♨️ Balboa ML260 Topside Control Panel (4 Button) – Compatible with GL2000 & GL8000 Systems

💫 Larger format 4-button panel with LCD display for essential spa control – spacious layout for JETS, AUX, TEMP & LIGHT operation

🎛️ Product Overview

The Balboa ML260 Topside Control Panel is a larger format 4-button control interface from the ML series, designed for essential spa control with enhanced panel dimensions. Measuring 178 mm × 54 mm, the ML260 provides the same functionality as the compact ML240 but in a more spacious layout, making it ideal for installations requiring a larger panel footprint or for users who prefer more generously spaced controls.

Featuring a basic LCD display with 3-digit temperature readout, the ML260 offers clear visibility of spa temperature at a glance. Operating at 12V, this panel supports single pump operation plus 1 auxiliary output, and connects via an 8-pin connector (2 rows of 4 pins) for secure installation.

The ML260 is designed specifically for GL2000 and GL8000 control systems. With dedicated buttons for JETS, AUX, TEMP, and LIGHT, this panel provides essential control for everyday spa operation. This model comes complete with the overlay included, providing a ready-to-install solution for larger cutout requirements.

✨ Key Features

• ✅ Larger Format Design – 178 mm × 54 mm for spacious button layout
• ✅ 4-Button Interface – JETS, AUX, TEMP, and LIGHT controls
• ✅ LCD Display – Basic 3-digit style for clear temperature readout
• ✅ Single Pump Support – Designed for 1 pump systems
• ✅ Auxiliary Output – Dedicated AUX button for blower or additional device
• ✅ 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
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready to install out of the box

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Balboa
Model	ML260
Model Series	ML
Product Type	Topside Panel
SKU	TS-ML260
Compatible Systems	GL2000, GL8000
Display Type	LCD
Display Format	Basic 3 Digit Style
Number of Buttons	4
Button Configuration	JETS, AUX, TEMP, LIGHT
Maximum Pumps Supported	1
Blower/Auxiliary Outputs	1
Operating Voltage	12V
Dimensions (L × H)	178 mm × 54 mm
Connection Type	8 Small Plastic Pins (2 Rows of 4)
Overlay Included	✅ Yes
Status	✅ ACTIVE

📟 Display & Controls

Button Configuration:

Button	Function
JETS	Activate/control jet pump
AUX	Control auxiliary device (blower/other)
TEMP	Adjust temperature setpoint
LIGHT	Control spa lighting

Display Features:

Feature	Description
Display Type	LCD
Digit Format	Basic 3 Digit Style
Temperature Display	Current/set water temperature
Visibility	Clear digital readout

Control Capabilities:

Function	Availability
Pump Control	✅ (JETS button – 1 pump)
Aux/Blower Control	✅ (AUX button – 1 output)
Temperature Adjustment	✅ (TEMP button)
Light Control	✅

🔌 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 (ML260)
• 📍 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 ML260 is designed specifically for GL series systems (GL2000, GL8000). It is NOT compatible with GS series systems – use VL series panels for GS systems.

🔄 ML240 vs ML260 Comparison

Specification	ML240	ML260
Dimensions	133 mm × 49 mm	178 mm × 54 mm
Buttons	4	4
Button Config	JETS, AUX, TEMP, LIGHT	JETS, AUX, TEMP, LIGHT
Display	LCD 3-Digit	LCD 3-Digit
Max Pumps	1	1
Blower/Aux	1	1
Compatible Systems	GL2000, GL8000	GL2000, GL8000
Connection	8-Pin (2×4)	8-Pin (2×4)
Best For	Compact installations	Larger cutouts, spacious layout

Choose ML260 when:

• Your existing cutout is larger than ML240 dimensions
• You prefer more spacious button spacing
• Replacing an existing ML260 panel

🛠️ 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 (178 mm × 54 mm)

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 ML260’s 8-pin connector to the spa pack
5. Mount the new topside panel in position (overlay is pre-fitted)
6. Restore power and test all functions

Mounting Information:

Specification	Detail
Panel Dimensions	178 mm × 54 mm
Profile	Larger format
Overlay	Included and fitted
Connection	8 small plastic pins (2 rows of 4)

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

⚡ 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 ML260 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.

