ARIES SPAS · Aries Spas • User Manual About this manual This booklet was designed to be an aid in understanding the operation, functions, and maintenance of your Aries Spa. To

ARIES SPASBY ARIES ACRYLIC MFG., INC.

OWNER'S MANUAL

BY ARIES ACRYLIC MANUFACTURING, INC. 4176 I-30 EAST ROCKWALL, TEXAS 75087 ARIES SPAS

ARIES SPASOWNER'S MANUAL

Copyright © 2000 Aries Acrylic Mfg., Inc.4176 I-30 East

Rockwall, Texas 75087 • (972) 771-6286

Printed in the USA

Aries Spas • User Manual

ii

Spa Safety

The consumer Product Safety Commission (December,

1979) recommends the following “Safety Rules for Spas

and Hot Tubs”:

1. Hottubwatertemperatureshouldneverexceed104˚F.Atemperatureof100˚Fisconsideredsafeforahealthyadult.Specialcautionissug-gestedforyoungchildren.

2. Drinkingofalcoholicbeveragesbeforeorduringspa/hottubusecancause drowsiness, which could lead to unconsciousness and subse-quentlyresultindrowning.

3 Pregnantwomenbeware!Watertemperaturesexceeding100˚Fshouldbeavoided.Soakinginwaterabove102˚F(inbathorspa)cancausefetaldamageduringthefirstthreemonthsofpregnancy.

4. Beforeenteringthespaorhottub,usersshouldalwayscheckthewatertemperaturewithanaccuratethermometer.Spathermostatsmayerrinregulatingwatertemperaturebyasmuchas4˚F.

5. Personswithamedicalhistoryofheartdisease,circulatoryproblems,diabetesorbloodpressureproblems,shouldobtaintheirphysician'sadvicebeforeusinghottubsorspas.

6. Personstakingmedicationswhichinducedrowsiness,suchastran-quilizers,antihistamines,oranticoagulants,shouldnotusespasorhottubs.


About this manual Thisbookletwasdesignedtobeanaidinunderstandingtheoperation,functions,andmaintenanceofyourAriesSpa.

ToreceivemaximumpleasurefromyourAriesSpa,itishelpful to understand how the spa operates and to have knowledgeofpropermaintenanceprocedures.

Different applications and installations require various typesofequipment.Ifyourequipmentisdifferentfromthatdescribedinthismanual,itmaybenecessarytorefertoanymanualssuppliedbyyourequipmentmanufacturerforspecificoperatingandinstallationinformation.

Wehopethatthismanualwillgiveyoualltheinformationneeded to understand the basics of operation and main-tenanceofyourspa.Ifyouhavequestionsthatwerenotansweredinthisbooklet,pleasegiveusacall.

Enjoy, ThestaffatAriesSpas


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ContentsSpa Safety .......................................................................iiAbout this manual ........................................................... iiiPlacement of Portable Spa ............................................... 1 Electrical Hookup ........................................................ 1 Location..................................................................... 1Operation ....................................................................... 1 Initial Start-up ............................................................ 1 Filling your Spa .......................................................... 2 Starting your Circulating Pump .................................... 2Equipment Pack Settings ................................................. 4 Power Switch (GFCI) ................................................... 4 GFCI Breaker “Test” and “Reset” Buttons ..................... 4 Equipment Pack Thermostat ........................................ 5 Rocker Switch Settings ............................................... 5 Time Clock ................................................................. 7 Setting the Time Clock ............................................ 7 Limit Switch ............................................................... 7 Heater Indicator Light .................................................. 8Spa-Side Controls ............................................................ 8 Digital Temperature Reading ...................................... 10 Thermostat .............................................................. 10Interior Fittings .............................................................. 10 Venturi Controls (Air Controls) ................................... 10 Circulation Fittings .................................................... 11 Suction Fittings ..................................................... 11 Massage Jets ........................................................ 11


Standard Jets ........................................................ 12 Whirlie Jets ........................................................... 12 RotoJet ................................................................ 12 Neck Jets ............................................................. 13 Circulation & Recovery Jets ................................... 13 Air Injectors ............................................................. 14Maintenance ................................................................. 15 Filter ....................................................................... 15 Cleaning Your Filter ................................................ 15 Water Treatment ....................................................... 17 Disinfectants ......................................................... 18 Bromine/Chlorine Products ................................. 18 Ozone Generator ............................................... 18 Adjusting pH ......................................................... 19Draining your Spa .......................................................... 20Troubleshooting Guide ................................................... 22

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Placement of Portable SpaElectrical Hookup

Pleaserefertoyourequipmentmanualandcontactaqualifiedelectrician.Allspaequipmentpacksrequireadedicatedbreaker(notaGFCItype,asoneisbuiltintoyourequipmentpack).Thebreakershouldbe50or60amp(dependingonequipmentoptions),singlephase,220voltservice,consistingoffourwires;twohotwires,aneutralwireandagroundwire.Wiresizeisdeterminedbylengthofrun,butgenerally#8wirefor0-50feetand#6wirefor51+feetisrecommended.Thismightvary,depend-ingonlengthofrunorotherunforeseenfactors.Any variation from this service will void warranty.

Location It is very important that your spa be located on a solid, level foundation.

Afilledspaisveryheavy(3,000to4000lbs.),withmostoftheweightrestingonthecenterportion.Withoutfirmsupportforthebottomofthespa,settlingcanoccur,causingtheoutsideedgeor“lip”ofthespatocarrytheweight-load,pullingthespaoutofshape.Cement blocks are not acceptable, unless they are concreted into place. Aries Spas will not be responsible for damages incurred on spas placed on other than level, solid surfaces.

