Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Plumbing & Electrical Installation Instructions

EElliittee H
Hoott T
Tuubb-- 1166//2200//2244 J
Jeettss
Electric Heat with BP2000G1-04 Spa Pack
Rev 7
Sept 2020

Table of Contents
Installation Summary ................................................................ 4 Changing the SETUP Number ................................................. 33
Introduction .............................................................................. 5 Using the standard TP600 Panel ........................................ 33
Required Tools .......................................................................... 5 Other Servicing Settings using the TP600 .......................... 33
Parts List ................................................................................... 5 Using the Optional TP500S to Change SETUP and Servicing
Floor Drain Elbow Orientation ................................................. 6 Settings .............................................................................. 35
Location of Staves with Holes .................................................. 7 DIP Switch Function ............................................................... 35
6ft 2in Diameter Tubs .......................................................... 8 Changing High Speed Pump Interactions ........................... 35
7ft Diameter Tubs .............................................................. 10 Memory Reset ................................................................... 35
Mounting Jets and Other Wall Fittings................................... 11 Heater Cool-Down Delay ................................................... 35
Mounting Jets .................................................................... 11 TP600 Digital Top Side Abbreviated Instructions .................... 35
Mounting a CMP 25215 VGB Suction Wall Fittings ............ 12 Changing Temperature Setting .............................................. 36
Mounting the Skimmer Assembly ...................................... 12 Changing Temperature Setting Range ................................... 36
Mounting the Circulation System Supply Wall Fitting ....... 13 Setting the Time ..................................................................... 36
Mounting a Light Assembly................................................ 13 Setting the Filter Cycle Frequency and ON Cycle ................... 36
Completing the Floor Drain Connections ............................... 13 Setting the Ready and Rest Mode .......................................... 37
Connecting the Jets (at the Tub) ............................................ 14 Locking/Unlocking the Panel .................................................. 37
Connecting the Circulation System Skimmer and Suction TP500S Menu-based Panel User Features ............................... 37
Fittings.................................................................................... 16 Message and Fault Codes ....................................................... 37
Jet Suction Interconnection ................................................... 17 Wi-Fi Apps .............................................................................. 37
Flow Diagram ......................................................................... 17 BWA V4.1 Wi-Fi iPhone/Android Remote Control and
Re-assembling the Circulation System Equipment-Pad Monitoring ............................................................................. 37
Components ........................................................................... 19 CMS Wi-Fi iPhone/Android/Browser Control and Monitoring38
Connecting the Equipment Pads to the Tub ............................ 19 Most Common Initial Problems .............................................. 39
Ozonator Provision................................................................. 21 Appendix B – Ozonator Installation and Operation ................. 40
Protecting the Ozonator Hartford Loop ............................. 21 Installation ............................................................................. 40
Jet Circuit Freeze Protection Option ...................................... 22 Ozonator Operation & Maintenance ..................................... 41
Other Connections .................................................................. 23 Appendix C – Clear Blue Copper Water Ionization System ...... 42
Mounting Control Components ............................................. 23 The Control Panel (Digital Display) Functions .................... 43
Ionizer Cell Attachment.......................................................... 24 Appendix D – Alternate Location of Equipment Pad – High Deck
Electrical Connections ............................................................ 24 Situation ................................................................................. 44
Electrical Safety Instructions to Connected NLCT Electric Heat Full Deck Installation .............................................................. 44
Jetted Tub ............................................................................... 25 Half Deck Installation Using Shelves and Full-length Skirts .... 45
Final Details ............................................................................ 26 Appendix E – Alternate Location of Equipment Pad – Low Deck
Operational Notes .................................................................. 26 Situation ................................................................................. 47
Appendix A – Information for Wiring and Using the BP2000M3 Attaching Shelves and Skirts in a Low Deck Situation ............ 49
Digital Spa Controller .............................................................. 27 Routing the ¾” Flex Hose for the Air Valves........................... 50
General Features of the BP2000G1-04 .................................... 27 Completing the Ozonator Air Tubing ..................................... 51
Wiring Details ......................................................................... 28 Appendix F – Variances when Using the CS8800/HeatMax
Electric Service Considerations................................................ 31 Equipment Pad ....................................................................... 52
How it Works .......................................................................... 32 Appendix G – Explanation of Plumbing Terms........................ 54
Freeze Protection ................................................................... 32 Warranty Info and Liability Disclaimer .................................... 55
Setting of Permanent Options (Factory or Service Personnel) . 33 Technical Assistance ............................................................... 55

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General Safety Instructions/Warnings
FOLLOW ALL WARNINGS CAREFULLY!!
o Do not permit electric appliances (such as a light, telephone, radio or television) within 1.5 m (5ft) of this hot
tub.
o Children should not use hot tubs without adult supervision.
o Do not use hot tubs unless all suction guards are installed to prevent body and hair entrapment.
o Pregnant or people under medical care (such as but not limited to heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, cir-
culatory problems, obesity) should consult a physician before using a hot tub.
o People using medications and/or having an adverse medical history should consult a Physician before using a
hot tub.
o People with infections or infectious diseases, sores or open wounds should not use a hot tub.
o To avoid injury, exercise care when entering or exiting the hot tub. Wet surfaces will be slippery.
o Do not use drugs or alcohol before or during the use of a hot tub to avoid unconsciousness and possible
drowning.
o Water temperature in excess of 38°C (100°F) may be injurious to your health.
o Before entering the spa or hot tub measure the water temperature with an accurate thermometer.
o Never walk, climb, play or jump on the cover.
o When Tub is not in use, cover must be properly positioned and secured
o Prolonged immersion in a hot tub may be injurious to your health.

CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT WHEN THERE IS LITTLE OR NO WATER IN

THE HOT TUB.

PROLONGED IMMERSION IN HOT WATER MAY INDUCE HYPERTHERMIA READ THE

FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

The causes, symptoms, and effects of hyperthermia may be described as follows. Hyperthermia occurs when
the internal temperature of the body reaches a level several degrees above the normal body temperature of 37° C
(98.6°). The symptoms of hyperthermia include drowsiness, lethargy, and an increase in the internal temperature
of the body. The effects of hyperthermia include:

1. unawareness of impending hazard;

2. failure to perceive heat;
3. failure to recognize the need to exit the hot tub;
4. physical inability to exit hot tub;
5. fetal damage in pregnant women, and
6. unconsciousness and danger of drowning.

WARNING: THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS CAN GREATLY INCREASE THE RISK OF
FATAL HYPERTHERMIA IN HOT TUBS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

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10. Reassemble the main circulation equipment pad as per Fig-

Installation Summary ure 27 or as in Appendix F if you ordered the CS8800B-
This manual is written for the novice installer and conse- NOR20 based equipment pad.
quently contains a lot of pages and detail, which may not be 11. Position all three Equipment pads. Be sure the location is
what everyone wants or needs, especially an experienced accessible, since the equipment needs to stay serviceable.
installer. To help you navigate this manual quicker, use the and be able to remove and change the filters. See Figure
28. In the case the alternate location of the Equipment pads
sequence below. However, the owner is warned that the is used, refer to either Appendix D or E. See Appendix F if
most common cause of a faulty installation is due to failure it is the CS8800B-NOR20 version of the equipment pad.
to read the manuals or just to skip through them, instead of 12. Connect the circulation system equipment pad to its suction
reading them carefully. This also applies when the owner tee and circulation supply wall fitting. Refer to Figures 29
hires trades person to do the work. If these persons are not or in the case the alternate location of the Equipment pads
given the time or are unwilling or unable to read the manu- is used, refer to either Appendix D or E See Appendix F if
als, they are also at risk of missing important information it is the CS8800B-NOR20 version of the equipment pad.
and making a mistake. 13. Connect the Jet pumps to their suction tee and jet supply
tee (See Figure 30). Again, if using the alternate location of
the Equipment pads. refer to either Appendix D or E.
1. Assemble the tub as per the Tub Installation manual. This,
14. Attach the Ozonator Venturi to the tub and complete its
however, also requires understanding the arrangement
water connections. (See pages 21-22 for details). For the
to be used and paying attention to the Figures in this
alternate locations of the Equipment pads the details vary
manual that illustrate where staves with holes must be
and either Appendix D or E should be referred to. Connec-
placed for that specific arrangement. For the location of
tion at the circulation wall fitting may be somewhat differ-
the holes refer to pages 8-11. By arrangement we are refer-
ent than shown in diagrams.
ring to the number of jets and how it will be deployed with-
15. If there is a severe freezing climate and the Jets Circuit An-
in a deck. Is it a standard arrangement, or is it an alternate
ti-Freeze Option has been purchased, connect these parts
arrangement? If the alternate arrangement will it be used
(refer to page 22-23).
with a high deck or a low deck. The alternate arrangement
also applies if the tub is only half built into the deck. Dif-
16. Once the air valves are properly mounted in a collared hole
ferences do exist in plumbing details for the alternate ar-
(see page 23), complete the jet air valve connections. One
rangements and these differences are described in Appen-
routing method is shown in Figure 22 and another in Ap-
dices D and E.
pendix E, Figure 68. Also mount the digital top side panel
2. Apply the recommended number of coats of exterior wood
and auxiliary panel (if the latter was ordered).
finish to the outside of the hot tub and to all sides of any
17. Mount the ozonator directly on the hot tub or elsewhere,
wood accessories you may have ordered, such as shelves.
such that the cord will still reach. Then connect the ¼ inch
Up-facing surfaces that can collect water should be treated
plastic tubing to the venturi (see Appendix B as well as
with an extra coat, as should surfaces in direct sunlight. Al-
Appendix E). The separate check valve that comes with
so prepare and finish the rim of the hot tub. This is de-
the ozonator is not needed unless the built-in check valve
scribed in the tub assembly manual and is important to do.
within the Mazzei or CMP venturi is removed. If used, be
3. If it is intended to insulate around the tub with foil bubble
sure to check the orientation of the check valve. Also en-
wrap, do it now and cut out around the holes and band ten-
sure a double loop has been created properly. Pages 21-22
sioners. A manual is available, describing the insulation
and Appendix B provide some ideas how to deal with the
procedure.
double loop if shelves or a high deck is used.
18. Install the ionizer electrode cell (Appendix C Figure 42)
If the tub was ordered preassembled, skip ahead to step
and mount the control unit in an accessible place. Ionizer
10.
and Ozonator both plug into the same receptacle and a spe-
cial Y cable adapter is provided for this purpose.
4. If tub was ordered with a floor drain (often omitted in cli-
19. Check that all seals and O-rings are present (pump connec-
mates that experience severe winter), attach the drainpipe
tions, spa pack connections, globe valve unions, top of fil-
and gate valve to the drain mechanism’s elbow (see Figure
ter) and that all joints were glued properly.
1 & 19)
5. Mount the jets (See page 11 -12).
20. Provide the electrical service wiring and disconnect com-
6. Mount the 3 VGB suctions, skimmer, circulation supply,
ponents (see Appendix A and Figures 38). 30-50 Amp 3 C
ozone and light wall fittings (page 12-13)
service to the spa pack is required and 30 Amp 2 C service
7. Connect the skimmer pipe with gate valve (Fig 23 & 24.
is required for the auxiliary heater. These must utilize a
Be aware however if the installation involves the alternate
GFCI and code requires a local disconnect means (read
equipment arrangement and a low deck, the connection is
Appendix A). Supplemental wiring information is separate-
different and Appendix E, Figure 59, needs to be refer-
ly provided, if it is the CS8800B-NOR20 version of the
enced.
equipment pad.
8. Interconnect the jets including the jet supply Tees (page
21. Check that SETUP # is 10 and that DIP switches and the
15)
White wire jumpers are set as described in Appendix A. or
9. Interconnect the two jet suctions (See page 17 and Figure
the supplemental manual.
25). Slight variations in this exist if the arrangement isn’t
the standard arrangement. In that case see either Appendix
D or E.
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22. Open both gate valves for the circulation system. Also are based on Imperial sizes, this manual does not try to translate these
open the gate valves for the Jet pumps. Open the small ball sizes into metric (mm) equivalents, since this might leave people to believe
valve for the ozonator water flow. Initially close the skim- these are metric components which they are not. A 1-1/2” elbow, is pre-
cisely that, not a 40 mm elbow, even though the dimensions may be close.
mer valve. Close the hose bib valve. Read the 1st time fill-
ing procedure section of the “Cedar Tub Care Manual” and
once water is a couple of inches above the jet suctions, the Required Tools
spa pack can be powered on and the circulation pump can
be started. Don’t touch the Jets button on the panel, yet. To cut two holes in the enclosure and to mount the wall
Check for leaks in the piping and if everything is okay fittings the following tools are needed:
begin the heating and sequential filling process. Turn on • 2-1/2” (6.4 cm) hole saw
the Jets in low speed. They will keep run for 2 hrs in this • ½” electric drill
mode and help wet the staves above the water line. Keep • Phillips (cross) and Robertson(square) screwdriver
this up. bits
23. Read the Operational Notes on page 26. Set Digital Panel • Wide jawed wrench
to Ready mode (it may come factory set for Rest mode). • Optionally a tool especially designed to tighten &
Once it’s been established that good flow is present and loosen the jet from the inside (can be ordered from
there are no air locks, and after the Heat light or symbol on Northern Lights)
the panel is on steady, the water temperature should start to
slowly increase. Initially set the filtration cycle to Contin- To mount the air valves for the jets to shelves or decking the
uous. following tools are needed:
24. After you are confident any leaks in the piping have been
• 1-5/8” (4.1 cm) hole saw (air valves)
repaired, and leaks in the lower portion of the stave joints
have subsided, continue to add water to the tub, incremen- • Router with 3/8” (1 cm) rabbeting bit (for air valve
tally, until the tub is full (to the line on the skimmer). At hole)
this point the skimmer gate valve can also be opened • 3/8” (1 cm) or ½” (1.3 cm) inch electric drill