❓ 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
Buttons unresponsive	Overlay wear or panel fault	Check overlay condition
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 not working	Pump issue	Check pump connections and spa pack configuration
AUX not responding	Auxiliary device or wiring issue	Check auxiliary device connections
TEMP button not responding	Panel fault	Check button membrane condition

Error Codes:

Error codes are determined by the spa pack, not the topside panel itself. The ML260 displays error information from your GL2000 or GL8000 control system. Refer to your spa pack manual for specific error code meanings.

🧹 Maintenance & Care

Routine Care:

Task	Frequency
Wipe with soft damp cloth	Weekly
Check button response	Monthly
Inspect cable connection	Annually
Check overlay condition	Annually

DO NOT:

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

Overlay Replacement:

If overlay becomes worn, faded, or buttons unresponsive, replacement overlays may be available separately.

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
🔄 Replacement for faulty ML260 topside	✅ Ideal
🎛️ Spas with GL2000 control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GL8000 control systems	✅ Compatible
♨️ Single pump spa systems	✅ Ideal
📐 Larger cutout installations	✅ Ideal
🔘 Simple spa control requirements	✅ Ideal

Common Replacement Scenarios:

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

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: The ML260 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: What is the difference between ML240 and ML260?

A: The main difference is size. The ML260 (178 mm × 54 mm) is larger than the ML240 (133 mm × 49 mm). Both have the same 4-button configuration, display type, and compatibility with GL2000/GL8000 systems.

Q: What is the difference between ML and VL series panels?

A: ML series panels (like ML260) are designed for GL series control systems (GL2000, GL8000) and use 8-pin connectors. VL series panels are designed for GS/VS series control systems and typically use telephone cord style connectors. They are NOT interchangeable.

Q: What does the AUX button control?

A: The AUX button controls the auxiliary output on your spa, which is typically connected to a blower or other auxiliary device. Refer to your spa pack documentation for specific AUX configuration.

Q: How does the TEMP button work?

A: The TEMP button allows you to adjust the temperature setpoint on your spa. Refer to your GL2000/GL8000 manual for specific temperature adjustment procedures.

Q: Is the overlay included?

A: Yes, the ML260 comes complete with the overlay included.

Q: What is the connection type?

A: The ML260 uses an 8-pin connector with 2 rows of 4 small plastic pins. This is different from the telephone cord style connectors used on VL series panels.

Q: What are the dimensions?

A: The ML260 measures 178 mm (length) × 54 mm (height), making it a larger format panel compared to the ML240.

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa ML260

• ✅ Larger Format – 178 × 54 mm for spacious button layout
• ✅ Genuine Balboa Quality – Manufactured to Balboa’s exacting standards
• ✅ Simple 4-Button Design – JETS, AUX, TEMP, LIGHT for essential control
• ✅ LCD Display – Basic 3-digit style for clear temperature readout
• ✅ GL Series Compatible – Designed for GL2000 and GL8000 systems
• ✅ Secure 8-Pin Connection – Reliable 2 rows of 4 pins connector
• ✅ 12V Operation – Safe low voltage design
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready to install out of the box
• ✅ Currently Available – Active product in stock

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

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

✨ Summary

The Balboa ML260 Topside Control Panel is a larger format 4-button control interface from the ML series, designed for essential spa control with GL2000 and GL8000 systems. Measuring 178 mm × 54 mm with an LCD display showing basic 3-digit temperature readout, this panel provides control of JETS, AUX, TEMP, and LIGHT functions in a spacious layout. Supporting 1 pump and 1 auxiliary output, this panel connects via an 8-pin connector (2 rows of 4 pins) for secure installation. The overlay is included for a ready-to-install solution. Order from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert support.

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.