⚙️ Gecko Universal HQ YE-5 Complete System + 3kW Heater + IN.K450 Topside – Low-Flow Retrofit Control Pack
The complete spa control system bundle for retrofitting and upgrading low-flow spas including Dimension One, Saratoga, Watkins, Caldera, HotSpring and more
📋 Product Overview
The Gecko Universal HQ YE-5 Complete System (PK-HQ001) is a comprehensive spa control bundle designed specifically for retrofitting and upgrading low-flow spa systems. This all-in-one package includes everything needed to replace or upgrade the control system in spas from major brands including Dimension One, Saratoga, Watkins, Caldera, HotSpring, and many others.
Manufactured by HydroQuip to Gecko specifications, the YE-5 system operates at 230VAC/50Hz and features a powerful 3kW No-Fault heater with 3/4″ ribbed barb connections for easy integration with existing low-flow plumbing. The included IN.K450 topside panel provides intuitive six-button control with LED display for complete spa management.
This bundle includes everything required for installation: control box with heater, IN.K450 topside panel with bezel, Harwil flow switch, AMP cables and adapters, light cable, vinyl pipe, and connection rings. The YE-5 supports versatile pump configurations including dual-speed pumps, single-speed pumps or blowers, circulation pumps, ozonators, and 12V lighting.
⭐ Key Features
- ✅ Complete System Bundle – Everything needed for retrofit or upgrade
- ✅ 3kW No-Fault Heater – Reliable, safe heating system
- ✅ IN.K450 Topside Included – Six-button control with LED display
- ✅ Low-Flow Design – For low-flow circulation spa systems
- ✅ 230VAC / 50Hz – UK compatible power supply
- ✅ Multi-Brand Compatible – Dimension One, Saratoga, Watkins, Caldera, HotSpring
- ✅ Multiple Pump Configurations – Dual-speed, single-speed, blower options
- ✅ Ozone Ready – Built-in ozonator support
- ✅ 12V Lighting Output – For spa lighting control
- ✅ Circulation Pump Support – Dedicated continuous low-speed output
- ✅ All Cables Included – AMP cables, adapters, light cable
- ✅ 3/4″ Ribbed Barb Connections – Easy plumbing integration
⚙️ Technical Specifications
Control System
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Gecko / HydroQuip |
| Model | Universal HQ YE-5 |
| SKU | PK-HQ001 |
| Product Type | Control System Bundle |
| Series | Y Series |
| Operating Voltage | 230VAC |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Heater Power | 3.0 kW |
| Heater Type | No-Fault Heater |
| Ozone | Ready |
| Plumbing Size | 3/4″ (Ribbed Barb) |
| Box Quantity | Sold Individually |
Dimensions
| Component | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Control Box | 490 mm (L) × 110 mm (D) × 280 mm (H) |
| Topside Panel | 178 mm × 83 mm |
OEM Compatibility
| Brand | Status |
|---|---|
| Hot Spring | ✅ OEM Compatible |
| Caldera | ✅ Compatible |
| Watkins | ✅ Compatible |
| Dimension One | ✅ Compatible |
| Saratoga | ✅ Compatible |
| Other Low-Flow Systems | ✅ Compatible |
📦 What’s Included in the Bundle
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Control Box | Low-Flow control box with 3kW No-Fault Heater |
| Topside Panel | Gecko IN.K450 six-button topside |
| Topside Bezel | IN.K450 mounting bezel |
| Flow Switch | Harwil flow switch |
| Power Cables | AMP cables and adapters |
| Light Cable | 12V lighting connection cable |
| Vinyl Pipe | 3/4″ vinyl pipe for plumbing |
| Connection Rings | 3/4″ rings for secure connections |
Everything you need for a complete installation is included!
🔌 Pump Configuration Options
The YE-5 supports a versatile range of pump configurations:
| Output | Options | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| Pump 1 | Dual-speed pump | 115V or 230V |
| Pump 2 | Dual-speed pump | 115V or 230V |
| Pump 3 / Blower | Single-speed pump OR air blower | – |
| Circulation Pump | Dedicated continuous low-speed pump | – |
| Ozonator | Low-voltage ozone output | – |
| Lighting | 12V lighting output | 12V |
Flexible Configuration:
- Run 2 dual-speed jet pumps for full hydrotherapy
- Add a third single-speed pump or air blower
- Include a dedicated circulation pump for continuous filtration
- Connect ozonator for water sanitation
- Control 12V spa lighting
🎛️ IN.K450 Topside Panel
The included IN.K450 topside panel provides intuitive spa control:
Button Configuration:
- 6 buttons: Power, 1, 2, 3, Light, Temp
- LED screen display
- Temperature control
- Up to 3 pump control
- Lighting control
Topside Dimensions: 178 mm × 83 mm
The IN.K450 is a proven, reliable topside control commonly found in Gulf Coast Spas, Passion Spas, and other premium brands using Gecko IN.XM, IN.XE, and YE systems.
