🔌 Balboa Expander Board Relay 30amp for 2-Speed Pump (GL Only) – High-Current 2-Speed Pump Expansion Module
Heavy-duty relay expansion board with 30A fuse protection to add a third 2-speed pump to your Balboa GL control systems.
📋 Product Overview
This PCB is used in some Balboa GL Systems to add a third 2-speed pump protected by a 30A fuse. The Balboa Expander Board Relay 30amp for 2-Speed Pump is designed specifically for GL series control boxes, extending the pump capacity with high-current 2-speed pump support.
This expansion module connects to your existing GL main board and provides the additional relay circuitry needed to operate an extra 2-speed pump with both high and low speed control, featuring a 30A fuse for safe operation.
✨ Key Features
✅ 230V / 50Hz Operation – Designed for UK and European electrical systems
✅ 30A Fuse Protection – Heavy-duty overcurrent protection
✅ 2-Speed Pump Support – Controls one additional 2-speed pump with high/low speed
✅ GL Series Only – Designed specifically for Balboa GL control boxes
✅ Third Pump Addition – Add a third 2-speed pump to your GL system
✅ Official Balboa Part – Part number 55026
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Balboa |
| Balboa Part Number | 55026 |
| Model / Series | GL |
| Product Type | Expander Board |
| Input Voltage | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Output Support | One additional 2-speed pump |
| Fuse Protection | 30A |
| Length | 135 mm |
| Height | 46 mm |
✅ Compatibility Guide
Compatible Control Systems
| Control System | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Balboa GL series control boxes | ✅ Compatible (some models) |
| Balboa GS series control boxes | ❌ NOT Compatible |
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This board is for GL systems ONLY. It will NOT work with GS series control boxes.
System Requirements
This expander is designed to add a third 2-speed pump to GL systems that already have two pumps. Verify your GL system supports a third pump before ordering.
⚙️ Board Functions
Pump Expansion
| Function | Specification |
|---|---|
| Output Type | 2-speed pump |
| Number of Outputs | 1 |
| Fuse Protection | 30A |
| Speed Control | High and Low speed |
How It Works
The expander board connects to your GL main control board and provides:
- Additional relay control for a 2-speed pump
- High speed and low speed switching capability
- 30A fuse protection for high-current operation
- Integration with existing topside panel controls
Why 2-Speed Pump Support?
2-speed pumps offer flexibility – low speed for filtration and circulation, high speed for powerful jet massage. This expander provides full 2-speed control for the additional pump, unlike single-speed expanders.
🛠️ Installation Requirements
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This should be done by an experienced tradesman or a competent individual as a faulty install could result in board damage and invalidate warranty.
Pre-Installation Checklist
- [ ] Verify you have a GL series control system (NOT GS)
- [ ] Confirm your system supports a third pump
- [ ] Check pump is 2-speed type
- [ ] Verify pump current draw does not exceed 30A
- [ ] Disconnect all power at the isolator/breaker
- [ ] Photograph existing wiring connections
- [ ] Allow capacitors to discharge (wait 5 minutes minimum)
Electrical Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Fuse Rating | 30A (provided on board) |
| RCD Protection | Required (30mA recommended) |
| Earth Connection | Mandatory |
💡 Tip: This board must be installed in conjunction with a compatible GL main board – it cannot operate independently.
⚠️ Safety Warnings
Electrical Safety
- ⚠️ ALWAYS disconnect power before any work
- ⚠️ Installation by experienced tradesman or competent individual required
- ⚠️ Ensure correct voltage supply (230V, 50Hz)
- ⚠️ Verify RCD protection is installed and functioning
- ⚠️ Never operate spa with covers removed from electrical components
Critical Compatibility Warning
- ⚠️ This is an expander board – not a main control PCB
- ⚠️ This PCB is for Balboa GL control boxes ONLY
- ⚠️ NOT compatible with GS series – do not attempt to use
- ⚠️ Must not be fitted to any other device/product
- ⚠️ Faulty install could result in board damage
- ⚠️ Faulty install will invalidate warranty
🎯 Ideal Applications
| Application | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ♨️ Balboa GL Series Systems | ✅ Compatible | GL ONLY |
| ♨️ Balboa GS Series Systems | ❌ NOT Compatible | Use other expanders |
| ♨️ Third Pump Addition | ✅ Ideal | Add 3rd 2-speed pump |
| ♨️ 2-Speed Pump Expansion | ✅ Ideal | High/low speed control |
| ♨️ Expander Replacement | ✅ Direct replacement | Part number 55026 |
This board is designed for:
- Adding a third 2-speed pump to GL systems
- Replacing faulty 2-speed pump expander boards (part 55026)
- GL systems requiring additional 2-speed pump capability
- High-current 2-speed pump applications with 30A protection
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this compatible with GS series systems? A: No. This board is for GL systems ONLY. It will not work with GS series control boxes. For GS systems, consider other expanders like CB-EX535 or CB-EX550.
