Bullfrog Spas and Hot Tubs
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2006 Owner's Manual - Operation

Cover Page

Table of Contents

Important Overview and Safety Instructions
Spa JetPaks™ and Accessories
Installation and Setup
Operation
Maintenance
Low-Use or No-Use Periods
Service
Troubleshooting Guide
Miscellaneous

PDF for 2006 Owner's Manual PDF click here

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Operation

Control System

IMPORTANT: Each Bullfrog Spa is manufactured with either a Select or Premier Control System. Each Tadpole Hot Tub is manufactured with a Basic Control System. Refer to the Control System that applies to your spa.

WARNING: This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in subpart j of part 15 of the FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient the receiving antenna. Relocate the receiver with the respect to the spa. Move the receiver away from the spa. Plug the receiver into
a different outlet so the receiver and spa are on different branch circuits and if necessary, consult your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer or an experienced Radio/Television Technician for additional suggestions. You may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful, How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, and stock number 004-000-00345-4.

Select Control System One Pump

Select Control System Two Pump

Select Control System Two Pump

Basic Control System One Pump and Two Pump

Basic Control System One and Two Pump

Select and Basic Control Systems

General
The pump responsible for heating and filtration is pump 1 for non-circulation (circ) pump spas or the circ pump for optional circ pump models. Timeouts refer to a preset length of time that a function is programmed to operate before shutting off automatically. Certain conditions (filter or freeze) can cause a function to operate longer, while faults can cause a function to operate for a shorter length of time. The system keeps track of timeouts regardless of other conditions. NOTE: In multi-button sequences (shown by the + sign), if subsequent buttons are pressed too quickly the desired result may not occur.

Initial Startup
Before turning on the power to the spa, make sure the spa is properly filled with water and the equipment door has been secured. When your spa is first actuated, it will begin the Priming mode. The Priming mode will last for up to 4 minutes, and then the control system will begin to heat the spa and maintain the water temperature in the Standard mode. Press temp to exit the Priming mode early.

Temp Set: 80◦F-104◦F (26◦C-40◦C)
The startup temperature is set to 100◦F (38◦C). The last measured temperature is constantly displayed on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). NOTE: The spa temperature displayed is only current when the pump has been running for at least 2 minutes.

Press temp once to display the set temperature. To change the set temperature, press temp a second time before the LCD stops flashing. Press temp additional times to increase or decrease the set temperature. After 3 seconds, the LCD will automatically display the last measured temperature. NOTE: To reverse the temperature adjustment direction, pause 3-5 seconds between pressing temp.

Spa Operating Modes
A multi-button sequence is used to switch between Standard, Economy, and Sleep modes. Press temp + light to enter mode programming. Press temp to cycle through to desired mode, then press light to confirm selection.

  • Standard Mode (Std): maintains the desired temperature of the spa. Std will appear on the display momentarily when you switch into Standard mode.
  • Economy Mode (Ecn): heats the spa to the set temperature only during filter cycles. Ecn will appear solid in the display when the spa is heating and will flash intermittently when the spa is not heating. Press jets 1 while in Economy mode to place the spa in Standard-In-Economy mode (SE), which operates the same as Standard mode, however; it will revert to Economy mode automatically after 1 hour.
  • Sleep Mode (SLP): heats the spa to within 20◦F (11◦C) of the set temperature only during filter cycles. SLP will appear on the display until the mode is changed.

Standby Mode (Sby)
Standby Mode idles all of the spa’s functions, except optional circ pump. This is helpful when changing a filter or a JetPak. Press temp then jets 2 or aux to start mode. Press any button to exit this mode.

Jets 1
Press jets 1 to turn pump 1 on and off and to shift between low and high speeds. If left running, the low speed will turn off after 2 hours and the high speed will turn off after 30 minutes. When the low speed turns on automatically, it cannot be turned off from the control panel.

NOTE: When in standard mode, the low speed of pump 1 or optional circ pump may activate for at least 2 minutes every 30 minutes to detect the spa temperature and will heat to set temperature (if needed).

Jets 2 (optional)
With a two pump system, press jets 2 to turn pump 2 on or off and to shift between low and high speeds. If left running, the pump will turn off automatically after 30 minutes. NOTE: If the spa does not have two pumps, the jets 2 button will be labeled aux.

