🛠️ Balboa GL8000 PCB – Spa Control Circuit Board

Versatile replacement circuit board for GL8000 control boxes – compatible with Catalina, Spaform, Leisurerite, and QCA Spas.

📋 Product Overview

The Balboa GL8000 PCB is a versatile and compatible replacement circuit board designed for the GL8000 control box, commonly found in hot tubs from brands like Catalina, Spaform, Leisurerite, and QCA Spas. It supports multiple pump configurations, air blowers, and lighting options, making it an essential component for repairing or upgrading spa systems.

This generic unit is ideal for replacing faulty PCBs in existing GL8000 control boxes and must not be used with other devices or products.

✨ Key Features

✅ 230V AC 50Hz Operation – Designed for UK and European electrical systems

✅ Multi-Pump Support – Controls Pump 1 (single/dual-speed), Pump 2 (single/dual-speed), and Pump 3 (single-speed)

✅ Optional Circulation Pump – Pump 1 supports optional circulation pump

✅ Air Blower Output – Optional air blower control

✅ Built-in Heater Control – Integrated heater management

✅ Ozone Ready – Ozone generator output included

✅ Dual Lighting Options – Supports 12V or 230V spa lighting

✅ M7 Sensor System – 2 x M7 sensor inputs

✅ No Pressure Switch Required – Simplified installation

✅ Multi-Brand Compatible – Works with Catalina, Spaform, Leisurerite, and QCA Spas

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Brand	Balboa
Model / Series	GL
Product Type	PCB
Input Voltage	230V AC
Frequency	50Hz
Pump 1	Single or dual-speed (with optional circulation pump)
Pump 2	Single or dual-speed
Pump 3	Single-speed
Air Blower	Yes (optional)
Heater Output	Yes
Ozone Output	Yes
Light Output	12V or 230V
Sensors	2 x M7
Pressure Switch	Not required
Length	290 mm
Width	250 mm
Box Quantity	Sold individually

🔗 Compatibility Guide

Compatible Control Boxes

Control Box	Compatibility
GL8000	✅ Compatible

⚠️ This PCB must only be used with GL8000 control boxes. Must not be used with other devices or products.

Compatible Hot Tub Brands

Brand	Compatibility
Catalina	✅ Compatible
Spaform	✅ Compatible
Leisurerite	✅ Compatible
QCA Spas	✅ Compatible

⚙️ Board Functions & Controls

Pump Control

Output	Function	Configuration
Pump 1	Main jet pump	Single or dual-speed
Circulation Pump	24hr circulation	Optional (with Pump 1)
Pump 2	Secondary jets	Single or dual-speed
Pump 3	Third pump	Single-speed

Additional Outputs

Function	Specification
Air Blower	Yes (optional)
Heater	Yes
Ozone	Yes
Light	12V or 230V

Sensor System

Feature	Specification
Sensor Type	M7
Quantity	2
Pressure Switch	Not required

🛠️ Installation Requirements

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Installation should be carried out by a competent individual or qualified electrician.

Pre-Installation Checklist

• [ ] Verify this is a GL8000 control box
• [ ] Disconnect all power at the isolator/breaker
• [ ] Photograph existing wiring connections
• [ ] Note existing DIP switch settings
• [ ] Allow capacitors to discharge (wait 5 minutes minimum)

Electrical Requirements

Requirement	Specification
Supply Voltage	230V AC
Frequency	50Hz
RCD Protection	Required (30mA recommended)
Earth Connection	Mandatory

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Electrical Safety

• ⚠️ ALWAYS disconnect power before any work
• ⚠️ Installation by qualified electrician recommended
• ⚠️ Ensure correct voltage supply (230V AC, 50Hz)
• ⚠️ Verify RCD protection is installed and functioning
• ⚠️ Never operate spa with covers removed from electrical components

Important Notes

• ⚠️ This PCB is for GL8000 control boxes only
• ⚠️ Must not be used with other devices or products
• ⚠️ Incorrect installation may void warranty
• ⚠️ Damage caused by improper installation is not covered

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
♨️ Catalina Hot Tubs	✅ Compatible	GL8000 systems
♨️ Spaform Hot Tubs	✅ Compatible	GL8000 systems
♨️ Leisurerite Hot Tubs	✅ Compatible	GL8000 systems
♨️ QCA Spas	✅ Compatible	GL8000 systems

This board is designed for:

• Replacing faulty GL8000 circuit boards
• Repairing existing GL8000 spa control systems
• Upgrading spa systems with GL8000 control boxes

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if this board fits my spa? A: This board is designed for GL8000 control boxes only, commonly found in Catalina, Spaform, Leisurerite, and QCA Spas hot tubs.

Q: Can I use this with other control boxes? A: No. This PCB must only be used with GL8000 control boxes and must not be used with other devices or products.

Q: What pump configurations does this board support? A: Pump 1 (single/dual-speed with optional circ pump), Pump 2 (single/dual-speed), and Pump 3 (single-speed).

Q: Does this board have air blower output? A: Yes, optional air blower output is available.

Q: What sensors does this board use? A: The board uses 2 x M7 sensors and does not require a pressure switch.

Q: What lighting options are available? A: The board supports both 12V and 230V spa lighting.

Q: Do I need a qualified electrician to install this? A: Yes, installation should be carried out by a competent individual or qualified electrician.

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa GL8000 PCB

• ✅ Balboa Quality – Trusted brand in spa control systems
• ✅ 230V AC 50Hz – Designed for UK electrical systems
• ✅ Versatile Pump Control – Supports up to 3 pumps plus circulation pump
• ✅ Air Blower Option – Optional blower control included
• ✅ M7 Sensor System – No pressure switch required
• ✅ Multi-Brand Compatible – Works with Catalina, Spaform, Leisurerite, QCA Spas

🤝 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
• ✅ Compatible parts and accessories available
• ✅ Help with identifying correct replacement board

✨ Summary

The Balboa GL8000 PCB is a versatile replacement circuit board for GL8000 control boxes, commonly found in hot tubs from Catalina, Spaform, Leisurerite, and QCA Spas. Operating at 230V AC 50Hz, this board supports comprehensive pump configurations including Pump 1 (single/dual-speed with optional circulation pump), Pump 2 (single/dual-speed), and Pump 3 (single-speed). Features include optional air blower output, built-in heater control, ozone output, 12V or 230V lighting support, and 2 x M7 sensors eliminating the need for a pressure switch. Dimensions: 290mm × 250mm. This PCB is designed for GL8000 control boxes only and must not be used with other devices or products. Installation by a qualified electrician is recommended.

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.