Troubleshooting and Service Manual 120V-240V
Troubleshooting and Service Manual 120V-240V
Troubleshooting and Service Manual 120V-240V
2
0
0
6
S1
K3
K5
K4 K1
PUMP
K
2
J7 J8
U4
T0.25A 250V
F2
J23
G
C
OZONE
J29
HEATER AA
J
9
J20
TST RST
SEN. A SEN. B
J1
B
a
l
b
o
a
F4
J43 J6
G C
F5, F3A 250V
J26
J58 J57
J
5
0
J
5
0
J
13
J
13
J
12
J
12
J
9
0
J
9
0
LINE
NEUTRAL NEUTRAL
WHT AC
BLK AC
W1
J18
SWITCHBANK A
TST RST
J43 J6
J43 on VS100/GS100 Series Main Board Shown.
40
Testing the Circuit Board Output
BALBOAS QUICK TEST
TM
TEST KIT
If your topside control panel is working properly, but a pump,
blower, or other device does not activate when its panel
button is pressed, further diagnosis is easily accomplished
with the Balboa Quick Check, which is designed to test
output voltage on a variety of Balboa systems. The following
system outputs can be tested using the Balboa Quick Check:
120 VAC or 240 VAC -- 2-speed pump
120 VAC or 240 VAC -- 1-speed pump
120 VAC or 240 VAC -- blower (with or w/o variable speed)
120 VAC or 240 VAC -- ozone generators
12 VAC -- spa light
120 VAC -- spa light (with Spa Light Adapter)
12 VAC -- perimeter light (with Perimeter Light Adapter)
The Balboa Quick Check Test Kit is especially useful for
testing variable speed blowers and dimmable spa lights.
Because these outputs use a device on the circuit board
called a triac, no voltage can be measured unless a load
exists. The Quick Check not only supplies a small load, but
also indicates if voltage is present.
The 4-prong connector is used to test pumps, blowers, ozone
generators, and by using the Spa Light Adapter, 120 VAC
spa light output. The 2-prong connector is used to test the
output for the 12 VAC spa light. Also included in the kit is a
Perimeter Light Adapter, which can be used to test the 12 VAC
perimeter light output.
TO USE THE BALBOA QUICK CHECK
Turn off the power at the house breaker box.
Unplug the device in question, and plug the Quick Check
in its place.
Restore power to the spa and press the appropriate
panel button again. If the Quick Checks light appears,
the device in question is receiving voltage.
An ordinary multi-meter can also be used to check for
proper output voltage, except when working with a
variable-speed blower or a dimmable spa light. In these
cases, a component on the circuit board called a triac
needs to be under a small load to test output voltage.
NOTE: If a small load is not applied to these systems,
voltage indications of up to 240 volts AC can be seen
when measuring output voltage, even if the component is
not activated.
Even if the system is not equipped with a blower triac,
the best way to verify voltage output is with the Balboa
Quick Check.
If the Quick Check light does not appear after pressing
the appropriate panel button, trace the wires from the
corresponding connector in the system box back to the
circuit board.
Probe these connections at the circuit board after
activating the function with the topside control panel.
If you do not have correct voltage, double check the
input voltage before you replace the circuit board.
If you do have correct voltage at the circuit board, turn
off the system power and check for a blown in-line
fuse. Blowing the in-line fuse or the power input fuse is
usually a symptom of a faulty pump, blower, or a short in
the wiring to one of those devices.
If the fuse is good, then replace the output connector.
If the high-speed pump comes on when the system calls
for heat or when the system goes into a lter cycle,
the pump is most likely wired backwards. Verify that
the black (low speed) & red (high speed) wires are not
switched in the amp connector or the pump itself.
Always check to make sure all devices are plugged into
the proper location.
NOTE: If the spa light output is not detected with the Balboa
Quick Check, be sure to check continuity of the light fuse on
the circuit board.
Balboa QuickCheck
TM
Part No. 70002
41
Testing the Sensor Set
6. Within a minute or so, see if the same or other sensor is
now reading consistently higher:
If the same sensor (A vs B or t vs H) is reading higher
after the sensor interchange, the problem is on the
circuit board. Replace the circuit board.
If the opposite sensor is now reading higher, the problem
is with the sensor(s). Replace the sensor set.
*If you wait more than 2 minutes after plugging the
sensors back in, heating may start (even outside a lter
in Economy or Sleep mode) due to a stray Cd/CLd/COLD
WATER condition usually detected when sensors are
being plugged in while the system is running.
