💆 Balboa Lite Leader Panel (RJ45 Plug) Topside Control – Compatible with Balboa Lite Leader System

Simple two-button control for effortless spa management and relaxation

♨️ Product Overview

The Balboa Lite Leader Panel (RJ45 Plug) is a compact two-button topside control panel designed for use with the Balboa Lite Leader control system. This straightforward touch panel provides essential spa control through a simple LIGHTS/JETS and TEMP button configuration, making it ideal for spa owners who prefer uncomplicated operation.

Featuring a basic 3-digit LED display, this topside delivers clear temperature readings and system status information at a glance. The panel connects via a standard RJ45 plug, ensuring a secure and reliable connection to your Lite Leader control box.

Built by Balboa, one of the most trusted names in spa control technology, this panel is part of the Eco series and supports single-pump operation. Please note that this product is supplied without an overlay and is now discontinued — limited stock remains available.

Balboa Part Number: 54117

⚠️ This product is discontinued. Purchase while stock lasts.

✨ Key Features

• ✅ Compatible System — Designed for the Balboa Lite Leader control box — direct plug-and-play connection
• ✅ Simple 2-Button Layout — LIGHTS/JETS and TEMP buttons — easy, intuitive spa control without complexity
• ✅ LED Display — Basic 3-digit LED screen — clear visibility of temperature and system status
• ✅ RJ45 Connection — Standard RJ45 plug connector — secure, reliable link to your spa pack
• ✅ 12V Operation — Low-voltage design — safe and energy-efficient performance
• ✅ Single Pump Support — Controls up to 1 pump — ideal for Lite Leader equipped spas
• ✅ Compact Design — 115 mm × 58 mm dimensions — fits neatly into your spa’s topside mounting area
• ✅ Balboa Quality — Manufactured by Balboa Water Group — trusted industry-leading reliability
• ✅ Eco Series — Part of Balboa’s Eco range — cost-effective spa control solution

⚙️ Technical Specifications

This Topside Control is Compatible With:

Spa Pack / System	Series	Source
Balboa Lite Leader Control Box	Eco	✅ Confirmed
Spaform SF50	—	✅ Confirmed
DIY Tub by Hindhead Hot Tubs	—	✅ Confirmed

NOT Compatible With:

• ❌ Balboa BP series control systems
• ❌ Balboa GS series control systems
• ❌ Non-Balboa Lite Leader spa packs

⚠️ Important: This topside is specifically designed for the Balboa Lite Leader system. Installing it on an incompatible spa pack will not work and may produce error codes. Always verify your spa pack model before purchasing.

How to Verify Compatibility:

📍 Check your existing topside panel for the part number (look for 54117 or similar Balboa reference)

📍 Identify your spa pack — it should be a Balboa Lite Leader control box

📍 Confirm your current panel uses an RJ45 plug connection

🔘 Button Functions & Controls

Button	Function
LIGHTS/JETS	Activates and controls spa lighting and jet pump operation
TEMP	Adjusts and displays the set water temperature

Display Information:

Display Element	Shows
3-Digit LED	Current or set water temperature
Status Indicators	System operational status
Error Codes	Diagnostic codes from the Lite Leader spa pack

💡 Tip: The simple two-button configuration makes this panel particularly user-friendly. The LIGHTS/JETS button provides combined control of both lighting and jet functions, whilst the TEMP button handles all temperature-related adjustments.

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🛠️ Installation Guide

Before Installation:

• ⚠️ Disconnect power to the spa at the isolator or circuit breaker before beginning any work
• ⚠️ Verify this panel is compatible with your Balboa Lite Leader control box
• ⚠️ Confirm the RJ45 connection matches your existing setup

Installation Steps:

1. Turn off all power to the spa at the isolator or breaker
2. Remove the existing topside panel from the spa shell
3. Disconnect the RJ45 cable from the Lite Leader control box
4. Connect the new Lite Leader panel’s RJ45 cable to the spa pack
5. Mount the new panel into the topside mounting position (panel dimensions: 115 mm × 58 mm)
6. Restore power and test all functions — check LED display, LIGHTS/JETS button, and TEMP button

Mounting:

Requirement	Detail
Panel Dimensions	115 mm (length) × 58 mm (width)
Cutout Size	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs for details
Mounting Type	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs for details

⚠️ Professional installation is recommended if you are unfamiliar with spa electronics or electrical safety procedures.

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⚡ Wiring & Connection

Connector Information:

Specification	Detail
Connector Type	RJ45 plug
Cable Length	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs for details
Extension Available	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs for details

Connection Location:

The RJ45 plug connects directly to the corresponding port on the Balboa Lite Leader control box. The RJ45 connector is described as being the same size as other Balboa panels in this range.

⚠️ Never force the connector into the port. If it does not fit easily, double-check that you are connecting to the correct port on the spa pack and that the connector type matches.

