Balboa Water Group M7 Application Guidelines - Manual (Page 3)

Spa Design Guidelines For The M-7 Control System
1. The suction system for the 2-speed pump or for the circ pump must be dedicated. There must not be any other pumps connected to this
suction system.
2. The suction system for the 2-speed pump or for the circ pump must include the following:
A. 2 suction fittings, or
B. 1 suction fitting and a skimmer.
3. If the suction system for the 2-speed pump or for the circ pump includes a filter, it is desirable that the filter incorporate a by-pass
around the filter cartridge that opens when the cartridge gets dirty. (Spring tension holding the by-pass valve closed must be overcome by
the vacuum of the pump.) This by-pass should be capable of flowing a minimum of 20 gpm during the low speed operation of the
2-speed pump or during circ pump operation with the cartridge 100% blocked. The inclusion of a suction fitting appropriately plumbed
into the suction circuit in conjunction with a vacuum filter may also meet this requirement.
4. The pressure system for the 2-speed pump or for the circ pump must be dedicated. There must not be any other pumps connected to
this pressure system.
5. The pressure system for the 2-speed pump or for the circ pump must discharge water freely into the spa.
6. If the pressure system for the 2-speed pump includes a diverter valve, or a diverter jet, there must not be an “off” position that would
stop water flow from the pump or any other position that would throttle or reduce water flow from the pump.
7. If the pressure system for the 2 speed pump includes flow adjustable jets that can be 100% closed, at least 2 non-adjustable jets must be
included in each possible inlet circuit so that a minimum of 20 gpm can flow during low pump operation with all the jets closed. Any
other means of by-passing flow around the closed jets is acceptable as long as the by-pass means is down stream from the heater and
allows a minimum of 20 gpm to flow through the heater during low speed operation.
8. If the pressure system for the 2-speed pump includes flow adjustable jets that do not close 100%, at least 20 gpm must flow during low
speed operation through each possible inlet circuit with all the jets closed.
9. If the pressure system for a 2-speed pump or for a circ pump includes a filter, the filter must be equipped with a by-pass around
the cartridge that opens when the cartridge gets dirty. (Spring tension holding the by-pass valve closed must be overcome by the
pressure of the pump.) This by-pass must be capable of flowing a minimum of 20 gpm during low pump operation with the
cartridge 100% blocked.
10. If the pressure system for a 2-speed pump or for a circ pump includes branch circulation lines such as circuits intended to operate
ozone injection systems, these branch circulation lines must be connected downstream from the heater.
11. Avoid inter-connection of the plumbing circuits for the 2-speed pump or for the circ pump with other pumps in the spa plumbing system
for the purpose of freeze protection. The M-7 control system will provide freeze protection. There is also provision for remote sensing
freeze protection if required.
12. Position inlets and jets in the spa so that they do not direct water flow towards suction fittings or skimmers. This will avoid a “thermal
short circuit” and prevent excessive heater and pump cycling.
13. If service valves are a part of the circulation system for the 2-speed pump or for the circ pump, be sure to use valves that incorporate a
means of “locking” in the open position.
14. If the 2-speed pump or the circ pump is replaced in the field by service personnel, the replacement used must equal or exceed the
hydraulic specifications of the original pump.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR THE
BALBOA M-7 CONTROL SYSTEM
2