OperationInitial Start-up

Please read this section fully before attempting initial start-up of your spa.

Always turn the thermostat(s) and electric power off when filling or draining the spa, and always fully open any valves that could restrict water flow to and from the heater element.

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Filling your SpaYourspashouldbefilledwithwatertoapproximatelythebottomslitinthe skimmer(toidentify,seepictureofskimmerinthe“SuctionsFit-tings”sectionofthismanual).Thewater level should never be below theregularorwhirlingjets,butshouldnevercoveranyneck jets or the recoveryjet(toidentify,seepicturesoftheabovementionedjetsin“Jets”sectionofthismanual).Do not overfill spa.

Starting your Circulating PumpBeforeturningonyourhomecircuitbreaker,turnoffthemainpowerswitch(theblackbuttonontheGFCI,locatedinthecenteroftheequip-mentpack).

*If you do not see any switches or dials when looking at the equipment pack, then simply pull open the swivel faceplate covering the top portion of the equipment pack. (This is not screwed into position, but simply held in place by a catch resembling a screw.)

Also,makesurethatboththeThermostats(theoneonthetop-of-spalocationandoneontheequipmentpack)areturnedtothe“off”positionorthelowestsettingpossible.

SettheRockerSwitchontheleftsideoftheequipmentpacktotheLowSpeedMode(referto“EquipmentPackSettings”inthe“Operation”sec-tion,ifnecessary).

Turnonyourhomecircuitbreaker.Turnonthemainpowerswitchbypushingthered“On”(Reset)buttonontheGFCI,locatedinthecenterofyourequipmentpack.

LifttheacryliclidthatcoversyourTopLoadingPressureFilter,andre-leaseanytrappedairbyturningtheBleedValve(thesmallvalvelocatedonthefilterlid)counterclockwiseuntilyouhearareleaseofair.Do not totally unscrew or remove the Bleed Valve. OnceasteadystreamofwaterstartsspurtingfromtheBleedValve,retightenbyturninginaclockwise

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directionuntilhand-tight.(FormoreinformationontheBleedValve,seethe“TopLoadingPressureFilter”sectionofthismanual.)

TheCirculatingPumpmotorshouldstartrunningimmediately.Ifitdoesnot,recheckyourRockerSwitchsettingandtryagain.

OncetheCirculatingPumpmotorisrunningandwateriscirculatingproperly,youshouldbeabletoobservewaterand/orbubblescomingfrom the two CirculationJets(oneregular-sized,onesmall)usuallylocatednearyourstepsand/orthelight.Thisindicatesthatthewateriscirculatingproperly.

Ifnowaterflowisobserved,dothefollowing:1. ListentomakesurethattheCirculatingPumpmotorisrun-

ning.2. MakesurethattheKnife(“T”shaped)Valvesareopen.These

valves are plumbed into the pipes on either side of the equip-mentpack.Theyareopenedifthehandlesareextendedasfaroutastheywillgo.

3. Recheck the BleedValveonthefilterlidtomakesureyouhavereleasedalltrappedair.SometimesdrainingasmallamountofwaterfromtheHoseBib(locatedbytheEquipmentPack)isalso helpful for releasingairlock.

Ifyouhavetriedalltheabove,andtherestillarenobubblescomingfromtheCirculationJets,STOP! Turnoffthemainpowerswitch(pushtheblack“Off”(Test)button)andcallusimmediately!Donotgoontothenextsteporseriousdamagemayoccurtoyourspaequipmentpack.

OnceyouaresurethattheCirculatingPumpmotoriscirculatingthewater,youarereadytoselecttheappropriateThermostatandTimeClocksettings,aslistedbelow.

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Equipment Pack Settings

Power Switch (GFCI)YourAriesSpaEquipmentPackisprovidedwithaground-faultcircuitinterrupter(GFCI).ItislocatedinthecenterfrontoftheEquipmentPack.Thisbreakerprotectsagainstaccidentalelectricalshockcausedbywateror excessive moisture on the electrical components.

YoucanusethisGFCIasasystem“On-Off”switch.

GFCI Breaker “Off” (Test) and “On” (Reset) ButtonsTomakesurethattheGFCIbreakerisoperatingproperly,presstheblackbuttonlabeled“Off”or“Test”.Ifoperatingnormally,theEquipmentPackwillshutoff,andtheblackbuttonwillpopoutandrequireresetting.Thesame will happen if water comes into contact with the components.

Equipment Pack with access door open

Fuses

TimeClock

RockerSwitch

GFCI

SystemLight

HeaterLight

LimitSwitch

Thermostat

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Toreset,pushthered“On”or“Reset”button.Iftheequipmenthasbeenwet,andtheblackbuttonimmediatelypopsoutagain,waitasufficientamountoftimeforallmoisturetoevaporate,andtrytoresetagain.Ifitcontinuestopopout,callyourspadealerorAries.

Equipment Pack ThermostatIf you have a Spa-side Thermostat, make sure that the Thermostat on your Equipment Pack is set to “Off”, or the minimum setting possible. Otherwise, malfunctions of both Thermostats could occur.

SetyourSpa-sideThermostattothedesiredtemperaturerange,andsetyourequipmentpackThermostatto“Off”.IfyouhavenoSpa-sideTher-mostat,setyourEquipmentPackThermostattothedesiredtemperature.Themaximumheatsettingwillgenerallyresultinawatertemperatureof104˚-107˚.UseaspathermometerandyourpersonalpreferenceasaguideinsettingtheThermostat.

