Top Side Controls - The Problems and Things to Do

 

The topside control panel of the spa is used on hot tubs, portable spas, jetted tubs. Almost every spa uses a display panel to allow the users to control the functions of a typical spa easily that include pumps, heater, blower and lights.

And that is all the Balboa topside controls is a control panel that acts just like a remote control for your hot tub, wired into your spa controller, which is a brain of the spa system. The Balboa top side controls panel is a convenient way to turn things on and off and view equipment status lights and water temperature.

Balboa top side controls typically consist of a small LCD or LED screen, touch pad membranes and LED indicator lights that are topped with a pretty overlay. Balboa top side controls can either be digital, analog or a combination of both. These are made for air control systems as well as digital control systems for spas.

Top side controls work with a particular spa system control boards only. Top side controls work only with a particular make and model of the spa control for which they were designed. Talking more specifically, many top side controls work only with the circuit boards that possess a particular chip version that is printed on the spa control circuit board main chip label.

However, top side control panels aren't easy to test. The best way to check if a top side control is bad or not, is to plug in another one and see if it works or not. How to reduce the risk on the spa owner? Let's have a look:

Problem: There is no display on top side control panel

Things You Need to Do:

• Reset the spa controller, power down and restart
• Check if there is condensation under the display glass
• Verify if the cable is compressed or any other visible damage is there or not
• Clean both ends of the plug-in cable connections
• Verify the power at the transformer on control circuit board
• Check power at fuse on spa control circuit board
• Verify if the top side control number is working with the spa control chip version
• Examine the circuit board for any damage and rectify the power output
• Replace the Balboa top side controls
  

Problem: Incorrect Display on the Spa Control Panel

Things You Need to Do:

• The problem is indicated by error messages or error codes
• If there is flickering display it indicates low voltage from the transformer
• If partial display is the issue then there might be dirty contacts or moisture
• Lights flashing or blinking occurs when a system reset is required
• Make sure to check that the topside control number is working correctly with the spa control chip version
• Inspect the circuit board for any damage and appropriate power output
• If nothing works, replace the top side controls

Problem: The Spa side control panel buttons aren't working properly

Things You Need to Do:

• Take a look if there is moisture under glass or on contacts
• Verify if the cable is in good condition and free from rodent damage, crimps or melting
• Make sure to clean the plug-in cable connections at both ends
• Check the membrane or touch pad buttons are working properly or not
• Examine the circuit board for damage and appropriate power output
  
• Finally, if nothing works replace the top side controls

Conclusion:

Northern Lights Hot Tub Parts offers Balboa top side controls. To know more visit https://www.cedartubsdirect.com/balboa-top-side-controls-c-115_118.html

How Do You Replace Your Circuit Board Easily?

Most modern spas are equipped with circuit boards present inside the equipment area. They are commonly known as the spa packs. The spa pack works like the brain of your spa. If you are looking to replace the circuit board, you should ensure that you replace it with right one.

Many circuit boards look the same; but they may be different. Take a look at important tips that will make sure that your new circuit board will work perfectly with the existing system.

Note – Many circuit boards look alike; but may not work in your spa. Therefore, you shouldn’t order a replacement circuit board as per the appearance. To identify a circuit board, you should check the part number and the chip number.

Do you really want to replace your circuit board?

If you want to know whether you should replace your circuit board, it depends on what’s exactly wrong with your spa. Different possibilities may exist that causes malfunctioning of the system. Hence, you should identify the right problem so that you don’t need to waste money for parts replacement that doesn’t need to be replaced. If you want to get started, please remove the cover of the spa pack.

How do you troubleshoot your circuit board?

• Your circuit board may not work; if the important equipment like the pump, blower, heater, etc, doesn’t receive power.
• Check the voltage on the circuit board that will let you know the place where you lose power.
• Want to look at the board on your own? Please check for the melted components or burn marks, if there’s any.
• If you’re not sure about the issues with your circuit board, you should seek professional help from a spa technician.