25. Until the tub has sealed don’t use any chemicals, except for To connect various pipes hoses and tubes the following
a sanitizer, since they will only be wasted. The initial 3-4 tools are needed:
fills will result in the water colouring to a tea brown. Dur- • Electric chop saw or table saw with laminate blade ( or hack
ing this time use the sanitizer but don’t waste calcium or saw will do)
alkalinity products. The ozonator can be deployed right • Utility knife
from the start. Thereafter make sure you have read section • #100 Sandpaper
9 of the “Cedar Tub Care Manual”, especially Section
9.7.2. Then, balance the water, use the sanitizer(s) correct-
ly and keep the filtering working properly.
Parts List
The following lists the parts supplied by Northern Lights for
16 - 24 Jets & 4 Air Controls.
Introduction Table 1a – Standard Components Required
These instructions are intended to be used with the Elite series of
hot tubs using electric heat only. This series of tubs is available in
Qua Description
the large (6ft 2inch diameter) and the Extra-large (7ft 0 inch) sizes 16-24 Hydro Air 10-5300 Hydro Jets with extended wall
only. The standard number of Jets is 16, but this can be increased fitting for cedar tubs c/w gasket.
to 20 or 24 (on X-large size only). The hot tub is optimized to be 3 CMP 25215 VGB Suction Assembly
installed into a high deck to hide the plumbing. This also allows 1 Hydro Air 10-6530 Extended 1-1/2” skimmer assem-
the addition of considerable insulation to help reduce the heat loss- bly
es. 1 Hydro Air 10-3320 Extended Wall fitting (circ sup-
ply)
The plumbing installation is broken down into 4 distinct stages. 1 Floor Drain assembly with HydroAir 30-3801 wall
The 1st stage involves wrapping the tub with two layers of reflect- fitting, CMP 25542 shallow plug and 1-1/2” Elbow
ing bubble wrap insulation. Next the various wall fittings (jets, (option recommended for warm climates only)
drains, ozonator, etc.) and the interconnecting piping and fittings 2 Praher PR150 1-1/2” slip x slip PVC gate valve (for
are installed at the tub. These two stages will have been completed skimmer shut-off and floor drain)
if the tub came preassembled from the factory. The third stage 2 CMP 1-1/2” spig x slip PVC gate valve (for circula-
involves the reassembly of the circulation equipment pad, position- tion system shut-off)
ing all three equipment pads and connecting these to the corre- 4 CMP 2” spig x slip PVC gate valve (for jet pumps
sponding hot tub connection points. Lastly, once the hydraulics shut-off)
has been checked for leaks, the external piping components are 1 ½” Praher SU5 ball valve with single union (s x s)
insulated. 1 1-1/2” s x 1/2” s x 1-1/2” s Tee
4 2” s x 2” s x 2” s Tee
The components and dimensions referenced are all based on Imperial
sizes. For those not familiar with these (American/British) units and abbre- 1 1-1/2” s x 1-1/2” s x 1-1/2” s Tee
viations, see Appendix F for an explanation. Since the actual components 5 1-1/2” 90 elbow

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
1 1-1/2” 45° elbow hose. It can overly soften it, causing the PVC weld to de-
1 1-1/2” 45° street elbow grade over time and possibly fail.
4 2” 90 elbow
2 2” street 90 elbow
1 Brass ½” mpt hose bib
2 ½” slip – ½” fpt adapter
Tub Plumbing
1 ½” slip – ½” mpt adapter
4 3/4” street elbow Floor Drain Elbow Orientation
4 3/4” elbow
2 ½” street elbow
The floor drain is normally only supplied to customers liv-
5 2” spig -1-1/2” slip adapters
ing in warmer climates, where it does not freeze. If so, the
4 1-1/2” spig-3/4” slip reducers floor drain should have been factory installed, but check
8 1-1/2” (spig) end plugs that it is tight and that the elbow orientation is correct
4 1” spig – ¾” slip reducers (pointing to the slot in the stave). Install the piece of 1-1/2”
1 3/4” spig -1/2” slip reducer PVC flex hose using PVC glue at a later time, after all the
4 CMP 25-90-201 1” scalloped air jet control valves - staves are installed.
grey
Figure 1 - Drain Elbow Orientation 7ft tub
13 ft 2” flex PVC hose
3 ft 2” rigid PVC pipe
28 - 67ft 1-1/2” flex PVC hose (depends on # of Jets)
8 ft 1-1/2” rigid PVC pipe
16 ft ¾” flex PVC hose
13 ft ½” flex PVC hose
2 16 oz can of PVC cement*see note below
Table 1b –Pump Equipment Pads
Quantity Description
1 Circulation Pump Equipment Pads with Balboa or
Gecko 230v Circ Pump, BP2000 spa pack, 5.5 kW
Aux heater, dual 50sqft Filters on wood base.
2 Jet Pump Equipment pads with Balboa or Waterway
2-speed pump, 1.5 HP or 2 HP, 230 v pumps on fi-
breglass Equipment bases.
Table 1c –Light Kit
Quantity Description
1 Spliced dual Light kit wiring option on Spa Pak
2 Light wall fitting
2 Optional LED light assembly
Table 1c –Ozonator Kit
Quantity Description
1 Corona Discharge Ozonator –Balboa 54451 equipped
with AMP plug Universal 100-240v 50/60 Hz. c/w
air check valve
1 Y-cable adapter equipped with AMP 4-pin plugs
10’ 1/4 “clear tubing
1 CMP ozonator venturi assembly
2 Nylon Tie Wraps
Table 1d– Electrolytic Sanitizer Kits
Quantity Description
1 Copper/Silver/Zinc Water Ionizer Kit A400UH with
AMP plug. 230 v version
*Note about PVC Cement- We supply clear PVC
cement and purposely do not ship the purple primer. De-
spite what your plumber or hardware store employee may
tell you, avoid the temptation to also use prime. Besides
making a purple mess, it can degrade the bond. Spa flex
hose is a softer PVC formulation which contains more plas-
ticizers than rigid PVC elbows, couplings, etc. For this rea-
son, we do not recommend the use of purple primer on flex
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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 4 - Alternate Equipment Pads Location - Low
Deck
Location of Staves with Holes
This section provides the information about where to place
the staves with holes. There are two tub sizes. For each
there are two variations of where the pump equipment (the
Equipment pads) can be located. This is the standard or the
alternate location. Then for the alternate location there is
the high deck and the low deck variation, plus the number
of jets can vary from 16 to 24. Thus, this must all be sorted
out before the tub is assembled.

The Elite tubs are meant to be installed in decks. The fol-

lowing two illustrations help visualize the standard and al-
ternate location of the equipment when using a high deck
and the alternate location of the equipment when using a
low deck. The alternate arrangement is also suitable if the tub will
only be built partially into a deck as shown in Figure 5. The
Figure 2 -Standard Equipment Pas Location -Hi Deck portion external to the deck would normally have the
plumbing on that side covered with shelves and long skirt
boards as shown in the figure on the next page.
Figure 5 - Alternate Equipment Pad Location -Partially Built-
In

Figure 3 - Alternate Equipment Pads Location - Hi Deck

This last arrangement, if used with a low deck, would end

up having the skimmer placed to the left, similarly as to
Figure 4. In the rare occasion that the tub is fully stand-a-
lone, the connections would be as per Figure 3, except
shelves, skirts and stairs would be used. Customer would
have to build his own enclosure to house the Equipment
pads.

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The above considerations will determine where the skimmer 6ft 2in Diameter Tubs
stave will be located. The jet suctions and lights are either The next 3 figures illustrate the hole location for a large (6ft
symmetrical around the 12 o’clock position (for standard 2in diameter) tub based on the arrangement being Standard
Equipment pad location), or symmetrical around the 6 –Hi Deck, Alternate-hi deck or Alternate – Low Deck. Note
o’clock position (for any of the alternate Equipment pad the convention: the reference stave is #1. There is no
position arrangements). The jet positions do not change -1 stave, so that we can keep the numbering symmetrical
whether the arrangement is standard or alternate. However, left or right from stave #1.
the jet supply connections to the jets do change in length.

Figure 6 - Hole Placement Standard Configuration 6ft 2in Tub (Equipment is Located behind Stave #1)

Figure 7 - Hole Placement Alternate Configuration Hi Deck 6ft 2in Tub (Equipment is Located Behind Stave #25)

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Figure 8 - Hole Placement Alternate Configuration Low Deck 6ft 2in Tub (Equipment is Located Behind Stave #25)

In all cases the seating will be arranged so that the step-in holes for 20 jets. When 16 jets are used two less staves with
seat is centred around the 6 o’clock position (opposite to holes for the jets will be provided. In that case normally the
stave #1 in the previous 3 illustrations). Also note that with holes shown at positions 19 and – 19 will not be there and
a 6ft 2in diameter tub, the customer can have either 16 the last jets are those at Position 15 and -15.
(standard) or 20 (optional) jets. The diagrams show the

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
7ft Diameter Tubs
The next 3 figures illustrate the hole location for an extra-large (7ft 0in) tub, again based on the arrangement being Standard –Hi
Deck, Alternate-Hi Deck or Alternate – Low Deck.

Figure 9 - Hole Placement Standard Configuration 7ft 0in Tub (Equipment is Located Behind Stave #1)

Figure 10 - Hole Placement Alternate Configuration Hi Deck 7ft 0in Tub (Equipment is Located behind Stave #29)

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Figure 11- Hole Placement Alternate Configuration Low Deck 7ft 0in Tub (Equipment is Located Behind Stave #29)

Again, in all cases the seating will be arranged so that the step- from bottom of stave
in seat is centred around the 6 o’clock position (opposite to Stave with notch Has a partial hole, 0.75” (1.9 cm) from
stave #1 in the previous 3 illustrations). Also note that with a bottom of stave. This is optional and
7ft 0in diameter tub, the customer can have either 16 (stand- often not supplied.
ard) or 20 (optional) or 24 (optional) jets. The diagrams show Jet Staves (8-12) Have 2 holes, 10” (25.2 cm) and 18-
the holes for all 24 jets. When 16 jets are used four less staves 1/8” (46 cm) from top of stave
with holes for the jets will be provided. In that case the holes
shown at positions 19, 22, -19 and -22 will not be there and
the last jets are those at position 16 and -16. Likewise, when Mounting Jets and Other Wall Fittings
20 jets are used, two less staves with holes for the jets will be
Jets and other wall fittings should be mounted after the wood
provided. In that case the holes shown at positions 22, and -22
finish has been applied and after bubble insulation wrap has
will not be there and the last jets are those at position 19 and -
been installed.
19.
Mounting Jets
The staves with holes can be identified as follows:
Before each jet is mounted, check that the small cap is glued
into the hole in top of the air
Table 2 – Stave Identification
cavity. These are shipped un-
Hole Description Hole Center line glued by the manufacturer. Use
Circ Skimmer and Suction Has 2 holes, 9-1/2” (24.1 cm) from top PVC glue or silicone caulking
Stave (1) of stave and 7-1/4” (18.4 cm) from for this. Then each jet should be
bottom of stave
prepared by oiling the male
Circ Supply Stave (1) Has a hole 19” (48.3 cm) from bottom
of stave
thread lightly. This will assist in
making it easier to tighten the
Jet Suction Staves (2) Have a slightly larger hole 10” (25.4
cm) from bottom of stave jet, without binding the threads.
Have a collared hole, 12” (30.5 cm)
The outside jet body flange face
Light Staves (2)
should also be oiled lightly.
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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Ensure that the thick rubber gasket stays clean and dry and is Mounting a CMP 25215 VGBi Suction Wall Fittings
pressed against the internal (male wall fitting) portion of the There are 3 such suctions that need to be installed. The hole
jet assembly. At each position, install the bottom jet first and diameters for these suction fittings is 2-7/8” (7.3cm). Ensure
the top jet last. Push the male threaded piece through the hole the gasket is fully pushed against the flange of the wall fitting.
and turn the outside jet body. Hold the inside piece fixed (ei- Then push the wall fitting (male threaded piece) of the fitting
ther with a strong grip or the optional special tool that is avail- through the hole and attach the nut. Using a large wrench
able. Tighten firmly but not excessively (~ 8ft-lbs (110 kg-cm) lightly tighten the nut. Then attach the approved VGB cover
torque). The 1-1/2” slip connections, on the jet body, are using the screws that come with the VGB suction kit.
marked “water” and “air”. Once the jet back body has start-
Figure 14 - Mounting the VGB Suction Wall Fitting
ed to tighten, leave it with the air cavity pointing up and hori-
zontal (see Fig 14). There will be enough give in the gasket
to allow some back and forth adjustment of the thread, while
still keeping a tight fit.