Iftheoutsidetemperatureisverywarm,andyouhaveinadvertentlyover-heated the water in the spa, it will take some time to cool down. You can addicetothewatertospeedthecoolingprocess.

Rocker Switch SettingsWe recommend running your spa on Low Speed Mode year-round, except for extremely hot months (June, July, Aug.), during which we recommend the use of the Time Clock mode for operation during the evening or cooler hours.

TheCirculatingPumpisutilizedforitseconomyincirculation,filtering,heating,andsanitationofthewater.Circulationisactivatedinthreedif-ferentmodes:Thermostat,TimeClock,orContinuous.Anexplanationofthesemodesareasfollows:

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Rocker Switch set to Low Speed ModeThecommonusesforLowSpeedModeare:continuousfiltration,con-stant operation of the OzoneGenerator(optional),maintainingapreciseandeventemperature,andaidinginfreeze-protectionduringcolderweather.

Rocker Switch set to Time Clock Mode

TheTimeClockModeoffersdailyfiltrationatselectedintervals.Youcansetupto24separate“On-Off”cyclesaday,whichcanprovidead-ditional protection in freeze control management.

Inthismode,theTimeClockmustbesettocycleatleast6hoursaday to insure proper filtration (refer to “SettingYourTimeClock”).

Rocker Switch set to Thermostat ModeInthismode,whentheThermostatsensesatemperaturedrop,theCircu-latingPumpisactivated,allowingtheheater to operate until the desired tem-perature is reached. The Time Clock is active during this mode and will also activate the Circulating Pump during the periods set on the Time Clock.Time Clock

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IfyouhavesetyourRocker-SwitchtotheTimeClockModeortheTher-mostatMode,thenthesettingsonyourTimeClockwilldeterminewhenyourspawillcirculateandfilter(seeRocker-Switchsettingsabove).

TheTimeClockisa24-hourtimer,designedtocontroltheheatingand/orcirculating(see“Rocker-Switch”settingsabove)ofyourspawater.

Setting the Time ClockIf you have your Rocker Switch set to Time Clock Mode or Temperature Mode, it is essential that you also set your Time Clock to cycle On-Off (or to remain always on) at least 6 hours a day for proper filtration.

To set the Time Clock to the current time:GrasptheTimeClockandrotateclockwise,untilthearrowinthecen-teralignswiththecurrenttimeofday.

To set the Time Clock to cycle On-Off:Usingyourfingernails,pullthetime-settabsontheouterringto-wardyouforthetimeswhenyouwishthespatooperate(ifinproper“Rocker-SwitchSettings”above).Eachtabrepresents30minutes.Do not try to remove the tabs. They do not come off of the Time Clock.

If Rocker Switch is set to Time Clock Mode and no tabs are pulled outward, the spa will not circulate or heat at all. If Rocker Switch is set to Temperature Mode and no tabs are pulled outward, the pump will only circulate when the water temperature falls below the set temperature. This may not allow sufficient circulation.

Limit SwitchYour spa equipment pack is equipped with a heater overheat sensor. This sensorprotectsyourheaterbyturningoffpowertotheEquipmentPackincaseswherethewatertemperatureintheheaterhavereachedahigher-

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than-normalcondition.Thiscanhappenwhenyourfilteriscloggedordirtyenoughtoslowthewaterflowandwateristrappedintheheaterforlonger-than-normalperiodsoftime.

IftheLimitSwitchpopsout,thoroughlycleanyourfiltertorestoremaxi-mumwaterflowbeforeattemptingtoresetit.

Toreset,pushthebuttoninward.Ifitwillnotreset,waituntilthewaterinsidetheheaterhashadsufficienttimetocool,thentryagaintoreset.(Dependingontheoutsidetemperature,thiscouldtakeuptoseveralhours.)

Heater Indicator LightThislightilluminatesanytimetheheaterisoperating.

Spa-Side ControlsTheSpa-SideControls(alsoknownasTop-SideControls)putyourThermostat,ActivityLights,FunctionButtons,andDigitalTemperatureDisplayinaconvenient,easy-to-reachlocation.

ThefollowingFunctionButtonsoperatebypushingtoturnon,andpush-ingagaintoturnoff.

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“Jets” ButtonThisbutton(s)operatesthedifferenttypesofmassagejetsinyourspa.

“Aux” ButtonThis button operates the AirBlowerPump.ItforcesairthroughtheAirInjectors(fittingsinthespaseatsthatintroduceairintothespaunderpressure).

“Light” ButtonThis button operates the SpaLight,whichisusuallylocatedinthestepareaofyourspa.

L.E.D. Indicator LightsThereareseveralIndicatorLightsonyourSpa-sideControl.Theywilllightatcertaintimes,asdescribedbelow:

“Ready” LightThislightwillilluminatewhenthewaterhasreachedthedesiredtemper-atureindicatedbyyourThermostat,andisnowreadytobeenjoyed.

“Heat” LightThislightwillilluminateanytimetheheaterisoperating.WhenthewaterreachesthedesiredtemperatureindicatedbyyourThermostat,thislightgoesoutandthe“Ready”Lightcomeson.

Itwillalsoilluminatewhentheheaterisnotrunninginthefollowinginstance:IftheRockerSwitchissettoTimeClockMode,andtheTimeClockispresentlyinthe“Off”cycle,buttheThermostatsettingiscall-ingforheat.TheCirculatingPump,controlledbytheTimeClock,cannotallow the water to heat, but the spa water is not up to temperature, and the “Ready”Lightisnotlit.

