Do you have a question about the C5 Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Jim Darr
February 8, 2025
Is there someone I can talk to about finding out what I can do to repair my controller. It shuts main breaker off hours after starting without anything plugged into it or running and every test has been done. Local spa store does not know what else to look for. I have this C5 model with the T8.
254-717-4520
Warranty Disclaimer: It is extremely important that any user read this user’s guide in it’s entirety before attempting to operate this United Spa Controls system. Any damage that may occur due to misuse may void the warranty. See warranty page for more information.
Safety Important Safety Instructions: When using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following. Read and follow all instructions! Warning: Children should not use spas or hot tubs without adult supervision AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS LAISSER LES ENFANTS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION SANS SURVEILLANCE Warning: Do not use the spa unless all suction guards are installed to prevent body and hair entrapment...
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Safety Warning: To avoid injury exercise care when entering or exiting the spa or hot tub AVERTISSEMENT: POUR ÉVITER DES BLESSURES, USER DE PRUDENCE EN ENTRANT DANS UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION ET EN SORTANT Warning: Do not use drugs or alcohol before or during the use of a spa or hot tub to avoid unconsciousness and possible drowning AVERTISSEMENT: POUR ÉVITER L’ÉVANOUISSEMENT ET LA NOYADE ÉVENTUELLE, NE PRENDRE NI ALCOOL AVANT...
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Safety AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION IMMÉDIATEMENT APRÈS UN EXERCICE FATIGANT 11. Warning: Prolonged immersion in a spa or hot tub may be injurious to your health AVERTISSEMENT: L’UTILISATION PROLONGÉE D’UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION PEUT ÊTRE DANGEREUSE POUR LA SANTÉ 12.
T8-S Topside Installation Topside Control Installation The T8-S topside should be installed on an outward facing edge of the spa so it’s not subject to trapped steam/moisture under the cover, as shown: Failure to do so will result in the need to prematurely replace the graphic decal assembly on the face of the topside control.
About The T8-S Topside The T8-S Topside You will be using the T8-S topside to operate your United Spa Controls C5 Series control box. The T8-S is pictured below, with the descriptions of the items that will be referenced throughout this user’s guide.
Using The T8-S Topside Using The T8-S Topside T8-S topsides use United Spa Controls’ patented technology. This hybrid switching technology marries the satisfaction of having a physical button to press, with the longevity and reliability of touch-panel switching system with no moving parts to break down over time.
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T8-S Initial Configuration T8-S Topside Configuration Once the control box and topside have been properly installed, you can power up the unit and program the topside for the control’s desired equipment and operational configuration. The configuration instructions that follow are meant to be carried out by a spa service professional! T8-S Topside Configuration Menu &...
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T8-S Initial Configuration Entering The T8-S Topside’s Configuration Menu Once you’ve gone over the code chart and have chosen the options you want to set for each code, follow these instructions for entering the programming mode and setting the options. There is a time-out delay, so taking longer then 10 seconds between steps will cause the topside to time-out and resume normal operation.
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T8-S Initial Configuration Changing The T8-S Topside’s Configuration Codes Once you have entered the programming Currently Displayed Code mode, you will have Code 1 and its selected Currently Selected Option Option showing on the display. This is shown on the display as ‘C-O’, where C is the current Code, and O is the currently selected/enabled Option for that code.
User Configerable Settings T8-S User Settings Menu The user settings menu is home to all of the user configurable settings of the topside. See the following page for a full menu tree. Later in this section the individual settings will be explained in further detail.
User Configerable Settings Press & Hold User Settings Menu Heater Mode (Press to view/change) System Time (Press to view/change) thru (Minutes after the hour) thru (Press to change) Filter Cycle 1 - Start Time (Press to view/change) (Cycle Duration: 0-12 hours) thru (Start Time: 12am-11pm) thru...
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User Configerable Settings (...Continued from previous page) Filtration Purge (Press to view/change) Temperature Scale (Press to view/change) Fahrenheit Celsius Time Display (Press to view/change) Beep on Keypress (Press to view/change) Temp Lock (Press to view/change) Lock Set Temperature...
