A Few Common Issues and Solutions of Top Side Controls

Spa topside control panels are used on hot tubs, portable spas and jetted tubs to allow its user to control the functions of a typical spa i.e. pumps, lights, heater and blower conveniently. These function just like a remote control for your hot tub that is wired into your spa controller, which is considered as the brain of any spa system. One of the best known top side controls are the Balboa top side controls. These top side controls typically consist of a small LED or LCD screen, touchpad membranes and LED indicator lights.

The top side controls can be analog, digital or the combination of the both suitable for controlling the air control systems as well as digital control systems for spas. The Balboa top side controls work only with a particular spa system control board just like a TV remote functions only for a particular model of TV. These top side controls only work with the spa control make and model for which they were designed. Also, there are certain top side controls that work only with circuit boards having a particular chip version that is printed over the main chip label of the spa control board.

 

These top side control panels also cannot be tested easily. However, you can test its functionality by plugging it in another one and check if it works or not. Let us check out some of the common issues with top side controls and ways to reduce the risks –

• No Display on the Panel –

No display of the control panel can be due to –

• Fault in condensation unit underneath the display glass
• Damages in the cable
• Power issues at transformer on circuit board
• Power issues at fuse on the circuit board
• Damages on the circuit board

For reducing the risks –

• Reset the spa controller, power down and restart it
• Clean up the plug in cable connections
• Check the top side control number mechanism with spa control chip version
• Replace the top side control
  
• Incorrect Display on Spa Control Panel –

Incorrect displays can be the result of –

• Error codes or messages
• Low voltage from transformer may lead to flickering display
• Moisture dirty contacts may lead to partial display
• Flashing or blinking of lights may indicate the need of system reset

For reducing such risks -

• Examine circuit board for any damage and correct power output,
• Check the top side control number mechanism with spa control chip version
• Replace the top side control
  
• Improper working of Top Side Control panel buttons

Improper working of top side control panel buttons may be due to –

• Moisture underneath the glass or on contacts
• Damages on cable such as melting, crimping or rodent damage
• Faulty membrane or touch pad buttons

For reducing such risks –

• Clean up the plug in cable connections
• Examine circuit board for any damage and correct power output,
• Replace the top side control

Conclusion:

Northern Lights Hot Tub Parts provide a wide variety of Balboa top side controls such as Balboa VL200 min-oval LCD Light Duplex Jets 4-button Panel, Balboa VL260 Top Side Panel 4 Button Mini-Lite Duplex LCD and more. To find out more visit https://www.cedartubsdirect.com/balboa-spa-parts-balboa-top-side-controls-c-115_118.html