“Jets” LightThislightwillilluminatewhentheJetPumphasbeenactivated,using

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the“Jet”Button(above).TheJetPumpcirculateswaterathighspeedthroughthevarioustypesofMassageJetsinyourspa.

Digital Temperature ReadingThisdigitalreadoutdisplaysthespawatertemperatureinaconvenientlylocated,easy-to-readmanner.

ThermostatIf you have a Spa-side Thermostat, make sure that the Thermostat on your Equipment Pack is set to “Off”, or the minimum setting possible. Otherwise, malfunctions of both Thermostats could occur.

TheThermostatcanbesettothedesiredtemperature,withinarangefrom“Min”(approx.40˚)through“Max”(104˚-107˚)byusingtheup-downpush-pads(arrows).

Themaximumheatsettingwillgenerallyresultinawatertemperatureof104˚-107˚.Usethedigitalreadoutandyourpersonalpreferencesasaguideinadjustingthethermostat.

Any time there is a possibility of freezing weather, it is imperative to have heat to the spa. We recommend keeping the water heated to a temperature at which you would be comfortable using the spa.

Interior FittingsVenturi Controls (Air Controls)VenturiControlsareroundknobslocatedonthe“lip”orupperledgeofyourspa.Depend-ingonthemodel,yourspamayhaveoneorseveralVenturiControls,eachoperatingacer-tainnumberofjets.Theycontroltheamountofairthatismixedwiththewatercomingthroughthejets.

To control the amount of air introduced into Venturi

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yourjets,turntheVenturiControltothedesiredsetting,toanypositionfromfarcounterclockwise(maximumon)tofarclockwise(maximumoff).Formaximumairinjectionandafirmermassage,turntheknoballthewaycounterclockwise.Foramoregentlemassage,turntowardclock-wise.

Circulation FittingsTheinteriorofyourspahastwotypesofwaterfittings;suctionandreturn.Thespa’sCirculatingPumpcirculatesyourspa'swaterbypullingit from the spa via SuctionFittings(theTopSuctionorSkimmer,andtheBottomSuctions),passingitthroughtheheaterandfilter,thenreturningit to the spa via the CirculationJets,usuallylocatednearthelightorstepofthespa.Normally,therearetwoCirculationJets:oneisanormal-sizedjet,theotherisaverysmall,whitejet.

Suction Fittings TheTopSuction,orSkimmer,isdesignedtoskimdebrisfromthewa-ter’s surface. TheBottomSuctionsaredesignedtopullwateranddirt

fromnearthespa’sbottom.TheSuctionsdrawwaterfromthespawhenevertheCirculatingPumpisrun-ning.

Massage Jets

TheMassageJetsinyourspaarepoweredbythehigh-speedJetPump.ThewaterisdrawnfromyourspaviaaBottomSuction,andreturnedthroughyourMassageJets.

Skimmer Bottom Suctions

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Below are the description and operation of several of the more popular MassageJetsavailableatpresstime.Inourcontinuingefforttoupdateandimprovethequalityofourproduct,andbecauseoftherapidadvance-mentsinthecomponentsavailabletous,jetavailabilitychangesfrequent-ly.Becauseofthis,thejetsdescribedbelowmaynotbeidenticalwiththosebeingusedatthetimeofyourspa'smanufacture.

Standard JetsYoucanadjustboththedirectionandthevelocityofwaterflowfromtheStandardJets.Thewaterflowcanbereducedbyturningthecenternozzleclockwise.Asyouturnit,thenozzleprotrudesfurtherout.Whenfully

extended,thewaterflowiscompletelystopped.Byclosingonejet,thepressureintheotherjetsisincreased. Do not close more than two jets at one time. Doing so can damage the plumbing system of your spa. Youcanadjustthedirectionofflowfromthejetbyaimingthenozzleinthedesireddirection.

Whirlie JetsTheWhirlieJetsinjectthewaterinacircularpatterntoachievespecial-izedtherapeuticresults,aswellasawonderfulmassage.WhirlieJetsarenot adjustable.

RotoJetTheRotoJetisoptional,andisnotavail-able on all models.

TheRotoJetisthebigbrotheroftheWhirlieJet,andcanmove2to3timesthewatervelocityoftheWhirlieJet.Itinjectsthewaterinacircularpattern

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from2"to16"indiameter,determinedbyadjust-ment.

TheRotoJet'snozzlecanbeadjustedtothreediffer-ent positions to increase or decrease the diameter of thecircularpattern.Forthesmallestdiameterflow,push the center nozzle into the center position of theslotinwhichitrests.Foralargerdiameterflow,pushtowardeithersideoftheslot.Forthelargestflow,pushnozzleasfarasitwillgotoeitherside

of the slot. Also,thewaterpressurecanbeadjustedbyturningtheouterringofthejetclockwise(todecreasepressure)orcounterclockwise(toincreasepressure).

Neck JetsNeckJetsarenormallyfoundabovethewaterlevel.Theycanbeturnedonoroffbypushingthenozzleinward(off)orpullingitoutward(on).Itis best to leave the Neck Jetsoffwhilenotinuse,becausetheysometimeinject the water above the normal water level of the spa,splashingitout.

It is not required that the spa's water level cover these jets.

Circulation & Recovery JetsDo not obstruct the flow of these jets or serious damage could occur. TheCirculationJetsaretwojets,usuallylocatednearthelightand/orinteriorspa

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steps.Oneisaregular-sizedjet,theotheraverysmalljet.AfterthewateriscirculatedthroughyourCirculatingPump,itisreturnedtothespaviathese two jets.

