SPA HEATER

INSTALLATION, OPERATION
AND MAINTENANCE
MODELS:
ST SERIES
5.5 & 11kW
240V SINGLE PHASE

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

CHECK ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TO ALL COMPONENTS
WITHIN THE HEATER FOR TIGHTNESS. CONNECTIONS CAN
BECOME LOOSE DURING SHIPMENT AND HANDLING.

CAUTION
THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ARTICLE 680 OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE.

WARNING
Only qualified personnel, as defined by National Electric Code Article
100, should install and maintain this equipment. Unauthorized
alteration or improper maintenance of this unit may release the
manufacturer from any warranty claims. The installation must be in
accordance with the instructions in this manual and applicable local
plumbing and electrical codes.

Publication 01-2017
1.0 DESCRIPTION 2.2 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
Coates Spa Heaters are intended for use on spas or
hot tubs having a forced water circulation system.
The electrical supply power must be single phase,
The water flow through the heater should be at least
15 GPM but should not exceed 80 GPM. Higher CAUTION
flow may damage the heater. An external bypass
should be installed to limit the flow to within this THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION MUST BE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 680 OF THE
range. NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE (NEC).
2.0 INSTALLATION 2 wire, 240 VAC. The supply must be protected
by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in
WARNING accordance with NEC Article 680. An electrical
disconnect with over-current protection must be
Only qualified personnel, as defined by National provided. An insulated ground conductor must be
Electric Code Article 100, should install and provided. See Figures 3A or 3B and Table 1 for
maintain this equipment. Unauthorized alteration
or improper maintenance of this unit may release
supply wire and circuit sizing. A lug has been
the manufacturer from any warranty claims. The provided for attachment of the BONDING wire per
installation must be in accordance with the the NEC Article 680-22, (a)(4). This lug is located
instructions in this manual and applicable local between the inlet and outlet pipes of the heater
plumbing and electrical codes.

2
CHECK ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TO ALL 5

COMPONENTS within the heater for tightness. 3

°F °C HEATING

MENU

These can become loose during shipment and 1

TEMPERATURE
CONTROL

handling. ELEM. FLOW

9 4

ING
AT

2.1 PHYSICAL PLACEMENT

HE
C
F

RE
TU
NU RA L
ME
MPE RO
TE CONT

OW
FL
.
EM
EL

The Coates Spa Heater is suitable for indoor or

outdoor installation. See Figure 1 for piping RE
SE
T OU
TL
ET

INLET/OUTLET PVC UNIONS

1 6 ID ACCEPTS 1 1/2 PVC PIPE

connections and Figures 3A or 3B for electrical NOTE: TEMP

CONTROL BULB 10
INLE
T
OD ACCEPTS 2" PVC FITTINGS

connections. The heater should be securely ON LOWER LEG;

TEMP LIMIT BULB
ON UPPER LEG
RESET BUTTON

mounted to a smooth, flat surface. It may be 8 7 Coates Spa Heater Assembly

conveniently located next to the filtration equipment. CSTILL1C

Figure 2 – Coates Spa Heater Assembly.

Leave minimum clearances of 9 inches on the Refer to Table 2 for part description.
left for element removal, 12 inches on the front
for maintenance, 6 inches on the back for
service entrance and the right side will be
determined by the plumbing configuration used.

CAUTION
DO NOT INSTALL ANY SHUT-OFF
** NOTICE ** VALVE ON DISCHARGE SIDE OF
HEATER. A SWING CHECK
VALVE IS PERMITTED.
NO PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE IS SHIPPED WITH Exception: If a 30 psi (2.1 Kg/cm2 )
THIS HEATER AND NONE pressure relief valve is installed CHECK
IS REQUIRED PER UL between the heater and valve , the VALVE

STD 1261. DO NOT valve may be of the shut-off (ball or

INSTALL SHUT OFF gate) type. POOL
VALVE BETWEEN THE or
FILTER
HEATER AND POOL OR SPA
SPA. A CHECK VALVE IS COATES POOL
ACCEPTABLE AND IN HEATER
ACCORDANCE TO UL STD
PUMP BALL OR GATE
1261 REVISED JULY 1983. DRAIN VALVE
VALVE BALL OR GATE
VALVE

FIGURE 1 – PIPING DIAGRAM

3.0 CONTROL PANEL ERROR CODE:
The display will read “Err” when it detects a
A. INDICATOR LIGHTS problem with the temperature sensor. This can be
The control has two indicator lights. The lights are caused by a faulty sensor or a loose connection
as follows: between the sensor and the temperature
controller.

