ARIES SPAS BY ARIES ACRYLIC MFG., INC.
ARIES SPAS BY ARIES ACRYLIC MANUFACTURING, INC. 4176 I-30 EAST ROCKWALL, TEXAS 75087 ARIES SPAS OWNER'S MANUAL Copyright © 2014 Aries Acrylic Mfg., Inc.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS • WARNING - To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this product unless they are closely supervised at all times. • A wire connector is provided on this unit to connect a minimum No. 8 AWG (8.4mm2) solid copper conductor between this unit and any metal equipment, metal enclosures of electrical equipment, metal water pipe, or conduit within 5 feet (1.5 m) of the unit. • DANGER - Risk of Accidental Drowning.
Aries Spas • User Manual permanently connected by a minimum No. 8 AWG (8.4 mm2) solid copper conductor to the wire connector on the terminal box that is provided for this purpose. • DANGER - Risk of Electric Shock. Do not permit any electric appliance, such as a light, telephone, radio, television, within 5 feet of a spa. • WARNING - To reduce the risk of injury: • The water in the spa should never exceed 40˚ C (104˚ F).
Aries Spas • User Manual • Persons suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory system problems, or diabetes should consult a physician before using a spa. • Persons using medication should consult a physician before using a spa since some medications may affect heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Aries Spas • User Manual About this manual This booklet was designed to be an aid in understanding the operation, functions, and maintenance of your Aries Spa. To receive maximum pleasure from your Aries Spa, it is helpful to understand how the spa operates and to have knowledge of proper maintenance procedures. Different applications and installations require various types of equipment.
Aries Spas • User Manual Contents About this manual......................................... v Installation of Portable Spa............................. 9 Replacement of an existing Equipment Pack................. 10 Location..................................................................... 10 Operation................................................... 11 Initial Start-up............................................................. 11 Filling your Spa..................................................
Aries Spas • User Manual Filter Icon........................................................................ 18 Heater Icon...................................................................... 18 Temperature Icon............................................................. 18 Special Features......................................................... 18 Pause Mode........................................................................ 18 Auto-Purge Cleansing.................................................
Aries Spas • User Manual Adjusting pH....................................................................... 30 Preventing Hard Water or Staining Damage........................... 31 Preventing Algae................................................................. 31 Caring for your Spa’s Surface....................................... 31 Deep-Cleaning of Plumbing Lines................................. 32 Draining your Spa....................................................... 32 Troubleshooting Guide....
Aries Spas • User Manual Installation of Portable Spa HAVE YOUR ELECTRICIAN READ BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS! Please contact a qualified electrician to wire your spa. Your Aries Spa requires a GFCI (ground-fault current interrupter) for safe installation and operation. All Aries Spas require a 220 volt supply circuit consisting of four wires. Use #6 AWG wire (copper conductors only). All metal components of the equipment assembly have bonding lugs.
Aries Spas • User Manual Electric Code and any local and State Electrical Codes in force at the time of installation. This equipment has been designed to operate on 60 Hz alternating current only and at 240 Volts. Make sure that power is not applied while performing any electrical installation. A copper bonding lug has been provided on the electrical equipment pack to allow connection to local grounded points.
Aries Spas • User Manual Operation Initial Start-up Please read this section fully before attempting initial start-up of your spa. Always turn the thermostat(s) and electric power off when filling or draining the spa, and always fully open any valves that could restrict water flow to and from the heater element. Filling your Spa Your spa should be filled with water to approximately the middle of the skimmer (to identify, see picture of skimmer in the “Suctions Fittings” section of this manual).
Aries Spas • User Manual Once the Circulating Pump motor is running and water is circulating properly, you should be able to observe water and/or bubbles coming from the two Circulating Jets (one regular-sized, one small) usually located near your steps and/or the light. This indicates that the water is circulating properly. If no water flow is observed, do the following: 1. Listen to make sure that the Circulating Pump motor is running. 2. Make sure that the Knife (“T” shaped) Valves are open.
Aries Spas • User Manual 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Digital Readout Smart Winter Icon Jet Icon Air Blower Icon Light Icon Filter Icon Heater Icon 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Temperature Icon Pause Button Jet Button Air Blower Button Light Button Heat Up Button Heat Down Button Topside Controls The Topside Control Pictured above is that of a single Jet Pump System. A 2-Jet Pump System will have the additional Jet Icon (between #2 and #3 above). The “Pause” button (#9) will instead be labeled “Jet 1”.
Aries Spas • User Manual WARNING: Prolonged immersion in hot water may induce hyperthermia. 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 98.6˚F. The symptoms of hyperthermia include: drowsiness, lethargy and an increase in the internal temperature of the body.
