Hydro Systems, Inc.

Hydro Systems Installation Instructions

General Requirements | Installing the Tub | Operating Instructions | User Care and Maintenance 
 Operating Instructions for Optional Equipment | Warranty

Hydro Systems bathtubs and whirlpool bathtubs are designed and engineered for easy installation and years of trouble free enjoyment. Installation is easy if you follow the step by step instructions. 
Please read all instructions before you begin the installation.
 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, 
OR INJURY TO PERSON.
 

WARNING: When using your Hydro Systems whirlpool tub, basic precautions should be followed, including the following:

1. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
2. DANGER: To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this unit unless they are closely supervised at all times.
3. Use this unit only for its intended use as described in this manual. Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
5. Do not operate this unit without the cover over the suction fitting.
6. The unit must be connected only to a dedicated electrical supply circuit that is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). The GFCI must be provided by the installer and should be tested on a routine basis by the homeowner. To test the GFCI push the test button. The GFCI should interrupt power. Push the RESET button. Power should be restored. If the GFCI fails to operate in this manner there is a ground current flowing, indicating the possibility of an electric shock. Do not use the tub. Disconnect the power and have the problem corrected by a qualified service representative. Re test the GFCI and only when it is operating properly may the whirlpool tub be used. 
7. A green colored terminal marked "Grounding" is provided on the exterior of the control box. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect this terminal to the grounding terminal of your electric service or supply panel with a conductor equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying this equipment.
8. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

When using electrical products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. DANGER: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Connect only to a circuit protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
2. This unit should be installed by a qualified service representative. All electrical connections should be made by a licensed electrician. Grounding is required.
3. The installation of Hydro Systems bathtubs must meet all applicable codes and regulations. Install to permit access for servicing.

  1. WEIGHT Tubs must be installed in a location that will support the combined weight of the tub plus the water plus the bather. As a rule of thumb, this will be a maximum of 1000 lbs. for a 60" tub, 1200 lbs. for a 66" tub, and 1400 lbs. for a 72" tub. 

  2. TILE FLANGES Tubs can be installed as a drop-in unit, or they can be installed against one, two, or three walls. Tubs that are mounted against walls should be ordered with a tile flange on each side that will be against a wall.

  3. FRAMING When framing it is best to measure the actual tub to be installed to determine framing dimensions. In the absence of the actual tub, refer to the catalog drawings or contact Hydro Systems. 

The two most common types of installations are DROP-IN and THREE-WALL installations.

THREE-WALL:  For tubs installed in a three wall enclosure, the tub will need a rough opening the same size as its overall dimensions. For example, a 60" x 42" tub will need a space 60" x 42" for installation. . Do not include finish wall covering (wall board, tile, etc.) in the rough framing calculations. Studs and walls should be straight and plumb, and corners must be square. Stringers must be provided to support the deck where it meets the wall. IMPORTANT - The stringers must be level both front to back and side to side. If they are not level, the tub will not be level and will not drain properly.

Fig. 3a

For installations that are any combination of decks, walls, and pony walls, use the same method to determine critical heights. Remember that all supports must be at the same height and must establish a plane that is level front to back and side to side.
 

  4. HOT WATER HEATER REQUIREMENTS: Every installation is different, and many factors affect the size hot water heater needed. For example, the temperature of the water supply (city vs. well water), the temperature at which the hot water heater is set, the distance from the hot water heater to the whirlpool tub & heat loss en route, the number of bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, etc. supplied by this hot water heater and how many are in use simultaneously, the recovery time of the hot water heater, the volume of the whirlpool tub, and the desired temperature of the water in the tub all affect the size requirement. As a rule of thumb, the capacity of the hot water heater needs to be at least 75% of the capacity of the whirlpool tub.

• 1 HP PUMP - A dedicated 110v 20 amp GFCI protected electrical circuit is required for tubs with the standard 1 HP 110v pump
• 11/2 HP PUMP - A dedicated 110v 20 amp GFCI protected electrical circuit is required for tubs with the 11/2 HP 110v pump
• OPTIONAL IN LINE HEATER - An additional 110v 20 amp GFCI protected electrical circuit is required.
• OPTIONAL BLOWER SYSTEM - A dedicated 110v 20 amp GFCI protected electrical circuit is required for the optional blower system.
• OPTIONAL FIBER OPTIC LIGHTING SYSTEM, MOOD LIGHTS, 30 MIN. TIMER, AND LOW WATER PROTECTION do not require any additional electrical service.

