🛁 Balboa TP500 Topside Control Panel – Compatible with BP Series Systems

6-button control with menu functionality for complete spa management

📋 Product Overview

The Balboa TP500 is a versatile 6-button topside control panel designed for use with Balboa BP Series spa systems. This panel provides comprehensive control of temperature, jets, lighting, and auxiliary functions, with the added convenience of dedicated WARM, COOL, and MENU buttons for intuitive spa management.

Featuring a Serial Standard style screen with 4 large digits in a horizontal line and scrolling text capability, the TP500 delivers clear visibility of spa settings and status information. The panel operates on 12V and connects via 4 black plastic pins in a grid formation.

The TP500 is compatible with Balboa BP Series systems such as BP601 and BP2100, making it an ideal replacement for faulty or damaged topside controls. The overlay is included for immediate installation.

✨ Key Features

• ✅ 6-Button Configuration – WARM, COOL, MENU, LIGHT, JETS, and AUX controls
• ✅ Menu Access – Dedicated MENU button for system settings
• ✅ Temperature Controls – Separate WARM and COOL buttons for precise adjustment
• ✅ 12V Operation – Safe low-voltage control panel
• ✅ Serial Standard Display – 4 large digits with scrolling text
• ✅ Compact Design – 160 mm × 57 mm panel size
• ✅ BP Series Compatible – Works with Balboa BP601, BP2100 and similar
• ✅ 4-Pin Grid Connection – Secure connection via 4 black plastic pins
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready for immediate installation

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Brand	Balboa
Model / Series	TP
Product Type	Topside Panel
Compatible System	Balboa BP Series (BP601, BP2100)
Operating Voltage	12V
Number of Buttons	6
Button Configuration	WARM, COOL, MENU, LIGHT, JETS, AUX
Max Pumps	1
Blower / Aux	1
Display Type	Serial Standard style
Display Features	4 large digits, horizontal line, scrolling text
Panel Length	160 mm
Panel Width (Height)	57 mm
Connection Type	4 black plastic pins in grid formation

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🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Topside Control is Compatible With:

Spa Pack Model	Series	Confirmed
BP601	BP600	✅
BP2100	BP2100	✅

⚠️ Important: The TP500 works with Balboa BP Series systems. Check your spa pack model number to confirm compatibility before ordering.

How to Verify Compatibility:

📍 Check your spa pack model number in the equipment compartment 📍 Confirm your system is a Balboa BP Series 📍 Check the part number on your existing topside 📍 Contact Parts4Tubs if you require assistance

🔘 Button Functions & Controls

Button	Function
WARM	Increase water temperature
COOL	Decrease water temperature
MENU	Access system settings and configuration
LIGHT	Toggle spa lighting on/off
JETS	Control jet pump operation
AUX	Control auxiliary device (Pump 2 or Blower)

Display Information:

Display Element	Shows
4-Digit Display	Current/set water temperature
Scrolling Text	Status messages, menu options, and error codes
Horizontal Layout	Clear visibility of readings

🛠️ Installation Guide

Before Installation:

• ⚠️ Disconnect power to the spa at the isolator or circuit breaker
• ⚠️ Verify the TP500 is compatible with your Balboa BP Series spa pack
• ⚠️ Note: This product is discontinued – consider TS-TP503 for future replacements

Panel Dimensions for Mounting:

Dimension	Measurement
Panel Length	160 mm
Panel Width	57 mm
Cutout Size	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs for details

General Installation Steps:

1. Turn off power at the main isolator
2. Remove the existing topside panel
3. Disconnect the old cable from the spa pack (4-pin grid connection)
4. Connect the new TP500 panel to the spa pack
5. Mount the new panel in position
6. Ensure overlay is properly positioned
7. Restore power and test all functions

⚠️ Professional installation is recommended if you are unfamiliar with spa electrical systems.

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🔌 Wiring & Connection

Connector Information:

Specification	Detail
Connection Type	4 black plastic pins in grid formation
Operating Voltage	12V

⚠️ Never force the connector. If resistance is encountered, verify you have the correct orientation and compatible spa pack.

🔍 Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Blank display	No power to spa pack	Check isolator and circuit breaker
Blank display	Loose connection	Verify connector is fully seated
Error codes displayed	Spa pack fault	Refer to spa pack manual
Buttons unresponsive	Overlay wear	Check overlay condition
AUX not working	Configuration issue	Verify pump/blower wiring
MENU not responding	System configuration	Check spa pack settings

Display Messages:

The scrolling text display shows status messages and error codes from your spa pack. Refer to your BP Series spa pack manual for specific error code definitions.

🔧 Maintenance & Care

Routine Care:

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

DO NOT:

• ❌ Use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
• ❌ Apply solvents or chemical cleaners
• ❌ Submerge the panel in water
• ❌ Press buttons with sharp objects

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
♨️ Hot tub systems requiring menu access	✅ Ideal
♨️ Spas with pump and blower configurations	✅ Ideal
♨️ BP601 systems	✅ Compatible
♨️ BP2100 systems	✅ Compatible

Common Replacement Scenarios:

• Replacing faulty or damaged TP500 panel
• Worn or unresponsive overlay
• Display malfunction
• Water damage replacement

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this product still available? A: This product has been DISCONTINUED BY BALBOA. Limited stock may still be available. When stock runs out, please use TS-TP503 as the replacement.

Q: What is the replacement for the TP500? A: Balboa recommends using the TS-TP503 when the TP500 is no longer available.

Q: How do I know if this topside is compatible with my spa? A: The TP500 is compatible with Balboa BP Series spa packs such as BP601 and BP2100. Check your spa pack model number to confirm compatibility.

Q: Is the overlay included? A: Yes, the overlay is included with this panel.

Q: What are the panel dimensions? A: The panel measures 160 mm in length and 57 mm in width (height).

Q: What type of display does this panel have? A: The TP500 has a Serial Standard style screen with 4 large digits in a horizontal line and scrolling text capability.

Q: What is the difference between the TP500 and 4-button panels like TP200T? A: The TP500 has 6 buttons including dedicated WARM, COOL, and MENU buttons, compared to 4-button panels that have a single TEMP button and no MENU access.

Q: Can I install this myself? A: If you are comfortable working with spa electronics and can safely isolate power, DIY installation is possible. However, professional installation is recommended if you are unfamiliar with spa systems.

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa TP500

• ✅ 6-Button Design – Comprehensive control with MENU access
• ✅ Separate Temperature Buttons – WARM and COOL for precise adjustment
• ✅ Clear Display – 4 large digits with scrolling text
• ✅ Menu Functionality – Access system settings easily
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready for immediate installation
• ✅ 12V Operation – Safe low-voltage control
• ✅ BP Series Compatibility – Works with BP601, BP2100 and similar
• ✅ Genuine Balboa Product – Quality you can trust

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with local customer support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery on in-stock items
• ✅ Expert advice from hot tub and spa specialists
• ✅ Compatibility assistance available
• ✅ Full warranty support and after-sales service
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
• ✅ Genuine Balboa products
• ✅ Replacement parts (TS-TP503) available when this product runs out

⭐ Summary

The Balboa TP500 is a 6-button topside control panel designed for Balboa BP Series spa systems. Features WARM, COOL, MENU, LIGHT, JETS, and AUX buttons with a Serial Standard style display showing 4 large digits and scrolling text. Compatible with BP601, BP2100 and similar BP Series systems. Panel dimensions of 160 mm × 57 mm. Operates on 12V with 4 black plastic pins grid connection. Overlay included for immediate installation.

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.