💆 Balboa ML551 Touch Panel – Premium 8-Button Touch Control for GL2000 & GL8000 Systems

🌟 The ultimate ML series touch panel with 8 buttons, Serial Standard display, and compact design – maximum functionality in a streamlined format

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📋 Product Overview

The Balboa ML551 Touch Panel is the most advanced model in the ML series, featuring touch-sensitive controls and 8 buttons in a compact 187 mm × 83 mm format. This premium panel combines the functionality of the larger ML550 with a more space-efficient design, delivering the highest button count in the ML series whilst maintaining a manageable footprint.

Featuring a Serial Standard display with 4 large digits in a horizontal line, the ML551 delivers enhanced visibility and comprehensive status information. Operating at 12V, this panel supports up to 2 pumps plus 1 blower output, with dedicated buttons for LIGHT, JETS 1, JETS 2, BLOWER, MODE, WARM, and COOL.

The ML551 is designed specifically for GL2000 and GL8000 control systems. Its touch-sensitive technology provides a modern, sleek interface for spa control. Please note that this model does not include an overlay – the overlay must be purchased separately.

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⭐ Key Features

• ✅ Touch Panel Technology – Modern touch-sensitive button interface
• ✅ 8-Button Interface – Maximum buttons in ML series: LIGHT, JETS 1, JETS 2, BLOWER, MODE, WARM, COOL
• ✅ Serial Standard Display – 4 large digits in horizontal line for enhanced visibility
• ✅ Compact Design – 187 mm × 83 mm despite having 8 buttons
• ✅ Dual Pump Support – Control up to 2 pumps independently
• ✅ Dedicated Blower Control – Separate BLOWER button
• ✅ GL2000 Compatible – Works with GL2000 control systems
• ✅ GL8000 Compatible – Works with GL8000 control systems
• ✅ 8-Pin Connection – Secure 2 rows of 4 pins connector
• ✅ 12V Operation – Low voltage design for safe operation

⚠️ Important: Overlay NOT included – must be purchased separately.

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🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Balboa
Model	ML551
Model Series	ML
Product Type	Touch Panel / Topside Panel
SKU	TS-ML551
Compatible Systems	GL2000, GL8000
Display Type	Serial Standard
Display Format	4 Large Digits in Horizontal Line
Number of Buttons	8
Button Configuration	Light, Jets1, Jets2, Blower, Mode, Warm, Cool
Button Type	Touch-Sensitive
Maximum Pumps Supported	2
Blower/Auxiliary Outputs	1
Operating Voltage	12V
Dimensions (L × H)	187 mm × 83 mm
Connection Type	8 Small Plastic Pins (2 Rows of 4)
Overlay Included	❌ No – Sold Separately
Status	✅ ACTIVE

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🖥️ Display & Controls

Button Configuration:

Button	Function
LIGHT	Control spa lighting
JETS 1	Activate/control jet pump 1
JETS 2	Activate/control jet pump 2
BLOWER	Control air blower
MODE	Select operating mode
WARM	Increase temperature setpoint
COOL	Decrease temperature setpoint

Display Features:

Feature	Description
Display Type	Serial Standard
Digit Format	4 Large Digits Horizontal
Temperature Display	Current/set water temperature
Mode Indicators	Operating mode status
Visibility	Enhanced large digit readout

Control Capabilities:

Function	Availability
Pump 1 Control	✅ (JETS 1 button)
Pump 2 Control	✅ (JETS 2 button)
Blower Control	✅ (BLOWER button)
Temperature Up	✅ (WARM button)
Temperature Down	✅ (COOL button)
Light Control	✅
Mode Selection	✅

Touch Panel Advantage:

The ML551 features touch-sensitive button technology, providing:

• Modern, sleek appearance
• Smooth, responsive touch activation
• No physical button wear
• Easy-clean flat surface

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🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Topside Control is Compatible With:

Control System	Type	Confirmed
GL2000	GL Series	✅
GL8000	GL Series	✅

NOT Compatible With:

• ❌ GS500, GS501, GS510 series (use VL series panels instead)
• ❌ BP series control systems (use TP series panels instead)
• ❌ VS/GS systems with SZ or DZ suffixes (use VL700/VL800 series instead)

How to Verify Compatibility:

• 📍 Check your existing topside model (ML551)
• 📍 Confirm your spa pack is GL2000 or GL8000
• 📍 Verify the connector type matches (8-pin, 2 rows of 4)
• 📍 Contact Parts4Tubs if you require confirmation

⚠️ Important: The ML551 is designed specifically for GL series systems (GL2000, GL8000). It is NOT compatible with GS series systems – use VL series panels for GS systems.

