The provided manual describes the Cal Spas Platinum, Escape X, & Deck Spas, which are portable hot tubs designed for relaxation and therapy. These spas are manufactured by Lloyd's Material Supply Company, Inc. and are intended for residential use.
Function Description
The Cal Spas are designed to provide a luxurious and relaxing spa experience. They feature various jet systems for hydrotherapy, LED lighting for ambiance, and an optional "in.touch 2" Wifi control system for remote management. The spas are built with energy-efficient components to maintain water temperature and minimize operating costs.
Important Technical Specifications
- Heater: Premium 5.5kWh titanium electric heater. Some models can be combined with a Gecko "in-Temp" heat pump.
- Electrical Installation: All 240V spas must be permanently connected (Hard Wired) to the power supply. They require a dedicated GFCI protected circuit. Copper wire with THHN insulation is mandatory; aluminum wire is not permitted. Wire gauge requirements vary based on current (e.g., 40 Amp, 50 Amp, 60 Amp systems) and circuit length (e.g., #6 AWG for normal, #4 AWG for circuits longer than 100 feet).
- Filter Systems:
- 75 sqft filter: Skimmer component turns counterclockwise to unlock. Filter cartridge should be soaked for at least 30 minutes before first use.
- 50 sqft filter (Deck Spas): Teleweir filter skimmer with spoked cap. Locking ring must be removed to access the filter.
- Water Temperature: Maximum recommended water temperature is 104°F (40°C). Temperatures between 100°F (38°C) and 104°F (40°C) are considered safe for healthy adults. Swim spa temperatures should not exceed 80°F for exercise.
- Dimensions:
- 84" x 84" (7 foot spas): Fits models PL-760L, PL760B, PPL7B.
- 93" x 93" (8 foot spas): Fits models PL-860L, PL-861B, PL880L, PL-881B, PPL8B.
- Foundation Requirements: A solid and level foundation is required, capable of supporting 150 lbs per square foot (732 Kg/m²). A 3-4 inch (30 cm) concrete slab is recommended.
- Service Access: A minimum of three feet (one meter) of access is required on all sides of the spa for potential service.
- Cover Types: Basic (4"-2.5" taper, 1.5 lbs foam) and Deluxe (5"-3" taper, 2.0 lbs foam).
Usage Features
- Control System (Gecko in.k1000+):
- Main Screen: Access to accessories and water temperature. Displays error and maintenance messages.
- Temperature Control: Set desired water temperature using Up/Down icons. Displays "Heating to xx.x" or "Cooling to xx.x" messages.
- Spa Menu: Access to swim (if configured), in.clear (if installed), in.stream 2 (if installed), in.mix (if installed), Spa menu, and Settings.
- Display Settings: Change display orientation (Normal/Inverted) and contrast (Day/Night).
- Sleep Mode: Keypad enters sleep mode after 3 minutes of inactivity.
- Settings Menu: Access to Water Care, Heat Pump (if installed), Maintenance, Date & Time, Keypad, Electrical Config, Wi-Fi, Miscellaneous, and About.
- Water Care Modes: "Away from home," "Standard," "Energy saving," "Super energy," and "Weekender" modes to optimize filtration and heating based on usage patterns. Economy mode reduces set point by 20°F.
- Reminders: Provides maintenance reminders for filter rinsing/cleaning, water changes, and spa check-ups.
- Standby Mode: Stops pumps for 30 minutes for spa service.
- Date & Time: Adjust year, month, day, hour, minute, and time format.
- Keypad Settings: Change temperature units (Celsius/Fahrenheit), display, contrast, language, and keypad lock/unlock (optional with 4-digit code).
- Keypad Color: (Optional) Change keypad rim color to Red, Green, Yellow, etc.
- Electrical Configuration: (Technician access only) Modify low-level configuration, phases, input current, and heat pump current.
- in.touch Wifi Transmitter: Optional system for remote monitoring and control of spa features (temperature, filter cycles, energy saving modes). Requires "in.touch 2" app.
- Jets: Most jets are adjustable by rotating clockwise (increase pressure) or counter-clockwise (decrease pressure). Neck jets are opposite.
- Diverter Knobs: 1" and 2" knobs to divert water flow between different jet sections. Rotate left (counter-clockwise) to decrease flow, right (clockwise) to increase.
- Air Venturis: 1" knobs to mix air with jet pressure. Rotate left (counter-clockwise) to increase airflow, right (clockwise) to decrease.
- LED Lighting: "Light" button cycles through colors and light patterns (flashing, fading). Air valves and waterfall (optional) also have LED points.