STATUS LIGHTS
3.1 CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
LIGHT DESCRIPTION (when Illuminated) 1. Be sure to check all cautions and
FLOW Sufficient water flow through heater. warnings in this manual and as displayed
on the heater labels before operating or
ELEMENT Heating elements are powered.
performing and maintenance on these
heaters.
B. DIGITAL THERMOSTAT CONTROL 2. Do not remove the heater cover while
For heaters equipped with a digital thermostat. The electrical power is applied to the heater.
digital thermostat control which measures the Power must be interrupted at the heater
temperature of the water as it enters the heater has supply circuit breaker or disconnect
a MENU button, up and down adjustment buttons, switch.
and an LED display. The desired water temperature 3. The MIN setting on the temperature
(set point) is controllable between 40°F and 104°F control dial is an OFF position. The heater
(5°C and 40°C). The set point may differ from the will not operate at this setting regardless
actual water temperature at the pool or spa due to of water temperature.
heat loss in the piping.
3.2 STARTING THE HEATER
MENU:
The MENU button cycles through the three menu - CAUTION -
items: Measured Water Temperature (default), SET Do not operate heater without water.
POINT and °F/°C.
1. Ensure that heater case is properly
ADJUSTING THE SET POINT: grounded, and bonded.
2. Fill the system with water and start the
Press one of the following buttons; MENU, or .
circulating pump.
The display will momentarily blank and then the 3. Turn on electrical power at the heater
current set point will be displayed. Press the or supply circuit breaker.
button to change the set point. Hold the button 4. Set the temperature control to desired
down for rapid temperature changes. water temperature and adjust accordingly
after the temperature has stabilized. DO
The set point will be saved and the display will return NOT EXCEED 104°F.
to the measured temperature after two seconds of
inactivity. 3.3 STOPPING THE HEATER

OPERATION: Turn off electrical power at the heater supply

In the measured temperature mode, the water circuit breaker before stopping the circulating
temperature in the heater is displayed. The LED pump.
corresponding to the current temperature scale will 4.0 MAINTENANCE
be illuminated. If the heater is calling for heat the
HEATING LED will be illuminated. 1. Keep the heater clean.
2. If high temperature causes the limit
FAHRENHEIT TO CELCIUS: thermostat to cut off the electrical power,
Press the MENU button twice and the current turn off power at disconnect switch and
temperature scale will be displayed ( F or C ). Press determine the cause before resetting the
the or buttons to toggle between F and C. switch. A water temperature drop is
required to allow resetting of the manual
The temperature scale will be saved and the display reset high temperature limit.
will return to the measured temperature after two
seconds of inactivity. 3. If leaks develop in the heater or
connecting piping, shut down the heater
and repair defective connections.
4. If heating elements are removed for
replacement, use only Coates elements,
see Table 2.
 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5
TEMP
PROBE
BWR
FLOW
TEMP.
CONTROL J9 AC J1
BLUE BLUE 1 240V J2
TC
AC
C NO
2 GROUND J3 J4
RED
CON 1
RED #8 RED # 8 RLY “FLOW”
LINE 1 LIGHT
BLK #8 BLK # 8 240V PL2
LINE 2
NO COM
RED
TEMP. LIMIT
COIL BLK CONTROL
BLK HTL
HEATING
BLK
ELEMENT - 1 RED # 8
CON 1
HTL: HI-TEMP CUT OFF “MANUAL RESET”.
TC: TEMPERATURE CONTROL - THERMOSTAT.
ELM 1 - 2: HEATING ELEMENT(S).
CON 1: CONTACTOR, 2 POLE, 50 AMP RES.
PL 1: PILOT LIGHT “ELEMENT”.
BLK # 8 PL 2 PILOT LIGHT “FLOW SWITCH”.
FLOW: FLOW SWITCH
COIL
RED RLY: FLOW RELAY

“ELEMENT”
1 FACTORY JUMPER PROVIDED FOR
LIGHT
CONNECTION TO CUSTOMER SUPPLIED AUXILIARY
PL1
BLK CONTROLS. REMOVE JUMPER AND CONNECT ONE
SIDE OF CONTROL TO T4 AND ONE SIDE TO T5.
HEATING RED
ELEMENT - 2
2 INSULATED GROUND CONDUCTOR, COPPER ONLY.
MODEL 12406ST / 12411ST MUST BE SAME SIZE AS THE SUPPLY WIRING, BUT
12411ST Wiring Diagram NOT LESS THAN # 12 AWG.