Note: Once the jets are connected together, tightening or

loosening them will require the optional special tool that al-
lows this to be done from the inside.
Figure 12 - Mounting a Jet - Top View

Figure 15- Suction with cover on

Figure 13- Jet Mounting & Alignment - Outside

Mounting the Skimmer Assembly

The skimmer hole is located on the same stave that has the
circulation suction at the bottom. The skimmer hole centreline
is 9.5” (24.1 cm) from the top of the stave and is 2-3/8” (6.0
cm) in diameter. Before the skimmer’s wall fitting is mounted
it should be prepared by greasing the male thread lightly with
oil (WD-40). This will assist in making it easier to tighten the
fitting, without binding the threads. The outside nut of the
fitting can be lightly oiled. Ensure that the thick rubber gasket
stays clean and dry and is pressed against the inside portion of
the fitting. Then push the wall fitting (male threaded piece) of
the fitting through the hole and attach the large nut. The nut is
usually a long straight as depicted in Figure 16. However, in
the case of the alternate, low deck arrangement, a thinner nut,
similar to the one shown in Figure 17 has to be used, because
of clearance requirements.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 16 - Mounting the Skimmer Assembly Mounting a Light Assembly
The light-hole staves should be located at position 11 and -
11(for 7ft tub). Each hole is located 8” (20.3 cm) from the top
of the floor (12” (30.5 cm) from the bottom of the stave). The
hole is routered (stepped) as shown next, with the wide part on
the outside of the tub.

Figure 18 - Mounting of Light Housings

Attach the remainder of the skimmer cover parts using the The light assembly is a 3-part assembly. It is supplied with a
screws and instructions that come with the skimmer kit. thin gasket, which will stay with the lens portion of the light.
Lubricate the male thread with oil. Place a bead of silicone on
Mounting the Circulation System Supply Wall Fitting each wooden surface. Also, silicone both sides of the rubber
gasket.
The circulation system supply fitting is very similar to the
above wall fitting, except that it uses a different thinner nut. Insert the lens from the inside. While holding the lens fixed,
Figure 17 - Mounting the Circulation System Supply Fit- screw on the nut from the outside using your fingers. Then,
ting using a large screwdriver and hammer, gentle tap the nut at an
angle to get it to tighten further until it feels firm. Next, twist
the black bulb holder that comes with the wire harness into the
conical end piece. Then install the LED light unit into the
bulb holder. Attach the conical completed assembly to the end
of the light wall fitting by twisting it onto the threads. If it
does not catch the threads properly attach it with silicone
caulking.

Note: The Balboa controllers (BP2000 or BP2000) are capa-

ble of supplying power to only one 12-volt 12-watt incandes-
cent bulb. However, they can power multiple LED units.

Completing the Floor Drain Connections

This is done only if the floor drain was ordered. Person’s liv-
ing in climates with strong winters, typically should omit this
feature.

Using two people tilt the tub up about 6 inches and support it
in this position. Insert a 12” piece of heated 1-1/2” flex hose
(so that it is pliable), feed it through the notch in stave #-13
(7ft tub) and glue it into the floor drain elbow. Attach a 1-1/2”
gate valve at the other end.
13
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 19 –Drain Hose and Valve Attached
Connecting the Jets (at the Tub)
Measure and cut pieces of 1-1/2” flex hose to join between the
jets as shown in Figure 20. Note: when measuring length of
hose or pipe to span between components, any end of pipe or
hose that “slips” into the component should normally be 1-1/4
(3.2 cm) inch longer. If, for example, the distance between jets
measures 16” (25.4 cm), then the length of hose needed would
be 18.5” (31.8 cm). However always test the fit and adjust
length if necessary, before cutting and gluing. (Before gluing a
joint, use sandpaper to lightly rough up both the male and
female part and remove any burrs.) Apply PVC cement to
both the hose and the slip port and insert the hose at this end.
Repeat for the other end but this time some force may need to
be exerted to temporarily bend the hose so that it will slip into
the other jet’s connection. In cold weather the hose will be
stiff, and the hose may need to be warmed with a hair dryer to
make it more flexible. If temperature is quite cold problems
can also occur with getting proper bonds. In that case it is
necessary to have some heated shelter to temporarily have the
temperature elevated until the glue has set.

Should the jets need tightening, once glued, it must be done

from the inside and a special tool (optionally available) is re-
quired to do so. Notice that each jet has a ¾” hole and plug in
the top of the air chamber. These are factory shipped loose
and they should be glued in place using silicone sealant.

Figure 20 and 21 illustrate, for the standard configuration, how

the left jet circuit needs to be completed at the tub. The right
jets circuit is done identically except that it is a mirror image
of the right. It is not detailed separately. For all alternate ar-
rangements, where the connections to the Equipment pads are
made at the opposite end of the hot tub, refer to the Appendix
D & E. Here diagrams are found that refer specifically to
these arrangements.

14
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Figure 20 – Jets Connection Inside End - Left Side

Figure 21 - Jets Connection Inside End - Left Side

15
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
The air supply connections will be completed once the air positioned, fit them with the 1” to 3/4” adapters and then
valves are in their final position. The next figure illustrates insert the 3/4” hose into the air valve. The exact compo-
how, using ¾” flex hose and ¾” street elbows the connec- nents used, to route the ¾” hose to the air connections at
tion from the air valve to the outside jet air connection and each end of the jet’s air manifold string, will depend on
the inside jet air connection could be achieved. While we where the air valves end up relative to these jets. Depend-
do not show the boards into which the air valves would ing on the severity of the bend, a ¾” elbow and up to two
actually be mounted, be aware that the hole for the air street elbows (provided) may or may not be deployed.
valves must be a routered (collared) hole, so that the air Figure 22 is one way to accomplish the jet air valve con-
passage in the valve is not entirely plugged by the board nections. Appendix E, Figure 67, depicts another.
(see page 23 for the hole details). Once the air-valves are
Figure 22 -Air Connections Example

suction‘s adapter and the skimmer nut and let glue set (see
Connecting the Circulation System Figure 24)
Skimmer and Suction Fittings Figure 23 – At-Tub Connections Straight-on View
Now complete the piping between the circulation system
suction and skimmer wall fittings. The suction /skimmer
connection section should be made up on the ground such
that it can be adjusted for fit before it is glued into the
skimmer and suction wall fitting in one piece. Assemble
and glue the section as illustrated in Figure 23. (If using
the alternate low deck arrangement this piping section is
done differently (tee and valve are oriented differently -
are rotated). See the Appendix E Figure 57 for details.)
Install the approximately 17” (43.2 cm) piece of pipe for
last, ensuring the pipe stubs line up with the skimmer and
suction adapter’s slip connection. Before cutting this last
piece of pipe, measure precisely what length is required,
and test fit of the whole section without this pipe being
glued. Mark the pipe where the gate valve and elbow
should end. Then with the assembly removed, insert and
glue the pipe to these marks at both the gate valve and the
elbow. Now insert the assembly simultaneously into the

16
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Figure 24 – Skimmer Section Installed

Jet Suction Interconnection

The two Jet suctions (CMP 25215) are interconnected via two 2” tees, two 2” street elbows and 2” flex pipe as illustrated in
the next diagram. The tees’ positions are determined by cutting three pieces of flex hose to the approximately equal lengths
indicated on Figure 25.
Figure 25 – Interconnecting the 2 Jet Suctions

Flow Diagram

Figure 26, overleaf, depicts the hydraulic flow diagram to help understand how the circulation system pump, electric controller
and filter are attached. It also shows the complete Jets circuit and the ozone venturi system.

17
 Figure 26 - Flow Diagram Elite-Electric Heat

Jet Air Jet Air

Valve Valve

TP Control Panel

Jet Air Jet Air

Valve Skimmer Hartford Valve
Left Jets Loop
Air
Right Jets
6, 8 or 10 Check
Valve
6, 8 or 10
Ozonator
Left Venturi
Circ Right
LED Light Supply LED Light
Jet Suction
Jet Suction

Gate Ozonator
Valve

Circ Suction
Tee
30A

5.5 kW Gate Gate

Valve Valve
Ionizer Aux Htr
Cell
40-50A
Ionizer
Controller union
V1
5.5 kW
Drain 1.5 HP 2-speed
union

p18
union

BP 2000
Jets Pump 2
18
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
tached piping sections is positioned on the base and the
Re-assembling the Circulation Sys- tailpieces for the heaters are screwed in place. Ensure the
gaskets are positioned properly. Then the filters (which
tem Equipment-Pad Components should come glued into their filter bases) are screwed
The factory partially-preassembled circulation pump down using 8 x #12 x 1-1/4” round head screws.
Equipment pad will be shipped on a wood base having
dimensions 19 x 29 x 2.25” (48.3 x 73.7 x 5.7 cm). It will Both Jet pumps will come mounted on individual smaller
come in several sections for shipping purposes and needs fibreglass bases.
to be reassembled as shown below (pumps may not be
exactly as shown). The loose dual filter unit with its at-

Figure 27 - Circulation Pump Equipment Pad Parts Reassembled

A version of the Equipment pad, with UL Listed CS8800B-NOR20 spa pack and pumps, and Aux Heater is optionally available. See Appen-
dix F.
Figure 28- Positioning the Equipment Pads
Connecting the Equipment Pads to
the Tub
Position both the circulation pump Equipment pad and the
two Jet Pump base in front of the tub, such that the circula-
tion pump suction is right across from the circulation suc-
tion Tee and is 15” (35 cm) away (see Figure 28). The jet
pump bases can touch the wood base and be about 10”
back from the front edge.

Attach the 1-1/2” union/gate valve assembly to the circula-

tion pump suction and then connect this to the circulation
suction Tee using 1-1/2” flex hose. To accomplish the
connection the flex hose needs to be bent. If its difficulty
doing so, heat the flex hose up first using a hair dryer.
Connect the other 1-1/2” gate valve to the auxiliary heater
tailpiece. Make up the assembly consisting of the coupler,
street elbow with ½” fpt connection and the ½” mpt x ½”

19
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
slip elbow as shown below and glue it into the circulation elbow using 1-1/2” hard pipe, an elbow and 1-1/2” flex
supply wall fitting. Then connect the valve to the street hose to complete the supply connection.

Figure 29 - Connecting the Circulation Equipment Pad

Next attach the 2” Pump Union/2” Gate Valve assemblies Note: While we show the Equipment pads located relative-
to each Jet pump (2 per pump). Rotate these so the gate ly close, it is possible to locate them a little further away.
valve handles remain accessible. Then connect each Jet This configuration is not well suited, for remote location of
Pump’s discharge to its jet supply tee and each pump’s the equipment. 7 pipes would need to be extended (includ-
suction to its jet suction tee. We have provided details for ing the one for the ozonator).
the right jet pump in Figure 30. The left jet pump is con-
nected in a similar fashion.

Figure 30 - Jet Pumps Connections

20
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
to the venturi’s inlet side. The valve assembly shown at
Ozonator Provision the pump discharge also comes preassembled. Simply
screw it into the elbow or
The system includes a venturi and the parts to connect a tee but use Teflon tape on
corona discharge ozonator. We utilize the differential the threads. A piece of 1/2”
pressure between the circulation pump discharge and the flex hose connects the
hot tub to create flow through the venturi, which is a low OUT-side of the venturi to
ΔP and low flow Mazzei venturi ozone injector. the Tee just before the cir-
culation supply fitting.

The ¼” barb of the venturi needs to be attached to the out-

let nipple of the ozonator using ¼” plastic tubing. This
plastic tubing needs to be routed so that water cannot si-
phon back to the ozonator and this requires a loop that
extends above the maximum water level of the tub. This is
Refer to Figure 31. Attach the venturi assembly to the top called the Hartford loop. We show a method of installing
air flex hose connecting two jets, using Nylon tie-wraps. this loop within some 1” PVC piping. More details on
The Venturi will come preassembled with its end fittings this follow.
attached. ¾” flex hose connects from the pump discharge
Figure 31 - Ozonator Provision

Protecting the Ozonator Hartford Loop board. This pipe should be cut so that the bottom couplers,
attached by friction only can slide up and hold the assem-
The illustrations, overleaf, involving the installation of the bly firm. If this method is not acceptable, it can be avoid-
anti-siphon Hartford Loop depict the use of Northern ed only if you the ozonator can be mounted well above the
Lights’ shelves. For an Elite tub we encourage a full top of the tub.
height deck, so that shelves are not needed. However,
these illustrations are used to indicate how the Hartford Figure 32 – Hole Details Ø= 1-3/8” spaced 2-1/2”
loop can be installed, generically. The concept applies
whether the loop needs to be installed in shelves or in deck
boards. 3/8” (1 cm) holes could be drilled into the deck to
hold the tubing. However, the plastic tubing will not stay
upright for long and if it droops or kinks over it will not be
effective. Thus, we show how to build an inverted U out of
1” pipe, one elbows, a street elbow and 4 couplers. This
assembly penetrates through the shelves or deck boards.
The ¼” tubing is looped through the inside of this pipe.
Only two joints need to be glued. This is the joint between
the top couplers and the pipe that penetrates through the

21
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 33 - Double Loop using 1” Piping Top View pumps and circulates the warmer water from the hot tub
through the piping. This level of jets circuit freeze protec-
tion will be provided where freezing temperatures occur
but when they occur and not too severe and short lived.

An additional measure can be applied where winter tem-

peratures get routinely below -7ºC (19ºF). This involves
passing some of the flow from the circulation system to the
jets circuits. The circulation system when operating in
standard mode will come on every ½ hour to pole the tub
water temperature. This will last at least 1 minutes. A
small amount of the circulation system flow is directed to
the suction nipple of the jet pumps. This introduces some
warm water into the jet pumps that then flows through the
Figure 34 – Bottom View Showing Tubing
jet piping back to the tub. When temperatures are quite
cold the filter cycle can be set to continuous, so that water

Clamps and tie-downs can be used to tidy up the appearance of

the visible ¼” tubing.