Installing The Tub

The installation of the tub/whirlpool tub must meet all applicable regulations and codes. Access must be provided for future service or removal of the pump, control boxes and wiring after installation, without removing the tub or damaging the building structure or finish. An access panel at least 14" high by 16" wide must be located directly in front of the pump, control box, and wiring. The optional Hydro Systems skirt with removable panel will satisfy this requirement. Minimum clearance in front of any panel should be 30".

IMPORTANT

1. READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS before you begin the installation

2. INSPECT THE TUB before you begin the installation. Inspect the following:

• Is it the correct model? The correct size? The correct color? 
• If options or upgrades were ordered, are they complete and correct?
• If the tub was ordered with components in non-standard locations, check to make they all are in their correct locations.
• Check all components to make sure no damage occurred during shipping.

DO NOT INSTALL THE TUB

3. TEST THE WHIRLPOOL SYSTEM BEFORE YOU INSTALL THE TUB. All Hydro Systems whirlpool tubs are fully tested at the factory before shipping. However, it is the responsibility of the installer to check the system before installing the tub. If the tub is to be set in "rough framing" and can be accessed from all sides after setting, skip to paragraph 4, below. If the tub will be set in "finished framing" and can't be accessed from all sides, we recommend testing the tub outdoors before setting it. Here's how:

• Put the tub on a flat surface such as a driveway or lawn.
• Tape over the drain.
• Fill the tub with a garden hose. Fill it to at least 1" above the highest jet. If the tub has the optional Low Water  Sensor, make sure the water level sensor stud is covered.
• Plug the control box into a 110v. GFCI protected outlet.

• Start the pump by pressing the Hydro Systems Logo on the touch pad.
• Check the jets. Water should be flowing from all the jets with equal volume and force. Rotating the escutcheon of each jet will adjust the flow of water through that jet. Rotating the air control knob(s) adjusts the amount of air mixed into the water flowing through the jets. 
• If the tub has optional equipment such as mood lights or fiber optics, now is the time to check those components, too. If the tub has an in-line heater, plug it into a separate 110v. GFCI protected source while the pump is running. (The heater will operate only when the pump is running). The heater's red indicator light will be on when the heater is operating.
• Check the entire system for leaks. Some components will be inaccessible after the tub is installed, so check each component and each connection all around the tub. 

DO NOT INSTALL THE TUB

4. SETTING THE TUB 

• Install the waste & overflow on the tub.
• If your tub has the standard single speed pump, remove the hold-down bolts securing the pump to the pump platform. If it has a variable speed pump, leave the bolts in. Variable speed pumps must be bolted to the platform.
• The tub must be supported evenly around the perimeter of the deck and also under the entire bottom. 
• To set the tub, mix a stiff batch of slow-setting mortar (without gravel) and pile more than enough on the floor to completely fill the space between the tub and the floor. It may be necessary to construct a dam to contain the mortar.
• Lower the tub into position. Slip the drain into the waste line as it goes down. Allow the tub to settle into the wet mortar, squishing the excess out at the sides and ends of the tub.
• When the deck hits the supports all around, the tub is level and at the correct height.
• If the mortar is very deep, the tub may try to "float" in the mortar bed. Put eight to ten inches of water in the tub to hold it down. Allow the mortar to cure overnight before draining the tub.
• Fasten the tile flanges to the wall studs with galvanized nails or screws - pre-drill the holes first. Note - The tile flanges are not structural and must not bear any weight. The tub must be supported under the deck. If your tub has a galvanized metal tile flange, run a bead of silicone at its joint line with the deck.
• If the tub was ordered with the pump in a remote location, the pump was shipped in a box strapped inside the tub crate. All PVC pipe and fittings required to connect the pump to the whirlpool system are strapped to the tub. Remove them now. Construct a support stand for the pump so that the pump intake is higher than the suction fitting, and lower than all jets on the tub. The slope of the pipe from the suction fitting up to the pump should be a minimum of 1/8" per foot. The discharge line from the top of the pump to the tub must slope evenly up to the system. It must not go below the pump intake or above the jet closest to the pump. The pump must not hang on the pipes. It must sit on the sound dampening pad, and it must not be bolted down (unless it is a variable speed pump). Connect both pipes to the whirlpool system and thread the unions onto the pump. Be sure the "O" rings are in the unions. Hand tighten only, and do not use any type of joint sealant. The use of any sealand voids the warranty.