TABLE 1
MODEL NO. HEATER NO. & KW OF HEATER RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED
KW/VOLT HEATING CURRENT CIRCUIT RATING SUPPLY WIRING
RATING ELEMENTS RATING
COPPER @ 60° C
12406ST 5.5 @ 240VAC 1 @ 5.5 KW 23 AMPS 30 AMPS #10 AWG

12411ST 11 @ 240 VAC 2 @ 5.5 KW 46 AMPS 60 AMPS #4 AWG

TABLE 2
ITEM PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY
1 – CON1 21000100 CONTACTOR, 2P, 50 AMP, 240VAC 2
2 - TC 22002150 DIGITAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL 1
3 - FLOW 23000105 FLOW SWITCH, 20 GPM 1
4 - HTL 22003820 HIGH TEMPERATURE LIMIT, MANUAL RESET 1
5 - RLY 21006010 FLOW RELAY, 30AMP, 240V 1
6 – PL1,2 29034620 PILOT LIGHTS for ELEMENT and FLOW 2
7 62002620 VESSEL ASSEMBLY, STAINLESS STEEL 1
8 20005061 HEATING ELEMENT, 5.5KW, 240 VOLTS *
9 29020025 GROUND LUG, LA-2 1
10 29020035 BONDING LUG, SAU-70 1
11 32705010 UNION ASSEMBLY 2

* SEE TABLE 1 FOR ELEMENT QUANTITY

When ordering parts from your dealer, provide the model number and serial number of your heater.
 WARNING:
Only qualified personnel should attempt maintenance on this equipment. (NEC Article 100)

HEATER TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

- CAUTION -
This heater incorporates 240 volt electrical circuits.
Do not open the case unless unit is disconnected from electrical power.
Use only manufacturer's parts, or UL listing and warranty may be void.

PROBLEM INDICATORS POSSIBLE CAUSES ACTION

No Heat No lights ON No Power to heater Check Circuit Breaker "ON".
Insufficient Flow Check that pump is running and filter is clean.
Flow Switch Inoperative Use Ohm meter to check continuity across switch while
pump is running. Replace Flow Switch if Open.
Flow Relay Inoperative Use Ohm meter to check continuity across NO and COM
terminals while pump is running. Replace Flow Switch if
Open.
Flow light ON Hi-Limit Reset Tripped Push "Reset" button
Element light OFF High Limit switch inoperative Use Ohm meter to check continuity across switch.
Replace High Limit Switch if always open.
Temp Control inoperative or set too low Adjust control higher or replace as required.
Check "HEATING" indicator light on temp display is "ON"
Contactor (upper) inoperative Replace upper contactor
Contactor (lower) inoperative Replace lower contactor
Flow light ON Heating Element(s) inoperative Replace Element(s) as required.
Element light ON

Insufficient Heat Flow light ON Heater too small for Spa Check heater sizing requirement of Spa.
Element light ON One element inoperative on 11KW model Replace Element as required.

High Limit Flow light ON Temperature control inoperative, water Replace Temperature Control.
RESET Trips Element light OFF overheats in Spa.
Flow Switch not turning off heater when Check flow switch opens when pump is off. Replace as
pump/flow stops required.
Heater subjected to high ambient Cool Equipment room or shade heater from sun.
temperature (i.e. Direct sunlight)
High Limit switch inoperative Replace High Limit Switch

Water Temp Flow light ON Thermostat out of calibration/inoperative Replace thermostat.

Greater than Element light ON
setpoint Flow light ON External heat source (i.e. Solar Heating, Turn off power to heater and verify problem continues.
Element light OFF heat from the pump, etc.)

Elements can be checked with an Ohm meter only when power is disconnected from heater and all wires have
been removed from the element terminals. Each element should read approximately 10.5 Ohms.

Ambient temperatures above 120°F will cause the high temperature limit to trip prematurely.

PROTECTING YOUR COATES HEATER

WITH PROPER WATER CHEMISTRY

Proper water balance is important to extending the life of your Coates

Heater. While pH control is critical, the control of alkalinity and calcium
hardness will protect against scaling and also help to prevent corrosion.

ACID ALKALINE

HEATER CORROSIVE IDEAL ALKALINE HEATER

CAN BE WATER RANGE WATER CAN BE
DAMAGED DAMAGED
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7.2-7.8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

The correct level of sanitizer, pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness will very, depending
on the type of pool (plaster, fiberglass or vinyl) and the chemical content of the fill water.
Water that is out of balance can damage your pool heater and void the warranty. This
heater is not for use in salt water pools.
 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the
following.

1) READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

2) To reduce the risk of injury.