Auxiliary Jet(s) Control
An optional auxiliary control pad(s) on the side of the spa can also activate the pump(s). NOTE: This option is not available on Tadpole Hot Tub models.

Light
Press light to toggle the light on and off. The light will turn off automatically after 4 hours.

LED Light (optional)
Press light to toggle the LED light on and off. Press light + light to shift through the color options. The light will turn off automatically after 4 hours.

Preset Filter Cycles
The filitration pump (either pump 1 or circ pump) and ozone purifier* will run during filtration. At the start of each filter cycle, jet pumps will run for 5 minutes to clean out the JetPaks™ and JetPods™. There are two filter cycles per day. The first filter cycle begins 6 minutes after the spa is powered up. The second filter cycle begins 12 hours later. Filter duration is programmable for 1-12 hours (F1-F12). The default filter time is 2 hours per cycle.

To program, press temp + jets 1. Press temp to select the filter duration. Press jets 1 to select the number of filter cycles. The display will show dn (day and night), d (day only), or n (night only). Press temp to adjust. Press jets 1 to exit the program. For continuous filtration, use F12 and dn. NOTE: Allowing the filter pump to operate for extended periods of time with the cover on the spa will result in a rise of the spa water temperature. During warmer months of the year, it is advisable to set the duration of the filtration cycle to the minimum level needed to keep the water clean.

Freeze Protection
If the temperature drops to 44◦F (7◦C) within the heater, the pump(s) automatically activates to provide freeze protection. The pump will stay on 4 minutes after the sensor has detected the temperature has reached 45◦F (7◦C) or higher.

Cleanup Cycle (optional)
A cleanup cycle begins 30 minutes after the pump is turned off or times out. The pump and ozone purifier* will run for 1 hour. NOTE: To activate this feature, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.

*Ozone Purifier (optional)
The ozone purifier runs during filter cycles (except when pump 1 is operating on high speed or when pump 2 is running on any speed) and during clean-up cycles.

Premier Control System (Bullfrog Spa models only)

General
The pump responsible for heating and filtration is pump 1 or optional circ pump. Timeouts refer to a preset length of time that a function is programmed to operate before shutting off automatically. Certain conditions (filter or freeze) can cause a function
to operate longer, while faults can cause a function to operate for a shorter length of time. The system keeps track of timeouts regardless of other conditions. NOTE: In multi-button sequences (shown by the + sign), if subsequent buttons are pressed too quickly the desired result may not occur.

Premier Control System One Pump

premier control sytem one pump

Premier Control System Two Pump

premier control system two pump

Initial Startup
Before turning on the power to the spa, make sure the spa is properly filled with water and the equipment door has been secured. When your spa is first actuated, it will begin the Priming mode. The Priming mode will last for up to 4 minutes, and then the control system will begin to heat the spa and maintain the water temperature in the Standard mode. Press warmer or cooler to exit the Priming mode early.

Icon Legend
heating icon Heat Icon - Indicates different stages of heating.
Jet Icon
Jets Icon - Spins fast on high speed/spins slow on low speed
light icon
Light Icon

Setting the Time
Once the spa has been properly connected the TIME icon will appear on the control panel’s liquid crystal display (LCD). Press time + mode/prog. Select the hour by pressing warmer or cooler. (Each press changes the time by 1 hour.) Press mode/prog to switch to minutes. Select minutes by pressing warmer or cooler. (Each press changes the time by 1 minute.) Press time to confirm. Press mode/prog to exit the time setting procedure and enter the optional filter cycle programming. Press mode/prog to exit programming.

NOTE: Time settings are not preserved in the event of a power loss.

Filter Cycles
NOTE: At the start of each filter cycle, the lowest speed of jet pumps will run for 5 minutes to clean out the JetPaks™ and JetPods™. NOTE: Allowing the filter pump to operate for extended periods of time with the cover on the spa will result in a rise of the spa water temperature. During warmer months of the year, it is advisable to set the duration of the filtration cycle to the minimum level needed to keep the water clean. NOTE: The pump and ozone purifier* will run during filtration.

Preset Filter Cycles: Your spa came programmed from the factory with these defaults. There are two filter cycles per day. The first filter cycle will automatically activate at 8:00 a.m. and will operate for 2 hours. The second filter cycle will automatically activate at 8:00 p.m. and will operate for 2 hours. The start and end times of the filter cycles are programmable. To program, set time as instructed in Setting the Time and follow the instructions in Custom Filter Cycles.

