Spapilot
Installation Manual.

Congratulations on your purchase of Spapilot, the smart spa controller designed to make your spa experience simpler, more energy-efficient, and fully automated.

Welcome to Spapilot Gen 1

Spapilot is more than just a spa controller. It is your partner in creating a sustainable and relaxing spa environment while saving both energy and money. This manual takes you step by step from unboxing to your first connected spa.

Key features

Why choose Spapilot

At Zavepower Innovative Technology AB, we believe in making life simpler. Spapilot is more than just a spa controller, it is your partner in creating a sustainable and relaxing spa environment while saving both energy and money.

To ensure safe and proper use of your Spapilot, please follow these important safety guidelines.

General safety precautions

• Read before use. Carefully read this manual before installing or using the device.
• Keep away from water. Avoid placing the device in direct contact with water to prevent electrical hazards.
• Supervision required. Children or individuals unfamiliar with the product should not operate it without supervision.

Installation safety

• Proper placement. Install the Spapilot in a dry area, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
• Follow instructions. Always follow the installation steps provided in this manual to avoid improper setup.

Maintenance safety

Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the Spapilot yourself. Contact customer support for assistance.

By following these safety instructions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with your Spapilot.

Before getting started, please ensure that all components are included in your Spapilot package. If anything is missing, contact our support team immediately.

Included components

Follow these simple steps to install and set up your Spapilot. Make sure to read the safety instructions before starting the installation.

Step 1: Prepare for installation

• Ensure your spa is powered off before starting the installation.
• Identify the brand and model of your spa's control box.
• Gather the Spapilot device.
• Prepare the tools needed to remove panels, the cover of the control box, and any other tools that are required.
• Have your Wi-Fi credentials ready if needed.
• Make sure that your router is not blocking new devices.

Connect the Spapilot to your spa's control box. The exact port depends on whether you have a Balboa BP or a Gecko IN.YE system.

1. Remove the front cover Locate the control box, then remove the screws, generally 4 screws. Remove the front cover so you have full view of the circuit board.
2. Locate the port for your version With the circuit board in full view, locate the connection port for your specific version, Balboa, Gecko, or other.
3. Connect the Spapilot cable Connect the Spapilot cable to the designated port on your spa system. Depending on your system, the connection will be different. The diagrams below show the BP-Series and IN.YE-Series ports.

Locate the port for your version

With the circuit board in full view, locate the connection port for your specific version, Balboa, Gecko, or other.

Connect the Spapilot cable

Connect the Spapilot cable to the designated port on your spa system. Depending on your system, the connection will be different. The diagrams below show the BP-Series and IN.YE-Series ports.

Recommended placement of Spapilot for the best Wi-Fi reception.

Place it high, facing the router

Place Spapilot as high as possible on the side of the spa that faces your Wi-Fi router. If it is difficult to reach, an extension cable is available for purchase.

Cut the foil-covered insulation to size

The insulation on the inside of the panel is usually covered with foil that lies directly against the panel. Cut out a piece of the insulation, including the foil, about the same size as the Spapilot unit, so that Spapilot can sit directly against the bare panel. Leave the insulation with foil everywhere else. Place Spapilot against the bare panel where the insulation has been removed, then put the insulation back over Spapilot as much as possible, but leave it open between Spapilot and the panel.

Extra tips

• If the signal is still weak, move the router closer to the spa or use a Wi-Fi extender.
• Avoid large metal objects between the spa and the router.

A few simple checks will give you a stable connection between your spa and your router.

1. Check Wi-Fi coverage outdoors

Your home router is usually placed indoors, and its signal is weakened by walls and windows. Stand next to the spa with your phone and check the Wi-Fi signal. If you see fewer than 2 to 3 bars, the signal is likely too weak for the spa unit. Solution: move the router closer to the spa if possible, or install a Wi-Fi extender or mesh node inside the house, near the wall facing the spa.

2. Spa unit placement

The controller is mounted inside the spa cabinet, surrounded by insulation and water, which naturally reduces Wi-Fi signal strength. If possible, make sure the antenna is not fully blocked by metal or thick insulation. In difficult cases, an external Wi-Fi antenna can be added to improve reception.

3. Router configuration

• Make sure the spa connects to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. The device does not support 5 GHz.
• Use WPA2-PSK security mode, avoid WPA3.
• For best stability, set the Wi-Fi channel to 1, 6, or 11.
• Assign the spa a fixed IP address (DHCP reservation) in your router. This prevents disconnections when the router changes IP leases.

4. Power supply

The spa unit requires a stable power source. If it restarts unexpectedly, the Wi-Fi connection will also be lost. Make sure the spa's power supply is reliable and not overloaded.