A) The water in a pool or tub should never exceed 104°F (40°C). A water temperature in excess of
104°F is considered unsafe for all persons. Lower water temperatures are recommended for
extended use (exceeding 10-15 minutes) and for young children. SEE “STARTING THE
HEATER” IN THE OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW
TO ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL.

B) Since excessive water temperatures have a high potential for causing fetal damage during the
early months of pregnancy, pregnant or possibly pregnant women should limit pool or tub water
temperatures to 100°F (38°C).

C) Before entering a pool or tub, the user should measure the water temperature at several occupant
locations using an accurate thermometer since the tolerance of water temperature-regulating
devices may vary as much as ± 5°F (± 3°C).

D) Alcohol, drugs or medications should not be used before or during pool or tub use since their use
may lead to unconsciousness with the possibility of drowning.

E) Obese persons and persons with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure,
circulatory system problems, or diabetes should consult a physician before using a pool or tub.

F) Persons using medication should consult a physician before using a pool or tub since some
medication may induce drowsiness while other medication may affect heart rate, blood pressure,
and circulation.

3) SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

---WARNING---
DANGER OF HYPERTHERMIA
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 dizziness, fainting,
drowsiness, lethargy and an increase in the internal temperature of the body. The effects of hyperthermia
include:

a) Unawareness of impending hazard; d) Physical inability to exit pool or tub;

b) Failure to perceive heat; e) Fetal damage in pregnant women;
c) Failure to recognize the need to exit pool or tub; f ) Unconsciousness resulting in a danger of
drowning.

WARNING--- The use of alcohol, drugs or medications can greatly increase the risk of fatal
hyperthermia in pools and tubs.

6
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 LIMITED WARRANTY
The company extends this limited warranty to the original purchaser of a Coates Electric Spa Heater.

Coates warrants the electrical components* and wiring (excluding enclosure, enclosure parts, knobs and accessories) in this
new Spa Heater to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from the provable date of purchase, or
eighteen (18) months from date of factory shipment, whichever occurs first. Coates further warrants the stainless steel water
containment vessel to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two (2) years from the provable date of
purchase or thirty (30) months from the factory shipment, whichever occurs first. Enclosure, enclosure parts, knobs and
accessories have no warranty whatsoever.

*Exception: Factory installed heating elements are warranted for ninety (90) days from the date of heater installation, or one
(1) year from date of factory shipment, whichever occurs first.

COATES will repair or replace at its option, defective component parts as explained above, during the warranty period
provided such parts are returned to the factory, freight prepaid. Factory authorization MUST BE OBTAINED under this
warranty before returning such defective parts.

Limited Warranty Does Not Cover

1. New products purchased outside the United States of America and Canada.
2. Uncrating, unpacking, set-up, installation and / or startup of this unit.
3. Adjustments to controls normally operated by consumer, purchaser or installer.
4. This limited warranty does not extend to any defect, malfunction or failure caused by, or resulting from improper
service, maintenance or repair, abuse, neglect, accident, corrosion caused by improper water chemistry or by
equipment that use salt to create a sanitizer, lack of water, or any other cause beyond the control of Coates
Heater Company, Inc. or to any product where the nameplate shall have been removed, altered, replaced, defaced or
rendered illegible.
5. This limited warranty is void if the Heater is used in a salt water system or under any extreme or unusual
corrosive condition for which stainless steel metals would not be recommended.
6. This limited warranty does not extend to the repair or replacement of defective components except at COATES or a
service facility authorized by COATES

IMPLIED WARRANTIES, WHEN APPLICABLE, SHALL COMMENCE UPON THE SAME DATE AS THE EXPRESS
WARRANTY PROVIDED ABOVE, AND SHALL, EXCEPT FOR WARRANTIES OF TITLE, EXTEND ONLY FOR
THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW
LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THE ONLY
REMEDY PROVIDED TO YOU UNDER AN APPLICABLE IMPLIED WARRANTY AND THE EXPRESS
WARRANTY SHALL BE THE REMEDY PROVIDED UNDER THE EXPRESS WARRANTY, SUBJECT TO THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED THEREIN.

COATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL LOSSES AND DAMAGES, UNDER
THE EXPRESS WARRANTY, ANY APPLICABLE IMPLIED WARRANTY, OR CLAIMS FOR NEGLIGENCE,
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS LIMITATION IS FOUND TO BE UNENFORCEABLE UNDER APPLICABLE
STATE LAW.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL

DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS
WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

HEATER COMPANY, INC.

P.O. Box 1750
Kent, WA 98035
P/N 90007000 01-2017