Q: What’s the difference between this (CB-EX551) and CB-EX550? A: Key differences:
- CB-EX550: Works with GS AND GL, single-speed pump only
- CB-EX551: GL ONLY, 2-speed pump support
Q: Can I use this to add a single-speed pump? A: This board is designed for 2-speed pumps. For single-speed pump expansion on GL systems, use CB-EX550 instead.
Q: Why does it say “third pump”? A: This expander is typically used to add a third 2-speed pump to GL systems that already have two pumps from the main board.
Q: What is the Balboa part number? A: The official Balboa part number is 55026.
Q: Is this board the same size as CB-EX550? A: Same length (135mm) but shorter height – CB-EX551 is 135×46mm while CB-EX550 is 135×64mm.
🏆 Why Choose the Balboa GL 2-Speed Pump Expander Board
- ✅ Official Balboa Part – Part number 55026
- ✅ 230V / 50Hz – Designed for UK electrical systems
- ✅ 30A Fuse Protection – Heavy-duty overcurrent safety
- ✅ 2-Speed Control – High and low speed pump operation
- ✅ GL Series Specific – Optimised for GL control boxes
- ✅ Third Pump Capability – Expand your GL system’s pump capacity
- ✅ Proven Reliability – Balboa engineering quality
🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs
- ✅ UK-based company with local support
- ✅ Fast UK delivery
- ✅ Expert technical advice from spa specialists
- ✅ Competitive pricing
- ✅ Full warranty support
- ✅ Easy returns within 30 days (unfitted items)
- ✅ Compatible parts and accessories available
- ✅ Help with identifying correct replacement board
✨ Summary
The Balboa Expander Board Relay 30amp for 2-Speed Pump (GL Only) is a heavy-duty expansion module designed exclusively for Balboa GL control systems. Operating at 230V / 50Hz, this board (Balboa part number 55026) adds the capability to control one additional 2-speed pump with high and low speed operation, protected by a 30A fuse. Typically used to add a third 2-speed pump to GL systems. With dimensions of 135mm × 46mm, it provides full 2-speed pump control for high-current applications. Critical: This board is compatible with GL systems ONLY – it will NOT work with GS series. Installation by an experienced tradesman or competent individual is required.
Finding and identifying a replacement Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)
If you are looking to replace a failed PCB on your Hot Tub’s spa pack, then quite often identifying the part that you need can be the hardest thing.
Firstly, you are looking for a model number on the actual circuit board itself. Having the model or serial of your hot tub is not going to help at this point, you need to find the number on the PCB itself.
Now, with certain brands of PCB, the number of the replacement PCB that you need is not going to match identically the one you are replacing. Why is that I hear you ask?
Well, normally, it is an updated version. This means that it might have updated firmware on the PCB or be a later revision. Normally, this means that the part number would be slightly different. This is usually indicated with a “12345678 -x” at the end of that part number where x indicated a firmware revision.
In some cases, there will be some following letters on the part number of the circuit board, “12345678 -x MAS” this can indicate that the PCB was used for an OEM meaning it was produced for a certain hot tub manufacturer and the letters identify the manufacturer.
This means if you source an original PCB, it will not have the letters, but will in most cases work just fine.
It can be confusing I know!
What if you can’t find a model number?
If you can’t find a model number on the PCB itself, then you need to look for a model number on the spa pack. Normally, there is a sticker on the outside of the spa pack that tells you the current ratings and input voltages etc and this will have a model number.
In general, most spa packs in the USA are manufactured by Balboa, Hydro-Quip, ACC or Gecko. I know I am generalising here, but if you have a spa pack that has the brand of your hot tub on, it will be an OEM so the key is identifying who made the original box.
From there, you can normally find an original PCB that you will be able to switch out.
For example, the Balboa VS (value series) is a very popular spa pack that has been used by multiple hot tub manufacturers under their own brand names. Whatever they have called it, strip it back and it is still a Balboa VS.
Visual Inspection
One of the most important things you can do when you are looking for a replacement is to visually inspect the PCB that you have versus the picture online of the replacement you are considering. They need to look the same even if there are the differences in firmware revisions or OEM part numbers, you should be visually replacing a PCB that looks like the one you have.
Configuring a replacement Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)
When you get a new PCB, you are more than likely going to need to configure it. Most PCBs have a number of different modes and setups that the can operate in. For this, you will need to manual or spec sheet to guide you.
For things like DIP switches, most of the time you can copy the settings from your original circuit board.
You may need to move jumpers or even wires to configure voltages – the key here is that you read the schematic and don’t expect the PCB to just work out of the box – it usually doesn’t.
Troubleshooting a Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)
Here are some common things you will see when you replace a PCB on a hot tub.
You press the buttons on the topside control and they don’t control the right parts (pumps or blower etc) – this is a mode configuration thing and you will either need to change some DIP switches on the PCB or an internal or low level programming mode on the topside control. Check the manual for how to do this.
To check this, unplug all of your kit – heater, pumps, blower and then turn on the PCB. If it trips with nothing plugged in, usually the voltage is incorrectly set and what is happening is that live current is being sent to the ground – because you have 4 wires into the PCB rather than 3. Current on the ground loop causes the trip. Check the settings to make sure it is configures for 230V.
It might not trip until you physically turn on a pump or a blower.