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🔄 ML550 vs ML551 Comparison

Specification	ML550	ML551
Buttons	7	8
Dimensions	348 × 64 mm	187 × 83 mm
Panel Area	22,272 mm²	15,521 mm²
Button Type	Standard	Touch
Display	Serial Standard	Serial Standard
Max Pumps	2	2
Blower	Via BLOWER/JETS 3	Dedicated BLOWER
Overlay	✅ Included	❌ Sold Separately
Form Factor	Elongated	Compact rectangular

Choose ML551 when:

• You want touch-sensitive controls
• You prefer a compact form factor
• You need 8 buttons (maximum in ML series)
• You want a dedicated BLOWER button (not combined with JETS 3)
• Space is limited but functionality is required

Choose ML550 when:

• You prefer a longer, narrower panel
• You want the overlay included
• You need BLOWER/JETS 3 flexibility (can be 3rd pump)

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⚙️ Installation Guide

Before Installation:

• ⚠️ Disconnect power to spa at the isolator/breaker before any work
• ⚠️ Verify compatibility with your spa pack system (must be GL2000 or GL8000)
• ⚠️ Confirm connector type matches (8-pin, 2 rows of 4)
• ⚠️ Verify panel dimensions suit your cutout (187 mm × 83 mm)
• ⚠️ Purchase overlay separately – this panel does not include an overlay

Installation Steps:

1. Turn off power at the isolator/breaker
2. Remove the existing topside panel from the mounting location
3. Disconnect the 8-pin connector from the spa pack
4. Connect the new ML551’s 8-pin connector to the spa pack
5. Apply separate overlay (if purchased)
6. Mount the new topside panel in position
7. Restore power and test all functions

Mounting Information:

Specification	Detail
Panel Dimensions	187 mm × 83 mm
Profile	Compact rectangular
Overlay	NOT included – purchase separately
Connection	8 small plastic pins (2 rows of 4)

⚠️ Professional installation recommended if you are unfamiliar with spa electronics.

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⚡ Wiring & Connection

Connector Information:

Specification	Detail
Connector Type	8 Small Plastic Pins
Pin Configuration	2 Rows of 4 Pins
Operating Voltage	12V

Connection Location:

The ML551 connects to the topside port on GL2000 and GL8000 control systems via an 8-pin connector arranged in 2 rows of 4 pins.

⚠️ Never force the connector. Ensure correct alignment of the 8-pin connector before insertion. If it doesn’t fit, verify compatibility with your control system.

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🔍 Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Blank display	No power or loose connection	Check power supply and reseat 8-pin connector
Error codes displayed	Various system issues	Refer to spa pack manual for error meanings
Touch buttons unresponsive	Panel fault or moisture	Check panel condition, ensure dry operation
Incorrect readings	Temperature sensor issue	Check temperature sensor (separate component)
Display dim or flickering	Connection issue or power problem	Check and reseat 8-pin connector
JETS 1 not working	Pump 1 issue	Check pump connections and spa pack configuration
JETS 2 not working	Pump 2 issue	Check pump 2 connections
BLOWER not responding	Blower device or wiring issue	Check blower connections
MODE button not responding	Panel fault	Check panel condition

Error Codes:

Error codes are determined by the spa pack, not the topside panel itself. The ML551 displays error information from your GL2000 or GL8000 control system. Refer to your spa pack manual for specific error code meanings.

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🧹 Maintenance & Care

Routine Care:

Task	Frequency
Wipe with soft damp cloth	Weekly
Check touch button response (all 8)	Monthly
Inspect cable connection	Annually
Check overlay condition (if installed)	Annually

DO NOT:

• ❌ Use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
• ❌ Submerge the panel in water
• ❌ Use solvent-based or chemical cleaners
• ❌ Press touch buttons with sharp objects
• ❌ Force or bend the 8-pin connector
• ❌ Allow excessive moisture on touch surface

Overlay Information:

The ML551 does not include an overlay. Compatible overlays are available separately. Contact Parts4Tubs for overlay options.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
🔄 Replacement for faulty ML551 topside	✅ Ideal
🎛️ Spas with GL2000 control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GL8000 control systems	✅ Compatible
♨️ Dual pump spa systems	✅ Ideal
♨️ Spas with blower requirement	✅ Ideal
📐 Space-constrained premium installations	✅ Ideal
⭐ Modern spa upgrades	✅ Ideal

Common Replacement Scenarios:

• 💔 Cracked or damaged display
• 🔘 Unresponsive touch buttons
• 💧 Water damage to existing panel
• 👁️ Faded or dim display
• 🔌 Damaged 8-pin connector

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if this topside is compatible with my spa?

A: The ML551 is designed specifically for Balboa GL2000 and GL8000 control systems. Check your spa pack model number to confirm compatibility. This panel is NOT compatible with GS series systems.

Q: Is the overlay included?

A: No, the ML551 does NOT include an overlay. The overlay must be purchased separately. Contact Parts4Tubs for compatible overlay options.

Q: What is the difference between the ML551 and ML550?

