🎛️ Balboa VL403 Topside Control Panel – Compatible with GS Series & Duplex Systems

🔆 Compact LED panel with Blower, Jets, Temp and Light controls for GS and Duplex systems

📋 Product Overview

The Balboa VL403 Topside Control Panel is a compact, high-visibility control interface designed for Balboa GS Series and Duplex control systems. With its 160 mm × 57 mm design and 4-button interface, this panel provides comprehensive spa control with the added benefit of an LED display for enhanced visibility.

Featuring a basic 3-digit LED display, the VL403 offers control of four key spa functions: Blower, Jets, Temp, and Light. Operating at 12V, this panel supports single pump operation plus 1 blower/auxiliary output, and connects via a telephone cord style connector for easy installation.

The VL403 is compatible with GS Series control systems including GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, and Duplex control systems. The LED display provides brighter, more visible temperature readings compared to traditional LCD panels, making it easier to read in various lighting conditions. This model comes complete with the overlay included, providing a ready-to-install solution.

⭐ Key Features

• ✅ GS Series Compatible – Works with GS500, GS500Z, GS501, and GS501Z control systems
• ✅ Duplex System Compatible – Also compatible with Duplex control systems
• ✅ LED Display – Bright 3-digit display for enhanced visibility
• ✅ Compact Design – 160 mm × 57 mm dimensions
• ✅ 4-Button Interface – Blower, Jets, Temp, and Light controls
• ✅ Single Pump Support – Designed for 1 pump systems
• ✅ Blower/Aux Support – Controls 1 blower or auxiliary device
• ✅ Telephone Cord Connection – Easy plug-and-play installation
• ✅ 12V Operation – Low voltage design for safe operation
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready to install with overlay fitted

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Balboa
Model	VL403
Model Series	VL
Product Type	Topside Panel
SKU	TS-VL403
Compatible Systems	GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, Duplex Control Systems
Display Type	LED
Display Format	Basic 3-Digit Style
Number of Buttons	4
Button Configuration	Blower, Jets, Temp, Light
Maximum Pumps Supported	1
Blower/Auxiliary Outputs	1
Operating Voltage	12V
Dimensions (L × H)	160 mm × 57 mm
Connection Type	Telephone Cord Style
Overlay Included	Yes
Status	✅ ACTIVE

💡 Display & Controls

Button Configuration:

Button	Function
Blower	Activate/control air blower
Jets	Activate/control jet pump
Temp	Adjust temperature setpoint
Light	Control spa lighting

Display Features:

Feature	Description
Display Type	LED
Digit Format	Basic 3-Digit Style
Temperature Display	Current/set water temperature
Visibility	Enhanced brightness for various lighting conditions

Control Capabilities:

Function	Availability
Pump Control	✅ (1 pump)
Blower/Aux Control	✅ (1 output)
Temperature Adjustment	✅
Light Control	✅

🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Topside Control is Compatible With:

Control System	Type	Confirmed
GS500	GS Series	✅
GS500Z	GS Series	✅
GS501	GS Series	✅
GS501Z	GS Series	✅
Duplex	Control System	✅

How to Verify Compatibility:

• 📍 Check your existing topside model (VL403 or similar VL series)
• 📍 Confirm your spa pack is a compatible system (GS500, GS501, or Duplex)
• 📍 Verify the connector type matches (telephone cord style)
• 📍 Check your system is a 1 pump + blower configuration
• 📍 Contact Parts4Tubs if you require confirmation

⚠️ Important: The VL403 is designed for GS Series and Duplex systems with single pump and blower 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 + blower 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 VL403 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
Profile	Compact format
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 VL403 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)
LED dim or flickering	Connection issue or power problem	Check and reseat telephone cord connector
Blower not responding	System configuration	Verify blower is configured in spa pack settings

Error Codes:

Error codes are determined by the spa pack, not the topside panel itself. The VL403 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 VL403 topside	✅ Ideal
🔄 Upgrade from LCD to LED display	✅ Ideal
🎛️ Spas with GS500 control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS500Z control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS501 control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS501Z control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with Duplex control systems	✅ Compatible
💨 Systems with blower/auxiliary output	✅ Compatible
♨️ Single pump + blower spa systems	✅ Compatible

Common Replacement Scenarios:

• 💔 Cracked or damaged display
• 🔘 Unresponsive buttons
• 💧 Water damage to existing panel
• 👁️ Faded or dim display
• 🔌 Damaged telephone cord connector
• ⬆️ Upgrade from LCD to LED display

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: The VL403 is compatible with Balboa GS Series control systems (GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z) and Duplex control systems. Check your spa pack model number to confirm compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between the VL403 (LED) and VL401 (LCD)?

A: The VL403 uses an LED display which is brighter and more visible in various lighting conditions, while the VL401 uses a traditional LCD display. Both have similar dimensions (160×57mm) and the same button configuration for GS/Duplex systems.

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 VL403 uses a telephone cord style connector for easy plug-and-play installation.

Q: What functions can I control?

A: The VL403 has 4 buttons providing control of Blower, Jets, Temp, and Light functions. It supports 1 pump and 1 blower/auxiliary output.

Q: What does the display show?

A: The VL403 features a basic 3-digit LED display showing water temperature with enhanced brightness for better visibility.

Q: What are the dimensions?

A: The VL403 measures 160 mm (length) × 57 mm (height).

Q: Why choose LED over LCD?

A: LED displays are typically brighter and easier to read in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight and low-light environments. They also tend to have longer lifespan and better contrast.

Q: Does this have blower control?

A: Yes, the VL403 includes dedicated blower control and supports 1 blower or auxiliary output.

Q: Can I use this to replace an LCD panel?

A: Yes, if you currently have a compatible LCD panel (such as VL401) and want to upgrade to an LED display, the VL403 can be used as a direct replacement, provided your spa pack is compatible (GS500, GS501, or Duplex).

📥 Downloads & Resources

• VL series
• cutout template

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa VL403

• ✅ Genuine Balboa Quality – Manufactured to Balboa’s exacting standards
• ✅ LED Display – Brighter, more visible than traditional LCD
• ✅ Compact Size – 160 mm × 57 mm fits most standard cutouts
• ✅ Full 4-Button Design – Blower, Jets, Temp, Light for complete control
• ✅ Blower Support – Dedicated blower/auxiliary control
• ✅ Wide Compatibility – Works with GS Series and Duplex systems
• ✅ Telephone Cord Connection – Reliable plug-and-play installation
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready to install out of the box
• ✅ Current Production – Active product with full availability

🤝 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
• ✅ Current stock of active products

✨ Summary

The Balboa VL403 Topside Control Panel is a compact, high-visibility control interface designed for GS Series and Duplex spa systems. Measuring 160 mm × 57 mm with a bright 3-digit LED display, this panel provides control of Blower, Jets, Temp, and Light functions, supporting 1 pump and 1 blower/auxiliary output. Compatible with GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, and Duplex control systems. The LED display offers enhanced visibility compared to traditional LCD panels, and the telephone cord style connection ensures easy installation. Overlay 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.