IfyourspaisequippedwithanOzoneGenerator(describedlaterinthismanual),theairbubblescomingfromthesejetscontainsthecleansingagentproducedbytheOzoneGenerator.IfnotequippedwithanOzoneGenerator,thebubblesaremerelyair.IfyourspadoesnotpresentlyhaveanOzoneGenerator,onecanbeaddedatalatertime.

The RecoveryJetisasmalljetabovethespawaterlevel.ItlooksthesameasthesmallCirculationJet.Thisjetisdesignedtodrawairfromthespacebetweenyourspawaterandthespacover.IfyourspaisequippedwithanOzoneGenerator,thisairischargedwiththecleansingagentproducedbytheOzoneGenerator.Theairandcleansingagentarerein-troducedintoyourspa’swater,toefficientlygetthemaximumcleansingeffect possible.

IfyourspaisnotequippedwithanOzoneGenerator,thisfittingdoesnothing.ItistheretofacilitatetheadditionofanOzoneGeneratorifoneis desired at a later date.

Occasionally,jetsthatlooksimilartothesmallCirculationJetswillbeused in place of NeckJetsorRegularJetsinthespa.Thesejetsarenotat-tachedtotheOzoneGenerator,butratheraresimilartostandardjets.TheCirculation&RecoveryJetsarenotadjustable.

Air InjectorsMostAriesSpascontain14to20AirInjectors,dependingonthemodelofspa.Thesearewhiteorstainlesssteelfittingslocatedintheseatingareaofyourspa.WhenyouactivatetheAirBlowerPumpbypressingthe“Aux”buttononyourSpa-sideControl,airisforcedthroughlittleholesundertheAirInjectors,andtheairescapesaroundthefitting.Theresultisastimulating,gentlemassageoftinybubbles.

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MaintenanceFilter

AstheCirculatingPumpcirculatesthespa’swater,itpassesthroughafilter,removingdirt,debris,andbodyoilsfromyourspa.

The TopLoadingPressurefilterismostcommonlyusedduetoitseaseofcleaningandmaintenance.ItisavailableinthemajorityofAriesSpamodels.

Cleaning Your FilterCleaningtheFilterisanimportantmaintenanceprocedure.We recom-mend that you clean your Filter at least once a week.

If cared for properly, you can expect to get about 1 years's use from each Filter Cartridge, depending on spa usage. When the Cartridge becomes worn, damaged, or heavily debris-embedded, replace it with a new one.

BeforecleaningtheFil-ter, make sure to turn off powertothespa,usingthe GFCI.Todothis,pushthe“test”or“off”button

onyourGFCI.Or,youcanturnoffpowertothespabyturningoffthebreakerinyourelectricalpanelthatpowersthespa.Also,makesuretoturntothelowestpossiblesettingonyourSpa-SideControls.

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OncepowertothespahasbeenterminatedyoumayproceedtocleanyourFilter.

As the Top Loading filter is a pressure filter, make sure that power to spa is turned off before attempting to open this type of filter.

TolocatetheFilterCartridge,removetheroundacryliccoverlocatedonthetop“lip”ofyourspa.Underneath,youwillseeadome-shapedplasticlidheldinplacewitha“mason-jar”typeretainingring.Beforeattempt-ingtoopenthis,makesurethatyouhaveturnedoffmainpowerswitchorGFCI.ReleaseanyexcessairintheFilterbyturningthesmallplasticBleedValveontopofthelid.Thenunscrewtheretainingringbyturn-ingcounterclockwise.Oncetheretainingringhasbeenloosened,lifttheringandtheFilterlid.Inside,youwillfindanaccordion-folded fabric Cartridge.FirmlypullupontheCartridgetoremoveit.Cleanitbysprayingwithahigh-pressure nozzle.

Ifitappearstobeheavilyembeddedwithbodyoilordebris,youcancleanitinyourdishwasher,astheveryhotwaterhelpstobreakdownthebodyoils.If you choose to use this method, do not add detergent, and make sure that the dishwasher's drying cycle is turned off.

Note:Forconveniencesake,youmaywantto purchase an extra FilterCartridge.Whenoneneedscleaning,youcanreplaceitwiththeother,andsoakthedirtyCartridgeinamildsolutionofswimmingpoolacid(50partswaterto1partacid)ora50/50solu-tionofhouseholdbleach,overnight.Thenlet

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itdryandshakeorbrushlightly.Thisprocesshelpstoremovebodyoilsandfineembeddedparticles,resultinginthecleanestpossibleCartridgewiththeleastamountofeffort.Ifyouusethismethod,makesuretohoseoffthecartridgethoroughly(aftersoakingandbrushing)toremovebleach or acid residue.

BeforerepositioningtheCartridge,examineitforanytearsorotherdam-age.Ifdamageisdetected,youwillneedtoreplaceit.

RepositiontheCartridgeinthefiltercannisterbyreversingtheprocessyouusedtoremoveit.Whenyouhavecompletedreassemblingthefilter,resettheGFCIorotherwiseturnonthespa.

MakesurethattherearebubblescomingfromtheCirculatingJets.Ifnot,refertothe“InitialStart-up”sectionofthismanual.OnceyourCirculat-ingPumpisoperatingproperly,returnThermostattoprevioussetting.

Also,checktoseethatnowaterisleakingfromaroundthe“mason-jar”lid.Ifyoudetectanyleaks,turnoffthepowerandremovethelidagain.WithasmallamountofVasoline©ormarinelubricant,lubricatetherub-bergasketontheundersideofthespalid.ReplacethelidasbeforeandrestarttheCirculatingPump.Ifleakingpersists,callAriesforassistance.