Aries Spas • User Manual Function Buttons Pause Button (on Single Pump models only) This button turns off all spa operations for 30 minutes to facilitate routine maintenance, such as cleaning filter, etc. To turn off system, press and hold the Pause button for 5 seconds. The digital readout will read “OFF”. (It is not uncommon for the spa to continue running for 30 to 60 seconds to cool the motor before shutting down.) After 30 minutes normal operation will automatically resume.
Aries Spas • User Manual When the Jet Pump(s) are turned on, an internal timer in the control box will automatically turn the jet pump(s) off after 30 minutes, should you forget to turn them off. If you are still using the spa and the Jet Pump(s) shut off while you want them on, simply push the Jet Button(s) and the pump will come back on for another 30 minute cycle. Air Button The Air Button operates the Air Blower Pump. This pump forces air through the Air Injector Fittings.
Aries Spas • User Manual The Raydiance® Light is an option. A specialty LED bulb replaces the standard light bulb. This light has 8 different colors including fade/strobe. The standard light can be replaced by the Raydiance® light, if desired. The Raydiance® light is operated as follows: Push the Light button to turn on or off as you would the standard light.
Aries Spas • User Manual Air Blower Icon A pointer will illuminate under the icon any time the Air Blower is running. Light Icon A pointer will illuminate under the icon any time the Light is on. Filter Icon Any time the Circulating Pump is running, a pointer will illuminate under the icon. Heater Icon Any time the heater is running, a pointer will illuminate under the icon. When the water reaches the desired temperature and heater turns off, it will no longer be illuminated.
Aries Spas • User Manual do your maintenance so that the spa doesn’t start before you are ready. If you wish to restart manually, just quickly press the Pause (or Jet 1) button again. Caution should be used when performing this operation. PRESSING ANY OF THE FUNCTION BUTTONS WHILE THE SPA IS IN “OFF” MODE WILL START THE SPA AGAIN. It is recommended that you have everything you need to do the filter swap or other maintenance, as the spa will turn on in 30 minutes time, ready or not.
Aries Spas • User Manual Freeze Protection and Smart Winter Cycle In an Aries Continuous Circulating Spa, the potential for freeze damage is almost nonexistent, as moving water doesn’t quickly freeze, and the water is kept heated to a minimum temperature. With the addition of the AutoPurge function, freeze damage is very rare. In addition, the system monitors the temperature around the spa equipment. When severe cold is detected, the Smart Winter Cycle takes effect.
Aries Spas • User Manual wait until the temperature in the equipment has had time to cool, then manually reset the system by turning the equipment off, then on, using your breaker or service disconnect. Interior Fittings Venturi Controls (Air Controls) Venturi Controls are knobs located on the upper ledge of your spa. Depending on the model, your spa may have one or several Venturi Controls, each operating a certain number of jets.
Aries Spas • User Manual Normally, there are two Circulation Jets: one is a normal-sized jet, the other is very small. The spa’s Jet Pump circulates water by pulling it from the spa via separate Bottom Suction Fitting and returns the water through the Massage Jets. Suction Fittings The Top Suction, or Skimmer, is designed to skim debris from the water’s surface. The Bottom Suctions are designed to pull water and dirt from near the spa’s bottom.
Aries Spas • User Manual These jets massage sore muscles and stimulate and increase blood circulation to aid in the recovery of injured body parts. Most spa owners agree that this is the single most beneficial function of their spa. Below are the description and operation of several of the more popular Massage Jets available at press time.
Aries Spas • User Manual Jumbo Jet The Jumbo Jet is optional, and is not available on all models. This is the big brother of the Circular Jet, and is the largest jet you will have in your spa. It uses a large volume of water for a deep-muscle massage. Jumbo Jet The water pressure can be adjusted by turning the outer ring of the jet clockwise (to decrease pressure) or counterclockwise (to increase pressure). Neck Jets Neck Jets are designed to be above the water level.
Aries Spas • User Manual Occasionally, jets that look similar to the Ozone Jets will be used in place of Neck Jets or Regular Jets in the spa, or as air injectors (see below). These jets are not attached to the Ozone Generator, but rather are similar to standard jets. The Circulation & Ozone Jets are not adjustable. Ozone Jet (L) Circulation Jet (R) Air Injectors Most Aries Spas contain 14 to 20 Air Injectors, depending on the spa model.
Aries Spas • User Manual Maintenance Filter The most important function of the Circulating System is to run the spa water through the filter to remove dirt, debris, and body oils. The filter cartridge is located inside the filter canister, hidden by the round lid containing inset drink holders. The Top Loading Pressure filter is most commonly used due to its ease of cleaning and maintenance. It is available in the majority of Aries Spa models.
