EcoSmart Eco Spa 5.5 - User Manual

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Summary

Installation Guide

Before You Install This Product

Crucial initial steps and warnings before proceeding with installation.

Installation Location and Clearances

Guidance on selecting the optimal installation site and required clearances.

Water Connections and Plumbing Diagram

Instructions for plumbing connections and a diagram illustrating the setup.

Electrical Connections and Diagrams

Details on electrical wiring requirements, specifications, and connection diagrams.

Operation and Controls

How to Operate Your Spa;Pool Heater

Step-by-step guide on operating the heater, including pump and timer settings.

Digital Control Temperature Setting

Instructions for setting and adjusting the desired water temperature via the digital control.

Safety Information

Important Safety Precautions

Comprehensive safety guidelines, including water temperature limits and health advice.

Water Treatment

Water Chemistry and Maintenance

Recommended water chemistry levels and advice on chemical feeders and treatment.

This document serves as an owner's manual and installation guide for ECO SPA & POOL heaters, specifically models ECO SPA 5.5-11 and ECO POOL 18-27. It emphasizes critical safety precautions, proper installation procedures, and operational guidelines to ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and longevity of the unit.

Function Description

The ECO SPA & POOL heater is a technologically advanced heating device designed for both indoor and outdoor use in spas and pools. Its primary function is to efficiently heat the water to a desired temperature, providing comfort and extending the usability of spas and pools throughout the year. The unit operates by sensing water flow and automatically activating its heating elements to raise the water temperature. It incorporates a digital control system that allows users to easily set and maintain their preferred water temperature within a specified range. The heater is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing spa and pool plumbing and electrical systems, requiring installation by qualified professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and safety standards. Once the desired temperature is reached, the heater enters an idle state, consuming no energy, which contributes to its energy-efficient design.

Usage Features

The ECO SPA & POOL heater offers several user-friendly features designed for convenience and effective temperature management.

Digital Temperature Control: All Ecosmart models are equipped with a digital control temperature setting located on the front panel. This allows for precise temperature adjustment from 80°F to 104°F (26°C to 40°C) in 1-degree intervals. Users can easily set their desired temperature by turning a knob.
Temperature Unit Conversion: The heater can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius by holding the control knob in for 3 seconds, offering flexibility based on user preference.
Automatic Activation with Flow Sensor: The unit is flow-activated, meaning it will only operate when water is running through it and the spa/pool pump is working. This prevents dry-firing and protects the heating elements. A green LED indicates when the unit is actively heating.
Built-in Time Delay: To protect against air in the lines and potential element burnout, the heater includes a 3-minute built-in time delay. This ensures that the system is fully primed with water before the heating elements activate.
Idle Mode for Energy Savings: Once the set temperature is reached, the heater automatically enters an idle mode, ceasing to consume energy. This feature highlights the unit's energy-efficient design.
Continuous Operation for Initial Heating: For initial heating of the spa or pool to the desired temperature, the pump timer should be disengaged, allowing the pump and heater to run continuously until the target temperature is achieved.
Safety Guidelines for Water Temperature: The manual provides important safety information regarding recommended water temperatures for different user groups (e.g., competitive swimming, young children, elderly, pregnant women) and warnings about the dangers of excessive water temperatures and hyperthermia. It also advises against using alcohol, drugs, or medication before or during spa/pool use.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the ECO SPA & POOL heater. The manual outlines several key maintenance considerations and features:

Pre-Installation Inspection: Before installation, users are instructed to open the box, carefully unpack the heater, and inspect all components to ensure they are intact and undamaged.
Air Purging Requirement: A critical maintenance step is the thorough purging of air from the water lines. Before turning on power to the unit for the first time, or after any maintenance that introduces air into the plumbing, the pump must run for at least 5-10 minutes to remove all air. Failure to do so can cause permanent damage to the heating elements due to "dry-firing."
Filter Maintenance Impact: The manual highlights that cleaning or changing a cartridge filter can introduce air into the system. Therefore, after such maintenance, the circulation system must be run for at least 2 minutes to purge all air before powering on the heater.
Adequate Water Flow: Maintaining adequate water flow is essential for proper operation. Low water flow, often caused by a dirty filter or improperly adjusted manual bypass, can lead to overheating. Users are advised to set manual bypass valves so that the outlet temperature from the heater is 6-8 degrees F above the spa/pool water temperature after five minutes of operation, which can be measured with a thermometer.
Water Chemistry Management: The manual provides a detailed table of recommended water chemistry levels for fiberglass spas, fiberglass pools, and other spa/pool types, including water temperature, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, salt, free chlorine, and total dissolved solids.
Corrosive Water Warning: A significant warning is issued against corrosive water, which voids the warranty. It explicitly states that free chlorine levels must not exceed 5 ppm.
Chemical Dilution and Feeder Placement: For automatic chlorinators and chemical feeders, all chemicals must be completely diluted into the spa or pool water before being circulated through the heater. Chlorine tablets or bromine sticks should not be placed in the skimmer. High chemical concentrations when the pump is not running can cause issues. Chlorinators must feed downstream of the heater and include an anti-siphoning device to prevent chemical backup when the pump is shut off. Improper adjustment of feeders and chlorinators can lead to rapid corrosion, which is not covered under warranty.
Professional Installation and Repair: The document strongly emphasizes that the product must be installed by a qualified electrician and plumber. It also warns against attempting to clean, install, inspect, repair, or disassemble the water heater without first shutting off all power at the breaker box, as this could result in serious bodily injury or death.
Warranty Information: The manual mentions warranty information and a warranty registration card, indicating that proper registration and adherence to installation/maintenance guidelines are necessary to maintain warranty coverage. It also advises consulting the Authorized Dealer for warranty or product return policies before installation, as installed heaters cannot be returned.