Water Treatment It is necessary to operate your Circulating Pump each day to properly filter water and distribute chemicals, or generate ozone (if your spa is equipped with optional Ozone Generator). The time required will vary, due to use and location. We recommend operating the Circulating Pump around the clock to maintain water clarity and purity.

Watertreatmentisasomewhatspecializedtopic.Wewillattempttocoversomeofthebasics,butwerecommendvisitingaspachemicalstore,ortheAriesFactory.Also,thereareseveralgoodbooksavailableonthe

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subject.Itisnecessarytotreatyourspa’swaterfortwoimportantreasons:1)Tokeepthespawaterfreefromharmfulbacteriaandalgae.

2)Tokeepthewater’spercentageofacidityandalkalinity(pH)inbal-ance,sothatyourspa’sequipmentwillnotbecorrodedbyacidorcloggedbyalkalinebuildup.

DisinfectantsThereareseveralalternativesfordisinfectingyourspa,includingchemi-caldisinfectants(mostnotablybromine or chlorineproducts),andnon-chemicalmethods(suchasozonegenerators,reverseionizers,etc.).Askyourspaspecialistforamoredetailedexplanation.

Thenon-chemicalmethodswillnotonlysanitizeyourwater,butalsohelptostabilizethewater’spHbalance(explainedbelow).Thisisbe-causeyouaren’talteringthebalancebyaddingchemicals(whichhaveapHfactoroftheirown).

Bromine/Chlorine ProductsTochemicallytreatagainstbacteria,spabromineandchlorineproductsareoftenused.Manyoftheseproductscomeinself-dispensingcontain-ers.Ifyouusethese,checkfrequentlytomakesurethatyourdispenserhasn’trunoutofchemical.Also,usingaspatestkit,testthewaterfre-quentlytomakesurethatyoursanitizerisatacceptablelevels.

Occasionally,itisnecessarytoaddalarger-than-ordinaryquantityofdisinfectanttoremovebodyoilsandproteinwastes(suchasperspiration)fromthewater.Thislargedose,or“ShockTreatment”,canbepurchasedinhandypackets,orinbulkform.

Ozone GeneratorOzoneGenerationisamethodofsanitizingwaterthathasbeeningeneralusesincethelate1800’s.TheOzoneGeneratorusesultravioletraystopurifythewater.

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Becausethismethodofsanitizingusesnochemicals,chemicalresidueinthespawateriseliminated.Also,becauseyouarenotaddingaproductwith its own pHfactor(seebelow),thepHofyourspawaterstaysbal-ancedlonger.

When using an Ozone Generator for sanitizing, it is extremely important to operate the Circulating Pump for sufficient periods of time each day. We recommend operating the Circulating Pump continuously.

Adjusting pHItisnecessarytokeepyourspawater’sph(acidity/alkalinityratio)atacceptablelevels.AsimplifiedexplanationofpHisthatitislikearuler,withnumbersrangingfrom1to14.Thecenteroftheruler,7,isneutral,meaningthedegreeofacidandthedegreeofalkalineareequalandtheyneutralizeeachother.Thehigherthenumberpast7,themorealkalinethewateris.Forexampleareadingof7.5showsbarelyalkalinewater,while9hasagreatdealmorealkalinity,etc.Ontheotherhand,thelowerthenumber,themoreacidicthewater.ThedesiredpHlevelofyourspa’swateriswithintherangeof7.2to7.8.Yourtestkitwillmostlikelyhavea pH test included.

IfyourpHlevelistoohigh,(thewateristooalkaline)useoneofthepH-loweringproductsfoundinmanypoolandspastores.Ifthelevelistoolow,(thewateristooacidic),useoneofthepH-raisingproductsavailableatyourlocalspasupplystore.(YoumighttryaddinghouseholdbakingsodatoraisethepHifonlyslightadjustmentisneeded.)Itisbesttoad-justpHgradually.Otherwise,youmayexperiencewhatisknownas“pHbounce”,withrapidlyfluctuatingpHlevels.

We do not recommend using chemicals formulated for swimming pools in your spa. These products are highly concentrated for use in large volumes of water (15,000

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to 30,000 gals.). Proper dilution of these chemicals to an acceptable strength is difficult at best. Whenever possible, use one of the chemicals specifically formulated for spas. The Aries Factory carries a complete line of spa chemicals.

Caring for your Spa’s SurfaceTocleantheacrylicsurfaceofyourspa,useanonabrasivecleaner,suchasLysolTub&TileCleaner®,IvoryBathroomCleaner®,etc.Makesuretorinsethoroughlybeforerefilling.Otherwise,yourspawillmakesoap-sudswhenyouoperatethespa.Keepfingernailpolishremover,acetone,etc.awayfromthespa’ssurface.

Keepsharpinstruments,suchasnailsorstonesfromcomingintocontactwiththeacrylicsurfaceofyourspa.Ifyourspa’ssurfacedoesbecomeslightlyscratched,ICI(themakerofLucite©)recommendsapplyingacoatofautowaxonthescratch.Formoreseriousscratches,itissuggest-edyoucarefullysandthescratchwith400gritsandpaper.Forscratchesorchipsthatgocompletelythroughtheacrylicsurface,acrylicrepairbe-comesnecessary.Therearerepairkitsavailableatmostspasupplystores.

Draining your SpaOccasionally,itmaybecomenecessarytodrainyourspaforthoroughcleaningorotherreasons.

Before draining your spa, turn off spa's Main Power Switch. Otherwise serious damage to equipment may result.