A: The ML551 has 8 buttons (vs 7), touch-sensitive controls (vs standard), a more compact design (187 × 83 mm vs 348 × 64 mm), and a dedicated BLOWER button (vs combined BLOWER/JETS 3). However, ML551 does not include an overlay whilst ML550 does.

Q: What makes this a “Touch Panel”?

A: The ML551 features touch-sensitive button technology instead of traditional physical buttons. This provides a modern appearance, smooth operation, and no physical button wear.

Q: Why are there separate WARM and COOL buttons?

A: Dedicated WARM and COOL buttons provide more intuitive temperature adjustment – press WARM to increase, COOL to decrease.

Q: What is Serial Standard display?

A: Serial Standard is an advanced display type featuring 4 large digits arranged in a horizontal line, providing clearer and more visible temperature and status readouts compared to basic 3-digit LCD displays.

Q: What is the connection type?

A: The ML551 uses an 8-pin connector with 2 rows of 4 small plastic pins – the same connector type as other ML series panels.

Q: What are the dimensions?

A: The ML551 measures 187 mm (length) × 83 mm (height), making it more compact than the ML550 despite having more buttons.

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📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 For installation manuals, technical datasheets, and wiring diagrams, please refer to the official Balboa documentation or contact Parts4Tubs for assistance.

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🏆 Why Choose the Balboa ML551 Touch Panel

• ✅ Touch-Sensitive Controls – Modern, responsive touch buttons
• ✅ 8-Button Maximum – Highest button count in ML series
• ✅ Compact Design – 187 × 83 mm despite maximum functionality
• ✅ Dedicated Controls – Separate buttons for BLOWER, JETS 1, JETS 2
• ✅ Serial Standard Display – Premium 4 large digit horizontal display
• ✅ GL Series Compatible – Works with GL2000 and GL8000 systems
• ✅ Dual Pump Support – Control 2 jet pumps independently
• ✅ Secure 8-Pin Connection – Reliable 2 rows of 4 pins connector
• ✅ 12V Operation – Safe low voltage design
• ✅ Currently Available – Active product in stock

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🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with local support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery
• ✅ Expert advice from spa specialists
• ✅ GL2000 and GL8000 compatibility assistance
• ✅ Compatible overlays available separately
• ✅ Full warranty support
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days

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✨ Summary

The Balboa ML551 Touch Panel is the most advanced model in the ML series, featuring touch-sensitive controls and 8 buttons for GL2000 and GL8000 systems. Measuring 187 mm × 83 mm with a Serial Standard display showing 4 large digits horizontally, this compact panel provides comprehensive control via LIGHT, JETS 1, JETS 2, BLOWER, MODE, WARM, and COOL buttons. Supporting 2 pumps plus dedicated blower control, this panel connects via an 8-pin connector (2 rows of 4 pins) for secure installation. Note: Overlay NOT included and must be purchased separately. Order from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert support.

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Balboa BP Spa Packs

If you have a “BP” spa pack, you will find the name and model on the label, then you can use any of the “TP” range of topside controls, TP400, TP600 etc etc.

 

You can also use any of the “Spa Touch” graphical controllers on your Spa Pack. Spa Touch comes in versions 1-3 with 4 to be released very soon as well as the new “mini”.

 

The BP Spa Pack made things nice and easy so when you are replacing your topside control with one of these, it is straight forward enough.

 

Balboa VS & GS Spa Packs.

 

If you have an older hot tub that you are keeping alive with new parts, then the chances are you have an older spa pack in there too. This is where it gets a little more complicated in terms of compatibility.

 

Two of the popular models are the VS which stands for Value Series and was supplied to a lot of OEMs (manufacturers for hot tubs) to go into their tubs. Likewise, the GS (global series) was the same. Lots of different rebranded options, different names, but at the heart of things are these two packs.

 

What is key on these two models, is the combination of letters and numbers that make up the model number on the Spa Pack.

 

The VL range of topside controls was designed for both of these spa pack ranges; however, there are some “rules” we need to abide by in terms of compatibility.

 

VL Panels ending in D work with VS/GS systems ending in DZ

VL Panels ending in S work with VS/GS systems ending in SZ

The rest of the VL Panels work with VS/GS systems ending in Z (not SZ or DZ)

 

For example, a Spa Pack model VS501SZ would work nicely with a Topside that is model VL620S. However, that same topside control would not work with a spa pack model VS501Z. The connections are the same, it would plug in, but would not respond at all.

 

Another example, a Balboa GS500Z spa pack would work with the VL406T or the VL401 but would not work with the VL702S.

 

You get the patters. Topside ends in S or D, matches to Spa Pack ending in SZ (for S) or DZ (for D).

 

 

Balboa EL & GL Spa Packs

 

Before the birth of the BP range, the EL and GL Spa Packs did have some level of standardisation in terms of the topside controls.

 

All of the “ML” range of Balboa Topside Controls are designed to work with the EL and GL range of spa packs. They actually look very similar to the TP range, they just have a different type of connection to plug into the Spa Pack.