This document serves as the owner's manual for Cal Spas Platinum, Escape X, and Deck Spas models for 2024. It provides comprehensive information on installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure a luxurious and relaxing spa experience.
Function Description
The Cal Spas are designed to provide comfort and relaxation through hydrotherapy. They feature a Gecko in.k1000+ control system for managing various spa functions, including water temperature, jet operation, lighting, and filtration cycles. Optional features like the in.touch 2 Wifi Transmitter allow for remote control and monitoring of the spa. The spas are equipped with adjustable jets, air venturis, and in some models, waterfalls, to customize the hydrotherapy experience.
Important Technical Specifications
- Electrical Installation: All 240V spas require permanent hardwiring to the power supply, adhering to NEC 70 and local codes in the USA, and applicable codes in Canada. A dedicated GFCI-protected circuit is mandatory, with no other appliances sharing power. Copper wire with THHN insulation is specified, and wire gauge must be increased for runs over 100 feet.
- GFCI Requirements:
- IN.YE3 (2 Pump System): 40 Amp, Four #6 AWG Copper Wires
- IN.YE5 (3 Pump System): 50 Amp, Four #6 AWG Copper Wires
- IN.YE5 (4 Pump System): 60 Amp, Four #6 AWG Copper Wires
- Water Temperature: The spa water should never exceed 104°F (40°C). Temperatures between 100°F (38°C) and 104°F (40°C) are considered safe for healthy adults. Lower temperatures are recommended for children and extended use.
- Foundation Requirements: A solid and level foundation capable of supporting 150 lbs per square foot (732 Kg/m²) is required. A 3 to 4-inch (30 cm) concrete slab is recommended.
- Water Level: The spa should be filled with regular tap water to about six inches from the top. Soft water is not recommended as it can hinder proper water chemistry and void the warranty.
- ATS Therapy Seat System: This system features a pump with 9 pulse modes and a DEMO mode, designed to run for 15-minute sessions before automatically shutting off. It includes pump protection against overheating and freezing, and a daily purge cycle to prevent water stagnation.
- LED Lighting: The LED lights operate in three modes: Cycle (Red, Green, Blue, and combinations), Flashing, and Fading cycle. Each air valve has 2 LED points, perimeter LEDs use 9 points, and waterfalls use 4 points.
Usage Features
- Keypad Functions (Gecko in.k1000+):
- Main Screen: Displays current water temperature, accessory controls, and system messages.
- Temperature Control: Set desired temperature using Up/Down icons. The set point appears in blue, current temperature in white.
- Accessory Control: Touch icons to start/stop jets, blowers, and lights. Icons animate when active.
- Spa Menu: Access settings for swim (if configured), in.clear, in.stream 2, in.mix, and general spa settings.
- Display Settings: Adjust display orientation (Normal/Inverted) and contrast (Day/Night).
- Sleep Mode: Activated by pressing a dedicated icon, the screen shuts off after 3 minutes of inactivity to prevent accidental pump activation from water splashing.
- Keypad Lock: Optional 4-digit code to partially (accessories only) or fully lock the keypad. A universal unlock code (3732) is available.
- Language Select: Choose from English, Français, Español, Polski, Nederlands.
- Temperature Units: Select between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- Water Care Modes:
- Away from Home: Spa always in economy mode, set point reduced by 20°F.
- Standard: Spa never in economy mode, filtering according to pack's low-level configuration.
- Energy Savings: Economy mode during peak hours, normal on weekends.
- Super Energy Savings: Economy mode during peak hours, every day.
- Weekender: Economy mode Mon-Fri, normal on weekends.
- in.touch 2 Wifi Transmitter (Optional): Allows remote control and monitoring of spa functions (temperature, filter cycles, energy modes) via a smartphone app. The home transmitter connects to a router via Ethernet, and the spa transmitter connects to the spa control system.
- Jets and Air Venturis: Most jets are adjustable by rotating their face to control water flow. Air venturis add air to the jet pressure, adjustable by rotating the knob.