- ATS Therapy Seat System:
- Pump Button: Activates ATS system, runs at full speed ("H" mode).
- Pulse Mode Button: Activates pulse modes (9 modes + demo mode).
- Up/Down Buttons: Change pulse modes.
- Time Out: Automatic shut-off after 15 minutes of continuous operation in pulse mode.
- Pump Protection: Designed with overheat protection. High-speed pump activation is recommended between therapy numbers to cool the pump.
- Pump Purge: ATS pump runs for 20 seconds daily to prevent water stagnation.
- ATS Temp Sensor: Monitors temperature to prevent freezing ("F" on display) or overheating ("C" on display).
Maintenance Features
- Water Chemistry:
- Testing: Use test strips or reagent test kits.
- Chemical Balancing: Regularly test and adjust calcium hardness (CH), total alkalinity (TA), and pH.
- TA: Ideal range 80-120 ppm. Use sodium carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up) for low TA, sodium bi-sulfate (pH/Alkalinity Down) for high TA.
- CH: Ideal range 150-250 ppm. Use CH Increaser for low CH. For high CH, dilute spa water or use a stain/scale inhibitor.
- pH: Ideal range 7.2-7.8. Use sodium hydrogen carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up) for low pH, sodium bi-sulfate (pH/Alkalinity Down) for high pH.
- Sanitation: Use granulated chlorine (3.0-5.0 ppm) or bromine (6.0-11.0 ppm) as sanitizers. Floaters are not recommended.
- Shock Treatment: Add oxidizer shock (e.g., dichlor or MPS) weekly or after heavy bather loads to remove organic waste and improve sanitizer effectiveness. Leave cover open for 20 minutes after shocking.
- Adding Chemicals: Add slowly into the filter compartment with primary jet running for at least 10 minutes.
- Filtration & Cleaning:
- Filter Cartridge: Remove and deep clean every 2-4 weeks (or more frequently with heavy use). Soak in water with chemical cleaner for 24 hours, then spray with hose. Do not run spa without a filter.
- Draining: Drain spa every 4-6 months for cleaning and refilling. Turn off power, remove filters, pull drain knob, remove cap, attach garden hose, open valve.
- Spa Cover and Pillows:
- Cleaning: Apply vinyl and leather cleaner monthly to protect from UV damage. Do not use automotive vinyl protectants.
- Installation: Position cover with skirt wrapping over spa shell. Secure with tie-down hardware and locks. Pre-drill holes for screws with low torque.
- Locking: Use provided key to lock cover when not in use.
- Winterization (Cold Climate Draining):
- Drain spa completely, vacuum water from drain, open bleeder valves, loosen UV light chamber nut (if applicable), disconnect pump unions, blow out remaining water from jets/suctions/filter canister/equipment area. Replace UV tube, tighten bleeder valves, reconnect unions, replace filter basket/filters, cover spa with good spa cover and all-weather tarp.
- Note: Antifreeze is not recommended.
- Vacation Care: For up to two weeks, set temperature to 80°F, adjust pH/AK/CH, shock water, lock cover. Re-test and adjust upon return. For longer periods, follow winterization procedures.
- "Thermal Creep" Management: In hot weather or with extended run times, water temperature may exceed set temperature. Manage by venting cover, opening cover at night, opening air controls, reducing filter cycle length.
- Structural: 10 Years (against shell collapse, leaks, structural integrity defects).
- Shell Surface: 7 Years (against blistering, cracking, delaminating, spontaneous cracking).
- Equipment & Controls: 5 Years (pumps, heater, control system/panels).
- Plumbing: 5 Years (leaks/cracks).
- Spa Cabinet: 5 Years (workmanship/materials defects, not natural wear/weathering).
- Sanitation: 1 Year (salt cells, bromine generators, control panels, electrical).
- Ozone/UV: 2 Years (malfunctions, not UV bulbs older than one year).
- LED Lighting: 2 Years (malfunctions).
- Sound System: 1 Year (malfunctions, not normal wear/tear).
- Spa Cover: 3 Years (materials/workmanship defects, not UV damage, chemical abuse).
- Other Components: 2 Years (fuses, headrests, cal grip, labels, filters, wood frame, jets, diverter valves, filter lids, other mechanical components).
- Warranty Void: Neglect, misuse, abuse, freight damage, unauthorized repairs, non-genuine parts, improper electrical installation, chemical abuse, failure to cover empty spa in direct sunlight.
- Proration: Non-repairable units replaced on a prorated basis (1% of current retail cost per month of ownership, waived for first 6 months). Shipping and installation costs for replacement spas are the owner's responsibility.