7. If there is a message indicating an open or faulty sensor:
Unplug the sensor set (but leave the original sensors
in the heater) and plug in the test sensor set. Put both
sensors into the same cup of warm water (ideally above
the set temperature, so the spa won't try to heat during
this test, as there is no heater protection during this
test) and verify that they read the same temperature
(within 1F/0.5C).
If the problem is solved, replace the sensor set. If the
problem is not solved, do not replace the sensor set.
Plug in the original sensor set to verify that there is not a
connection problem.
If the problem continues after following the above steps,
then replace the circuit board.
1. Check sensor wires for cracks or damage that may
indicate the presence of a rodent.
2. Inspect the connections of both sensors on the circuit
board. The plugs must be clean.
3. If the sensors are not totally failing but are showing
excessive (2 F/1.0 C or more) difference between the
two sensors when not heating (a possible cause of
Sn/SnS/SENSOR SYNC, HL/HFL/HTR FLOW LOW, and
LF/LOW/FLOW/messages), do the following:
Note which sensor is reading consistently higher
(A vs B or t vs H).
4. Unplug the two sensors from the circuit board and
exchange their positions (i.e., plug the one that was in
the Sen. A jack into the Sen. B jack and vice versa).
5. Press a panel button if any "stray" faults appeared
during the process. (Stray faults are normal when
sensors are unplugged then plugged back in while the
system is running.)
42
Changing a System Circuit Board
Important!
Be sure to turn the power off before replacing any
component, especially a circuit board.
Important!
DO NOT REMOVE AND REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BOARD
UNLESS THE FAULT HAS POSITIVELY BEEN DETER-
MINED TO BE THE CIRCUIT BOARD.
HOW TO REMOVE A SYSTEM CIRCUIT BOARD
NOTE: Before you begin, labeling all wires to be removed
may help speed up reinstallation. The wiring diagram should
always be used to ensure proper wire placement.
Shut OFF line power to the spa at the main circuit
breaker panel. Do not attempt to service a spa without
shutting off the power. Serious injury or damage
may result.
Disconnect all wires and slip-on connectors as
necessary to remove the board.
Remove all the screws which mount the board to the
system enclosure.
Remove the board from the plastic stand-offs by gently
squeezing the locking ange on each stand-off with a
pair of pliers. The board should now be free and can be
removed from the system box.
HOW TO REPLACE A SYSTEM CIRCUIT BOARD
Check all jumpers and dip switch positions on the new
board. Make sure they are in the same position as the
old board.
Make sure the new board snaps in place on the plastic
stand-offs. Use care to be sure the connectors on the
right side of the board clear the enclosure openings as
the board is installed.
Caution: Do Not Overtighten this screw.
Install all screws which mount the board to the
system enclosure.
Reconnect all wires and slip-on connectors.
Restore power to the spa at the main breaker.
Test to make sure all functions work correctly.
Important
DO NOT REMOVE AND REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BOARD
UNLESS YOU HAVE TESTED ALL OTHER COMPONENTS
AND PROVEN THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD IS ACTUALLY
CAUSING THE PROBLEM.
VS500 Board
43
Removing the Heater Assembly from a Spa System
Note: Be careful when removing a heater assembly
from a spa plumbing system. Water may splash out
under pressure.
Water under pressure in the plumbing may splash out,
and onto the systems electronic board. Do not remove the
system door until the water has been drained from the heater
assembly housed in the system.
Turn off the main power. 1.
Close off the slice valves (or, ball valves) adjacent to the 2.
heater assembly.
Once the valves are closed, slowly crack the heater 3.
assembly end tubes until water ows out. If the
connectors are on too tight, it may be necessary to
loosen the Phillips screws that hold the connectors
together. Once the water has been drained, continue.
Remove the system door cover. 4.
Remove the nuts securing the copper straps to the 5.
heater assemblys terminal connectors. Be sure to
use a supporting end wrench on the lower nut.
Otherwise, excessive torque may be occur on the straps
and put undue stress on the PCB.
Remove the heating assembly sensor wires and replace 6.
if necessary.
Remove both nuts that secure the element in place. 7.
Remove the heater assembly 8.
Remove both nuts that secure
the element in place.
Keep the lower nut from turning by
supporting it with another end-wrench
44
Panel Message Reference Guide
or
Temperarure nor currenr in
Economy or Sleep moce.
n Economy or Sleep moce, rhe pump may Le oll lor
hours oursice a llrer cycle. l you wish ro see rhe
currenr spa remperarure, eirher swirch ro Srancarc
moce or rurn Jers 1 on lor 2 minures. Flease see
"Dianosin Topsice Conrrol Fanels". (Fae 1c)
Conlurarion error. Spa
cannor srarr up.