Siphoningistheeasiestmethodfordrainingyourspa.Beforesiphon-ing,makesurethatyourpumpisoffandwillremainoffwhilethespaisdrainingorempty.(Dothisbypushingthe“Test”or“Off”buttononyourGFCI.)Theeasiestwaytostartasiphonistoleaveyourgardenhosehookedtoawaterspigot,withthefreeendofthehoseinyourspawater.Turnonthefaucet,asiftoaddwatertoyourspa.Assoonaswaterstartsrunningintothespa,quicklyturnoffthewaterandunscrewthehosefromthefaucet.Thewaterwillautomaticallystartsiphoningout.

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Note: The above method of starting a siphon only works when the faucet is below the water level of the spa.

Anotherwayofemptyingyourspaistousethefaucetorspigotattachedtotheequipmentpack.Openthevalve(turnthespigot).Itisbestifyouattachagardenhosetothefaucet,keepingthewateroffoftheEquipmentPack.Thewaterwillstarttodrainoutaslongasthefreeendofthehoseis below the water level of the spa.

Note: The above method will drain the water only to the level of the lowest circulating fitting in the spa (the lowest Bottom Suction). The remaining water will have to be siphoned (as described above) or bailed out.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Problem Possible Causes/Solutions

Spa Equipment does not operate. Nothing works.GFCI has possibly tripped.

ResetGFCIonspapackbypushing“On”.IfGFCIresetsforamo-ment,thentripsagain,see“Blowerdoesnotwork”below.

Household circuit breaker has tripped.Switchbreakerto"Off"position,thenresetto"On".

Equipment is not wired correctly.Refertowiringdirectionsinyourequipmentmanual.Ifyouhaveques-tions,callyourspadealerorequipmentmanufacturer.

Can hear Circulating Pump running, but water is not circulating.Knife valve(s) closed.

Shutoffspaimmediately.Otherwise,yourequipmentwill“dry-fire”and burn out.Makesureallknifevalvesareinopenposition(pulledup).

Circulating Pump has drawn air and lost prime.Makesurethatthewaterlevelinthespaisapproximatelytothetopslitof the Skimmer.TurnThermostattothelowestsettingtoprotectheater. Toreleaseairfromthesystem,withpumprunning,openBleed Valve locatedontheFilterlid.(ThisisasmallscrewlikefittingontopofthePressureFilter.)WaituntilwaterstartstospurtfromtheBleedValve,then re-close.

Letpumprunforabouttenminutes.Ifprimehasnotbeenrestored,momentarilyloosenthequick-releasenutontherightsideoftheheatertoreleaseairthathasbeentrappedinthepipes,thenretighten.

Don’t let the pump run for more than ten minutes without prime. To do socouldcauseseriousdamagetoyourequipment.If,after10minutes,yourpumphasnotpickedupprime,wait1hourandtryagaintorestore

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prime.Ifyoustillcan'tstartcirculation,thencallAriesServiceDepart-ment for additional tips.

Afterprimehasbeenrestored,resetThermostattodesiredtemperaturesetting.

The Filter Cartridge is very dirty.AcloggedFilterCartridgemaynotallowwatertopassthroughtothespa.Toverifywhetherthisisyourproblem,removetheFilterCar-tridge,andresealyourfilterwithouttheCartridgeinside.Ifthewaternowcirculatesproperly,cleanyourFilterCartridgethoroughly,asexplainedin“Cleaningyourfilter”.If,aftercleaning,itstillrestrictscirculation,ithasprobablybecomeheavilyembeddedwithdebrisandoil.ItwillbenecessarytoreplacetheCartridge.

Spa does not heatThe Filter Cartridge is dirty, causing insufficient water flow.

Whenyourheater’sinteriorflowvalvesenseslowwaterflow(thiscanbecausedbyacloggedFilterCartridge),itshutstheheateroffuntiltheflowisagainsufficient(protectingyourheaterfromoverheating,andpossiblyburningout).ThoroughlycleanyourFilterCartridgeandrestart the equipment.

The Knife (“T” shaped) Valves may be partially or fully closed, causing insufficient water flow (see “Filter Cartridge is dirty” above).

MakesurethatallKnifeValvesoneithersideoftheEquipmentPackarecompletelyopen(“T”pulledfullyoutward),andrestartspa.

Water level in spa is below normal operating level, causing insufficient water flow to heater (see “Filter Cartridge is dirty” above).

Fillspatoappropriatelevel(toaboutthetopslitofSkimmer)andrestart.

“Limit Reset” Button may be tripped.Resetyour“LimitReset”Buttonbypushing.Ifthespawaterortheoutsidetemperatureisverywarm,youmayhavetowaitseveralhours

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(orovernight)forthewatertocoolsufficientlytoallowresetting.(Clogged,dirtyFilterCartridgecancause“LimitReset”Buttontotrip.)

Spa water is too warm and won't cool offYou've heated the water too warm, and the outside temperature is hot, not letting the water cool .

TurndowntheThermostat,andaddcoolwatertoyourspa.Iftheout-sidetemperatureisveryhot,youmighttryaddingsomeice,also.Thiswillhelpspeedtheprocessofcoolingthewater.

Jet Pump does not workAir hose that activates “Jets” Button has come loose, either at back of “Jet” Button or at back of Equipment Pack.

Makesurethatairhoseisattachedfirmlytobackof“Jet”buttonandtothefittingontheEquipmentPack.Inspectthehoseforvisibleleaksordamage.Ifanyarefound,replacetheairhose.Examinethehoseforobstructions,suchasinsects(fireantsareacommonculprit).Clearanyobstruction found.