Custom Filter Cycles: To program custom filter cycle settings, press time + mode/prog + mode/prog + mode/prog within 3 seconds. The PROGRAM, FILTER 1, and START TIME icons will appear on the display. Press warmer or cooler to choose the filter start time hour. Press mode/prog to enter the hour. Press warmer or cooler to choose the filter start time minutes. Each press changes the start time by 5 minutes. Press mode/prog to enter the minutes. Press mode/prog to see the PROGRAM, FILTER 1, and END TIME icons. Adjust the time as done above. Press mode/prog to see the PROGRAM, FILTER 2, and START TIME icons. Proceed as above. Press mode/prog to see PROGRAM, FILTER 2, and END TIME icons. Adjust the time as previously stated. Press mode/prog to enter the new filter cycle times into the system and display the current water temperature. Press time at any time during this programming sequence to save the values entered up to that point and exit programming.

Temp Set: 80◦F-104◦F (26◦C-40◦C)
The startup temperature is set to 100◦F (38◦C). The last measured temperature is constantly displayed on the LCD. NOTE: The spa temperature displayed is only current when the pump has been running for at least 2 minutes.

Press warmer or cooler once to display the set temperature. Press warmer or cooler again to increase or decrease the temperature. After three seconds, the LCD will automatically display the last measured spa temperature.

Spa Operating Modes
A multi-button sequence is used to switch between Standard, Economy, and Sleep modes. Press mode/prog to enter mode, press cooler to cycle through modes, press mode/prog to confirm selection.

  • Standard Mode (Std): maintains the desired temperature. The Standard icon will display.
  • Economy Mode (Ecn): heats the spa to the set temperature only during filter cycles. Press jets 1 while in Economy mode to put the spa in Standard-In-Economy mode (SE), which operates the same as Standard mode, however, it will revert to Economy mode automatically after 1 hour. The Economy icon will display.
  • Sleep Mode (SLP): heats the spa to within 20◦F (11◦C) of the
    set temperature during filter cycles only. The Sleep icon
    will display.

Standby Mode (Sby)
Standby Mode idles all of the spa’s functions, except optional circ pump. This is helpful when changing a filter or a JetPak. Press temp then jets 2 or aux to start mode. Press any button to exit this mode.

Jets 1
Press jets 1 to turn pump 1 on and off and to shift between low and high speeds. The low speed will turn off after 2 hours and the high speed will turn off after 30 minutes. When the low speed turns on automatically, it cannot be turned off from the control panel. NOTE: When in standard mode, the low speed of pump 1 may activate for at least 2 minutes every 30 minutes to detect the spa temperature and will heat to set temperature if needed. When equipped with optional circ pump, circ pump assumes these duties.

Jets 2 (optional)
Press jets 2 once to turn pump 2 on and off and to shift between low and high speeds. If left running, the pump will turn off after 30 minutes. NOTE: If the spa does not have two pumps, the jets 2 button will be labeled aux.

Auxiliary Jet(s) Control
An optional auxiliary control pad(s) on the side of the spa can also activate the pump(s).

Option
This button does nothing by itself; however, it is used as part of the Invert sequence described as follows.

Invert Display
Press warmer or cooler + option to change the direction of the information on the display.

Light
Press light to toggle the light on and off. The light will turn off automatically after 4 hours.

LED Light (optional)
Press light to toggle the light on and off. Press light + light to shift through color options. The light will turn off automatically after 4 hours.

Freeze Protection
If the temperature drops to 44◦F (7◦C) within the heater, the pump automatically activates to provide freeze protection. The pump will stay on 4 minutes after the sensor has detected the temperature has reached 45◦F (7◦C) or higher.

Cleanup Cycle (optional)
A cleanup cycle begins 30 minutes after the pump is turned off or times out. The pump and ozone purifier* will run for 1 hour. NOTE: To activate this feature, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.

Locking the Panel
Press time + jets 1 + warmer within 3 seconds. When locked, the Panel Lock (PL) indicator light will light. All buttons will be frozen except the time button. To unlock the panel, press
time + jets 1 + cooler.