Flease see "Dianosin Topsice Conrrol Fanels".
(Fae 1c)
As neecec [3 nsrall new Mineral carrrice.
Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences. [2]
Every 7 cays [3 Tesr anc ac|usr pH chemical levels per manulacrurer's
insrrucrions. Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences.
[2]
Every 7 cays [3 Tesr anc ac|usr sanirizer chemical levels per
manulacrurer's insrrucrions. Reminder, Suppress in User
Preferences. [2]
Firmware insrall proLlem. Conracr BalLoa il messae appears on more rhan one
power up.
Every 180 cays [3 Clean anc concirion cover per manulacrurer's
insrrucrions. Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences.
[2]
Every 30 cays [3 Femove, clean, anc reinsrall llrer per manulacrurer's
insrrucrions. Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences.
[2]
Sysrem conlurec incorrecrly.
Menu panel cisplays errors.
Conracr BalLoa. Flease see "Dianosin Topsice
Conrrol Fanels". (Fae 1c)
Firmware insrall proLlem. Conracr BalLoa il messae appears on more rhan one
power up. Flease see "Dianosin Topsice Conrrol
Fanels". (Fae 1c)
(ML Fanels)
nacequare warer cerecrec
in hearer.
Check warer level in spa. Felll il necessary. l rhe
warer level is okay, make sure rhe pumps have Leen
primec. Fress any Lurron ro reser.
(vL panels)
FossiLle inacequare warer,
poor low, or air LuLLles in ce-
recrec in rhe hearer. Spa is shur
cown lor 15 minures.
l warer level is normal, make sure all pumps have Leen
primec. Fress any Lurron ro reser. This messae will
reser wirhin 15 minures.
Every 0 cays [3 Drain anc relll spa per manulacrurer's insrrucrions.
Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences. [2]
Message Meaning / Frequency Action Required
[1] On some systems even when spa is shut down, some equipment may occasionally turn on to
continue monitoring temperature or if freeze protection is needed.
[2] Please see the User Manual of the specic panel that the Reminders need to be suppressed.
[3] This is a Reminder Message.
Note: All Messages may not appear on your panel.
45
The pump is on curin
SrancLy Moce ro assisr
in crainin rhe spa.
Fress "Jers 1" ro rurn oll rhe pump when warer has
crainec (or power oll rhe spa.)
nacequare warer cerecrec in
hearer. (Displays on rhirc occur-
rence ol "cr" messae.) Spa is
shur cown. [1
Follow acrion requirec lor messae.
Spa will nor auromarically reser. Fress any Lurron ro
reser manually.
Economy
The spa is operarin in
Economy Moce.
"Ecn" will appear solic on rhe cisplay when rhe
remperarure is nor currenr. "Ecn" will alrernare wirh
rhe remperarure when rhe remperarure is currenr.
As neecec. Conrinuous Filrrarion is on.
"ce" Forenrial lreeze
concirion cerecrec.
No acrion requirec. The pumps anc rhe Llower will
auromarically acrivare rearcless ol spa srarus.
Spa coulc nor rrip GFC. Conrinuec operarion may Le unsale.
nacequare warer cerecrec
in hearer. (Displays on rhirc
occurrence ol rhe aLove
messae.) Spa is shur cown. [1
Follow acrion requirec lor rhe aLove messae.
Spa will nor auromarically reser. Hihlihr anc
press ro reser.
nacequare warer cerecrec
in hearer.
Check warer level in spa. Felll il necessary. l rhe warer
level is okay, make sure rhe pumps have Leen primec.
Fress any Lurron ro reser.
A suLsranrial cillerence
Lerween rhe remperarure
sensors was cerecrec. This
coulc incicare a low proLlem.
Check warer level in spa. Felll il necessary. l rhe warer
level is okay, make sure rhe pumps have Leen primec.
Fress any Lurron ro reser.
"verhear" The spa has shur
cown. [1 ne ol rhe sensors
has cerecrec 118F/47.8C ar
rhe hearer.
D NT ENTEF THE WATEF. Femove rhe spa cover
anc allow warer ro cool. nce rhe hearer has coolec,
reser Ly pushin any Lurron.
A pump appears ro have Leen
sruck on rhe lasr rime spa was
powerec cown.
FWEF DWN SFA MMEDATELY. D NT
ENTEF THE WATEF.