Replacing Balboa Circuit Boards –

There are so many companies available that manufacture and supply hot tub circuit boards and each type may display the replacement information you require in a slightly different way. Out of all types, Balboa circuit boards are commonly used systems in the most spa packs. Most spa manufacturers have been using the Balboa spa packs over the years. When it comes to replacing Balboa circuit boards, you should know the chip number. Go through the below details and know how to find the chip number easily.

• Generally, a chip number is alphanumeric which you’ll find on the white label present on the black chip on the board.
• Remember, the chip number ends in a revision number like “R1A”, “R1B”, etc.
• However, the chip number defines the software used between the circuit board and topside control. This number will make sure that the topside control and circuit board work together.

Safety Precautions -

• Doing electric work around water can result in dangerous consequences. You should ensure that the power is disconnected while replacing a circuit board or working on any other electrical component.
• If you are not feeling confident about replacing the circuit board, you should seek for help from a noteworthy hot tub technician or an insured electrician.

Bottom Line –

Still have questions regarding the replacement or installation of Balboa circuit boards? If yes, then you shouldn’t hesitate to contact Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct as soon as possible at +1-800-759-8990.

What Makes Balboa BP501 Retrofit Kit an Ideal Spa Pack?

Are you looking to buy a replacement spa pack? If yes, then why don’t you purchase the Balboa BP501 retrofit kit spa pack! This spa pack comes with a 5.5 KW digital spa controller that features wireless smart phone integration. It integrates with your iPhone, iTouch, pad and android devices.

The Innovative Features of Balboa BP501 Spa Pack

Reliability –

The Balboa BP series comes with newly designed and highly advanced spa packs that focus on reliability. They use improved carbon bases that are highly flame retardant and impact resistant. The spa packs have new features like quick disconnect heater elements, Wi-FI connectivity, press and hold topside navigation buttons, etc.

Retrofit Kit –

Balboa BP501 is a retrofit kit and is specifically designed to replace the complete spa pack like Gecko, Colman, Hydro Quip, Spa Guts, Arctic Spa, LA Spas, Beach Comber, Sundance, Emerald Spas, Hydro Spa, Maxx Spa, Hot Spring, etc.

As discussed above, this retrofit kit has the TP600 digital top side controller, a set of cables for two pumps and ozone. In addition, you’ll find detailed retrofit instructions included in the kit allowing you to switch to Balboa – the world leader in the spa heating technology.

The Latest Technology –

The Balboa BP series spa packs use M7 technology, simply the best technology available on the market. They have complete digital circuitry that means there’ll be less failure, more accurate heating range (+/- 1 degree F). 

Now, the BP series replacement spa packs come with a high range of (80-104F) and a low range of (50-99 F) for their operation. With the patented M7 technology, these spa packs don’t require pressure sensors and remote heat sensors like other older spa packs. This innovative technology allows the spa pack to be placed in any direction or location.

The spa packs can operate at 120 VAC which will be able to produce 1.5 KW heat. If they will use 230 VAC, then they will produce 5.5 kW of heat. These systems can slave one of more auxiliary heater – each producing 4KW or 5.5KW, if they require more power.

Built-in Programmable Features –

The Balboa BP501 replacement spa package comes with built-in programmable features like 12-24 hour filter cycle programming by duration or time of day, different power saving modes including standard, economy, ozone suppression, clean up cycle, temperature lock, freeze protection, panel lock, standby mode for changing filter, sophisticated diagnosis, reminder measures, cleanup cycle, etc.

Final Consideration –

When you buy Balboa BP501 replacement spa pack from Northern Lights Cedar Tubs Direct, you’ll be provided with much more than just a quality product. Our on-staff engineer will help you during the buying process and will make the installation as simple and effortless as possible. Besides, we will be there for you during the ongoing support afterwards at free of cost.

If you really want to know our service difference, feel free to contact us today at 1-800-759-8990. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.