This document is an owner's manual for Cal Spas portable spas, providing comprehensive information on installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It is available in English, French, Dutch, Spanish, German, and Norwegian.
Function Description
The Cal Spas portable spa is designed to provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience through hydrotherapy. It features a high-powered water pump that pushes water through various therapy jets, which can be adjusted for intensity. Air venturis can also be used to add air into the spa water, enhancing the massage. The spa is equipped with an electric heater to maintain a set water temperature, and a filtration system to keep the water clean and balanced. Some models include optional features such as waterfalls and an entertainment system. The spa is designed for ease of use with electronic control panels and, in some models, auxiliary controls and a wireless spa monitor.
Important Technical Specifications
- Electrical Installation: All 230V spas must be permanently hardwired to the power supply. The electrical circuit must be on a dedicated RCD (Residual Current Device) protected circuit, with no other appliances or lights sharing the power. Copper wire with THHN insulation is required; aluminum wire is not permitted.
- 6115 and 6215 Control Boxes (All portable spas except Fitness Spas):
- Single Service: One 32 amp RCD or one 16 amp RCD, three #10 AWG copper wires.
- Dual Service: Two 16 amp RCDs, five #10 AWG copper wires.
- 8015 Control Box (All portable spas except Fitness Spas):
- Single Service: One 32 amp RCD or one 16 amp RCD, three #10 AWG copper wires.
- Dual Service: Two 16 amp RCDs, five #10 AWG copper wires.
- OE9905 P4 Control Box (Fitness Spas with 2.5 kW heater):
- Single Service: One 32 amp RCD, three #10 AWG copper wires.
- OE9905 P4 Control Box (Fitness Spas with 8.5 kW heater):
- Dual Service: Two 32 amp RCDs, six #10 AWG copper wires.
- 8.5 kW Heater (Ultimate Fitness spas only): Requires two electrical services, each with 32 amps, 2 or 3 wires (hot, neutral, ground) and #10 AWG.
- Water Temperature: Should never exceed 40˚C (104˚F). Temperatures between 38˚C (100.4˚F) and 40˚C (104˚F) are considered safe for healthy adults.
- Water Level: Should be at the middle of the skimmer area when the spa is not being used.
- Filter Cartridge: Advanced Bio-Clean™ filter cartridge designed to protect against bacterial growth.
Usage Features
- Electronic Control Panels (6105, 6205, 8005, 9005 series):
- Initial Start-up: Spas automatically enter "Priming mode" for up to five minutes, then heat to a default temperature of 37.5°C (100°F).
- Temperature Adjustment: Range of 26°C (78.8°F) to 40°C (104°F). Press the "Temp" button to display and adjust the set temperature.
- Heating Modes:
- Standard Mode (St): Maintains the set spa temperature automatically.
- Economy Mode (Ec): Heats only during filtration times.
- Sleep Mode (SL): Heats only during filtration cycles, to within 10°C (50°F) of the set temperature.
- Jets: "Jets" button activates low-speed pump (once), high-speed pump (twice), or turns off the pump (thrice). Automatic shut-off after 4 hours for low speed and 15 minutes for high speed.
- Light: "Light" button controls the spa light and optional lighting. Automatic shut-off after 15 minutes.
- Option Button: (For 6105/6205) Turns pump 2 on/off. (For 8005/9005) Controls optional equipment (blower), with automatic shut-off after 15 minutes.
- Invert Button (8005/9005): Flips display numbers upside down for easier reading from inside the spa.
- Panel Lock (8005/9005): Locks all buttons except "TIME" (press TIME, JETS 1, UP within 3 seconds). Unlocks with TIME, JETS 1, DOWN.
- Temperature Lock (8005/9005): Locks the set temperature (press UP/DOWN, TIME, JETS 1, UP within 3 seconds). Unlocks with UP/DOWN, TIME, JETS 1, DOWN.
- Auxiliary Control (8005 series only): Small panel with JETS1, JETS2, LIGHT, and OPTION buttons for convenient control.
- Wireless Spa Monitor: Allows monitoring and changing spa activity from a distance. Buttons for Light, Temp, Jet 1, and Mode.
- Adjustable Jets: Rotate the face of most jets counter-clockwise to decrease water flow, clockwise to increase. Neck jets adjust in opposite directions.
- Diverter Knobs: Larger knobs on the spa top to divert water flow between different jet sections (e.g., floor to wall jets). Rotate left to decrease flow, right to increase.
- Air Venturis: Smaller knobs on the spa top to add air to jet pressure. Rotate left to increase airflow, right to decrease.
- Adjustable Therapy System™ (ATS™): Available on some models, controls a dedicated seat pump with seven massage modes and a demonstration mode. "PUMP ON/OFF" button activates the pump. "PULSE MODE" button cycles through massage modes. Automatic shut-off after 15 minutes, followed by a cool-down cycle.