"verhear" The spa has shur
cown. [1 n some sysrems, an
alarm may sounc. ne ol rhe
sensors has cerecrec 118F
(approx. 47.8C) ar rhe hearer.
D NT ENTEF THE WATEF. Femove rhe spa
cover anc allow warer ro cool. nce rhe hearer has
coolec, reser Ly pushin any Lurron. l spa coes nor
reser, resr sensors.
[1] On some systems even when spa is shut down, some equipment may occasionally turn on to
continue monitoring temperature or if freeze protection is needed.
[2] Please see the User Manual of the specic panel that the Reminders need to be suppressed.
[3] This is a Reminder Message.
Note: All Messages may not appear on your panel.
46
Panel Message Reference Guide (cont.)
"ce" Forenrial lreeze
concirion cerecrec.
No acrion requirec. The pumps anc rhe Llower will
auromarically acrivare rearcless ol spa srarus.
Fersisrenr low low proLlems.
(Displays on rhe llrh occurrence
ol rhe "Hearer Flow Low" mes-
sae wirhin 24 hours.) Hearer is
shur cown, Lur orher spa lunc-
rions conrinue ro run normally.
Follow acrion requirec lor "HFL" or "HL" messae.
Hearin capaciry ol rhe spa will nor reser auromarically,
you may press any Lurron ro reser.
Every 3c5 cays [3 nsrall new llrer. Reminder, Suppress in User
Preferences. [2]
"verhear" The spa has shur
cown. [1 ne ol rhe sensors
has cerecrec rhar rhe spa warer
is 110F/43.5C.
D NT ENTEF THE WATEF. Femove rhe spa cover
anc allow warer ro cool. Ar 107F/41.7C, rhe spa
shoulc auromarically reser. l spa coes nor reser, resr
sensors.
"verhear" The spa has shur
cown. n some sysrems, an
alarm may sounc. ne ol rhe
sensors has cerecrec 118F
(approx. 47.8C) ar rhe hearer.
D NT ENTEF THE WATEF. Femove rhe spa cover
anc allow warer ro cool. nce rhe hearer has coolec,
reser Ly pushin any Lurron. Tesr sensors.
Harcware lailure. Conracr BalLoa il messae appears on more rhan one
power up.
pH is hih. Acc pH recucer accorcin ro manulacrurer's
insrrucrions.
pH is low. Acc pH increaser accorcin ro manulacrurer's
insrrucrions.
When your spa is lrsr acruarec,
ir will o inro Frimin moce.
See rhe M7 nsrallarion nsrrucrion Manual lor
complere insrrucrions on Fowerup anc Fump
Frimin. The Frimin moce will lasr lor up ro 4 minures
anc rhen rhe spa will Lein ro hear anc mainrain rhe
warer remperarure in rhe Srancarc moce.
Harcware lailure. Conracr BalLoa il messae appears on more rhan one
power up.
As neecec [3 nsrall new Mineral carrrice. Reminder, Suppress in
User Preferences. [2]
Every 3c5 cays [3 nsrall new llrer. Reminder, Suppress in User
Preferences. [2]
Every 30 cays [3 Femove, clean, & reinsrall llrer per manulacrurer's in-
srrucrions. Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences. [2]
[1] On some systems even when spa is shut down, some equipment may occasionally turn on to
continue monitoring temperature or if freeze protection is needed.
[2] Please see the User Manual of the specic panel that the Reminders need to be suppressed.
[3] This is a Reminder Message.
Note: All Messages may not appear on your panel.
47
Every 180 cays [3 Clean & concirion cover per manulacrurer's insrruc-
rions. Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences. [2]
Every 0 cays [3 Drain anc relll spa per manulacrurer's insrrucrions.
Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences. [2]
Every 7 cays [3 Tesr anc ac|usr pH chemical levels per manul. insrruc-
rions. Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences. [2]
Every 7 cays [3 Tesr anc ac|usr sanirizer chemical levels per
manulacrurer's insrrucrions. Reminder, Suppress in User
Preferences. [2]
Harcware lailure. Conracr BalLoa.
Every 30 cays [3 Tesr & reser FCD per manulacrurer's insrrucrions. [2
Every 180 cays [3 Clean anc concirion wooc per manulacrurer's
insrrucrions. [2
Spa is shur cown. [1 The sen-
sor rhar is pluec inro rhe
Sensor "A" |ack is nor workin.
l rhe proLlem persisrs, conracr BalLoa. (May appear
remporarily in an overhear concirion.) See "Tesrin rhe
Sensor Ser". (Fae 41)
Spa is shur cown. [1 The sen-
sor rhar is pluec inro rhe
Sensor "B" |ack is nor workin.
l rhe proLlem persisrs, conracr BalLoa. (May appear
remporarily in an overhear concirion.) See "Tesrin rhe
Sensor Ser". (Fae 41)
Sanirizer is hih. Femove spa cover anc allow sanirizer ro cissipare.
