QCA Spa VS100 - User Manual

ENJOY
Your QCA Spa
VS100
OWNER’S MANUAL
This owner’s manual is for YOU! It will show you how to operate and maintain your very own spa.
We think it is important for you to take a few moments and get acquainted with your new spa
operation. Please keep this manual available for references.
QCA Spas would like to congratulate you on your purchase and we sincerely hope you enjoy your
QCA Spa.
SERIAL NUMBER __________________________
18 DIGIT SPA NUMBER ________________________
QCA Spa VS 100 Owner’s Manual 2.16.18.doc Technical Service Toll Free 866-998-0148

Summary

ETL INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Essential safety precautions for operating the spa, including warnings about drowning and electrical shock.

Spa Location

Installation Instructions

Electrical-General

Guidelines for general electrical connections, compliance with codes, and grounding requirements.

Starting the Spa

Instructions on how to properly fill and begin operating the spa after installation.

120-volt Installation w;hard-wire

Details for installing a 120-volt spa package, including wiring service requirements.

240-volt Installation

Details for installing a 240-volt spa package, requiring professional electrician for connections.

VS;GS100 - Series Operation Guide

Initial Start-up

Procedure for energizing the spa, entering priming mode, and initiating standard operation.

Temp Control

Instructions for displaying and adjusting the spa's water temperature settings.

Jets

How to operate the spa pump for jets, including low and high speed settings.

Light

Instructions for turning the spa light on and off, and its automatic shut-off feature.

Mode

Explanation of different spa operating modes: Standard, Economy, and Sleep.

Preset Filter Cycles

Details on how the spa's filter cycles are programmed and initiated.

Automatic polling

Description of the pump's automatic activation for temperature checks.

VS100 Control

Initial Start Up

Guide to the spa's initial startup sequence, including priming mode and temperature maintenance.

Temperature Control

How to read and adjust the spa's water temperature using the control panel.

Jets - Pump 1

Instructions for operating Pump 1, including speed control and automatic shut-off timers.

Diagnostic Messages

QCA Spa Light

Spa Light Lens Installation

Instructions for installing or removing colored lenses for the spa light.

Spa Light Bulb Replacement

Steps for safely replacing the spa light bulb, including power shut-off.

Optional Draining of the Water

Refilling your Spa

Procedure for refilling the spa with water after draining and restarting the system.

Your Water Care Program

Overview of water analysis, balancing pH, and shocking the spa with chemicals.

Spa Care and Maintenance

Draining of Water

Methods for draining spa water, including using a drain fitting or wet vacuum.

Water Care

Daily Checklist

Daily tasks for maintaining spa water quality, including testing bromine/chlorine and pH.

Weekly Checklist

Weekly tasks for spa water care, including adding clarifier, chelating agent, and algaecide.

General Guidelines

Important guidelines for mixing chemicals, cleaning filters, and general spa upkeep.

Filter Maintenance

Removing a Filter Cartridge

Steps to remove the in-line filter cartridge for cleaning or replacement.

Cleaning the Filter Cartridge

Methods for cleaning the filter cartridge, including rinsing and soaking in cleaning solutions.

Vacation Care Instructions

Short Time Periods (3-5 Days)

Instructions for maintaining spa water quality when away for short periods.

Long Time Periods (4-15 Days)

Procedures for sanitizing and preparing the spa for longer periods of absence.

Prevention of Freezing

Winterizing

Troubleshooting

Acrylic Finish

Guidance on cleaning and maintaining the spa's acrylic surface finish.

Thermo Guard Cabinet Care

Recommendations for cleaning and caring for the spa's cabinet exterior.

WARRANTY REGISTRATION

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Diagnostic Messages

This document is the owner's manual for the QCA Spa VS100, providing comprehensive instructions for its operation, installation, and maintenance.

Function Description

The QCA Spa VS100 is a portable hot tub designed for recreational and therapeutic use. It features a control system that manages water temperature, filtration cycles, and jet operation. The spa is equipped with a heating system to maintain desired water temperatures, and a pump system for water circulation and jet functions. An optional ozone generator can be installed for water sanitation. The spa is designed for year-round use, with built-in freeze protection to prevent damage in cold weather.

Important Technical Specifications

The spa operates on either 120-volt or 240-volt electrical service, depending on the model and installation. For 120-volt operation, a two-wire electrical service plus ground (line 1, neutral, ground) is required. For 240-volt operation, a three-wire electrical service plus ground (line 1, line 2, neutral, ground) is needed. All electrical connections must comply with the National Electric Code or Canadian Electric Code and local electrical codes. A minimum No. 8 AWG (8.4mm2) solid copper bonding conductor is required for grounding. The maximum water temperature should not exceed 104°F (40°C), with 100°F (38°C) to 104°F (40°C) considered safe for healthy adults, and lower temperatures recommended for extended use or young children. The spa light is a standard 12v light. The filter duration is programmable from 1 to 8 hours, with a default of 1 hour.

Usage Features

The spa is controlled via a top-side control panel, which typically includes "Jets," "Light," and "Temp" buttons.