User Configerable Settings User Settings (‘PL1’) Explained Heater Mode (‘HEAT’) The topside is set by default to operate in ‘Standard’ heating mode. This means that when the temperature of the water in the spa drops below the set temperature, the control automatically start heating, bringing Lo-Speed of Pump-1 (or the Circulation Pump if it is set for timed/auto operation) on as necessary.
User Configerable Settings Filter Cycle 1 (‘FC-1’) The Filter Cycle 1 setting allows you set the duration and start time for hye cycle. Pressing ‘Temp Up’ will show the currently set cycle duration, which can be set from 0 hours (no cycle) to 12 hours by pressing ‘Temp Up’ as many times as needed to reach the desired setting.
User Configerable Settings Temperature Scale (‘°F’) The T8-S topside can display the temperature in either Fahrenheit (‘°F’) or Celsius (‘°C’). The factory default setting is Fahrenheit, and can be changed by pressing ‘Temp-Up’. Time Display (‘TDSP’) By factory default, Time Display is set to ‘ON’. This means that during normal operation the display will flash between the current time, and the current temperature.
Operation Instructions Setting the Temperature The temperature may be set to heat the spa water between 50°F (10°C) and 104°F (40°C). displays the currently set temperature Pressing for approximately 4 seconds. While the currently set temperature is being displayed: Press to increase the set temperature.
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Operation Instructions When the control is heating . . . When the control is heating, the indicator light between the temp buttons will be lit, and the display will flash between the current temperature and ‘HEAT’ as shown: If the indicator light between the temp buttons is flashing, this indicates that the control would be heating, but is currently set to economy mode.
Operation Instructions Toggling The Topside Display Orientation The screen orientation of the T8-S topside can be easily toggled to make the display readable from either inside or outside of the hot tub. Screen orientation can be toggled at any time, from the standard operating display (when the display is showing the current temperature/time).
Operation Instructions Operating Pump-1 The operation of Pump-1 depends on the configuration of your control: Pump-1 Operation on Single Pump Systems Press to toggle Hi-Speed between On/Off. (Will override Lo-Speed, if on) Press to toggle Lo-Speed between On/Off. (Will override Hi-Speed, if on) Pump-1 Operation on Dual (or Triple) Pump Systems Press to toggle between Lo-Speed/Hi-Speed/Off.
Operation Instructions Operating Pump-2 (If Applicable) If your control is configured for a secondary pump, it’s operation depends on if it’s configured to run a single speed Pump-2, or dual speed Pump-2: Single Speed Pump-2 Operation Press to toggle between On/Off. Dual Speed Pump-2 Operation Press to toggle between Lo-Speed/Hi-Speed/Off.
On/Off. The light will automatically shut-off after 4 hours of operation. Note: If your spa also has a United Spa Controls Multi-Function LED Light installed in it, you can simply turn the light off and on again within 3 seconds to cycle to the next color function.
Standard Display & Error Messages Hi-Speed Pump-1 - This message will display briefly when Hi-Speed of Pump-1 is activated. Lo-Speed Pump-1 - This message will display briefly when Lo-Speed of Pump-1 is manually activated. Hi-Speed Pump-2 - This message will display briefly when Hi-Speed of Pump-2 is activated.
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Standard Display & Error Messages Filtration Cycle - A filtration cycle is in progress. This flashing message will disappear on its own once the current filtration cycle completes. Heat - The spa is heating. This message will disappear once the heater shuts off. Locked - This message displays briefly whenever access is denied the temperature setting (See page 19).
A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) form must be completed and submitted to United Spa Controls by the point of purchase or the installing dealer. 3) United Spa Controls will issue an RMA for eligible items that are not out of their warranty period. 4) Defective items may then be packaged...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the C5 Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Is there someone I can talk to about finding out what I can do to repair my controller. It shuts main breaker off hours after starting without anything plugged into it or running and every test has been done. Local spa store does not know what else to look for. I have this C5 model with the T8. 254-717-4520