If the pump is in the standard location, it is plugged into the control box. So are all accessories. Check all connections. Make sure the bolts have been removed that hold the pump to the pump platform (except ITT pumps), and plug the control box pigtail into the home's dedicated GFCI.

If the tub was ordered with the pump in a remote location, plug the pump into the control box. Plug all accessories into the control box. Check all connections and plug the control box into the home's dedicated GFCI. 

DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS TO CLEAN THE BATHTUB. They may scratch or mar the surface. Liquid soap or a cleaner intended for fiberglass bathtubs should be used. Please refer to the USER CARE AND MAINTENANCE section on page 7. Do NOT use wire brushes or metal tools or scrapers to remove paint drips, plaster, tar, etc. If a scraping device is required, a wood edge may be used carefully. Use lighter fluid to remove any adhesive residue left from stickers and labels.

Operating Instructions

WARNING 

• Use this bathtub only for its intended use as described in this manual. Do not use attachments not recommended by Hydro Systems
• Never insert or drop any object into any opening.
• Do not operate this unit without the cover over the suction fitting.
• Hydro Systems tubs are designed for "fill-and-drain" use. Fill the tub to use it and drain it when you are finished.

Each Hydro Systems Designer series whirlpool bathtub is equipped with these standard features (Fig.4) :

NOTE: The pump motor is equipped with a thermal overload protector which senses current and temperature. The motor will shut down automatically in the event of an unsafe condition. If this happens, turn the whirlpool system off. When the unsafe condition has been corrected the motor is automatically ready to restart 
 

Whirlpool Jets - These are fully adjustable and directional. - To adjust the flow of water coming from the jets, rotate the escutcheon. Clockwise will reduce flow, counter clockwise will increase flow. To adjust the direction of the jets, point the eyeball in the desired direction. There are no moving parts inside.

Anti-Vortex Safety Suction - This is the intake where water is drawn in for the pump. Do not operate the whirlpool system without the suction cover in place.
 
 

User Care And Maintenance
 

WARNING

To maintain the "like new" look of your Hydro Systems acrylic or gelcoat bathtub, we recommend the following easy care procedures:

• Never use abrasive cleaners
• Use common household, non-abrasive cleaners for most cleaning jobs such as Lysol Basin, Tub & Tile Cleaner(r), Glass Plus(r), Simple Green(r), Mr. Clean, and Top Job, or a mild dishwashing detergent such as Ivory(r) Liquid. Follow the manufacturers' directions and precautions. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth.
• Do not use products such as acetone (nail polish remover), nail polish, dry cleaning solution, lacquer thinners, gasoline, pine oil, wintergreen, etc.
• Use Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean grease, oil, paint or ink. Dry with a clean soft cloth.
• Avoid using razor blades, putty knives, or other metal instruments that might scratch the surface. Small scratches can be removed by applying a thin coat of automotive paste wax and buffing lightly with a clean cloth. For deeper scratches, sand the surface lightly with 600 grit "wet or dry" sand paper, rub out with fine buffing compound, and apply a coat of wax.

WARNING:  Flush the whirlpool system periodically (at least every 90 days) as follows: Fill the tub with water, add 1/2 cup of household bleach, run the whirlpool system for 10 minutes, and drain completely. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

 

Operating Instructions For Optional Equipment

  FIBER OPTIC LIGHTING - Hydro Systems Optional Fiber Optic lighting: Push the button once to turn on the light. The colors will begin to change automatically. Push the button a second time to stop at the desired color. Push the button a third time to turn the lights off. If you leave the light on, it will turn itself off in one hour.
 

  NECK MASSEUSE PILLOW - The optional neck masseuse pillow jets can be turned on any time the whirlpool pump is running. Press the pillow key once to turn on the pillow jets. Press the key again to turn them off. To adjust the speed of the pulsating jets, press the pillow key and hold it down until the red "mode" light comes on. With the light on, you can adjust the pulse to any of three speeds. Press the minus key to slow the pulsing, press the plus key to increase it. The red mode light will remain on while you are adjusting the speed, and will turn off automatically fifteen seconds after you've finished.
 

  RECIRCULATING WATERFALL - The optional recirculating waterfall can be turned on anytime the whirlpool pump is running. Press the waterfall key once to turn it on, press the key a second time to turn it off. 
 

U.L. LISTED 
Pumps

U.L. Listed
Hydromassage Bathtubs

IAPMO LISTED
Uniform Swimming Pool,
Spa and Hot Tub Code