Jet Circuit Freeze Protection Option is flowing all the time, 24/7. To deploy this technique the
The jet flow circuit is not active unless the Jets button is jet anti-freeze valve assembly, that comes preassembled, is
depressed and it times out (low speed in 2 hours, high screwed into the back Tee. Then 3/8” reinforced clear
speed in 15 minutes). Thus, the water in the jets circuit tubing is attached from the barbs of the tee to the suction
piping is stagnant most of the time. If the ambient air is barb of the jet pumps. The suction barb needs to be drilled
cold enough, the water in this piping could freeze. To pre- out on each jet pump. This should have been done at the
vent this from happening, two options can be used. 1st an factory, but always check this on both pumps.
auxiliary freeze sensor is attached to the jets circuit piping,
preferably at the location likely to be coldest. When this To obtain protection from water freezing, it is also ex-
sensor detects a temperature below 45°F (7°C), freeze pro- pected that all piping will be insulated.
tection will be initiated by the spa pack. This turns on all

22
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Figure 35 - Warm Water Supply for the Jets Piping

Other Connections
Mounting Control Components
Once shelving or deck boards are in place the top-side dig-
ital panel and jet air valves will need to be mounted. Trace
out the cut-out needed for the digital panel and then cut the
hole with a jig saw. The air jet valves require a special A cover should also be used for the digital panel. The
collared (stepped) 1-5/8” (4.1 cm) mounting hole as shown following diagram illustrates the type of cover Northern
below. If the hole is not rabbeted this way, air will be Lights supplies with its custom shelves. With the Elite
blocked from getting into the valve. tub, this cover is always supplied, although it is larger than
the one shown.

23
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
pump is operating in high speed, the heater elements will not
turn on at the same time. See Appendix A for further details
in how to set up the spa pack accordingly (both wiring and dip
switch settings). See the supplementary electrical information
that will be supplied if the equipment pad has been supplied
with the Hydroquip CS8800B-NOR20 spa pack

The pump cables, control panel cable, lights cable, ozonator

and ionizer, aux heater control cable as well as the wireless
transceiver (if used) cables should be plugged into the spa
pack.

Be sure the circulation pump cable plugs into J21 of the

BP2000 and the jet pumps plug into J9 and J14. The cable for
the 12-volt LED lights should be connected to J15. The ion-
Measure and connect the ¾ flex hose to the jet air valves. izer and ozonator need to both plug into the same J32 recepta-
If needed use the ¾ inch elbows to avoid too much bend- cle. To do so we provide an AMP Y-splitter adapter cable.
ing stress. The ¾” hose can be lengthened, so that it is pos- Both the topside panel and the spa monitor’s wireless trans-
sible to bring the two air jet valves closer together than ceiver (if used) plug into “Main Panel” 4-pin receptacles. J34
shown in Figure 22. For example, it can be as shown in and J35. A control cable connects from the auxiliary heater
Appendix E, Figure 67. These hoses are subject to freezing relay coil to the J48 and J49 slave terminal next to the heater
in a cold winter, so try to insulate them using a technique receptacle of the BP2000G1.
where they will pick up heat from the hot tub wall.
The Spa Pak should be in Setup #10 and should normally be
in Ready mode although Rest modes can also be used. Check
Ionizer Cell Attachment that the white wire jumpers, involving the receptacles on the
The electronic ionizer installs in the Tee on the outlet end spa pack circuit board, are connected either to AREA 2 termi-
of the BP2000’s heater. See Appendix for orientation de- nals except for the A/V receptacle white wire, which is to be
tails of the electrodes. Be sure to use Teflon tape on the on an AREA 4 terminal.
threads. Receptacle to Use
Spa-Pak Circ Jet Jet Ozonator &
Electrical Connections Type Pump Pump1 Pump2 Ionizer
Power must be brought to the Spa Pak and Auxiliary heater, Balboa J21 J9 J14 J32
following the national electrical codes. The electrical code BP2000 230 V 230 V 230 V 230 V
requires a power disconnect means to be located within sight Receptacle with Y splitter
but further than 5ft (~1.5 m) from the tub. Such a disconnect Marking adapter cable
means is shown in Figure 38 of the Appendix. A GFCI See Appendix A for additional set up information
(Ground Fault Current Interrupter) can be used for the dis-
for the BP 2000G1_04 Spa Pack.
connect purpose. In this case, a regular breaker is used at the
house service panel to feed the outside spa service panel.
This containing two GFCIs, which in turn, feeds the Spa Pak Supplementary Electrical Information for the
and the Auxiliary Heater. Contact a qualified electrician for CS8800B-NOR20 and HeatMax Aux Heater wir-
this. Main breaker size will either be either a 2 Pole 70 Amp ing.
unit (if spa pack is adjusted to low current mode). Else, if in
high current mode an 80A unit is required (assuming both spa
pack and aux heater have a 5.5 kW element). The spa pack
has an interlock capability when using low current mode. If a

24
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Electrical Safety Instructions to Connected NLCT Electric Heat Jetted Tub

A Ground Bus is provided on the external surface of the spa pack compartment. The ground wire within
the cable(s) supplying power to the spa pack and auxiliary heater (if supplied) must be connected to this
ground bus and on the other end of the cable to the grounding means provided in the electric supply ser-
vice panel with a continuous copper wire sized as per electrical code. The grounding of pumps and other
high voltage equipment that the spa pack controls is provided through the factory cables and plugs that
connect such equipment to the matching receptacles within the spa pack. A redundant ground grid can
also be established by interconnection ground wires from the spa pack’s ground bus, to the external
ground lugs found on the pump motor and other high voltage equipment. Such grounding conductors can
be insulated or bare and be not smaller than No 6 AWG,

The spa pack heater design is such that any failure in the heater’s insulation will result in any resultant
leakage current being shunted by the most direct route to the surrounding element metal sheath and the
surrounding grounded stainless-steel tube. This safety feature further requires spa pack and the auxiliary
heater to be grounded as above paragraph and requires the deployment of a GFCI breaker to immediately
disconnect the service voltage in case of such a leak (ground fault).

All field-installed metal components such as rails, ladders, drains or other similar hardware within 3m of
the spa or hot tub shall be bonded to the equipment grounding bus with copper conductors not smaller
than No. 6 AWG (16 mm2). This does not apply to the metal bands that hold the tub together,

Do not permit any electric appliance such as radio or television, within five feet (1.5 meters) of the spa, hot
tub or pool. The exceptions are devices that are ultra- low voltage (12 volts or less) such as the topside
control panel, remote controls or the low voltage transformer isolated light(s). Pumps and spa pack can
only be closer than the five feet (1.5 m) if the installation prevents access to the equipment by persons in
the tub, using a suitable barrier (enclosure, under a deck, behind a fence, etc.)

Components used are UL Recognized (or equivalent meeting) UL Standard 1563 and CSA Standard 218.1.
The reason they are not fully “listed” is that the enclosures are not weatherproof. These are required to be
installed indoor or be protected, equivalently, so they are sheltered from rain and water spillage. The ca-
bles and connectors that connect the equipment such as pumps, topside panel, light, etc. to the spa pack
must be the factory supplied units that match the receptacles used on the circuit board. Any cable that is
in an open or exposed traffic area shall be protected with suitable covering (conduit for example).

The electrical supply to this product must include a suitably rated switch or circuit breaker to open all un-
grounded supply conductors to comply with Local Electric Codes. This device must be visible from the hot
tub but be no closer than 5ft (1.5m). The electrical supply to this product must also include a suitably GFIC
device incorporated in the dedicated circuit breaker to open all un-grounded supply conductors. Maximum
ampacity for cables and circuit breakers can be determined from the label supplied with the specific unit.

All wiring connections should be made USING COPPER CONDUCTORS ONLY.

It is necessary to use ONLY A DEDICATED CIRCUIT(s) to supply power. A dedicated circuit is one where
no other electrical appliances are connected to the same circuit. If a dedicated service is not available, or
there is a question if the circuit serves other electrical appliances, it is the responsibility and obligation of
the owner/user to have one installed by a qualified electrician.

25
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Rest mode, the circulation pump and the electric heaters
Final Details will only come on during the filtration cycle ON periods.
Thus, for example, if filtration cycle is set to be on from
As a final check, the threaded fittings for the valves, un- 6:00am -10:00 pm, the heaters will function only during
ions, pumps, and spa pack should be checked to ensure those times. The other times the circulation pump will be
seals and O-rings are all present and properly seated. off, and the temperature will not be maintained. If, how-
These threaded fittings should be tightened firmly by hand ever, a jets button during the off periods, the system will
only and not be over tightened. Next check that all glued wake up and heat for a 1-hour period, before turning off
joints have in fact been glued and none are leaking. again. This is called Ready in Rest mode

Operational Notes Ready or Rest modes are set up through the digital top side
This system is a standard electric heat system with an aux- panel or the Wi-Fi app. See Appendix A. There are also
iliary heater. The auxiliary heater can be deactivated by two temperature ranges Low and High. Low has a temper-
turning off its breaker. The energy consumption does not ature range from 50-99°F and high from 80-104°F.
change whether the auxiliary heater is engaged. The heat
up time however will be faster with the auxiliary heater on. The normal position of all valves (except the hose bib
drain valves) is open. This includes the skimmer valve
The BP2000 spa pack has power saving modes. The sys- which is closed only if the water level is below the skim-
tem should normally be in Ready mode and in this case, mer inlet, so that the circulation pump does not cavitate.
temperature is maintained all the time. If programmed to

26
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Appendix A – Information for Wiring and Using the BP2000M3 Digital Spa
Controller
iary control panel can also be added as an option. The
General Features of the BP2000G1-04 newest version is the BP2000G1-04 supports M8 technol-
ogy the optional BWA or the Control my Spa (CMS) Wi-
Fi technology as well as the Balboa Audio options such as
the Balboa Bluetooth Amplifier (BBA). The Wi-Fi options
provides the ability to then monitor and control the hot tub
from anywhere in the world where Internet access exists,
using an APP on an iPhone or Android smartphones. Also
offered is a variation of this spa pack and the pumps in a
version that is UL Listed and weatherproof. These versions
would be purchased by customers, living in regions such
as WA and NJ, were the local inspectors insist on weather-
proof UL Listed equipment, even if the equipment is
shielded from the weather.

The unit requires a 2-Pole 230 VAC 3-wire service (30 -

50 Amps depending on the size of the heater element and
whether low or high how current mode is used. Its inte-
grated heater produces 5.5 kW. A separate 5.5 kW auxilia-
ry heater increases the electric heating power to 11kW.
The receptacles for the load devices, will be set to all pro-
duce 240 VAC, except for the A/V receptacle (120 VAC)
and the light receptacle (12 VAC) which comes set up for
120 volts. The BP2000, as it will be supplied by NLCT,
will support a circulation pump, two 2-speed pump 1 and
pump 2, an ozonator and ionizer and two 12-volt ac LED
lights.
TP600
In some commercial settings, it may make sense to equip
the tub with 1-button AX10 or a 2-button AX20 auxiliary
panel (Jets1, Jets2,). In that case the main panel can be
kept hidden and users of the tub can only control the jets
and the light.

TP500S AX 10 AX30

With Elite tubs, the BP2000 will (or should) come set for
setup # S-10.

