Posted by Most modern spas have circuit boards located inside the equipment area, commonly referred to as the “spa pack”. The spa pack is essentially the brain of your spa. If you find you need to replace the circuit board, it is very important to make sure you replace it with the correct board.
Many boards look identical; however their software may be different. Following these very important tips will help guarantee that when your new circuit board arrives it will work great.
IMPORTANT: Many circuit boards look alike, but may not work in your spa. DO NOT order a replacement circuit board based on appearance. Circuit boards must be identified by a part number and/or chip number. Read below how to identify your chip number.
Do you need to replace your circuit board?
Depending on what’s wrong with your spa, different possibilities may exist causing the malfunction. It’s very important to identify the correct problem so you don’t waste money replacing parts that don’t need to be replaced. To get started, remove the cover on your spa pack.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- A good indicator that your circuit board may be bad is if you are not receiving power to an important piece of equipment such as the pump, blower, heater, etc.
- Checking voltage on the board will allow you to determine whether this is where you are losing power.
- If you look at the circuit board itself, there may be melted components, or burn marks.
If you are unsure that your circuit board is the issue, it is best to seek the help of a professional spa technician.
Replacing Your Circuit Board:
There are a number of companies that make hot tub circuit boards, and each may display the replacement information you need in a slightly different manner.
The information below will cover 3 of the most common brands, and will help you identify which replacement is correct for your spa:
Replacing your Circuit Board by Chip Number PDF
Balboa:
Balboa spa packs have been used by many different spa manufacturers for years and are one of the most common. When replacing a Balboa board, you will need to find the “chip number”.
- The chip number is an alphanumeric number that you will find printed on a white label placed on a black chip on the board itself.
- Almost every chip number will end in a revision number. Examples are “R1A”, “R1B”, “REV. B’ or a similar combination.
- The chip number defines the software used between the topside control and circuit board, and will guarantee that the topside control and circuit board will work together.
HydroQuip
HydroQuip, another circuit board industry leader, has made identifying the proper replacement board very easy. Each one of their boards has a part number on a large white label placed directly onto the circuit board. To properly identify the correct HydroQuip board, simply match the part number on the label.
Gecko
To properly identify the correct replacement for a Gecko circuit board, you will need the “Model” and “Options” numbers. The Model and Options numbers are a series of alphanumeric numbers located on a label on the outside of your spa pack. Using these numbers to identify the correct board will guarantee a proper fit and operation.
If you have a circuit board made by a company not listed in this article, it is a good idea to get help from a professional. Getting the correct replacement board is important. Ordering a circuit board based on looks alone could end up being an expensive and time consuming mistake.
Finding Your Replacement
Once you have found your chip or part number, search the number at SpaDepot.com. Your replacement board should display in the results.
If a corresponding board does not display, send an email to help@spadepot.com and a technician will happily find the correct circuit board for you!
Installation
Once you receive the correct replacement board, it’s time to install it. Here are a few very important tips to keep in mind when installing your new circuit board:
- Always make sure the circuit breaker is off and the spa is unplugged before attempting any hot tub repairs.
- Take lots of photos of the old circuit board, paying special attention to where each wire is attached to the board, with a camera or your cell phone before you remove it. This will take the guesswork out of attaching all wires back to their proper location.
- Be very careful when handling the new circuit board. Most boards have a number of components soldered to them. Knocking one of them off can destroy the entire board.
- Using needle-nose pliers to remove the wires from the old board and to attach the wires to the new board will lessen the risk of damaging the wires.
- Make sure when installing your new circuit board that the jumpers and switchbanks are matched to the circuit board you are replacing to ensure proper hot tub function. Jumpers are small and can be hard to see, so make sure to take your time and find every jumper.
Safety First!
Electrical work around water can be especially dangerous. Make sure that when you’re replacing a circuit board (or any other electrical component) that the power is completely disconnected.
If you do not feel confident replacing the circuit board yourself, seek the help of a hot tub technician or licensed electrician.
Still have questions about finding the correct replacement or installing your new circuit board? Post a comment below!
Hot Tub Blog | SpaDepot.com 
Hi,
I have a marquis destiny spa, 2004. It stopped pumping, so we tried replacing the topside control first (upon the recommendation of a tech). The pumps now work, but now the heater doesn’t come on. Do we need a whole new control panel?
Thank you!
Maureen
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Hi Maureen,
There are a couple of things to look for in these instances. First, and foremost, is the pump that’s connected to the heater running when the tub calls for heat? In order for the heater to activate, there must be water flow through the heater. If your pump is not running, we would check to see that the correct voltage is being sent to the pump. If the pump is getting correct voltage, and not running, the pump would need to be replaced. If the pump is running, and the tub is calling for heat, a heater light should be illuminated on the topside control. If this is not illuminated, the circuit board is suspect, and should be replaced. If the light is illuminated, it’s more likely you have a bad heater element.
