter cycles on a pattern. We recommend
programing cycles at 7 am & 7 pm and avoiding the hours from
10am-5pm.
To program, press “Warm,,” then “Jets.” Press “Warm” and “Cool” to
adjust. Press “Jets” to exit programming.
At the beginning of each filter cycle all other equipment will run
briefly to purge the plumbing.
Automatic polling (in Standard Mode only)
The pump will activate for 1 minute to check the temperature:
- every 30 minutes
- whenever any other pump or blower is turned on
- whenever the set temperature is raised
This document covers VS and GS systems 300F using software v41 only with Balboa Panels VL200 through VL406.
Download complete User Guide at http://www.balboawatergroup.com/getdoc.cfm?id=1482

Summary

Spa Start-up Procedure

Temperature Control and Display

Jets Operation

Spa Light Operation

Spa Mode Settings

Standard Mode

Maintains set temperature, indicated by 'St'.

Economy Mode

Heats to set temp only during filter cycles, indicated by 'Er'.

Sleep Mode

Heats to within 20°F/10°C of set temp during filter cycles, indicated by '5L'.

Preset Filter Cycle Configuration

Automatic Polling Function

Spa Diagnostic Messages

Power Interruption

No display, power cut off. Control panel disabled until power returns.

Temperature Unknown

Temperature is unknown. Current temp displayed after pump runs for 1 min.

Overheat Warning (High Temp)

Spa shut down due to 118°F/47.8°C at heater. Do not enter water.

Overheat Warning (Moderate Temp)

Spa shut down due to 110°F/43.5°C. Do not enter water.

Sensor A Failure

Spa shut down. Sensor 'A' jack not working. Contact dealer if persists.

Sensor B Failure

Spa shut down. Sensor 'B' jack not working. Contact dealer if persists.

Sensor Imbalance

Sensors out of balance. May be temporary or indicate spa shutdown.

Sensor Temperature Difference

Significant temp sensor difference, possibly a flow problem.

Low Flow Problem

Persistent low flow. Heater shut down, other functions run.

Inadequate Water;Flow

Possible inadequate water, poor flow, or air bubbles. Spa shut down for 15 min.

Freeze Condition Detected

Potential freeze condition detected. Equipment activates automatically.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
   1. Start-up and Priming
   2. Temperature Control
   3. Jets Operation
   4. Light Operation
   5. Operating Modes
   6. Automatic Polling (Standard Mode Only)
3. Maintenance Features
   1. Preset Filter Cycles
   2. Diagnostic Messages and Troubleshooting
   3. Important Safety Information

This document describes the Balboa VS300 System for VL406U Topside Control, designed for Four Winds Spas Tropical Series with a single pump pack and non-Wifi topside. It provides a quick start guide for operation, diagnostic messages, and troubleshooting.

Function Description

The Balboa VS300 System is a control system for hot tubs, managing various functions such as temperature, jets, and lighting. It operates in different modes to optimize energy consumption and maintain desired water conditions. The system includes diagnostic capabilities to alert users to potential issues and guide them through troubleshooting steps.

Usage Features

Start-up and Priming

Upon initial power-up, the spa enters Priming Mode ("Pr") for less than 5 minutes. During this time, it's crucial to repeatedly press the "Jets" button to ensure the pump is free of air. Exiting Priming Mode can be done by pressing "Warm" or "Cool." After priming, the spa will operate in its preset mode, typically Standard Mode.

Temperature Control

The system displays the last measured water temperature, which is current only after the pump has run for at least 2 minutes. To view the set temperature, press "Warm" or "Cool" once. To adjust the set temperature, press a temperature button again while the display is flashing. Each press of "Warm" or "Cool" changes the set temperature. The display will stop flashing after three seconds and revert to showing the current spa temperature. The temperature range is 80°F - 104°F (26°C - 40°C).