Setup Used with This Northern Light Elite Tub

Setup #
Pumps Used Notes
Required
AX20
1 circ pump and Used with Elite
S-10
2 x 2-spd jet pumps tubs
The Balboa BP2000 is a flexible high-end digital spa con-
troller (commonly known as a “spa pack”). The “Wi-
Fi/iPhone/Android” option along with advanced standard
features make it an excellent choice for the Elite series of
hot tubs. The BP2000 will be delivered with the standard
six buttons TP600 panel or with the optional menu based
TP500S or a SpaTouch III panel. These optional panels
are more intuitive for changing settings. The AX20 auxil-
27
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
sition, it allows the heaters to stay on when one or both of
Wiring Details the jet pumps are in high speed. If DIP switch #2 is ON
instead, the heaters will still operate as long as only a sin-
Note to Customer: Do not power–up the unit until these gle jet pump is in high speed. If all DIP switches are left
electrical installation instructions have been read thor- off, the heaters will turn off as soon as any jet pump is
oughly. running in high speed. This effects the service size re-
quirement. With A3 set to ON a 50A.service is required.
This hot tub has 16 or 20 or 24 jets, and 1 circulation pump
With all dip switches OFF, a 40 A service will do.
and two jets pumps. Connections are shown in Figure 36 &
37. Pump 1 and 2 are 2-speed pumps that provide the flow
Figure 37, two pages further on, provides a detail of the
through the left and right-side jets, separately. They plug into
J9 (pump1) and J14 (Aux) respectively. The circulation pump circuit board within the BP2000G1_04 Version, and its
plugs into J21 and will either be a Balboa Ultima unit or external and internal connections. Normal Load Current
Gecko Master Circ pump. The Ionizer and Ozonator are both draw for the BP2000G1 is based on the following:
plugged into the J32 ozonator receptacle. This requires the use
of a Y-cable adapter as shown. All pumps as well as the BP2000’s Elect heater, 5.5kw – 23A
ozonator and ionizer require 240 volts. This requires their
white jumper wires to be attached to any Area 2 Terminal Circ Pump (depend on model)- 0.65 or 1.1A
(L2). Only the A/V receptacle, J33, will produce 120 volts
and this receptacle is not switched. Thus, the white jumper Jet pumps 1.5HP Hi-Speed 7.2A each 14.4A
wire for this receptacle, J33, is attached to any Area 4 (Neu- Jet pumps 1.5HP Lo-Speed 2.5A each 5.0A
tral) terminal. Jet pumps 2.0HP Hi-Speed 8.5A each 17.0A
Jet pumps 2.0HP Lo-Speed 2.6A each 5.2A
The lights (dual LEDs are standard with Elite tubs) and
plug into J15 of the circuit board. The voltage delivered is All other devices < 0.75 A total 0.75A
12 VAC and only non-polaity type LEDs can be used.
Example 1: Using 5.5 kW heater, 1.5 HP jet pumps and
The TP600 (or optional TP500S) top side main panel and, having DIP switch 3 ON (high current mode). Max nor-
if used, the optional Wi-Fi spa module, plug into one of the mal draw will be 23 A + 1.1 + 14.4 + 0.75 =39.25 A and
two main panel receptacles, J34 and J35 They may also this requires a 50A service.
plug into one of the dongles that come plugged into these
receptacles.. If an Auxiliary 2-button AX20 is used (op- Example 2: Using 5.5 kW heater, 1.5 HP jet pumps and
tional), it plugs into one of the AUX receptacles, either J5 having all DIP switches OFF (low current mode). Max
or J8. normal draw will be 23 A + 1.1 + 5.0 + 0.75 =29.85 A and
this requires a 40A service.
Normally All DIP switches, except #3, are left in the OFF
(down) position. When DIP switch #3 is set to the ON po-

28
 Figure 36 - Cabeling Overview Elite System Electric Heat

TP 600 to Hartford Loop

Top Side Panel & Ozone Venturi

ubing
1/4" T

4-pin Control Cable

Ozonator
Ionizer
3-wire Ionizer Cable
230 v

Wi-Fi
Spa Side
To Circulation Module
Wall Fitting 2-wire Control Cable 230 v

Filters

4-pin Control
Cable
Cable
2C/#10
30 A
3C/#8- #6
40 - 50 A

From Circ
4.0 or 5.kW Suction
Ionizer
Electrodes
Aux Heater
2-wire Light Cable
12 v

3-wire Circ Pump

LED Light LED Light Cable 230 v Blk-Hot
Left Right Wht-L2
Grn-Grd

Circ Pump
To Left Jets 4-wire Pump 2 To Right Jets
Jets 1 Cable 230 v Jets 2

Red-Hi Spd 4-wire Pump 1 Cable Red-Hi Spd

From Left Jets Blk- Lo Spd 230 v Blk- Lo Spd From Right Jets
Suction Wht-L2 Wht-L2 (common) Suction
Grn-Grd Grn-Grd

Jet Pump 1 Jet Pump 2

29
 Figure 37 - Power and Cable Connections to Circuit Board
Dip Switch S3 on for Hi-Current Mode
Ozonator Ionizer S2 and S3 off for low current mode

Circulation 240 v AMP

Y-splitter 240 v
Pump (240v) Adapter Jet Pump 2
2-spd (240v)
Jet Pump 1 Wht -Line
Blk -Lo Spd
2-spd (240 v)
Wht -Line
Red- Hi Spd

Blk -Lo Spd

J100
240V ON 10

F3 0.5A Slo Blo

F8 30A 250VAC J24 J30 J26 J31
Red- Hi Spd Optional
J41
J60

SETUP J43
120V 120V

4 WiFi Module
J45
J54
J77
J78
J79

T1 J25 J91 S1
= S10 J111 LIGHT
J27
J34
J2
J15 MAIN
TB1
Neut J7
J51
Wht 4
F6 30A 250VAC
J52 J34
J33 K7
MAIN
40 or 50A #8 or #6/3C N/A 1 J198
F4 2A Slo Blo
L2 1
2
A/V

RED Unfused J22

L1
J38
3 F5 3.15A Slo Blo
BLK
size depends on J81
sip switch settings
J46

J21 J32
J53 J12
J58 J36

J55
J56

J9 J21
F2 10A 250VAC

J13 J14 J18 J5 J8

J37
J42
J47
J61

2
J72
J1
J3
J4

AUX AUX
J110

OZONE
PUMP 1

CIRC

F7 10A 250V
J40 TP 600 Main Panel

AUX
J48

Fused REMOTE
3
J6

K1
SEN A J16 (TP500S Optional)
Terminals
Ext GRD

J44

J88
J62

J57
J59

J39

J50
J49

J19
SEN B J17 Aux Heater
K3 K5
J109
K2
K4 K9
K8 K6
J28
AUX FRZ
Contactor Coil
K12 GND
HTR
J23 DISBL
SERIAL J101 J107 J108 J11 J29

Heater Plug
Aux Htr Control Cable
Optional AX20 Aux Panel
to J48 and J49
Sensor B Sensor A
LED Light

LED Light
Optional
Aux Freeze
4.0 or 5.5 kW Sensor (Switch)
page 30
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
other means to achieve the same functionality. For exam-
Electric Service Considerations ple, a standard circuit breaker can be used at the main pan-
el and GFCIs used at the splitter panel. To ensure your
installation is properly installed, be sure to use qualified
The national electrical codes require a Ground Fault Cur- electrician.
rent Interrupter (GFCI) to be used. This can be complied
with by using the wiring scheme illustrated in Figure 38. Note to Customer: A common mistake that customers
make with the service wiring relates to the improper wir-
For new installations, the codes call for a disconnect ing of the load neutral wire at the GFCI. It must be at-
means within sight of the hot tub but no closer than 5 ft tached directly to the GFCI, not the panel neutral bus. The
(1.5 m) from the hot tub. This can be accomplished by curled white pigtail wire attaches to the neutral bus.
installing a splitter panel as shown in Figure 38. Here, the
circuit breakers serve as the disconnect switch. There are

Figure 38 - Typical Service Connection

31
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
in the piping cools down much more quickly than the wa-
How it Works ter in the tub. The Balboa Spa pack will turn the pump on
every 30 (but it can be as long as every 120 if there is very
The Balboa BP2000G1-04 Digital Spa pack uses Balboa little heat loss). The pump will run for 1 minutes before a
Millennium 8 (M8) technology. This technology is unique decision is made is made whether the heater needs to be
to Balboa and uses a differential temperature measurement energized (this is termed polling). This ensures the spa’s
method to detect flow. Other Spa pack manufacturers use water temperature is being sensed.
a pressure switch to try to ascertain whether a safe flow
exists. But pressure is not always an effective way to es- Beyond this the spa pack has considerable features as one
tablish whether adequate flow exists. Differential tem- would expect of a modern high-end digital spa pack in-
perature will be inversely related to flow, given a fixed cluding the ability to display the time and retain the time
amount of heating kilowatts is produced by the electric even after a power interruption, to set a filtration cycle one
heater. or two every 24 hrs., the ability to operate in high current
or low current mode, +/- 1F temperature regulation, fault
The BP2000 digital spa pack thus has a temperature sensor code display, freeze protection, power saving modes, ad-
on either end of the heater tube. The electronics has a justable time outs, clean up cycle settings, spa maintenance
means of determining which way the water is flowing reminders, panel lock features, etc.
through the heater tube. This eliminates the need to have
an in and an out end. The spa pack orientation does not
matter. Nor does it matter where the spa pack is located, Freeze Protection
although with Northern Lights hot tubs it is located be- Freeze protection indicated by Too Cold 42 F, activates if
tween the pump and filter. The main stipulation is that the either of the sensors in the heater tube detect a temperature
flow is 20+ USGPM, if the electric element is 5.5 kW. of 42˚F (5.5˚C) or less. It results in the circulation pump
Minimum flow is proportionally less if the heater is 4 or 3 being turned on and any jet pump motor being turned on to
kW. high speed. The heater may or may or may not come on
depending on the DIP switch (A2 and A3) settings. The
When the spa pack is first turned on, it goes through a energy the pumps provide (pump heat) should keep the
power up sequence. It will first flash a series of numbers water from reaching ice conditions. Freeze protection
that provide model and software revision information. For mode will quit 4 minutes after temperature has risen to
example this might be a sequence such as M100_220 V43. above 43˚F (6.0˚C).
The last of these numbers is the software version and this
manual is based on the software being at V43 or higher. An auxiliary freeze sensor can be utilized if the two sen-
Then voltage being used, 240, will display. Then the indi- sors may not adequately detect freeze conditions in a spe-
cator panel will display “Run Pumps Purge Air ----”. This cific location. For example, if there is a separate circula-
allows, the pumps to be run manually, if desired, to purge tion pump and jet pumps, the spa pack’s sensors won’t
air in the piping. Most often this is not necessary if the register the temperature in the jets piping, which may be
water level in the tub is above the skimmer hole and the stagnant water and be much colder. The auxiliary freeze
equipment is at the same elevation as the base of the tub. sensor could then be attached to jets piping. The auxiliary
This is the end of the power up sequence. freeze sensor is actually a temperature switch that closes
when temperature falls below its activating temperature. It
The “Priming Mode” indication will last for 4 minutes. is plugged into J28 on the circuit board. Note that these
Since the Elite Tubs deploy a circulation pump, this pump switches are not that accurate and have a significant
can be activated during this time, by pressing the light but- amount of hysteresis. Thus, once activated the tempera-
ton. The jet pumps are activated by pushing the corre- ture may have to increase quite a few degrees before the
sponding jets button. The point of the priming action is to switch opens again.
dispel air from the piping before the heater is turned on.
This is not automatic, however. Following the priming
opportunity time, the circulation pump will start on its own
to begin the temperature determination sequence indicated
by two dashes and F or C, such as “--F“ or “--C“. After
the pump has run for 1 minute in this mode the tempera-
ture will display.

Since the temperature sensors are in the heater tube, they

will read the temperature of the water coming in and com-
ing out of the heater tube. This temperature is not a reflec-
tion of the hot tub water temperature, if the pump is not
circulating water, as may be the case if a filtration cycle
has been set to be non-continuous. With no flow the water Note: Freeze protection is not guarantee water will not
freeze. It can only work if the electric service is or key
32
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
equipment has not failed. Thus, should the circuit breaker
trip or should there be a prolonged power outage there is If the Setup # needs to be changed, power off, set DIP
then no energy available to stop the water temperature switch #1 to ON. When the panel displays the purge dis-
from falling and the water possibly freezing. Failure of the play, RUN PUMPS PURG AIR .. .. .. ..
spa pack or the circulation pump would be equally serious. Then
Press▲, and - - - T will display indicating Test Mode
press▲ and set point flashes such as 100T
Setting of Permanent Options (Fac- Press ☼ to reach TEST
tory or Service Personnel) Press ▲to reach SETP
The BP2000G1 spa pack has some settings options that are Press▲ consecutively to
reach desired Setup #
set once and then are left alone. These are usually set up at Press ☼ to set new Set-
the factory, but there may be conditions that requires the up#
hot tub owner to access them, should for example a re-
placement board or spa pack be needed, or if the factory Change the DIP switch #1 to off to exit test mode. Com-
did not perform the set up correctly. These involve the DIP plete the Setup # change within 1 minute. If doing this
switch settings A1 to A10 and programming options which on the bench, 240 volts with neutral is needed, and should
are available while A1 (test mode) is set to on. heater element connector should be disconnected.

Changing the SETUP Number Other Servicing Settings using the TP600
Using the standard TP600 Panel When diagnosing a problem, it can be useful to view some
Having the setup number set correctly is very important for other features of the Test Menu. See the diagram below to
the spa pack to be operating correctly. For the Elite Series learn how to navigate to these features.
of hot tubs, this is S-10. To check what the current Setup #
is, if it is suspected to be incorrect, enter the UTIL/INFO A/B if set on, alternates reading of temperature A and tem-
submenu and scroll to SETP. perature B. This is useful in diagnosing a sensors unbal-
ance situation.
Press▲ and, while temp is flashing FALT LOG will display stored fault that have been logged
press ☼ to display UTIL that have occurred
press ▲ to display INFO 8 HR TIME OUTS will allow pump and light time outs to
press▲ to display SSID be extended for servicing purposes
press☼--☼ consecutively SPA O/H allows overheating response to be disabled, for
until SETP ## appears servicing purposes. This should never be left OFF.
The convention here is ▲ = Warm Button
☼ = Light Button

33
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 39 - SETUP/TEST Menu Navigation Sequences

34
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Using the Optional TP500S to Change SETUP and Ser-
vicing Settings Memory Reset
With the TP500S everything is more menu based. Turn dip DIP Switch 6, when off, will allow latest settings to be
switch S1 ON, to enter the Test Mode menu. SETUP # stored in non-volatile memory. Thus, after power is dis-
will display and if correct, exit test mode by flipping S1 rupted the last settings are recalled.
OFF again. If SETUP # needs to be changed select
SETUP and then with arrow keys change to the number to There are situations that sometimes arise that can get the
the one needed and the save and then flip S1 back to OFF. computer memory mixed up and result in strange behavior.
Temporarily switching DIP switch # 6 to ON will result in
It is also possible to navigate to the other Test Menu items the factory default settings to be reentered. During the
to make changes. time the switch is on, current settings are not retained.