Aries Spas • User Manual Release any excess air in the Filter by turning the small plastic Bleed Valve on top of the lid. Then unscrew the retaining ring by turning counterclockwise. Once the retaining ring has been loosened, lift the ring and the Filter lid. Inside, you will find an accordion-folded fabric Cartridge. Firmly pull up on the Cartridge to remove it. Spray the cartridge with high pressure water Filter Lid from your water hose.
Aries Spas • User Manual Reposition the Cartridge in the filter canister by reversing the process you used to remove it. When you have completed reassembling the filter, turn on the spa. The Circulating Pump will come on immediately. You should see water starting to flow from the Return Jets and hear bubbling and gurgling. This is air being purged from the system. To remove any remaining air, momentarily turn counterclockwise the black Bleed Valve on top of the filter lid.
Aries Spas • User Manual 2) To keep the water’s percentage of acidity and alkalinity (pH) in balance, so that your spa’s equipment will not be corroded by acid or clogged by alkaline buildup. Disinfectants There are several alternatives for disinfecting your spa, including chemical disinfectants (most notably bromine-based products), and non-chemical methods (such as ozone generators, reverse ionizers, etc.). Ask your spa specialist for a more detailed explanation.
Aries Spas • User Manual Because this method of sanitizing uses fewer chemicals, chemical residue in the spa water is lessened. Also, because you are not adding as many products with their own pH factor (see below), the pH of your spa water stays balanced longer. When using an Ozone Generator for sanitizing, it is extremely important to operate the Circulating Pump for sufficient periods of time each day. We recommend operating the Circulating Pump continuously.
Aries Spas • User Manual needed.) It is best to adjust pH gradually. Remember, it is easy to add, but difficult to remove chemicals from your water. We do not recommend using chemicals formulated for swimming pools in your spa. These products are highly concentrated for use in large volumes of water (15,000 to 30,000 gals.). Proper dilution of these chemicals to an acceptable strength is difficult at best. Whenever possible, use one of the chemicals specifically formulated for spas.
Aries Spas • User Manual coat of auto wax on the scratch. For more serious scratches, it is suggested you carefully sand the scratch with 400 grit sandpaper. For scratches or chips that go completely through the acrylic surface, acrylic repair becomes necessary. There are repair kits available at most spa supply stores. Deep-Cleaning of Plumbing Lines Occasionally, spas that are not used for long periods of time will develop “white flaky stuff” floating on the surface.
Aries Spas • User Manual spa water. Turn on the faucet, as if to add water to your spa. As soon as water starts running into the spa, quickly turn off the water and unscrew the hose from the faucet. The water will automatically start siphoning out. Note: The above method of starting a siphon only works when the faucet is below the water level of the spa. Another way of emptying your spa is to use the hose bib or spigot that is attached to the equipment pack. Open the spigot.
Aries Spas • User Manual Troubleshooting Guide Problem Possible Causes/Solutions Spa Equipment does not operate. Nothing works. Breaker has possibly tripped or may be turned off. Reset breaker. As the breaker will only trip to halfway, make sure to turn it all the way off, then back on to reset it. If GFCI Breaker resets for a moment, then trips again, see “Blower does not work” below. Additional Household circuit breaker has tripped.
Aries Spas • User Manual your pump has not picked up prime, wait 1 hour and try again to restore prime. If you still can’t start circulation, then call Aries Service Department for additional tips. After prime has been restored, reset the Thermostat to desired temperature setting. The Filter Cartridge is very dirty. Digital Readout may read “FLO”. A clogged Filter Cartridge may not allow water to pass through to the spa.
Aries Spas • User Manual It may take several hours (or overnight, in warm weather) for the temperature to fall low enough for the High Limit to be reset. (A clogged, dirty Filter Cartridge can cause the Overtemp Switch to trip.) In extreme cases, “HL” may show in the display. All functions will be disabled until the water in equipment cools. To reset (after water has cooled), reset system by turning the spa off, then on.
Aries Spas • User Manual Blower will restart and run for an additional 30 minutes, before again shutting off automatically. One of the Bottom Suction Fittings in the footwell area isn’t working The suction is a suction for the circulating pump Your spa should have 3 or more Bottom Suctions. One of these is used to return water to the Circulating Pump, the others return water to the Jet Pumps.