🔄 Retrofit & Upgrade Applications
What is a Low-Flow System?
Low-flow spa systems use a dedicated circulation pump that runs continuously to filter and heat water, rather than relying on the main jet pumps. This design is more energy-efficient and common in brands like:
| Brand | Low-Flow Systems |
|---|---|
| Hot Spring | ✅ Most models |
| Caldera | ✅ Most models |
| Watkins Manufacturing | ✅ Various brands |
| Dimension One | ✅ Select models |
| Saratoga | ✅ Select models |
When to Use This Pack:
- 🔄 Replacing failed control system
- ⬆️ Upgrading outdated electronics
- 🔧 Converting to modern Gecko control
- 🛠️ Complete spa rehabilitation
- ✅ OEM-equivalent replacement for Hot Spring
🔧 3kW No-Fault Heater
Heater Specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 3.0 kW |
| Type | No-Fault (dry fire protected) |
| Connection | 3/4″ Ribbed Barb |
| Voltage | 230V |
No-Fault Technology: The No-Fault heater design includes dry fire protection – if water flow is insufficient, the heater will not activate, preventing damage. This safety feature is essential for low-flow systems where water flow rates are lower than standard spa systems.
3/4″ Ribbed Barb Connections: The heater connections use 3/4″ ribbed barb fittings designed to connect directly to 3/4″ vinyl or flexible pipe, making integration with existing low-flow plumbing straightforward.
🛠️ Installation Guide
Before Installation:
- ⚠️ Disconnect ALL power to spa before any work
- ⚠️ 230VAC installation must comply with UK electrical regulations
- ⚠️ Document existing wiring before removal
- ⚠️ Review all included documentation before starting
General Installation Steps:
- Power Off – Isolate all electrical supply to spa
- Document – Photograph existing connections
- Remove – Disconnect and remove old control system
- Position – Mount new control box in equipment bay
- Plumbing – Connect 3/4″ heater connections to existing plumbing
- Flow Switch – Install Harwil flow switch
- Electrical – Connect pumps, blower, ozone, lights using AMP cables
- Topside – Install IN.K450 topside panel with bezel
- Test – Fill spa, power on, and test all functions
Included Documentation:
- Start-Up Guide
- Y Series Technical Manual
- Troubleshooting Guide
- Quick Reference Card (QRC)
🔌 Electrical Connections
Main Power:
- 230VAC / 50Hz
- Requires dedicated circuit
- RCD/RCBO protection required
- Must be installed by qualified electrician
Output Connections:
- Pump 1: AMP connector (dual-speed capable)
- Pump 2: AMP connector (dual-speed capable)
- Pump 3/Blower: AMP connector (single-speed)
- Circulation Pump: Dedicated output
- Ozonator: Low-voltage output
- Lighting: 12V output
AMP Cable System: The included AMP cables and adapters allow connection to standard spa pump configurations. The AMP connector system provides secure, weatherproof connections.
🔍 Troubleshooting
Common Issues:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Supply issue | Check breaker, RCD, connections |
| No heat | Flow switch issue | Check flow switch, water level |
| Error codes | Various | Refer to troubleshooting guide |
| Pump not running | Connection or pump fault | Check AMP connections, pump |
| Topside blank | Connection issue | Check topside cable connection |
Documentation: The included troubleshooting guide (9919-101313-D) provides comprehensive error code explanations and diagnostic procedures for the Y Series and XE systems.
🔩 Maintenance
Routine Maintenance:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check water chemistry | Weekly |
| Inspect flow switch | Monthly |
| Check heater operation | Monthly |
| Inspect electrical connections | Annually |
| Professional service check | Annually |
Filter Maintenance: Low-flow systems typically have specific filter requirements. Maintain your filter according to spa manufacturer guidelines.
Water Chemistry: Proper water chemistry is essential for heater longevity. Maintain balanced pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels.