DIP Switch Function Heater Cool-Down Delay

Dip switch 7, when off, keeps the circulation pump run-
Table 1 - Dip Switch Function Table ning for another 1 minute after the power to the heater has
been dropped. When ON this cool down period is extend-
ed to 5 minutes. This would typically be used with the gas
heater option.

TP600 Digital Top Side Abbreviated

Instructions
The BP2000 circuit board sends display information to the
attached panels or remote Wi-Fi based iPhone/Android
smart phone application and accepts commands to change
settings from panels or remote smart phone. The last re-
Changing High Speed Pump Interactions ceived settings are stored in non-volatile memory allowing
The table that describes the function of the 7 active DIP the BP2000 to control to the last received settings.
switch settings is as follows:
Position 2 to 4 effect how many high speed motors can be
on simultaneous with the electric heater. This allows the
maximum service amperage to be changed. The number
can be set from 0 to a very high number which doesn’t in
actual use apply. For NLCT the maximum high speed
motors we would ever use is 2. The settings of switch 2 –
4 are additive. So if both 2 and 3 where ON, the result
would be 3 high speed motors could run and the heater
would still turn on. Common settings would be:
Switch 2- 4 all OFF – as soon as any high speed Trying to repeat the lengthy user accessible menu tree
receptacle is energized (even if nothing is plugged into it) would be lengthy and simply repeating information Balboa
the heater is not be allowed to come on. has published.
Switch 2 only ON – One high speed receptacle can come http://www.balboawatergroup.com/getdoc.cfm?id=1127
on and the heater will still energize.
Switch 3 only ON – Two high speed receptacle can come However, reading these manual is complicated for most
on and the heater will still energize. owners and we will explain the most common selectable
menu features as they apply to the TP600 only. The menu
Dip Switch 5 – Involves a special amperage rule. When based TP500S or the smart phone APP is more intuitive to
you have 2 high speed pumps and you cannot have both of use and we will not repeat those instructions here.
them on because of service size limitations, then with DIP The general sequence of changing any parameter setting is
switch 5 on, both pumps will not run simulaneously in always as follows:
high speed (high current mode). Thus if you had an Elite 1) Press Warm▲ or Cool▼ button to begin so that
hot tub, for example, only the left or the right jet pump the temperature will flash
would run, which ever is turned on 1st. This feature is 2) While temperature is still flashing press the light
typically not used with NLCT tubs. button ☼ as many times as necessary to reach a
specific parameter item.
3) Press the Warm▲ or Cool▼ button to change the
value of that parameter.
4) Either wait or press the light ☼ button to exit
35
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Changing Temperature Setting To change to the alternate low range for example
Press the Warm ▲ or Cool▼ button
Press▲ to display current set temperature
The current setting will flash, such as 100F
Press ☼ to display current set Range
While flashing, push ▲ or▼ to change set
Press▲ to toggle to low range
point temperature.
Press ☼ to exit from low range
Press☼ to exit or just wait 5 seconds
Press ▲ or▼ to set new low
To change the temperature display from °F to °C, enter the Set point
PREF menu as follows: Press ☼ to exit
Press▲ so that temperature indication flashed
Press ☼ --☼ repeatedly until PREF appears
Press▲ until F/C appears Setting the Time
Press ☼ to enter Both the TP600 and the TP500S panel can display time
Then press ▲ to select F or C and this time is used for the programming of the filter cy-
Then press☼ to enter choice cles and for the periodic reminders. The BP2000 deploys
Then 2 x ☼ to exit
battery backup and will retain the time even if power is
lost. To set the time:
Press▲ so that temperature indication flashed
Changing Temperature Setting Range Press ☼ --☼ repeatedly until TIME appears
Press▲ so that hours flash
With the BP2000, Balboa has eliminated the sleep mode
Then press ▲ or ▼ to change the hour
and instead provides a high (normal) temperature set point
range 27-40°C (80-104°F) which when selected will be Press ☼ to set the hour and switch to minutes
indicated on the panel as Range▲. Factory default set Then press ▲ or ▼ to change the minutes
point is 38°C or 100°F. The other range is the power sav-
ing or low range 10-37°C (50-99°F), which when selected Press ☼to exit time adjustment or wait 10 seconds
will be indicated on the Panel as Range▼. Factory default
low range set point setting is 21°C or 70°F. To change the time display format between 12 HR
AM/PM or 24 HR Military style, enter the PREF menu as
follows:
Press▲ so that temperature indication flashed
Press ☼ --☼ repeatedly until PREF appears
Press▲ until 24-12 appears
Press ☼ to enter
Then press ▲ to select 24 or 12
Then press☼ to enter choice
Then 2 x ☼ to exit

Setting the Filter Cycle Frequency and

ON Cycle
The filter cycle is a repeating cycle that keeps the “heater
pump” running continuously at circulation speed during
the ON part of the cycle. There can be 1 or 2 separate on
periods during a 24-hour day designated as the F1 and F2
ON periods. Filter cycle F2 is off by default. Program-
ming is done by 1st selecting the cycle, then selecting the
start time and then selecting the duration. For example,
say we wished F1 to start at 8:00 AM and run for 4 hrs.
Press▲ so that temperature indication flashed
Press ☼ --☼ repeatedly until FLTR1 appears. An extra
Pressing ☼ once more would bring up FLTR2 instead
Press▲ to get to BEGN of Filter on time
Press▲ or ▼ to set the begin hour
Press▲ or ▼ to set the begin minutes (in 15
minute intervals)

Press ☼ to enter RUN HRS

Press▲ or ▼ to set the begin hour
Press▲ or ▼ to set the begin minutes (in 15
min intervals)

36
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
If only the Temperature is locked, allows the Jets and
Pressing ☼ after this will display F1 ENDS Light buttons to be used, but prevents the temperature
and the end time from being changed.
F2 is off by default. To turn it on navigate as above to the
FLTR2 step. Then
To LOCK TEMP or LOCK PANL
Press▲ so that temperature indication flashed
Press ▲ twice to toggle from OFF to ON
Press ☼ --☼ repeatedly until LOCK appears
Then Press ☼ to get to BEGN of FLTR 2 programming
Press ▲ to Enter TEMP Lock or press▲
And follow same steps as above.
again, to Enter PANL Lock
Press ▲ to toggle ON or OFF
F1 and F2 would normally be set one at AM and one at PM.
Press ☼ to set results
However, if they overlap, the total ON time will be reduced by
the amount of the overlap. To Unlock
Press and Hold ▲ and while holding Press light button twice
To run the filter cycle continuous 24 hrs, set the F1 cycle to ☼☼
begin at any time and then set the RUN HRS to 24. UNLK will display followed by main screen

Setting the Ready and Rest Mode TP500S Menu-based Panel User
This determines how the heater circulation pump will be- Features
have during the OFF intervals of the filter cycle(s). In The TP500S is rather intuitive to use. If assistance is
ready mode the pump will come on every ½ hour, circulat- needed, download the manual from the following web lo-
ing water from the tub for about 1 minute, update the dis- cation:
played temperature and if needed turn on the heater and
continue to circulate until temperature is reestablished. http://www.balboawatergroup.com/getdoc.cfm?id=24
Effectively this keeps the tub’s temperature around the set 53
point 24/7.

In Rest mode the circulation pump will only run during the Message and Fault Codes
ON part of the filter cycle(s). During the OFF period(s)
there is no circulation pump activity and the temperature is See the above mentioned “TP600 and TP400 Control Pan-
not maintained. The circulation pump “rests”. The excep- el User Interface and Programming Reference Manual”
tion is if the temperature falls below the freeze protection downloadable from the site previously mentioned, to inter-
point. pret informational and fault code messages. In most cases
the codes have a “sentence like structure” making them
However, if the system is in rest mode and a Jets button is easier to understand. For example:
depressed, the assumption is that the tub is being used and
the unit switches to READY in REST. This turns the
heater on for 1 hour to reestablish the temperature. Using
only the 3kW electric heater, the temperature may not fully
recover, but with an additional auxiliary heater or a gas
heater or a heat exchanger recover likely will occur during
the 1-hour period.

To change the MODE, which displays at the bottom, per- Wi-Fi Apps
form the following:
Press▲ so that temperature indication flashed
Press ☼ --☼ repeatedly until MODE flashes. BWA V4.1 Wi-Fi iPhone/Android Re-
Press ▲to change to the other mode mote Control and Monitoring
Press ☼ to set new mode or wait
some seconds Attach the BWA Wi-Fi module to the BP501G1 spa pack. It
plugs into J33 or J45 or the black dongle that may be plugged
into one of these. Next download the Balboa BWA Worldwide
Locking/Unlocking the Panel Spa Control App from either Apple’s iTunes or Google’s Play
If the Panel Lock is on, the panel becomes inactive, but all store to the smart phone or tablet. This should be the latest
automatic activities (such as maintaining the temperature, version. This app is not the “Control My Spa” app. Once the
turning on the filter cycle, freeze protection) continue to app is downloaded. start the app and click on the Help section
operate. which will include U-Tube videos that cover 3 important pro-
cedures that will be needed to complete the setup (initial set-
up/direct mode, local mode, account setup/cloud connect). In
addition to these three videos, linked directly from the help

37
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
menu, there is also a good overall U-Tube video that de-
scribes all three steps and other information. Assuming there were no hiccups in joining the local home
router network, next the Cloud connection needs to be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKnkFNqT-K4 established, in order to connect from anywhere that provides
access to the Internet. Follow the step 3 instructions
Furthermore Balboa, has a pdf document titled “BWA referenced in the previously mentioned U-tube video links
QUICK USER GUIDE 2020_01.PDF”, that can be linked to and pdf file. It includes creating an account.in the create an
from the Balboa Water Group web site. Or contact Northern account screen. Enter a User ID (any name desired), and a
Lights Cedar Tubs technical support and we can provide it by secure password of your choice. The module ID will come
email. directly from the Wi-Fi module and will match what is printed
on the outside of the module. Then the answers to a series of
The 1st procedure involves the Initial Setup/Direct mode. It security questions need to be filled in. Make sure the answer
involves having your smartphone close to the Wi-Fi module, will be obvious for you. If remembering your answers will be
going to the network settings and under available Wi-Fi con- problematic, then just provide an answer such as “none”, but
nections, finding the one that starts with BWGSpa.., and se- you still have to remember this. After this security screen has
lecting it. The phone is then directly networked to the BWA been completed, press Create Account. If the account crea-
Wi-Fi module. Now go to the tion was successfully you can now connect via the CLOUD
home screen on the smartphone CONNECT, but you will be asked for the user ID and the
and select the BWA app. It will password. You can elect for the phone to remember those, so
come up with a menu and you it’s not necessary to type them in every time.
should tap on INITIAL SETUP.
You will now be able to control The app allows you to perform the normal spa functions from
the spa directly with the app if the phone but will still need to use the topside panel for some
you are within the limited technical settings. For example, to change setup #, or to lock
transmission range of the Wi-Fi and unlock the panel. If you ever change the Wi-Fi module or
module and nothing is blocking change the router or its SSID or password, wi-Fi module
transmission to your phone’s needs to be reset and the entire process needs to be repeater
location. again. Also test how the app will respond, when the router is
not working, or power is lost.
If, at this 1st stage of the setup, the BWGSpa.. network name
(aka SSID) does not display, the module needs to be reset.
How to reset the Wi-Fi module, if it ever needs to be reset to
its initial factory state, is explained in the above referenced
videos and the referenced pdf file This reset involves holding CMS Wi-Fi iPhone/Android/Browser
the magnet, that comes attached to the cable, on the right side
of the module near the top (see video), for 15 seconds. This
Control and Monitoring
returns the unit to “broadcast mode” (so it broadcasts its
BWGSpa.. network name). At the time of writing this revision of the manual NLCT was
just in the process of making the Control My Spa (CMS)
The next step that is described in the referenced U-Tube vide- equipment available. Contact us if you are interested.
os and in the referenced pdf file, is to connect the Wi-Fi mod-
ule to your home router. But first the signal strength of the
Wi-Fi module, at the router, and then the signal strength of
your router near the Wi-Fi module, needs to be checked.
Both should be at least 3 bars. Balboa recommends a tech-
nical signal strength of -50dB or better, which is actual quite a
strong signal. The signal strength can be checked using the
smart phone at these locations. If it’s too weak, an extension
cable can be purchased to place the Wi-Fi module closer to
the router. Be aware the Wi-Fi module is not compatible with
5Ghz routers and may also not work with mesh networks.
Your best bet is a plain old fashion 2.4 GHz router. Then
make sure that you know the network name of your router
(SSID), its password (key) and the encryption protocol it uses
(WPA for example). Now follow the instruction for step 2,
that will allow the Wi-Fi module to be connected to the rout-
er. If successful, you set your smart phone to the router’s net-
work name (SSID), launch the BWA and then you will be
able to control the hot tub by selecting LOCAL CONNECT.
The range of the connection is limited by the range of the
router. The Wi-Fi module will no longer broadcast its BWG-
Spa..SSID.
38
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Most Common Initial Problems

1) Ozonator and Ionizer do not function. Ozonator receptacle only works during filter cycle ON periods.
2) Behaviour of unit does not seem right. Check that SETUP # is #10.
3) Tub is heating very slowly. Check that Mode is in Ready not Rest mode.
4) Getting a message that I don’t understand. Read the message information in the panel user manual available
online at the Balboa Water Group sire.
5) One or more pumps run very weakly. Voltage jumper wire is likely in the incorrect positions. Check that any
230-volt device has its jumper wire on the circuit board going to a RED AC terminal.
6) Pump does not properly respond to jet button. The pump cable may be plugged into the wrong receptacle.
See Figure 37
7) A Jet Pump runs in high speed when the Jet button is depressed once, instead of low speed. Pump Hi-Lo
wires are reversed at the pump motor. Switch the red and black wires at the motor.
8) Display indicates Too Cold 42 F. This will be due to a sensor reading a temperature below 44°F (6.6°C) and
the spa pack will be in freeze protection mode. The pump1 and pump2 will be running in high speed. Wheth-
er or not the heater comes on will depend on the A2, A3 setting.
9) Ground Fault Current Interrupter (GFCI) trips. This requires an electrician or someone with equivalent
technical knowledge to resolve. The diagnosis should first determine if any of the load devices (heater,
pumps, ozonator, etc.) are the source of the ground fault by unplugging these. If this does not point to the
problem, disconnect both heater connections at the circuit board. If this does not resolve the problem test re-
sistance between ground and neutral and ground and L1 and L2 at the circuit board, with service wires dis-
connected. If low ground resistance is indicated, the board is faulty. If resistance is high (such as infinite),
look for the problem in the cable or in the GFCI wiring. It is not uncommon to find that a brand new GFCI
is faulty or connected incorrectly and trips as soon as there is some load, even though there is no actual
ground fault.
10) Low flow, or dry or overheat indicates on digital panel. These are all indications related either to airlocks or
to low flow. Common causes of low flow are a plugged filter or plugged drain screen or valves being closed.