5. Environment and interference

• Other wireless equipment, such as neighbouring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth devices, and wireless speakers, can interfere with the connection.
• Trees, rain, or snow between the house and the spa may weaken the signal.
• Place the Wi-Fi extender or mesh node so that it has clear line of sight toward the spa whenever possible.

Power on the outdoor spa again and let the Spapilot power up. Then open the Spapilot app on your smartphone or tablet. Download it from the App Store or Google Play if you have not already.

Download the app

Search for Spapilot in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android, and install the app on your smartphone or tablet.

In the app

• Create a user account in the app.
• Log in, then tap Add new device.
• Fill out the device name. When you reach the MAC address field, tap GET MAC ADDRESS and Spapilot will help you retrieve the ID from the device.

Choose SPAPILOT SETUP WI-FI

Choose the SPAPILOT SETUP WI-FI network and connect to it. No password is needed. Once you are connected to the Spapilot Wi-Fi, you can proceed to the next step.

THE NO-INTERNET PROMPT IS EXPECTED

While connected to the setup Wi-Fi, your phone may show a message such as "Unable to resolve host api.zavepower.cloud" or ask whether to keep trying Wi-Fi or switch to mobile data. This is expected. Keep the Wi-Fi connection, then go back to the Spapilot app to continue.

Now complete the details about your outdoor spa, including the pumps, heater, sanitation system, and any additional components. This is needed to calculate your usage and cost.

If you are uncertain about any specifics, we recommend reaching out to your local reseller or the manufacturer of your outdoor spa for assistance.

Brand and model

Enter the brand and model of your spa. If you are unsure, choose Not available.

Volume in litres

Enter the water volume of your spa in litres.

Massage pumps

Enter the number of massage pumps and the power of each pump in kW.

Filter type and count

Enter the type of filter your spa uses, if you are unsure type 0, and how many filters the spa has.

Circulation pump

Indicate whether your spa uses a separate circulation pump, and enter the power of that pump.

Air pump

If your spa has an air pump, enter its power.

Cleaning system

Select the type of cleaning system you have.

Heater kW Future function

Select the kW of your heater.

Microsilk

Indicate whether your spa has Microsilk or not.

Install year

Enter the year the outdoor spa was installed.

Filtration cycles

Set up your filtration cycles. We recommend using the preset value.

Then tap Submit to register your outdoor spa.

In Spapilot, the system automatically initiates cleaning during the heating schedule. This means each time a schedule is set up, it filters just like a standard spa.

Extra filtration time

If you choose to add extra time based on your usage, that runs outside of Spapilot's cost control and operates according to your specified timings, which may incur additional costs.

RECOMMENDED FILTRATION TIME

We recommend a time between 00:00 and 06:00. Depending on your use, choose how many hours you need. 3 to 6 hours per 24 hours works for most users, but it can vary from user to user.

The setup is complete, and your home screen should now appear.

Your Spapilot receives updates in two ways.

The key technical details of the Spapilot Box Gen 1.

Everything you need to know about your Spapilot warranty, support, environmental commitment, and certifications.

Warranty terms

Spapilot comes with a standard 24-month warranty. If you purchased the product through an authorized reseller, a 5-year warranty applies. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and operational issues under normal use. To make a warranty claim, contact our support team with your proof of purchase and the product's serial number.

Software warranty

The Spapilot software, including the mobile app and device firmware, is provided "as is" and is covered by a limited warranty. Zavepower guarantees that the software will function as described in the official documentation at the time of delivery. Zavepower is not responsible for issues caused by third-party software, operating system updates, or user modifications. Regular updates are provided to improve performance and security, but uninterrupted or error-free operation cannot be guaranteed.

Support and contact

Need help? Our support team is here for you.

Environment and recycling

At Zavepower, we care about the environment. Spapilot is designed to reduce heating costs by up to 80% and lower CO₂ emissions. When your product reaches end of life, please dispose of it at your nearest electronics recycling facility. Always follow local recycling guidelines.

Safety certificates and approvals

Spapilot is CE marked and RoHS compliant, meeting European safety and environmental standards. For more information about certifications, visit our website or contact our support team.

Get started with your Spapilot Gen 1 in just a few simple steps.

The most common questions about installing and connecting Spapilot, answered.

Here you will find help to quickly resolve common issues with your Spapilot.

How to reach us for support, sales, reseller partnerships, and documentation.

Please note: Zavepower has no commercial partnership with Balboa Water Group or Gecko. Any mention of the Balboa BP series or the Gecko YE-3 and YE-5 is solely to clarify technical compatibility.