Our technical department is happy to help diagnose the issue over the phone. They’re available at 800-823-3638, 6AM to 5PM Pacific Monday through Friday.
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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Hi Molly,
This shouldn’t be construed as having gotten a bad tub, rather, an unfortunate incident. Circuit boards, just like all computer components, are delicate instruments, and can fail for a variety of reasons. Hot tub circuit boards are more robust than other types of circuit boards, due to the electrical loads involved, and the environment they’re stationed. Still, on rare occasion, they fail.
Our technical department is happy to assist in any way they can. They’re available at 800-823-3638, 6AM to 5PM Pacific Monday through Friday.
Thank you,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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Bill S
I have a 2004 hot springs sovereign drained it for the summer refilled for fall turned on breakers and completly dead no lights nothing . Tested have power to heater relay but nothing on ciurcut boarb
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Hi Bill,
This may be a troublesome connector.
The IQ2020 system has a ribbon cable that attaches the heater relay board to the main circuit board. When they sit for some time, the connection has been known to corrode slightly, and not work properly. The solution is to disconnect the ribbon cable from the heater relay board, spray the receptacle with electrical contact cleaner, and plug the cable back in. If this does not solve the problem, I’d recommend having a Hot Springs technician out to assess the situation.
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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Hi
I have a keys back yard spa w a balboa circuit board was showing on display panel ohh and called technician they said replace the circuit board sknwe did still did not heat changed sensors and now still not heating.
Help please
Jt
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Hi JT,
There are a couple of things to look for in these instances:
First, and foremost, is the pump that’s connected to the heater running when the tub calls for heat? In order for the heater to activate, there must be water flow through the heater.
If your pump is not running, we would check to see that the correct voltage is being sent to the pump.
If the pump is getting correct voltage, and not running, the pump would need to be replaced.
If the pump is running, and the tub is calling for heat, a heater light should be illuminated on the topside control. If this is not illuminated, the circuit board is suspect, and should be replaced. If the light is illuminated, it’s more likely you have a bad heater element.
Our technical department is happy to help diagnose the issue over the phone. We are available at 800-823-3638, 6AM to 5PM Pacific Monday through Friday.
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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Sundance. 2015 Denali. Had blb alarm. Replaced bulb but unable to reset alarm. Holding buttons per owners manual does not inter reset program. Is there a way to reset the circuit board?
Thank You
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I have an old United Spa that is no longer heating. I changed the element, cleaned the filter, checked for an air lock, turn the power off and back on, the stainless tube is clean with no wear on it, everything else is working. The light does not come on indicating it is heating, do I need a new board?
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Hi Chuck,
Unfortunately these can be pretty complicated to reset. If the directions aren’t followed exactly, it will not work.
We would recommend if the problem persists that you contact your dealer for assistance.
Thanks,
Bonni
SpaDepot.com
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Hi Jeanne,
The problem may be with your pressure switch on the heater.
You will need to disconnect the two wires going to the switch, and test for continuity through the switch with the pump running. You should see continuity with the pump running, and an open circuit with the pump off.
Typically these switches are adjustable, so please contact our technical department when you get a chance to do the testing, and we’ll walk you through until the tub is up and running.
(800) 823-3638 M-F 6am-5pm Pacific
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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We have an older tub we purchased used, it has had a new pump and heater installed before we got it. Everything works heaters shuts down when it reaches temp but the pump run continuously lately and will not shut down. Any advice would be great before we spend money trying to find the problem. It has balboa controls.
Thanks,
Sally
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Hi Sally,
We have seen this issue from time to time. The very first thing to do is check to see what your filtration is set for. Time and again, we find that continuously running tubs are due to filtration being set for 8 hours per day, 3 times a day. Please check this first. If you’d like to report your findings to our technical department, they can help correct the issue.
(800) 823-3638 M-F 6am-5pm Pacific
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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I have a balboa spa with chip number vs5105zr2c. The circuit breaker immediately trips off after resetting. Do I need a new circuit board? Or could there be a problem in something plugged in to it?
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Hello I have an Aries hot tub, believe its a 2006. I recently drained and cleaned, afterward nothing came on. I had a technician come out and they said it was circuit board. Are there universal circuit boards available for a Hot Tub that old?? The technician said we would need to install a GFI at the breaker box since I guess the older ones had them inside the box itself?? I would appreciate any help on this matter.
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Hi Mike,
The best course of action is to disconnect the jumper straps to your heater, and see if the breaker will stay on. If not, disconnect your ozonator and try again. Move to the pump 2 next, pump 1 or circulation pump last. You should get to a point where the breaker stops tripping with all components disconnected. If it still trips with everything disconnected, the circuit board is the issue and it will need to be replaced.