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🔍 Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Blank LED display	No power reaching the panel or loose RJ45 connection	Check power supply to the spa pack; reseat the RJ45 cable at both ends
Error codes on display	Spa pack diagnostic alert	Error codes originate from the Lite Leader control box — refer to your Lite Leader manual for code meanings
LIGHTS/JETS button unresponsive	Overlay wear, moisture ingress, or connection fault	Inspect overlay condition; check RJ45 connection; try reseating the cable
TEMP button unresponsive	Overlay wear or panel fault	Check overlay; if issue persists, the panel may require replacement
Incorrect temperature reading	Temperature sensor issue (not a topside fault)	Check the temperature sensor connected to the Lite Leader spa pack
Partial or flickering display	Loose connection or display fault	Reseat RJ45 cable; if issue continues, the panel may need replacing

Error Codes:

Error codes displayed on this topside panel are generated by the Balboa Lite Leader control box, not by the topside itself. Refer to your Lite Leader spa pack manual for a full list of error code meanings and solutions.

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⚙️ Maintenance & Care

Routine Care:

Task	Frequency
Wipe panel surface with a soft, damp cloth	Weekly
Check button responsiveness	Monthly
Inspect RJ45 cable connection for security	Annually
Check overlay condition (if fitted separately)	Annually

DO NOT:

• ❌ Use abrasive or solvent-based cleaners on the panel surface
• ❌ Submerge the topside panel in water
• ❌ Press buttons with sharp or pointed objects
• ❌ Pull or strain the RJ45 cable

Overlay Note:

This panel is supplied without an overlay. If you have a separate overlay fitted and it becomes worn, faded, or causes button unresponsiveness, a replacement overlay may be available. Contact Parts4Tubs for overlay availability.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
♨️ Replacement for faulty Lite Leader topside	✅ Ideal — direct replacement
♨️ Spaform SF50 hot tubs	✅ Compatible
♨️ DIY tub builds using Lite Leader system	✅ Compatible
♨️ Spas requiring simple 2-button control	✅ Ideal
♨️ Spas with non-Lite Leader control systems	❌ Not compatible

Common Replacement Scenarios:

• Cracked or physically damaged topside panel
• Unresponsive buttons despite good overlay condition
• Water damage to the existing panel
• LED display failure or blank screen
• Upgrading from a faulty unit on a Lite Leader system

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if this topside is compatible with my spa? A: This panel is designed specifically for the Balboa Lite Leader control box. It is also confirmed compatible with the Spaform SF50 and DIY tubs by Hindhead Hot Tubs using the Lite Leader system. Check your spa pack — if it is a Balboa Lite Leader, this panel should be compatible. Contact Parts4Tubs if you need help verifying.

Q: Is the overlay included with this panel? A: No. This panel is sold without an overlay. If you require an overlay, please contact Parts4Tubs to check availability.

Q: What type of connection does this panel use? A: It uses a standard RJ45 plug, which is the same connector size used by other Balboa panels in this range.

Q: What voltage does this panel operate on? A: The panel operates on 12V, supplied by the Lite Leader control box.

Q: Will this panel display error codes? A: Yes. The 3-digit LED display will show error codes generated by the Lite Leader spa pack. Refer to your Lite Leader control box manual for error code meanings.

Q: How many pumps can this panel control? A: This panel supports a maximum of 1 pump, as designed for the Lite Leader system.

Q: Can I install this panel myself? A: If you are comfortable working with spa electronics and can safely isolate power at the breaker or isolator, DIY installation is straightforward — simply disconnect the old panel’s RJ45 cable and connect the new one. Professional installation is recommended if you are unfamiliar with spa electrics.

Q: This product is discontinued — will I be able to get a replacement in the future? A: As this panel is discontinued by Balboa, stock is limited. Once current stock is exhausted, this exact model will no longer be available. Contact Parts4Tubs to discuss alternative options if stock runs out.

Q: What is the Balboa part number for this panel? A: The Balboa part number is 54117.

⭐ Why Choose the Balboa Lite Leader Panel

• ✅ Genuine Balboa Product — manufactured by the industry’s most trusted spa control brand
• ✅ Simple Operation — two-button design means no complex menus or confusing controls
• ✅ Clear LED Display — 3-digit readout for instant temperature and status information
• ✅ Reliable RJ45 Connection — standard plug ensures a secure, consistent connection
• ✅ Direct Replacement — plug-and-play compatibility with Lite Leader control boxes
• ✅ Compact Form Factor — 115 mm × 58 mm fits standard Lite Leader mounting positions

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with local support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery
• ✅ Expert advice from spa specialists
• ✅ Compatibility assistance available — tell us your spa pack model and we will confirm
• ✅ Full warranty support
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
• ✅ Access to replacement overlays and accessories
• ✅ Discontinued product sourcing — we work to maintain stock of hard-to-find parts

🎛️ Summary

The Balboa Lite Leader Panel (Part No. 54117) is a compact, 2-button topside control with a 3-digit LED display, designed exclusively for the Balboa Lite Leader control system. Featuring LIGHTS/JETS and TEMP buttons with an RJ45 plug connection, it delivers simple, reliable spa control. Now discontinued with limited stock remaining — order from Parts4Tubs today to secure your replacement panel whilst availability lasts.