Locking the Set Temperature
Press warmer or cooler + time + jets 1 + warmer within 3 seconds to activate the lock. The TL indicator light will light when the set temperature is locked. To unlock the set temperature, press warmer or cooler + time + jets 1 + cooler.

*Ozone Purifier (optional)
The ozone purifier runs during filter cycles (except when pump 1 is operating on high speed or when pump 2 is running on any speed) and during clean-up cycles.

Diagnostic Message (for all control Systems)
Message Meaning Action Required
  No message on display. Power has been cut off to the spa. The control panel will be disabled until power returns. Spa settings are preserved until the next power-up.
OHS Overheat - The spa has shut down. One of the sensors has detected that the spa water is 118°F (47.8°C) at the heater. DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa cover and allow water to cool. Once the heater has cooled, reset by pushing any button. If spa does not reset, shut off the power to the spa and contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.
OHS Overheat - The spa has shut down. One of the sensors has detected that the spa water is 110°F (43.3°C). DO NOT ENTER THE WATER. Remove the spa cover and allow water to cool. At 107°F (41.7°C), the spa should automatically reset. If spa does not reset, shut off the power to the spa and contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.
ICE Ice – Potential freeze conditions detected. No action is required. The pumps will automatically activate regardless of spa status.
SnA Spa has shutdown. The sensor plugged into sensor “A” jack is not working. The error may appear temporarily in an overheat situation and disappear once the heater cools. If the problem persists, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.
Snb Spa has shutdown. The sensor plugged into sensor “B” jack is not working. The error may appear temporarily in an overheat situation and disappear once the heater cools. If the problem persists, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.
SnS

Spa has shutdown. Sensors are out of balance. If this is alternating with the temperature, it may just be temporary. If the problem persists, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.
HFL A difference between the temperature sensors was detected. This could indicate a flow problem. Check water level in spa. Refill if necessary. If the water level is acceptable, make sure the pumps have been primed. If the problem persists, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.
LF Heater is shut down, but other spa functions run normally (displays on the 5th occurrence of the HFL message within a 24-hour period). Persistent low flow problems. Follow the instructions for the HFL message. Heating capacity of the spa will not reset automatically. Press any button to reset.
dr Inadequate water detected in heater. Check water level in spa. Refill if necessary. If the water level is okay, make sure the pumps have been primed. Press any button to reset.
dry Spa is shut down (displays on the 3rd occurrence of the dr message). Inadequate water detected in the heater. Follow the actions listed for the dr message. The spa will not reset automatically. Press any button to reset.
Pr When your spa is first actuated, it will go into Priming mode. The Priming mode will last for up to 4 minutes and then the spa will begin to heat and maintain the water temperature in the Standard mode.
--F
or
--C
Temperature not yet known. This is normal within the first few minutes of the spa power up.
nill Temperature not yet known. This is normal within the first few minutes of the spa power up.
buf Internal problem detected. Repair required. Contact your authorized dealer or service organization.
std The spa is operating in Standard mode. Temperature display is current after pump has been running for at least 2 minutes. Press temp followed by light to switch modes.
Ecn The spa is operating in Economy mode. Ecn will appear solid on the display when the temperature is not current. Ecn will alternate with the temperature when the temperature is current. Press temp followed by light to switch modes.
SE The spa is operating Standard-in-Economy mode. Operates the same as Standard mode; however it will revert to Economy mode after 1 hour. Press temp + light to switch directly to Economy mode.
SLP The spa is in Sleep mode. Press temp + light to switch modes.
Sby The spa is in Standby mode. Press any button to exit mode and return to normal operation.
Periodic Reminder Messages (On Premier Control Panel, press mode/prog to reset a displayed reminder. On Select and Basic Control Panels, press temp + light to reset a displayed reminder.)
rPH Every 7 days Test and adjust chemical levels per manufacturer’s instructions.
rSA Every 7 days Test and adjust chemical levels per manufacturer’s instructions.
rCL Every 30 days Remove, clean, and reinstall filter per manufacturer’s instructions.
rtS Every 30 days Test and reset GFCI per manufacturer’s instructions.
rdr Every 90 days Drain and refill spa per manufacturer’s instructions.
rCO Every 180 days Clean and condition cover per manufacturer’s instructions.
rtr Every 180 days Clean and condition cabinet per manufacturer’s instructions.
rCH Every 365 days Install new filter.
WARNING! SHOCK HAZARD! No User Serviceable Parts.
Do not attempt service of this control system. Contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer or service organization for assistance. Follow all power connection instructions listed in this manual. Installation must be performed by a licensed Electrician and all grounding connections must be properly installed.
JetPaks™

Interchanging JetPaks
Step 1: Put the spa in Standby mode, this will prevent the pump(s) from activating (see Control System).