Sanirizer is low. Acc sanirizer accorcin ro manulacrurer's insrrucrions.
SrancLy Moce has Leen
acrivarec Ly pressin a
Lurron comLinarion on
rhe user panel.
Fress any Lurron, excepr "Jers 1", ro leave SrancLy
Moce anc rerurn ro normal operarion.
The spa is operarin in
SrancarcinEconomy Moce.
perares rhe same as Srancarc moce, rhen reverrs ro
Economy moce alrer 1 hour. Fress "Moce" ro swirch
cirecrly ro Economy moce.
Spa is shur cown. [1 The
sensor rhar is pluec inro rhe
Sensor "A" |ack is nor workin.
Tesr sensor, anc replace il Lac. Flease see Tesrin rhe
Sensor Ser. (Fae 41)
[1] On some systems even when spa is shut down, some equipment may occasionally turn on to
continue monitoring temperature or if freeze protection is needed.
[2] Please see the User Manual of the specic panel that the Reminders need to be suppressed.
[3] This is a Reminder Message.
Note: All Messages may not appear on your panel.
48
Panel Message Reference Guide (cont.)
Balboa Water Group
Tustin, Ca. 92780 (714) 384-0384
Spa is shur cown. [1 The
sensor rhar is pluec inro rhe
Sensor "B" |ack is nor workin.
Tesr sensor, anc replace il Lac. Flease see Tesrin rhe
Sensor Ser. (Fae 41)
Sensors are our ol Lalance.
l rhis is alrernarin wirh rhe
remperarure, ir may |usr Le a
remporary concirion. l rhe
cisplay shows only rhis messae
(periocically Llinkin), rhe spa
is shur cown. [1
Tesr sensor, anc replace il Lac. Flease see Tesrin rhe
Sensor Ser. (Fae 41)
Sleep Moce has Leen
acrivarec Ly pressin a
Lurron comLinarion on
rhe user panel.
"SLF" will appear solic on rhe cisplay when rhe
remperarure is nor currenr. "SLF" will alrernare wirh
rhe remperarure when rhe remperarure is currenr.
Spa is shur cown. The sensor
rhar is pluec inro rhe Sensor
"A" |ack is nor workin.
Tesr sensor, anc replace il Lac. Flease see Tesrin rhe
Sensor Ser. (Fae 41)
Spa is shur cown. The sensor
rhar is pluec inro rhe Sensor
"B" |ack is nor workin.
Tesr sensor, anc replace il Lac. Flease see Tesrin rhe
Sensor Ser. (Fae 41)
"verhear" The spa has shur
cown. [1 ne ol rhe sensors
has cerecrec rhar rhe spa warer
is 110F (approx. 43.3C).
D NT ENTEF THE WATEF. Femove rhe spa cover
anc allow warer ro cool. Ar 107F (approximarely
41.7C), rhe spa shoulc auromarically reser. l spa
coes nor reser, shur oll rhe power ro rhe spa.
SrancLy Moce has Leen
acrivarec Ly pressin a
Lurron comLinarion on
rhe user panel.
Fress any Lurron ro leave SrancLy Moce anc rerurn
ro normal operarion.
The spa is operarin in
Srancarc Moce.
Temperarure cisplay is currenr alrer pump has
Leen runnin lor ar leasr 2 minures.
A pump appears ro Le sruck
on, causin rhe warer
remperarure ro creep up,
possiLly ro hazarcous levels.
FWEF DWN SFA MMEDATELY. D NT
ENTEF THE WATEF.
Every 30 cays [3 Tesr & reser per manulacrurer's insrrucrions. Reminder,
Suppress in User Preferences. [2]
Every 180 cays [3 Clean anc concirion wooc per manulacrurer's insrruc
rions. Reminder, Suppress in User Preferences. [2]
[1] On some systems even when spa is shut down, some equipment may occasionally turn on to
continue monitoring temperature or if freeze protection is needed.
[2] Please see the User Manual of the specic panel that the Reminders need to be suppressed.
[3] This is a Reminder Message.
Note: All Messages may not appear on your panel.
40920 Rev A October 31, 2008
2008 Balboa Water Group. All rights reserved.