39
 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
The Balboa BP2000 series spa packs are designed so that
Appendix B – Ozonator Installa- the J32 ozone receptacle will only be energized during the
filter cycle on period. The ozone receptacle, J23, will pro-
tion and Operation duce the same voltage as the circulation pump receptacle,
i.e.230 volts. Because an ionizer is also used, two devices
Installation must be plugged into the same J32 receptacle. For this
reason, we provide a Y-adapter splitter cable. It has one
male 4-pin AMP connector and two female 4-pin Amp
Figure 40 - Balboa Corona Discharge Ozonator connectors.

In order to transport the generated ozone into the tub’s

water, the differential pressure between the circulation
pump discharge and the tub, is used to drive flow through
an ozone venturi. This flow creates a negative pressure at
the center barb connection and sucks air through the
ozonator via the ¼” tubing. While the air is passing
through the ozonator, about 3-4 % of the oxygen, O2, is
turned into ozone, O3. The venturi should be positioned as
high as possible just below the water line. The air barb has
an internal check valve, so the external check valve that
comes with the ozonator kit is not used.

The ozonator needs to be protected from water siphoning

backwards from the tub into the ozonator. This could oc-
cur if the circulation pump is not on and if the water level
is above the high point of the ¼” tubing. One way to
prevent this backup from damaging the ozonator is to place
the ozonator sufficiently high above the top of the tub.
Since this may not be feasible for many installations, the
Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Inc supplies a cartridge coro- usual method is to rely on the check valve and a to create a
na discharge ozonator with the Elite tubs. The ozone pro- double loop in the tubing. The double loop (called a Hart-
duced is a strong oxidizer that helps destroy or break down ford loop) must extend beyond the top of the tub. The next
dead organic waste and substances such as dead skin and diagram illustrates this arrangement.
oil. It can and can destroy micro-organisms. The ozonator
allows the amount chemical oxidizer (Oxy Pur) and the
amount of bromine sanitizer (if used) to be reduced, all of
which means the water is easier on the skin and there is
less long-term damage to wood fibres.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 41 - Complete Tubing connection for Ozonator

It is important to have the 1/4” tubing slope downward Use the ozonator properly. If you are using bromine, then
away from the venturi. You don’t want to have water get you bought it to reduce the amount of bromine sanitizers
trapped in a low point. If operated in a freezing climate, that you use. You should be able to reduce the bromine
you need to ensure water in the ozonator tubing will not levels to 1/2 what they should be if no ozonator is used.
freeze. This will require the filter cycle setting to be con- The bromine test should therefore indicate low bromine,
tinuous so that the pump will not turn off. such as 1-3 ppm. If you also have the ionizer, then bro-
mine can be reduced further or not be used at all. If for
Ozonator Operation & Maintenance some reason the water does turn cloudy, add 3-4 capfuls of
a flocculent such as Spa Clear or Sea Blue, Also add some
Once properly connected, you should notice some air bub- MPS oxidizer (Oxy-Pur) and add enzyme based clarifi-
bles coming out of the circulation system supply fitting er/scum remover such as Nature-Pur. Also increase the
when the circulation pump is on. This is the air that has filter cycle duration time. It is not the job of the ozonator
been drawn through the ozonator. Most people can smell or ionizer to clarify the water. For more information on
ozone and if the bubbles ae sniffed, that reach the surface. maintaining water chemistry see our “Cedar Tub Care
there should be a faint smell of ozone, during the filter Manual”
cycle on periods and if you did not engage the jets. The
ozone has a short life because it wants to react and does
not stay as O3 in the water long. The factory default filtra-
tion cycle setting is 2 hrs once a day. This is most likely
insufficient time for filtering or for the ozonator to do the
job. Increase the filtration time setting. Turning the jets on
will turn off power to the ozonator for 1 hour.

If no bubbling is observed, it is a sign that you may have

water in the ¼” tubing (1 cm OD) or you have insufficient
aspiration pressure, due to insufficient venturi water flow.
The purpose of the ball valve is to adjust the flow so that
bubbles coming out of the circulation supply wall witting
are present but are not excessively big.
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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
will happen if the spa pack is set to continuous flow (FC), or
if you turn the ionizer settings to zero after the correct ion
Appendix C – Clear Blue Copper level has been achieved. It will also happen if the ionizer is
Water Ionization System plugged into the ozonator receptacle J32, which is active only
during the filtration-on periods. For proper sanitation you
With the A400UH or P Clear Bluer Copper Ionization Sys- need to add MPS (our Oxy-Pur) after use of the tub. Clean
tem, bromine use for sanitization is eliminated and, instead, the filter frequently and clean the electrodes each time you
Copper, Silver and Zinc ions provide the sanitation action. change the water in the tub. Orient the electrodes to be verti-
cal, as shown below, where the Tee has been rendered to be
Figure 42 -Clear Blue Ionizer Components translucent.
Figure 43 - Cell Installed In Tee of Equipment Pad

Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Inc is shipping all tubs to be

“ionizer ready”. That means all you need to do is to screw out
the plug from the Tee installed between the filters on the
Equipment pad and screw in the Clear Blue Ionizer cell. Mark
the cell so you will know the rotation of the electrodes. You
want them ending up vertical.
The electrical connections are shown in the next Figure. The
To successfully use the ionizer, it is important to have the unit is powered by plugging it into the J32 ozonator receptacle
water balanced correctly. pH in the range of 7.2 -7.6, total on the BP2000 circuit board. A special Y-splitter adapter ca-
alkalinity 80-120 ppm. High pH and total alkalinity and/or ble will be provided. This receptacle is active only during the
hard well water above 350 ppm and/or water containing sul- “filter cycle on” periods. Mount the A400UH controller near
phur may result Cu compounds such as CuSO4 forming the Equipment pad, or where you can easily view the display.
around the electrodes and the water may need to be treated
first with a water softener and then a pH reducing compound NOTE: the appropriate concentration of Copper Ions that you
such as muriatic acid. Do not use a sequestering agent such should achieve for a hot tub is in the range 0.4-0.6ppm (not
as Prevent II! It is important in the case you get such deposits 0.2- 0.4ppm as indicated on the controller).
to have the unit producing ions only when there is flow. This
Figure 44 - Electrical Connections for Clear Blue A400UH/P System with BP2000G1

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
The Control Panel (Digital Display) Functions

Ionizing When the “ionizing” light is blinking or is on 1. POWER UP! When unit is plugged into J18 the unit
solid, it means that the system is ionizing the water. The will receive power, if the spa pak is powered up. The digi-
ionizing LED light will not light it the electrodes are not tal display should turn on.
fully submersed in water. The more ions that are being 2. On a fresh fill, first balance the water (get alkalinity, pH
released in the water, the faster the light will blink! The and hardness correct)
light will be on solid if in large dose mode. 3. TOUCH THE LARGE DOSE BUTTON FOR
Ion/Action This user defined setting is the duty cycle, or FRESH FILL UP’S! When you see the large dose light
the number of minutes in each hour the ionizer is on for. come on the unit is producing the maximum amount of
Large Dose This should be used when the water is ions it can. The default setting is for the unit to then stay
changed, or the ion level is very low. This setting produces in large dose mode for 24 hrs, but we suggest you turn it
the maximum release rate of ions for the number of hours down to 10 hrs (10 display) until you know your water and
the user defines. (24-hour default). The display will count know how long it takes to achieve a minimum of 0.4 ppm
down the number of hours left. The system will return to Cu concentration. Monitor the Copper ion concentration
the previously set ion/action setting when the large dose with the Cu test kit, every five hours. Once you have a 0.4
ends. You may want to use this button when you refill -.8 ppm reading, turn off the large dose mode by touching
your spa or there has been a large amount of spillage or the Ion/Action button. Then in future, remember this total
water loss. Use at your discretion. time, and set this time after a refill.
“-” This button will decrease the duty cycle time or large 4. SET THE ION (DUTY CYCLE) TIME: Touch
dose hours. “Ion/Action” button to set the duty cycle time to 0%. If
you spill water and add make up water, set the Ion/Action
“+” This button will increase the duty cycle time or large
setting to 10% for a few hours. Take a Cu ion reading and
dose hours.
once you are back in the .4 -.8 ppm range turn the setting
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (Use these instead down to 0% or, if you use the tub daily you can leave the
of the instructions that come with the Clear Blue setting on about 1- 2%. This will very slowly continue to
Unit) produce some ions. However, if the setting is non-zero,
you must have the filter cycle set to continuous, FC.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Appendix D – Alternate Location of Equipment Pad – High Deck Situation

of jets chosen are 16, 20 or 24. The next illustration shows
Full Deck Installation the case utilizing 16 jets and requires the longest run.
Figure 47 -6ft 2in diameter Elite Tub with 16 jets -
Alternate configuration suitable for a High Deck
Figure 45 - Alternate Equipment Location with a High
Deck

Some further details are provided below:

Figure 48 - Jet Suction Interconnection Details
When the equipment will be located in the alternate posi-
tion, behind the step-in seat (as above), the location of var-
ious wall fittings needs to follow the arrangement that was
shown in Figure 7 (repeated below for 6ft 2in diameter
tub).

Figure 46 - Hole for Alternate Equipment Location and

using a High Deck.
Figure 49 - Circulation Equipment Pad Connection
Details

Then viewed from this position the plumping connections

appear very similar to what was detailed in the main man-
ual. For example, Figures 20, 21, 22, 24, 25 and 29 are all
valid. The only exception is with Figure 30. While in
principle the connections are the same, physically some of
the piping will be longer. For example, the piping from
the jet pumps discharge to the jet supply tees will be long-
er. How much longer will depend on whether the numbers

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 50 - Jet Pump Connection Details - 16 jets Al-
ternate Location -High Deck

Figure 51 - Ozonator Venturi Connection- Alternate Arrangement with High Deck

Half Deck Installation Using Shelves

and Full-length Skirts

Figure 52- Alternate Equipment Location with Half

High Deck

A half deck installation with full skirts, uses the same

plumbing techniques just described. By using full skirts
around the exterior portion, it is still possible to wrap the
entire tub as well as the entire piping with bubble foil insu-
lation.

These shelves and skirts were originally designed for use

with standard NLCT hot tubs. To adapt their use to this
specific Elite tub installation, special stainless steel support
brackets are supplied, in addition to using some of the
standard wood brackets. The instructions that are provided
with shelves and skirts titled “Shelf and Skirt Installation
Instructions Rev 7.3.2”, show only the 45-degree brackets.
These only work for some positions (where there are no
jets). For most locations the stainless-steel brackets are
used to avoid interference by the jets and their piping.
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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
This makes supplying shelves and skirts more expensive fractional shelves as a guide to cut matching curved spac-
for Elite tubs. er/support brackets for the skirt boards.
Figure 53 - Shelf Support Brackets used with Half Deck
Installations Figure 55 - Shelves and Full-Length Skirts Being At-
tached

There are two types of shelves, regular ones which have no

cut-outs and control shelves which have cut outs. The con-
trol shelves will each have 2 air valve holes. In the illus-
trations that follow, we have kept the holes as delivered.
However, it is quite feasible to remove individual boards
with holes and swap them with boards at other locations.