• Initial Start-up: Upon energizing, the spa enters "Priming Mode" (Pr) for less than 5 minutes. During this time, the "Jets" button should be pressed repeatedly to ensure the pump is free of air. Pressing "Temp" exits Priming Mode, and the spa then operates in "Standard Mode."
• Temperature Control: The current water temperature is constantly displayed on the LCD. The set temperature can be viewed by pressing the "Temp" button once and adjusted by pressing it a second time before the display stops flashing. On panels with "Warm" and "Cool" buttons, these are used to display and adjust the set temperature. The pump must run for at least 1 minute for the displayed temperature to be current.
• Jets (Pump 1): Pressing the "Jets" button once activates the low speed of the pump, and pressing it again activates the high speed (if equipped). A third press turns the pump off. The low speed automatically turns off after 4 hours, and the high speed after 15 minutes. The low speed also runs automatically for at least two minutes every 30 minutes to detect spa temperature and heat if needed. The ozone generator (if installed) activates when the low speed is running.
• Light: The "Light" button operates the spa light, which automatically turns off after 4 hours.
• Mode: Depending on the system configuration, mode changing may not be available. "Standard Mode" maintains the set temperature. "Economy Mode" (Ec) heats only during filter cycles. "Sleep Mode" (SL) heats to within 20°F/10°C of the set temperature only during filter cycles.
• Preset Filter Cycles: The first filter cycle begins 6 minutes after energizing, and the second 12 hours later. Filter duration is programmable (1-8 hours, default 1 hour) by pressing "Temp," then "Jets," then "Temp" to adjust.
• Automatic Polling (Standard Mode only): The pump activates for 1 minute every 30 minutes, or whenever another pump/blower is turned on, or when the set temperature is raised, to check the temperature.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the spa.

• Water Care Program: A full water analysis with a test kit is recommended before adding chemicals.
  • Step 1 (Filling): Always run the circulation system before adding chemicals. Add cleaning agent to prevent mineral staining and protect equipment against scale and corrosion. Circulate for one hour.
  • Step 2 (Balancing pH and Alkalinity): Maintain pH between 7.2-7.8 and total alkalinity between 80-120 PPM. Adjust with pH UP/DOWN or ALKALINITY UP as needed.
  • Step 3 (Shock Treatment): Shock treat the water with non-chlorine shock to destroy organic contaminants.
  • Step 4 (Disinfectant): Maintain a bromine residual of 2.0-4.0 PPM.
• Daily Checklist: Test bromine/chlorine levels (2.0-4.0 PPM) and pH levels daily, adjusting as needed.
• Weekly Checklist: Add clarifier, chelating agent (to protect against stains, scale, rust), and algaecide (for outdoor spas). Shock treat weekly with oxidizer to remove contaminants. Add NON FOAM agent as needed.
• General Guidelines: Never mix chemicals. Add small amounts of chemicals at a time. Keep spa free of debris and covered when not in use. Circulate water 2-4 hours daily. Clean water line weekly. Drain and refill the spa at least four times a year, or every two months for heavily used spas.
• Filter Maintenance: The filter cartridge should be cleaned (sprayed with water or soaked in cleaning solution) every month. Failure to maintain a clean filter can lead to reduced water flow, causing error codes ("OH," "DR," "DY," "HH") and potential freezing damage, which is not covered by warranty.
  • Removing Cartridge: Remove the floating telescope lid, twist and lift out the basket, then remove the cartridge.
  • Cleaning Cartridge: Spray downward into pleats with a garden hose. Soak in filter-cleaning solution for 24 hours to remove oils and lotions. Rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry before replacing. Replace if coated with algae, bacteria, or hard material.
• Draining the Water: Turn off the main breaker. Use a garden hose attached to the drain fitting (located inside the cabinet on the left side) to release water. A sump pump or wet/dry vacuum can also be used.
• Refilling the Spa: Ensure the main breaker is off. Fill through the filter housing to the proper level. Turn power back on; the spa will automatically start heating.
• Spa and Cabinet Maintenance:
  • Acrylic Finish: Clean, polish, and refill every 1-2 months. Use non-abrasive cleaners or specific acrylic spa cleaner/polish/sealer combinations.
  • Thermo Guard Cabinet: Wipe with soap and water solution or spray with a garden hose. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Winterizing: In severely cold weather, if the spa will be unused for long periods, winterize it to prevent freezing. Turn off power, drain the spa, use a wet vacuum to clear air injectors, water jets, and suction fittings. Add 1-3 gallons of RV antifreeze to all air injectors, water jets, suction drains, and filter. Any lines not receiving adequate antifreeze are subject to freeze damage.
• Vacation Care:
  • Short Periods (3-5 Days): Adjust pH, sanitize with "super-chlorination," and lock the thermal cover. Upon return, sanitize and balance pH.
  • Long Periods (4-15 Days): Adjust pH, sanitize with "super-chlorination." Upon return, check sanitation level. If chlorine reads "O," super-chlorinate again. The spa is safe to use when Free Chlorine Residual is below 5.0PPM.

Diagnostic Messages

The manual lists various diagnostic messages displayed on the control panel, such as "HH" (overheat at heater), "OH" (overheat in spa water), "SA"/"Sb" (sensor malfunction), "Sn" (sensors out of balance), "HL" (significant temperature sensor difference/flow problem), "LF" (persistent low flow), "dr" (inadequate water/poor flow/air bubbles in heater), "dY" (inadequate water in heater), and "IC" (potential freeze condition). Each message includes a description and required action, such as cooling the water, resetting the system, or contacting a dealer. Freeze protection automatically activates equipment when needed, regardless of spa status.

QCA Spa VS100 Specifications

General

Brand	QCA Spa
Model	VS100
Category	Hot Tub
Language	English