There is an air lock inside the Jet Pump system (this is a common problem in in-deck installations, especially after spa has been drained and refilled).

Afterturningsystemoff,locatetheQuickCouplerclosesttothepumpthatisnotoperating.Loosenitbyturningcounterclockwiseuntilwaterstartsflowingout.Retightenandtrytooperatethesystemagain.

Can hear Jet Pump running, but water is not circulatingAll jets are partially or fully closed.

Shutoffspaimmediately,otherwiseyourjetpumpmayoverheatandpossiblyburnout.Makesuretoopen3jetsatleast75%.

Knife Valves are partially or fully closed.Shutoffspaimmediately,otherwiseyourJetPumpmayoverheatandpossiblyburnout.MakesuretoopenallKnifeValvescompletely.

Nothing works except Air Blower Pump, and it only pumps at very

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slow speed“Pump/Blower” Fuse (on front of Equipment Pack) has blown out.

Replacethefuse(availableathardwareandautopartsstores)andtrytorestartJetPumpandAirBlowerPump.

Nothing works except Air Blower Pump and LightThe system has been incorrectly wired and is only receiving 110 power, intead of 220.

Callyourelectrician,orcallAriesServiceDepartmentforproperwir-inginstructions.

Air Blower does not workAir Blower Pump's automatic shut-off feature has kicked in.

Thepumpisdesignedtoautomaticallyshutoffafter10min.runtimetopreventoverheatingifusershouldforgettoturnoff.Waitaminute,then turn re-activate blower.

Air hose that activates “Blower” button has come loose, either at back of “Blower” button or at Equipment Pack.

Makesurethatairhoseisattachedfirmlytobackofthe“Blower”buttonandtothefittingontheEquipmentPack.Inspectthehoseforvisibleleaksordamage.Ifanyarefound,replacetheairhose.Exam-inethehoseforobstructions,suchasinsects(fireantsareacommonculprit).Clearanyobstructionfound.

When Air Blower is turned on, all equipment shuts off and won't restart

Air Blower has gotten wet. The GFCIbreakerhastrippedbecauseofmoisture.Themostcommoncausesare:1)overfillingofthespa(orlargebatherload)causingwatertooverflowthe P-trap. 2)Largeamountsofhumidityorrain,runofffromsprinklers,etc.

To correct the problem, drain spa water to appropriate level, if neces-sary.Makesurethereisnostandingwaterunderequipment.Reset

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GFCI.IfGFCIimmediatelytrips,theblowermaystillhavemoistureinit.ItmaytakeuptoafewdaysfortheblowertodrysufficientlytobeabletoresettheGFCI.If,afterafewdays,theproblempersists,contactyourspadealerorAriesServiceDepartment..

Can hear Air Blower motor, but there are no bubbles in the spaThe pipe may have become disconnected from the blower.

LocatetheAirBlower,andchecktoseeifthepipehasbecomediscon-nected.Ifso,pushthepipebackintotheopeningintheblower.(Thispipewasintentionallyleftunglued.)

Light won't turn onThe air line between the light connection on the equipment pack and the “Light” button has become clogged, or has come loose from the light button or the equipment.

Checkandrepairtheairlineinthesamemannerasdescribedin“Canhearpumprunning,butwaterisnotcirculating”above.

The light bulb is burned out.Inportablespas,takeoffthebackofthelightandchangethebulb.Replacementbulbscanbefoundatmostlargeautomotivepartsstores,oratAries.Someingroundspasareequippedwithswimmingpool-typelights,accessiblefromthefront.Contactyourspadealerforbulbreplacement instructions.

Water in spa is “ugly” or smells badWater used to fill the spa was dirty, or water in the piping or air channel of the spa was dirty.

Itcantakeyourspaadayortwotoclearupwheninitiallyfilled.RunCirculatingPumpcontinually.Inextremecases,especiallywhenaspahasbeenfilledwithwellwater,itmaybenecessarytodrainandrefillthespa,usingfilteredwater.

Water in the air tubes has become stagnant, due to lack of circulation.

MakeahabitofturningontheAirBlowerPumpforatleast30sec-ondseachtimeyouusethespa.Thiswillflushtheairtubesofstanding

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water,allowingittobecomedisinfected.

Water is not being filtered sufficiently.RunCirculatingPumpforlongerperiodseachday.EachtimetheCir-culatingPumpoperates,makesurethatitrunsforatleast6hours,sothatthechemicalswillbeproperlymixedinthewater.WerecommendrunningtheCirculatingPumpcontinuouslyformaximumfiltration.

Filter Cartridge is clogged with body oils and other debris, or filter is damaged..

Thoroughlycleanthefilter,asdescribedin“CleaningYourFilter”.Ifitstillseemsheavilyembedded,orisdamaged,replaceit.

The water has not been chemically treated or there is a chemical imbalance.

Seethesectiononwatertreatment.

If spa is equipped with Ozone Generator or other nonchemical sanitizer, it is not operating properly.

Makesurethedeviceispluggedintightly.Ifithasafuse,checktoseethatthefusehasnotblown,andreplaceifnecessary.

VerifythatabluelightisbeingomittedfromtheOzoneGenerator.Also,makesurethatbubblesarecomingfromoneorbothozonejetslocatednearthelightfitting.

ItisrecommendedthattheCirculatingPumprunscontinually,sothatyourOzoneGeneratorcanoperateround-the-clock.

Documents

ARIES SPAS · Aries Spas • User Manual About this manual This booklet was designed to be an aid in understanding the operation, functions, and maintenance of your Aries Spa. To