Aries Spas • User Manual When Air Blower is turned on, all equipment shuts off and won’t restart Air Blower has gotten wet. The GFCI breaker has tripped because of moisture. The most common causes are: 1) overfilling of the spa (or large bather load) causing water to overflow the P-trap. 2) Large amounts of humidity or rain, runoff from sprinklers, etc. To correct the problem, drain spa water to appropriate level if necessary. Make sure there is no standing water under equipment. Reset GFCI.
Aries Spas • User Manual Water has splashed into the filter area during cleaning and has drained down. Any water that was spilled into the filter cartridge housing during the filter-cleaning process will eventually run down the canister and create the appearance of a leak. This will stop once all spilled water evaporates. No action need be taken on your part, except to make sure that the dripping doesn’t continue (see below).
Aries Spas • User Manual If spa is equipped with Ozone Generator or other nonchemical sanitizer, it is not operating properly. Make sure the device is plugged in tightly. If it has a fuse, check to see that the fuse has not blown, and replace if necessary. Verify that a blue or green light is being emitted from the Ozone Generator. Also, make sure that bubbles are coming from one or both ozone jets located near the light fitting.
Aries Spas • User Manual Trouble Codes If your computerized Equipment Pack senses an internal problem, it will put an error or trouble code in the digital readout area of your Topside Control. Following are the most common error codes, and the solution for each. 3 Dashes on Digital Display The digital display will show 3 dashes any time the power to the system has been lost, then restored, The internal clock cycle will reset. (None of your other settings will have been changed.
Aries Spas • User Manual “ Prr” A problem is detected with the temperature probe. Contact an Aries Spa Technician. “OH” The water temperature in the spa has reached 108o. Do not enter the water! Remove the spa cover and allow the water to cool down to a lower temperature. Call the Aries Spa Technician if the problem persists. rLy The system has detected a stuck relay error in the equipment. Call the Aries technician. “UPL” No low level configuration software has been installed into the system.
Aries Spas • User Manual Appendix A Special Programming Setting a Customized Circulation Mode Your Aries Spa is factory-set to run for approximately 12 hours per day (6 hours on then 6 hours off for each 12 hour interval). Before you change this setting, it is wise to understand how the Internal Timeclock works. Each 24 hour period is broken into intervals. At the factory we set 2 intervals of 12 hours each into your equipment.
Aries Spas • User Manual 3. 4. lowed by a number. This is the number of intervals the 24 hour day is divided into. Use the up or down arrows to set the number of intervals you wish. (Factory setting is 2). Press Light button again to confirm. Another “F” will be displayed, this time with no number following. This “F” stands for Fahrenheit. To change to Celsius press the up or down button. Press the light button once more. A filter cycle will start immediately.
Aries Spas • User Manual Index A Acidity 29, 30 Acrylic Surface Caring for 31 Adjusting pH Balance 30 Air Blower 25 Malfunctions 36, 37 Air Button 16 Air Controls 21 Air Injectors 25 Air Lock 34 Algae 28, 32, 40 Preventing 31 Algaecides 40 Alkalinity 29, 30 Appendix A 43 Auto-Purge Cleansing 19, 43 B Bacteria 28 Bleed Valve 11, 12, 27, 34 on startup 11 Blower 25 Malfunctions 36, 37 Blower Icon 18 Bottom Suctions 22, 37 Breaker 34, 38 Bromine 29 C Cartridge 26, 35, 39 Catastrophic
Aries Spas • User Manual H Hard water damage How to prevent 31 Heater 21 Heater Icon 18, 42 Heat Light Spa-Side Control 18 High Limit Switch 35 HL 36, 41 Honeycomb Jets 23 Hose Bib 33 Hydrotherapy Jets 22 Hypothermia 14 I Icon Air Blower 18 Filter 18, 42 Heater 18, 42 Jet 1 17 Light 18 Smart Winter Mode 17 Temperature 13, 18 Indicator Icons 17 Initial Start-up of spa 11 Injector Fittings 16 Injectors 25 Installation 9 Interior Fittings 21 Internal Clock 19 Internal High Limit (Over
Aries Spas • User Manual Overfilling spa 38 Overheat Switch 20 Ozone Generator 24, 29, 40 Adding 24 Recovery Fitting 25 Ozone Jet 24 P Pause Button 15 Pause Mode 18 pH 29 Adjusting 30 Plumbing Lines Deep-Cleaning 32, 40 Preventing Algae 31 Preventing Hard Water & Stain Damage 31 Prime Loss of 34 Programming Mode 16, 43 Prr 42 Pump Jet 22, 36 Pump, Circulating 21, 34 Q Quick Couplers 36, 38 R Raydiance® Light 17 Recovery Fitting 25 Water level at 11, 25 Replacing light bulb 17 Reta