Step 2: Carefully, remove the head rest by lifting upwards.

JetPak removal

Step 3: Push the JetPak™ forward until you have enough room to reach the two PVC water unions and air-line union.

push JetPak forward

Step 4: Loosen the two PVC unions, pull the manifold out from in between the two water unions and remove the JetPak from the JetPod™.

Step 5: Disconnect the air line union.

disconnect air line

Step 6: Exchange JetPaks™.

exchange JetPak

Step 7: Reattach the JetPaks by reversing steps 1-5.

IMPORTANT: Spa models with two pumps have two different JetZones™. These JetZones are divided by a JetZone Divider™. Never operate the spa without the JetZone divider in place. Doing so will cause serious damage to the pumps. In addition, interchanging JetPaks™ from one JetZone to another may result in improper water flow to one or more JetPaks. Do not install the JetZone Divider in either the first or the last seat. If you have questions or problems, see the JetZones section or contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer.

NOTE: The NeckBlaster™ JetPak will only fit in the Lounger or Recliner (corner seats). Due to its large amounts of plumbing and jets, the NeckBlaster will not fit in a Bucket (middle or wall seat).

Jetting

Jet Types
Depending on the design, your spa comes with a unique combination of the following jets:

Neck Jet Neck
Adjustable: Yes
Storm Massage Jet Storm Massage
Adjustable: Yes
Interchangeable: with Storm Roto and Power Storm II.
Cluster Storm Jet Cluster Storm
Adjustable: Yes
Verta'ssage Jet Verta’ssage
Adjustable: No
Shower Jet Shower
Adjustable: No
Handheld Jet Handheld
Adjustable: No
Duo Jet Duo
Adjustable: No
Interchangeable: with Duo-Blaster
Jumbo Storm Jet Jumbo Storm
Adjustable: Yes
Duo Blaster Jet Duo-Blaster
Adjustable: No
Interchangeable: with Duo
Whirlpool Jet Whirlpool
Adjustable: Yes
Micro VSR Jet Micro VSR
Adjustable: Yes
Power Storm II Jet Power Storm II
Adjustable: Yes
Interchangeable: with Storm Roto and Storm Massage.
Storm Roto Storm Roto
Adjustable: Yes
Interchangeable: with Storm Massage and Power Storm II.
   

Interchangeable Jets
Certain jets allow for interchangeable jet nozzles. Always contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer before attempting to modify the jetting on your spa.

Adjustable Jets
To adjust the water pressure on the jets, simply turn the outer ring.

  • To increase jet water pressure, turn the outer ring clockwise
  • To decrease jet water pressure, turn the outer ringcounter clockwise

NOTE: Never shut all the jets off at the same time.

JetZones™

Spas powered by two pumps provide a unique feature called JetZones. A JetZone™ is a region of jets powered by the same pump. With JetZones, you decide which JetPaks™ are powered by each pump. Two-pump spas have two JetZones.

Each pump (on two-pump models only) provides water flow to its own JetZone. Each JetZone can be customized with the use of a JetZone Divider™ (included).

By simply moving the JetZone Divider, you can increase or decrease the number of JetPaks that are powered by a particular pump, thus creating a new JetZone. By adding JetPaks to a particular JetZone, you will decrease the power to that zone. By removing JetPaks from a particular zone, you will increase the power to that zone. To create a New JetZone:

Step 1: Remove the JetPaks by following steps 1-5 in Interchanging JetPaks of the JetPak section.

Step 2: Loosen the two PVC unions, pull the manifold out from the two water unions and remove the JetPak from the JetPod™.

Step 3: Remove the JetZone Divider and reinstall the divider in a location of your choice (never install in either the first or the last seat).

Step 4: Reattach the JetPaks by reversing the JetPak removal procedure.

WARNING: Never operate the spa without the JetZone Divider in place or by installing the JetZone Divider in the first or the last seat. Doing so may cause serious damage to the pumps.

JetZone