♨️ Ideal Applications
| Application | Suitability |
|---|---|
| ♨️ Hot Spring spa retrofit | ✅ OEM Compatible |
| ♨️ Caldera spa upgrade | ✅ Ideal |
| ♨️ Watkins brand spas | ✅ Ideal |
| ♨️ Dimension One retrofit | ✅ Ideal |
| ♨️ Saratoga spa upgrade | ✅ Ideal |
| ♨️ Other low-flow systems | ✅ Compatible |
| ❌ Standard flow spas | ❌ Use standard pack |
| ❌ Balboa system spas | ❌ Use Balboa pack |
Common Retrofit Scenarios:
- 🔄 Failed control board replacement
- ⬆️ Upgrading 20+ year old electronics
- 🛠️ Complete spa rehabilitation project
- ✅ Hot Spring OEM-equivalent replacement
- 🔧 Converting proprietary systems to Gecko
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes this a “low-flow” system?
A: Low-flow systems are designed for spas that use a dedicated circulation pump running continuously at low speed, rather than using main jet pumps for heating and filtration. This is more energy-efficient and common in brands like Hot Spring, Caldera, and Watkins.
Q: Is this compatible with my Hot Spring spa?
A: Yes, this system is OEM-compatible with Hot Spring spas that use low-flow circulation systems. The 3/4″ ribbed barb connections are designed for Hot Spring and similar plumbing configurations.
Q: What’s included in the bundle?
A: Everything needed for installation: control box with 3kW No-Fault heater, IN.K450 topside panel with bezel, Harwil flow switch, AMP cables and adapters, light cable, 3/4″ vinyl pipe, and connection rings.
Q: What pumps can I connect?
A: The YE-5 supports: 2 dual-speed jet pumps (115V or 230V), 1 single-speed pump or blower, 1 circulation pump, ozonator, and 12V lighting.
Q: What’s a No-Fault heater?
A: A No-Fault heater includes dry fire protection – it won’t activate without proper water flow, preventing damage. This is essential for low-flow systems.
Q: Is the topside panel included?
A: Yes, the Gecko IN.K450 six-button topside panel with bezel is included in this bundle.
Q: What voltage is this system?
A: 230VAC / 50Hz – standard UK power supply.
Q: What plumbing size is the heater?
A: 3/4″ ribbed barb (RB) connections for connection to 3/4″ pipe.
📄 Downloads & Resources
🏆 Why Choose the Gecko Universal HQ YE-5 System (PK-HQ001)
- ✅ Complete Bundle – Everything included for installation
- ✅ 3kW No-Fault Heater – Safe, reliable heating
- ✅ IN.K450 Topside – Proven six-button control panel
- ✅ 230VAC / 50Hz – UK compatible
- ✅ Low-Flow Design – Energy-efficient circulation
- ✅ Multi-Brand Compatible – Hot Spring, Caldera, Watkins, and more
- ✅ Versatile Pump Support – Multiple configuration options
- ✅ Ozone Ready – Water sanitation support
- ✅ All Cables Included – AMP connectors and adapters
- ✅ Comprehensive Documentation – Technical manual, troubleshooting guide
- ✅ Genuine Gecko/HydroQuip Quality – Industry-leading reliability
🇬🇧 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs
- ✅ UK-based company with local support
- ✅ Fast UK delivery
- ✅ Expert advice from spa specialists
- ✅ Complete system bundles available
- ✅ Technical support for installation queries
- ✅ Full warranty support
- ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
✨ Summary
The Gecko Universal HQ YE-5 Complete System (PK-HQ001) is a comprehensive spa control bundle designed for retrofitting and upgrading low-flow circulation spa systems. Includes control box with 3kW No-Fault heater, IN.K450 six-button topside panel with bezel, Harwil flow switch, all AMP cables and adapters, light cable, 3/4″ vinyl pipe, and connection rings. Operating at 230VAC/50Hz with 3/4″ ribbed barb heater connections, this system is compatible with Hot Spring, Caldera, Watkins, Dimension One, Saratoga, and other low-flow spa brands. Supports multiple pump configurations including dual-speed pumps, circulation pump, blower, ozonator, and 12V lighting. Full documentation including technical manual, start-up guide, troubleshooting guide, and quick reference card available. Professional electrical installation required. Order from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert technical support.

















