🎛️ Balboa VL401 Topside Control Panel (Jets) – Compatible with GS Series & Duplex Systems

📟 LCD panel with Jets, Light, Cool and Warm controls for single pump spa systems

⚠️ DISCONTINUED BY BALBOA – Please use TS-VL409 when stock runs out.

💧 Product Overview

The Balboa VL401 Topside Control Panel (Jets) is a 4-button control interface designed for Balboa GS Series and Duplex control systems. With its rectangular 160 mm × 57 mm design and basic 3-digit LCD display, this panel provides intuitive control of essential spa functions including Jets, Light, Cool, and Warm.

Operating at 12V, the VL401 is compatible with a wide range of Balboa systems including the Duplex range (Duplex Value system, M1 series), GS100, GS500, GS500Z, GS501, and GS501Z. This panel is commonly found in the Freeflow and Leisurerite Spa ranges, making it an ideal replacement for these popular spa brands.

The VL401 supports single pump systems and connects via a telephone cord style connector for easy installation. This model comes complete with the overlay included, providing a ready-to-install solution for your spa control needs.

Please note: This product has been discontinued by Balboa. When current stock is depleted, please use the replacement model TS-VL409.

⭐ Key Features

• ✅ Wide Compatibility – Works with GS100, GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, and Duplex systems
• ✅ Duplex Range Support – Compatible with Duplex Value system and M1 series
• ✅ LCD Display – Basic 3-digit style for clear temperature readings
• ✅ 4-Button Interface – Jets, Light, Cool, and Warm controls
• ✅ Single Pump Support – Designed for 1 pump systems
• ✅ Telephone Cord Connection – Easy plug-and-play installation
• ✅ 12V Operation – Low voltage design for safe operation
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready to install with overlay fitted
• ✅ Freeflow Compatible – Commonly found in Freeflow Spa range
• ✅ Leisurerite Compatible – Commonly found in Leisurerite Spa range

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Balboa
Model	VL401 (Jets)
Model Series	VL
Product Type	Topside Panel
SKU	TS-VL405
Compatible Systems	GS100, GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, Duplex Value, M1 Series
Display Type	LCD
Display Format	Basic 3-Digit Style
Number of Buttons	4
Button Configuration	Jets, Light, Cool, Warm
Maximum Pumps Supported	1
Operating Voltage	12V
Dimensions (L × H)	160 mm × 57 mm
Connection Type	Telephone Cord Style
Overlay Included	Yes
Status	⚠️ DISCONTINUED
Replacement Model	TS-VL409

🖥️ Display & Controls

Button Configuration:

Button	Function
Jets	Activate/control jet pump
Light	Control spa lighting
Cool	Decrease temperature setpoint
Warm	Increase temperature setpoint

Display Features:

Feature	Description
Display Type	LCD
Digit Format	Basic 3-Digit Style
Temperature Display	Current/set water temperature

Control Capabilities:

Function	Availability
Pump Control	✅ (1 pump)
Temperature Adjustment	✅ (Cool/Warm buttons)
Light Control	✅

🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Topside Control is Compatible With:

Control System	Type	Confirmed
GS100	GS Series	✅
GS500	GS Series	✅
GS500Z	GS Series	✅
GS501	GS Series	✅
GS501Z	GS Series	✅
Duplex Value	Duplex Range	✅
M1 Series	Duplex Range	✅

Commonly Found In:

Spa Brand	Confirmed
Freeflow Spas	✅
Leisurerite Spas	✅

How to Verify Compatibility:

• 📍 Check your existing topside model (VL401 or similar VL Series)
• 📍 Confirm your spa pack is a compatible system (GS Series or Duplex)
• 📍 Verify the connector type matches (telephone cord style)
• 📍 Check your system is a 1 pump configuration
• 📍 Contact Parts4Tubs if you require confirmation

⚠️ Important: The VL401 is designed for GS Series and Duplex systems with single pump configurations. Installing an incompatible topside will not work.