- Multi-Colored Spa Light: "LIGHT" button cycles through different color choices.
- Waterfalls: Optional feature, knob near waterfall controls flow when booster pump is on.
Maintenance Features
- Water Quality Maintenance:
- Clear Water Plan: Emphasizes preventive actions and choosing a chemical plan (Bromine or Chlorine) or alternative sanitation (Ozonator).
- Filter Cleaning: Place dirty filter in a bucket with 8 oz of "Liquid Filter Cleaner" for at least 24 hours, then spray clean with a water hose. Allow to dry completely (2 days recommended). Replace annually or when frayed.
- Filtration Cycles: Two daily pre-programmed 2-hour cycles, adjustable to 4, 6, or 8 hours via the topside control panel.
- Bather Load: Higher bather load requires more chemicals and longer filtration times.
- Chemical Safety: Always follow directions, wear protective gear, never mix chemicals, and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area out of reach of children.
- Traditional Chemical Start-up: Clean spa, apply "Fast Sheen," fill with tap water (no soft water), balance water chemistry (alkalinity 80-120ppm, pH 7.2-7.8), add "Metal Protector," then add Bromine (2 oz "Go Brom" + 2 tablets) or Chlorine (2 tablespoons granules). Shock with "Oxidizer Shock" and run jets for 15 minutes uncovered.
- Bromine Clear Water Plan (Daily/Weekly): Test water, adjust alkalinity/pH, add bromine tablets/oxidizer shock, clean filter, vacuum debris.
- Chlorine Clear Water Plan (Daily/Weekly): Test water, adjust alkalinity/pH, add chlorine granules/oxidizer shock, clean filter, vacuum debris.
- Ozonator Clear Water Plan: Similar to Chlorine plan, with ozonator activated during filtration.
- Cal Clarity II Bromine Generator: Automatically generates bromine. Requires testing for bromine (2-5 PPM) and total dissolved solids (TDS 1600-1900). Add BromiCharge™ to water as needed. Features Maintenance Mode, Boost Mode, and Diagnostic Mode.
- Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule:
- Monthly: Deep clean filter, check equipment area for leaks/rodents/insects.
- Every 3-4 Months: Drain and clean spa with "Multi-Purpose Cleaner," polish acrylic with "Fast Sheen," clean and treat cover/pillows/cabinet with "Cover Protector," follow start-up procedures when refilling.
- Annually: Check filter cartridge pleats and replace if frayed.
- Pillow Maintenance: Pillows can be removed for cleaning by pulling up firmly. Reseat by aligning inserts and striking firmly.
- Spa Cover: Keep covered when not in use to save electricity, protect from UV rays, maintain warranty, and prevent drowning. Not designed to support weight.
- Draining: Drain every 4-6 months. Turn off power, remove filters, connect garden hose to drain valve (located on side or inside cabinet), open valve, drain completely, close valve.
- Winterizing (Cold Climates): Keep spa full and running at normal temperatures. If draining is necessary, open all filter covers, remove filters/baskets, drain completely, remove pump drain plugs, disconnect pump unions, use wet/dry vacuum to remove remaining water from jets/equipment area. Cover with spa cover and all-weather tarp.
- Cleaning Cover, Shell, and Pillows: Use Vinyl and Leather Cleaner sparingly. For covers: remove, dry, spray evenly, wipe dry, reinstall. For pillows: wipe dry, spray carefully, wipe dry. Do not use automotive vinyl protectants.
- All-Purpose Cleaner (Spa Finish): For cleaning dirt, oil, calcium. Spray directly on finish, wipe with soft cloth, repeat on calcified areas, rinse with wet sponge, allow to dry.
- Fast Sheen (Spa Finish Protecting Wax): For protecting spa finish. Apply to clean, cool, dry surfaces with soft towel/sponge, allow to dry until white/powdery, buff clean. Do not use on water-filled spas.
Entertainment System (Optional)
- CD Player: Operates with POWER button or remote. MODE button for radio. Left/right arrows for tuning. OPEN button for disk drive (Sony CDX-HS70MW). Insert disk into slot (Sony CDX-GT10M). EJECT button to remove disk.
- AQ-DM-4 iPod Docking Station: Integrated docking station for iPods and MP3 players. Synchronize remote control by pressing Play/Pause and Power buttons simultaneously for 2 seconds, then turn on docking station within 10 seconds.
Keeping Fit with Your Swim Spa (Optional)
- Exercise Equipment: Rubber exercise bands (62", 32", 27"), rowing arm bars, hand grips, ankle bands, hand loops, exercise belt. Attach to exercise anchors on spa walls.
- Exercise Program: Includes seated row, standing chest fly, standing chest press, standing shoulder press, arm curls, running/walking (using exercise belt and swim jets), leg stretching/strength training. Always consult a physician before starting any exercise program.