This document is an owner's manual for Beachcomber Hot Tubs, providing comprehensive instructions for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It covers various models, including the 300, 500, and 700 series, as well as specific portable models like the 160, 320, 320M, 320XM, and 350. The manual emphasizes safety, proper setup, water care, and features to ensure a safe and enjoyable hot tub experience.
Function Description
Beachcomber Hot Tubs are designed to provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience through heated, circulating water and hydro-massage jets. The hot tubs feature a management system that controls heating, filtration, and jet operation. Different models offer varying levels of sophistication in their control systems, from basic temperature adjustment in the 300 series to advanced programming options for filtration cycles and time clocks in the 700 series.
The core function of the hot tub involves heating water to a desired temperature, typically between 60°F (16°C) and 104°F (40°C), and circulating it through a filtration system to maintain water clarity and hygiene. Pumps are used to circulate water and power the massage jets, with some models featuring two-speed pumps for low-speed circulation and high-speed jet operation. Optional features like the Hush Pump™ are designed for energy-efficient, continuous filtration.
Safety is a paramount function, with features like GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection, high-limit sensors to prevent overheating, and freeze protection sensors that activate pumps in cold conditions. The hot tubs are also designed with safety in mind for entry and exit, incorporating molded interior steps and side hand grips.
Usage Features
The manual details several usage features across different Beachcomber Hot Tub models:
- Temperature Adjustment: Users can set and adjust the desired water temperature. On 300 series digital systems, temperature is the primary adjustable setting. 500 and 700 series offer more advanced control.
- Light/Massage Controls: Buttons on the control panel allow users to cycle through light and jet features. For example, on the 300 series, a single pad controls low-speed pump, low-speed pump with light, high-speed pump with light, high-speed pump only, and off. Pump operation times are typically limited (e.g., low-speed pump turns off after 1 hour, high-speed pump after 15 minutes, light after 2 hours).
- Filter Cycle Programming: Hot tubs are pre-set to filter water daily. On 500 and 700 series models, users can program filter duration (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 hours) and the number of cycles per day (one or two). Hush Pump™ equipped models are often set for 24-hour filtration due to their energy efficiency.
- Standby Mode: This mode temporarily disables hot tub functions (except freeze control) for tasks like filter replacement. It is activated by pressing specific buttons on the control panel.
- Turbo (Optional): Available on some 500 and 700 series models, the turbo feature increases the amount of air coming out of the jets, enhancing the massage experience. It typically turns off automatically after 15 minutes.
- Time Setting (700 Series): The 700 series includes a time clock that needs to be set to ensure filter cycles run at the correct times.
- Massage Jets (Energ-Jets™): These jets come in various sizes (small, medium, large) and are interchangeable within their sizes. They can be turned on/off individually by twisting them. Neck jets on some models have a pull-out/push-in mechanism.
- Air Control Valves: Located on the top-side panel, these levers allow users to draw warm air into the jets, increasing the intensity of the hydro-massage. Different valves control jets in specific areas of the hot tub.
- RFM Diverter Valve (Optional): On models with the Reflex Foot Massage (RFM) option, this valve diverts water flow between the RFM foot jets and the seat jets. It is recommended to turn the pump to low speed or off before adjusting this valve.
- Hot Tub Light: All models include an underwater light. On 700 series hot tubs, the light output can be varied (high, medium, low).
- AquaCoustic Surround Sound System™ (ACSS - Optional): Available on certain 550x, 578, 580, and 700 series models, this system provides low-level audio. It includes a water-resistant remote control and requires proper alignment with an emitter for functionality.
- Panel Lock/Temperature/Filter Cycle Lock (700 Series): These features allow users to lock the control panel or specific settings to prevent accidental changes.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides detailed instructions for maintaining the hot tub and its components:
- Water Care and Chemistry: This is a critical aspect of maintenance. Users are instructed to regularly check and adjust pH level (ideal 7.2-7.8), sanitizer level (3-5 ppm chlorine/bromine), calcium hardness (150-200 ppm), and total alkalinity (100-120 ppm). Specific Beachcomber products like Eliminate #1 (metal sequestering), Eliminate Plus #2 (scale inhibitor), Pure Blue (clarifier), and Purezyme (enzymes) are recommended for initial fill and weekly use.
- Water Change Frequency: A formula is provided to calculate how often the water needs to be changed (typically 3-4 times a year or more depending on bather load).
- Filter Removal and Maintenance: The 25 sq ft Microfilter should be cleaned approximately every two weeks, or more frequently with high bather load. The process involves putting the hot tub in standby mode, removing the trim ring and weir assembly, lifting out the basket, and then pulling out the filter. The filter should be soaked in a cleaner like Filter Pure overnight and then rinsed thoroughly. Alternating between two filters is recommended.
- Cleaning of the Acrylic Surface: The acrylic surface should be cleaned with Tub Clean to remove scum lines and a damp cloth for general wiping. Ammonia-based cleaners should be avoided. The Heatshield cover should always be on when the hot tub is empty and exposed to sun.
- Heatshield and Step Tops Maintenance: Vinyl products should be cleaned with a mild dish soap solution and treated with Cover All to prolong their life. The Heatshield is not designed to support heavy weight.
- Hot Tub Cabinetry and Steps Maintenance: Natural cedar cabinets can be maintained with Nu Wood Stain Clear annually, or Nu Wood Natural/Twilight to restore color if weathered. Enviroskirt™ cabinets can be cleaned with mild dish soap.
- Plastic Components Maintenance: Jets should be removed periodically and rinsed to clear debris. Calcium build-up can be treated by soaking parts in Filter Cure and scrubbing. Suction covers in the footwell should be cleaned manually.
- Draining the Hot Tub: Instructions are provided for safely draining the hot tub, including checking sanitizer levels, turning off power, attaching a garden hose to the drain/fill valve, and scooping out residual water.
- Ozone Generator (Optional) Maintenance: The ozone generator's microchip has a rated output of 9000 hours and will eventually need replacement when the purple glow (indicating ozone production) diminishes. Instructions for replacement are provided.
- Winter Operation Information: Beachcomber hot tubs have built-in freeze protection. In case of prolonged power outages or non-use during winter, specific shut-down procedures are outlined, including draining all water from plumbing lines and pumps, and storing the filter element dry.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive table lists common problems, most likely causes, and solutions, covering issues like flow errors, sensor malfunctions, pump problems, water quality issues, and remote control failures.