- Waterfalls: Optional waterfalls are controlled by rotating a dial or knob when the booster pump is on.
- Freedom Sound System™ (Optional): Bluetooth-enabled speaker system. Pair with a Bluetooth device (code 0000 for iPhones, automatic for Android) to play audio.
Maintenance Features
- Spa Registration: Register your spa at https://calspas.com/register-your-spa.php for product alerts, efficient support, and quicker service. The serial number is on a metal plate on the right side of the spa panel.
- GFCI Breaker Testing: Test the GFCI breaker before first use and periodically by pressing the TEST button, then resetting it.
- Priming the Pump: After filling, the control enters Priming Mode (M019) for 4-5 minutes. Pumps can be energized by "Jet" buttons. If air is trapped, manually bleed air by shutting off power, removing the front panel, closing the gate valve (if present), turning the bleeder valve counter-clockwise, or loosening the union nut.
- Water Chemistry:
- Testing: Use a reagent test kit or test strips.
- Total Alkalinity (TA): Ideal range 80-120 ppm. Adjust with alkalinity increaser/decreaser.
- Calcium Hardness (CH): Recommended range 150-200 ppm. Adjust with calcium hardness increaser or by diluting spa water.
- pH Level: Ideal range 7.2-7.6. Adjust with pH increaser/decreaser.
- Sanitization:
- Chlorine: Use granulated chlorine. Add 1-2 tablespoons weekly. Run spa with jets on high and cover open for 30 minutes after adding.
- Bromine: Use granulated sodium bromide. Add 2 ounces for fresh water. Run spa with jets on high and cover open for 30 minutes.
- Shocking: Use oxidizer shock (2 ounces per 500 gallons) once a week or after heavy bather loads. Run spa with jets on high and cover open for 30 minutes. Do not use chlorinating shock.
- Ozonator: Still requires chemical sanitizer. Pump 1 runs at low speed during filtration.
- Filter Cleaning:
- Weekly: Spray off surface debris.
- Monthly (Deep Clean): Remove filter, soak in 8oz liquid filter cleaner for 24 hours, then spray clean. Reinstall gently.
- Replacement: Replace filter cartridges annually or as needed.
- Important: Never run the spa without a filter. Set spa to Hold Mode before removing the filter.
- Draining the Spa: Drain every 4-6 months. Turn off power, remove filters, locate and pull out the drain knob, unscrew the cap, attach a garden hose, open the valve, drain, then close valve, remove hose, and replace cap.
- Winterization (Cold Climate): If draining in cold climates, be aware of freeze risk. Open all filter covers, remove filters, drain completely, vacuum remaining water from jets and equipment, open bleeder valves, loosen quartz tube nut (for UV lamp chamber), disconnect pump unions, replace quartz tube, close bleeder valves, reconnect unions, replace filters, and cover with a good spa cover and all-weather tarp.
- Vacation Care: For up to two weeks, select Low Range temp, adjust pH, shock water, and lock the cover. For longer periods, drain or winterize the spa.
- Spa Cover and Pillows: Clean monthly with vinyl and leather cleaner. Do not use automotive vinyl protectants. Keep covered and locked when not in use.
- Spa Shell: Clean with an all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner and apply surface protectant after draining.
- Pillow Removal/Replacement: Grab the lower edge of the pillow, pull up to remove. Align inserts with holes and strike firmly to re-seat.
- Jet Removal/Replacement: Grasp outer rim, turn counter-clockwise to remove. Place in fitting, turn clockwise until it snaps to replace.
- Maintenance Reminders: The in.k1000+ keypad provides reminders for tasks like filter rinsing/cleaning, water changes, and spa check-ups. Tasks can be reset after completion.
- Standby Mode: Stops pumps for 30 minutes for service, then automatically restarts.
- Thermal Creep Control: In hot weather, if water temperature exceeds set point, manage by venting the cover, opening the cover at night, opening all air controls, or reducing filter cycle length.
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