One other piece of information that should keep in mind is

how to secure the cover for the hot when the tub is half
recessed into a deck. If customer makes us aware of the
situation, then we will order the cover with shorter straps
and have the straps offset slightly from center. The cus-
tomer in turn needs to allow for an opening (notch) on both
sides of the tub, big enough for a hand to side down to
secure the cover clasp mechanism.
Figure 56 - Notch to Allow for Fastening Cover Straps

The shelves are attached with the first shelf (a control shelf
with two holes for air valves) centred with respect to stave
position # 1. To get coverage to the deck, the last shelf on
each side needs to be cut short. This is accomplished by
cutting two pieces from the fourth shelf. For example, if
the tub is 7ft in diameter, the pieces that need to be cut are
as follows:
Figure 54 - Two Fractional Shelves Cut from 1 Shelf

The shelves are then secured using the standard 45° brack-
ets were there are no jets and the metal brackets where
there are. Three brackets are typically used per full shelf
and 2 brackets for each of the fractional ones. Use the cut

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Appendix E – Alternate Location of Equipment Pad – Low Deck Situation

Figure 57 - Alternate Equipment Location with a High
Then viewed from this position the plumping connections
Deck
still appear mostly similar to what was detailed in the main
portion of the manual. For example, Figures 20, 21, 22
and 25 are all valid. The main exception is with the at-
tachment of the circulation suction and skimmer section
and the subsequent connection of this to the circulation
Equipment pad. The illustrations, below, depicts the situ-
ation for a 6ft 2in diameter tub with 20 jets. As illustrated
the skimmer stave is moved to position #17 so that it does
not protrude into what will be the exposed area behind the
step-in seat. By locating it at position #17, it will, once the
installation is complete, be hidden by shelves and skirts.
Figure 59 - 6ft 2in diameter Elite Tub with 16 jets -
Alternate Configuration suitable for a High Deck

When the equipment will be located in the alternate posi-

tion, behind the step-in seat but using a low deck (as
above), the location of various wall fitting holes needs to
follow the arrangement that was shown in Figure 8 (re-
peated below for 6ft 2in diameter tub). The diagonal lines
are reference lines for where the hexagonal seats would be.

Figure 58 - Hole for Alternate Equipment Location and

using a Low Deck.

Note that this suction to skimmer section is substantially

different than was shown for the standard arrangement
(Figure 23 & 24). A different nut is used to secure the
skimmer wall fitting, the tee at the bottom is oriented dif-
ferently and the gate valve has been rotated 90°.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 60 – Skimmer to Circulation Suction Section Details

Very slightly different is the section that interconnects the The circulation system Equipment pad is positioned so the
two jets suctions. This is illustrated next. auxiliary heater output aligns approximately with the cir-
culation supply wall fitting. The distance from the tub can
Figure 61 – Jet Suction Interconnection Details
be between 12” to 14-3/4”. The pipe sections in the next
diagram are based on it being the longer distance. Simply
shorten up these two pipe sections if you need it closer.
Figure 62 - Circulation Equipment Pad Placing

Most of what is shown above will come pre-installed if the

tub was ordered with the tub and the plumbing at the tub
preassembled. The exception is the parts shown with the
circulation supply wall fitting. We now illustrate the con-
nections that must be done at the installation site, whether Then the connections to the circulation suction tee and to
or not the tub and its plumbing came preassembled or not. the circulation supply wall fitting are made as follows:

Figure 63 - Circ Equipment Pad Suction and Supply Connection Details

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
shown in Figure 49, but is repeated below. The other jet
The connections from the jet pumps to the right jet supply
pump is connected in a similar fashion.
and suction tees are made in a similar fashion as was
Figure 64 - Jet Pump Connection Details - 16 jets Alternate Location -High Deck

The ozonator venturi assembly should be attached to the Attaching Shelves and Skirts in a Low
upper jets interconnecting flex hose using nylon tie-wraps.
The ozonator valve assembly is screwed into the ½” fpt Deck Situation
connection above the circulation pump’s discharge. The
venturi is then connected (from the IN side) to this assem-
bly using ¾” flex hose. The outlet of the venturi is con-
nected to the circulation supply using ½” flex hose. This is
illustrated in the next figure.

Figure 65 - Ozonator Venturi Connection- Alternate

Arrangement with Low Deck

Shelves and skirts may be used to hide plumbing as is

shown above. These shelves and skirts were originally
designed for use with standard NLCT hot tubs. To adapt
their use to this Elite tub configuration, requires special
support brackets are, in addition to using some of the
standard brackets. The standard instructions that are pro-
If ordered the connections for the jet pump’s freeze protec- vided with shelves and skirts titled “Shelf and Skirt Instal-
tion flow needs to be made. This is the same as was illus- lation Instructions Rev 7.3.2”, show only these standard
trated in Figure 35. 45-degree brackets. While these work for a few positions,
most locations require special shaped wood brackets to
This completes the water connections to the tub. Because avoid interference from the jets and their piping. This
the installation, we are describing here, uses a low deck makes supplying shelves and skirts more expensive per
and needs shelves and skirts, we provide some information unit for Elite tubs.
on the installation of the shelves and skirts. We will also
detail a method to connect the jets air valve hoses to jets In this situation the jet’s vertical position has needed to be
the jets air manifolds and we detail how to connect the lowered slightly and two types of brackets are supplied for
ozonator to the venturi air barb, using an anti-siphon the shelves.
method called a Hartford loop.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 66 - Shelf Support Brackets used with Low Deck

Routing the ¾” Flex Hose for the Air

Valves
We have mentioned that the installer of the shelves has
some flexibility as to where the shelf boards with the holes
for the jet air valves are located (you can unscrew and
swap board locations). Experiment with the placing of
shelves, without permanently attaching them. If you don’t
like them near the end of the jet strings, as we have shown
before, then swap the boards with holes with ones that are
solid. However, assuming this standard is okay, then you
don’t have to change the shelves. The connections from
the air valves to the air manifold ports at the end of the jets
string is accomplished as follows:

These you attach to the underside of the shelves and to the

staves so where there is no interference from jets you use
the straight 45° brackets and where there is interference
you attach the complex shaped ones as follows:

Figure 67 - Shelf and Skirt Spacer Bracket Attachment

-Low Deck Case

Also shown in the illustration is the curved unit that sup-

ports and spaces the shelf skirt boards. It can be disassem-
bled to help get it installed and is attached in the space
between the lower and upper jets. Use the short 45°
brackets that come with curved support unit only where
space allows.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Figure 68 - Connecting the jet Air Valves

Completing the Ozonator Air Tubing

The purpose of the anti-siphon loop for the ozonator has installed from the Venturi air barb to the ozonator. The 1”
been explained in the main body of this manual as well as PVC piping is used to keep the loops proper shape and to
in Appendix B. For completeness we show the tubing keep the plastic tubing protected.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
A version of this that uses 2” piping is also available. It
Appendix F – Variances when Us- would be used when the equipment is some considerable
distance from the tub connections.
ing the CS8800/HeatMax Equip-
ment Pad Straight Back Arrangement
The equipment pad equipped with the UL Listed Only the normal arrangement is illustrated. This would
CS8800B-Nor20, HeatMax RHS 5.5kW auxiliary heater correspond to a variation of the previous Figures 28, 29
and the circulation pump, will be reassembled as follows: and 30. The circulation equipment pad is slightly larger in
dimensions and the outlet of the auxiliary heater is at a
Figure 69 - Equipment Pad with CS8800B-NOR20 and different location and requires the connection back to the
HeatMax Aux Heater circulation supply wall fitting to accomplished differently.
The CS88000B-NOR20 spa pack, can be flipped around if
this improves the access for the customer. The HeatMax
auxiliary heater cannot be flipped.

Figure 70 - Equipment Pads Straight Back Arrangement with Hydroquip Spa Pack and Aux Heater

The above illustration shows the completed connection of Electrical connections for the CS8800B-NOR20 spa pack
all the equipment. This is followed by some details of how and the HeatMax auxiliary heater will be described in sep-
the circulation skid pad is connected. The two jet pumps arately provided supplementary information.
connect in a similar fashion as was shown Figure 30. Sim-
ilarly, the Venturi Ozonator and if used the jets circuit
freeze protection are added as was previously described.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Figure 71 - Connection Details for Circ Pump to circ Suction Tee

Figure 72 - Connection Details Aux Heater Out to Circ Supply Wall Fitting

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Appendix G – Explanation of
Plumbing Terms
The hot tub plumbing is based on American/British sizes and
units. Persons assembling the tub in Europe or non-English
speaking countries may not be familiar with the terminology and
a brief explanation of the terms is provided.

Units of Length:
Inch (or abbreviation “) = 2.54 cm
Foot (or abbreviation ‘) = 12 inches = 30.5 cm

Pipe Sizes:
We use standard American pipe sizes such as 1.5-inch pipe or 2-
inch pipe. These define the pipe, but do not represent the pipes
exact inside diameter (ID). The table below provides the pipes
actual diameters in both inches and mm. Be warned however that Threaded connections involve female and male ends. In the 1st
we are supplying American sized pipe, not metric pipe. For ex- figure above, a female connection is illustrated. Two types of
ample, a 1-1/2” PVC pipe is not identical in every respect to a 40 common abbreviations are used. FPT is short for female pipe
mm metric PVC pipe. For that reason, we avoid giving the pipes thread and MPT is short for male pipe thread. These abbrevia-
and fittings metric designations, in the main manual. tions may be lower case or upper case. Thus ½” mpt means ½
inch male pipe thread. The related abbreviations mipt and fipt
Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Dimensions stem from iron piping and stand for male or female iron pipe
Nominal Pipe Size OD ID thread. However, these are also commonly used with PVC com-
¾ Inch (20 mm) 1.050”/26.7 mm .804”/20.4 mm ponents. All of these involve straight threads (NPS or National
1 Inch (25 mm) 1.315”/33.4 mm 1.029”/26.1 mm Pipe Straight threads). One other common pipe thread that is
1-1/2 Inch (40 mm) 1.900”/48.3 mm 1.590”/40.4 mm used is the NPT type. This stands for National Pipe Taper and is
2 Inch (50 mm) 2.375’/60.3 mm 2.047”/52 mm a standard for tapered thread.

Pipe connection or joining method terminology: Unions are special threaded connections, which allow a compo-
nent to be detached. You will find unions on the pump, on the
The most common connection used in the hot tub industry is a heater and on the globe valve. In some cases, we provide unions
glued connection. There are two types of ends, the female and so pipe can be removed for maintenance purposes. The illustra-
the male end. When it comes to glued fittings, a female end is tion below shows such a union with slip ends.
designated as a “slip” end and a male end is designated as a
“spig” end. See example in diagram below:

The last type of connection that may be used with our hot tubs is
one associated with tubing. These are called barbed connec-
tions and they are sized according to the tubing’s inside diameter.
Size we use include 1/8, 1/4- and 3/8-inch tubing. The diagram
that follows illustrates an adapter that has a ¼” barbed tubing
connection at one end and a ¼” mpt on the other. The designa-
tion for barb often is just B, such as ¼” B.
The way glued components are connected to pipe or to each is
illustrated in the next diagram. This diagram also shows the dif-
ference between an elbow and a street elbow.

1 VGB mentioned in these manual stands for Virginia Graham

Baker Act a USA law governing the design and installation of
suctions that will prevent entrapment of children against the
suction.

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 Northern Lights Cedar Tubs

Warranty Info and Liability Disclaimer

Northern Lights Cedar Hot Tubs guarantees its cedar hot tub product from manufacture defects for the period of 3 years from the date of
purchase. This warranty is limited to the wooden hot tub staves, steel straps, seats, floor, and floor joists. Damage caused by drilling jet and
other holes in the cedar is only covered if this was done by Northern Lights Cedar Hot Tubs. Customers who choose to drill their own holes,
do so at their own risk.

Should our product be found defective, we will replace the board(s) free of charge. The customer will be responsible for providing the origi-
nal invoice and digital photo showing damage

Northern Lights may at their cost send an independent contractor to access the damages, and report as to the probable cause.

Any additional electrical and non-electric components other than the hot tub components listed above are covered by the original manufac-
ture warranty. The warranty of the major components is as follows: spa pack - 2years; top side panel 1-year: pumps - 2 years for Balboa
pumps, 1 year on Laing Pumps; ionizer and ozonator-1year. The warranty is with the manufacture of this component, and Northern Lights
assumes no responsibility including shipping costs that may be incurred as a result of a failure, malfunction, or replacement during the war-
ranty coverage period and thereafter.

Northern Lights Cedar Tubs does not cover, under warranty, defects caused by:

o Leaks as a result of not having followed our assembly instructions including not having used silicone caulking.
o Minor leaks that may occur from time to time
o Damage to electrical components such as spa pack, aux heater, pumps from rain spillage or flooding and not having protected
against these possible conditions. This equipment is not weatherproof
o Damage to the interior (such as fibre separation) due to overuse or improper use of chemicals.
o Damage resulting from operating equipment in freezing conditions and not having freeze protection equipment installed
o Damage resulting from drying out the tub.
o Damage resulting from animals or wood burying insects
o Damage from careless use or improper use.
o Damage or injury from having used shut-off valves in an improper position and resulting from other improper operation or installa-
tion
o Damage or injury resulting from improper electrical installing including improper sized conductors or failing to have GFCI protec-
tion.

Northern Lights Cedar Tubs does not accept responsibility for personal or property damage including injury or death from the use of our
product. The customer assumes all liabilities that are foreseen and unforeseen. In no event shall Northern Lights Cedar Tubs be liable for
any direct, incidental, punitive, or consequential damage of any kind what so ever with respect to service, the materials and the products

All products must be installed under the governing laws of the customer’s municipal, state and national building codes, including electrical
and gas hook up.
Any legal dispute regarding our product must be settled in the jurisdiction of the Province of Manitoba, Canada, under the governing Laws of
this province.

Technical Assistance
For questions and assistance related to tub assembly, Spa Pack operation, parts replacement and warranty send an Email to
[email protected]

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