⚙️ Installation Guide

Before Installation:

• ⚠️ Disconnect power to spa at the isolator/breaker before any work
• ⚠️ Verify compatibility with your spa pack system
• ⚠️ Confirm connector type matches (telephone cord style)
• ⚠️ Ensure your system is a 1 pump configuration

Installation Steps:

1. Turn off power at the isolator/breaker
2. Remove the existing topside panel from the mounting location
3. Disconnect the telephone cord style cable from the spa pack
4. Connect the new VL401 cable 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	160 mm × 57 mm
Overlay	Included and fitted
Connection	Telephone cord style

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

🔌 Wiring & Connection

Connector Information:

Specification	Detail
Connector Type	Telephone Cord Style
Operating Voltage	12V

Connection Location:

The VL401 connects to the topside port on compatible GS Series and Duplex control systems via a telephone cord style connector.

⚠️ Never force the connector. 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 cable 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)
LCD flickering	Connection issue	Check and reseat telephone cord connector

Error Codes:

Error codes are determined by the spa pack, not the topside panel itself. The VL401 displays error information from your 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
• ❌ Pull or strain the telephone cord connector

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
🔄 Replacement for faulty VL401 topside	✅ Ideal
🎛️ Spas with GS100 control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS500/GS500Z control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS501/GS501Z control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with Duplex Value systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with M1 Series systems	✅ Compatible
♨️ Freeflow Spas	✅ Compatible
♨️ Leisurerite Spas	✅ Compatible
♨️ Single pump spa systems	✅ Compatible

Common Replacement Scenarios:

• 💔 Cracked or damaged LCD display
• 🔘 Unresponsive buttons
• 💧 Water damage to existing panel
• 👁️ Faded or illegible display
• 🔌 Damaged telephone cord connector

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: This product is discontinued – what should I use instead?

A: When current stock of the TS-VL405 is depleted, please use the replacement model TS-VL409. Contact Parts4Tubs for availability and compatibility confirmation.

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

A: The VL401 (Jets) is compatible with Balboa GS Series control systems (GS100, GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z) and Duplex systems (Duplex Value, M1 Series). It is commonly found in Freeflow and Leisurerite Spas. Check your spa pack model number to confirm compatibility.

Q: Is the overlay included with this topside?

A: Yes, this model comes complete with the overlay included and fitted.

Q: What is the connection type?

A: The VL401 (Jets) uses a telephone cord style connector for easy plug-and-play installation.

Q: What functions can I control?

A: The VL401 has 4 buttons providing control of Jets, Light, Cool (temperature down), and Warm (temperature up) functions. It is designed for single pump systems.

Q: What does the display show?

A: The VL401 features a basic 3-digit LCD display showing water temperature.

Q: What are the dimensions?

A: The VL401 (Jets) measures 160 mm (length) × 57 mm (height).

Q: I have a Freeflow Spa – will this work?

A: Yes, the VL401 (Jets) is commonly found in the Freeflow Spa range and is compatible with these systems.

Q: I have a Leisurerite Spa – will this work?

A: Yes, the VL401 (Jets) is commonly found in the Leisurerite Spa range and is compatible with these systems.

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa VL401 (Jets)

• ✅ Genuine Balboa Quality – Manufactured to Balboa’s exacting standards
• ✅ Wide Compatibility – Works with GS Series and Duplex systems
• ✅ Clear LCD Display – Basic 3-digit style for easy temperature reading
• ✅ Simple 4-Button Interface – Jets, Light, Cool, Warm for intuitive operation
• ✅ Freeflow & Leisurerite Compatible – Ideal for these popular spa brands
• ✅ Telephone Cord Connection – Easy plug-and-play installation
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready to install out of the box

⚠️ Note: This product is discontinued. Order now while stock lasts, or consider the replacement model TS-VL409.

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with local support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery
• ✅ Expert advice from spa specialists
• ✅ GS Series and Duplex compatibility assistance
• ✅ Full warranty support
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
• ✅ Guidance on replacement models for discontinued products

✨ Summary

The Balboa VL401 Topside Control Panel (Jets) is a 4-button control interface designed for GS Series and Duplex spa systems. Measuring 160 mm × 57 mm with a basic 3-digit LCD display, this panel provides control of Jets, Light, Cool, and Warm functions for single pump systems. Compatible with GS100, GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, Duplex Value, and M1 Series, and commonly found in Freeflow and Leisurerite Spas. The telephone cord style connection ensures easy installation, and the overlay is included. Note: This product is discontinued by Balboa – please use TS-VL409 when stock runs out. 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.