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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Hi Ryan,
Thanks for your comment. In order to help you best, I would suggest that you give our technical team a call. There are a few different things that could be causing your hot tub not to run, and our techs will be able to determine the exact, most cost effective fix.
If the issue is indeed with the circuit board, these are not universal. Our techs will be able to determine which board you need for your tub.
(800) 823-3638 M-F 6am-5pm Pacific
Thanks,
Bonni
SpaDepot.com
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hi there is just replaced the motherboard for a 2007 arctic spa. The directions were followed as well as the wiring diagram. yet NOTHING. OTHERWISE IS GETTING POWER BUT NOTHING
HELP!?
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Hydroquip HQ-9000E with gecko 9911 5000082 rev e, board number is 33-0014A- R7. It was bad burned up, I did not uninstall it and have no wiring diagram. Don’t want to mess it up has 120v and 240v on it. Just looking for a wiring diagram. Or some help I can send pics. Or more info!
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Hi Jason,
Sending some photos with a quick description to our technical department would be the best way for us to help you, so we can see what you are seeing. You can email photos to help@spadepot.com.
Thank you,
Sarah
SpaDepot.com
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I have a hot springs sovereign 2006 I done the water change and when I refilled turned power on it was dead I took the circuits boards to a Pcb repair shop and they repaired the boards I put them back in and powered up and the display came up and the heater bubbles started to work I tried pressing the jet buttons button nothing happened then I pressed the clean button and the display went dead again now again i have no display showing and nothing working . Do
I have to repair circuit boards again any ideas what could cause this
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Hi, I’m sorry, we do not repair circuit boards. I would recommend either replacing the circuit board, or replacing the equipment pack. With Hot Springs circuit board prices, it’s often more economically sound to replace the whole equipment system. Our techs are available if you need help determining which spa pack you need – (800) 823-3638 M-F 6am-5pm Pacific.
Thank you,
Mark
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I just installed a Hydroquip pack that states Pump #2 can be used for a blower. It’s not a blower receptacle and one wasn’t provided. I hard wired my blower to the corresponding high speed, common and ground pins on the circuit board, but I get no response (the pump2 button on the control panel acts like it’s operating a 2-speed connection). Any idea how to hard wire a 240v blower to the circuit board?
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Hi Bob,
We can most definitely help with that. Please phone us at 800-823-3638 6a-5p Pacific when you have a moment near the tub, and we’ll walk through all the jumper settings to make the circuit active.
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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My heater doesn’t work like it should (or at all). I have a Gecko Pak, SSPA-1-P122-01, option LS-H5.5-AMP. I assumed it was just the element, so I replaced the manifold/element. It still wont heat up. I checked the new element and it has around 11.5 ohm of resistance. The the heat symbol on the control panel is lit up, the pump runs, and the temperature is turned up.
A little background: I noticed when the weather got colder that it was running constantly just to keep temperature, and it was loosing temperature. The element was the original (approx 18 years old) and I assumed it was just tired, so I replaced it. After I put in the new element I noticed it still wouldn’t heat up. Before I replaced the element I didn’t check the voltage at the element terminals; but, when I do it now, there is no readable voltage at the terminals. Before I replaced the element the tub would hold temp at 60°, cycling normally it seemed (I assumed it was easier for the tired element to keep 500 gallons water 60° rather than 95°). I’m not sure what the heck?
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Hi Bill,
From what you’re describing, you have a bad circuit board. No voltage at the element terminals means you’ve got a heater relay that’s gone bad. Most times you could simply replace the circuit board, but in your case, Gecko does not sell replacement SSPA boards. Luckily we have complete replacement control systems for about the same price as most circuit boards. Please give our technical department a call at 800-823-3638 and we’ll be happy to go over the options with you.
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
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I have a Gecko board on an older D1 Diplomat Ultra which is 500132 part number. Having trouble fining parst and was able to come up with a 500190 which is almost identical with the exception of the number on the white heater wire with the green band. The old board goes to p28 and the new board has p43 and p82 labelled pump 3 / heater. I don’t have the schematic as it was a display model for the hot tub place that is by my house. They gave me this part and I would like to make it work buy without the schematic it looks like I have a 50/50 shot at getting it straight? How can I find the info I need?
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Hi Tim,
It’s likely that the 500190 isn’t going to work with your topside controller. The best bet to get the information you need is to contact Dimension One, which is owned by Jacuzzi, directly. In many cases, we’ll have options for complete replacement control systems that end up costing less than just that D1 circuit board. To explore that option, give our tech department a call when you have a moment near the tub.
Thanks,
Brian
SpaDepot.com
800-823-3638
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