Jets Operation

Pressing the "Jets" button turns the pump on or off and shifts between low and high speeds, if applicable. The pump will automatically turn off after a preset time; for low speed, this can be up to 2 hours, and for high speed, it's 15 minutes. The low speed may activate automatically at times and cannot be deactivated from the panel, though high speed can still be operated. If an ozone generator is installed, it will activate whenever the low speed is running. When pressing multiple buttons in sequence, ensure not to press them too quickly to avoid missed inputs.

Light Operation

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

Operating Modes

The system can operate in different modes, though mode changing may be locked in Standard Mode depending on the configuration. Mode is typically changed by pressing "Warm" then "Light."

• Standard Mode: Maintains the set temperature. "St" will be displayed momentarily when switching to this mode.
• Economy Mode: Heats the spa to the set temperature only during filter cycles. "Ec" will display when the water temperature is not current and will alternate 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. "SL" will display when the water temperature is not current and will alternate with the water temperature when the pump is running.

Automatic Polling (Standard Mode Only)

In Standard Mode, the pump will activate for 1 minute to check the temperature every 30 minutes, whenever any other pump or blower is turned on, or whenever the set temperature is raised. This ensures accurate temperature readings and responsive heating.

Maintenance Features

Preset Filter Cycles

The system includes preset filter cycles to maintain water quality. The first cycle begins 6 minutes after the spa is energized, and the second begins 12 hours later. Filter duration can be programmed for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours, or for continuous filtration, with a default of 2 hours. It's recommended to program cycles at 7 AM and 7 PM, avoiding 10 AM to 5 PM. To program, press "Warm," then "Jets." Use "Warm" and "Cool" to adjust the duration, and "Jets" to exit programming. At the start of each filter cycle, other equipment will briefly run to purge the plumbing.

Diagnostic Messages and Troubleshooting

The system provides diagnostic messages to alert users to potential issues, along with recommended actions:

• No Display Message (--): Indicates power has been cut off. The control panel will be disabled until power returns, but settings are preserved.
• Temperature Unknown (--): Displays after the pump has run for 1 minute, indicating the current water temperature will be shown.
• "Overheat" (HH): Spa shut down due to a sensor detecting 118°F/47.8°C at the heater. DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa cover and allow water to cool. Reset by pushing any button after the heater cools. If it doesn't reset, shut off power and call for service.
• "Overheat" (OH): Spa shut down due to a sensor detecting 110°F/43.5°C spa water. DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa cover and allow water to cool. The spa should automatically reset at 107°F/41.7°C. If not, shut off power and call for service.
• Sensor A Malfunction (SA): Spa shut down; sensor "A" is not working. If the problem persists, contact service.
• Sensor B Malfunction (Sb): Spa shut down; sensor "B" is not working. If the problem persists, contact service.
• Sensors Out of Balance (Sn): If alternating with spa temperature, it might be temporary. If flashing, spa is shut down. If the problem persists, contact service.
• Flow Problem (HL): Significant difference between temperature sensors, indicating a flow problem. If water level is normal, ensure pumps are primed. If problem persists, contact service.
• Persistent Low Flow (LF): Displays on the fifth occurrence within 24 hours. Heater is shut down, but other functions run normally. Heating capability won't reset automatically; press any button to reset.
• Inadequate Water/Poor Flow (dr): Possible inadequate water, poor flow, or air bubbles detected in the heater. Spa shuts down for 15 minutes. If water level is normal, ensure pumps are primed. Press any button to reset. Resets within 15 minutes. If problem persists, contact service.
• Inadequate Water (dy): Displays on the third occurrence of "dr." Spa is shut down. Spa won't automatically reset; press any button to reset manually.
• "Ice" (IC): Potential freeze condition detected. No action required. All equipment will automatically activate 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.

Important Safety Information

The document emphasizes "Warning! Shock Hazard! No User Serviceable Parts." Users should not attempt to service the control system. Contact a 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 connections.

Balboa VS300 Specifications

General

Model	VS300
Type	Spa Control System
Operating Temperature	32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Voltage	120/240V AC
Blower/Pump 2	1 Speed
Input Voltage	120V/240V
Humidity Range	95% non-condensing