🎛️ Balboa VL406T Topside Control Panel – Compatible with GS Series, Duplex & Canadian Spa

🔆 Large-format LED panel with Jets, Blower, Light & Temp controls for versatile spa management

⚠️ DISCONTINUED BY BALBOA – Please use TS-VL407 when stock runs out.

💧 Product Overview

The Balboa VL406T Topside Control Panel is a large-format control interface designed for Balboa GS Series, Duplex control systems, Touch Spas, and Canadian Spa hot tubs. With its 178 mm × 86 mm design and 4-button interface, this panel provides comprehensive spa control with the added benefit of a bright LED display for enhanced visibility in all lighting conditions.

Featuring a basic 3-digit LED display, the VL406T offers control of four key spa functions: Jets, Blower, Light, and Temp. 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.

This is the generic version commonly used by Canadian Spa. In Canadian Spa hot tubs, the single jets button is used to operate 2 pumps. In spas without a blower, the blower button would simply be inactive, or the topside sticker can be changed to reflect the actual configuration. The VL406T is also compatible with GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, Duplex control systems, and Touch Spas.

Please note: This product has been discontinued by Balboa. When current stock is depleted, please use the replacement model TS-VL407.

⭐ Key Features

• ✅ GS Series Compatible – Works with GS500, GS500Z, GS501, and GS501Z control systems
• ✅ Duplex System Compatible – Also compatible with Duplex control systems
• ✅ Canadian Spa Compatible – Generic version commonly used by Canadian Spa
• ✅ Touch Spas Compatible – Works with Touch Spas systems
• ✅ LED Display – Bright 3-digit display for enhanced visibility
• ✅ Large-Format Design – 178 mm × 86 mm dimensions for excellent visibility
• ✅ 4-Button Interface – Jets, Blower, Light, and Temp controls
• ✅ Single Pump Support – Designed for 1 pump systems (can operate 2 pumps via Jets button)
• ✅ 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

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Balboa
Model	VL406T
Model Series	VL
Product Type	Topside Panel
SKU	TS-VL406
Compatible Systems	GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, Duplex Control Systems, Touch Spas
Display Type	LED
Display Format	Basic 3-Digit Style
Number of Buttons	4
Button Configuration	Jets, Blower, Light, Temp
Maximum Pumps Supported	1
Blower/Auxiliary Outputs	1
Operating Voltage	12V
Dimensions (L × H)	178 mm × 86 mm
Connection Type	Telephone Cord Style
Status	⚠️ DISCONTINUED
Replacement Model	TS-VL407

💡 Display & Controls

Button Configuration:

Button	Function
Jets	Activate/control jet pump(s) – can operate 2 pumps in Canadian Spa
Blower	Activate/control air blower (inactive if no blower installed)
Light	Control spa lighting
Temp	Adjust temperature setpoint

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, or 2 pumps via single Jets button in Canadian Spa)
Blower/Aux Control	✅ (1 output) – inactive if no blower installed
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	✅
Touch Spas	Control System	✅

Commonly Found In:

Spa Brand	Notes	Confirmed
Canadian Spa	Generic version – Jets button operates 2 pumps	✅
Touch Spas	Compatible	✅

Canadian Spa Configuration Notes:

• 📍 Single Jets button can operate 2 pumps
• 📍 Blower button inactive if no blower installed
• 📍 Topside sticker can be changed to match actual configuration

How to Verify Compatibility:

• 📍 Check your existing topside model (VL406T)
• 📍 Confirm your spa pack is a compatible system (GS500, GS501, Duplex, or Touch Spas)
• 📍 Verify the connector type matches (telephone cord style)
• 📍 Contact Parts4Tubs if you require confirmation

⚠️ Important: The VL406T is designed for GS Series, Duplex, and Touch Spas systems. 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)
• ⚠️ Check if your spa has a blower (button will be inactive if not)

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 VL406T cable to the spa pack
5. Mount the new topside panel in position
6. Restore power and test all functions

Mounting Information:

Specification	Detail
Panel Dimensions	178 mm × 86 mm
Profile	Large format
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 VL406T connects to the topside port on compatible GS Series, Duplex, and Touch Spas 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 button does nothing	No blower installed	Normal if spa has no blower
Jets button operates both pumps	Canadian Spa configuration	Normal for Canadian Spa setups

Error Codes:

Error codes are determined by the spa pack, not the topside panel itself. The VL406T 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

Overlay Replacement:

If overlay becomes worn, faded, or buttons unresponsive, replacement overlays may be available separately. The topside sticker can also be changed to match the actual spa configuration.

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
🔄 Replacement for faulty VL406T topside	✅ 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
🎛️ Touch Spas	✅ Compatible
♨️ Canadian Spa hot tubs	✅ Generic version
💨 Systems with blower/auxiliary output	✅ Compatible
♨️ Single pump + blower spa systems	✅ Compatible
♨️ 2 pump systems (via single Jets button)	✅ Canadian Spa configuration

Common Replacement Scenarios:

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

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: When current stock of the TS-VL406 (VL406T) is depleted, please use the replacement model TS-VL407. Contact Parts4Tubs for availability and compatibility confirmation.

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

A: The VL406T is compatible with Balboa GS Series control systems (GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z), Duplex control systems, and Touch Spas. It’s also the generic version used by Canadian Spa. Check your spa pack model number to confirm compatibility.

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

A: Yes, this is the generic version commonly used by Canadian Spa. The single Jets button can operate 2 pumps. If your spa doesn’t have a blower, the Blower button will simply be inactive.

Q: The Blower button doesn’t do anything – is it faulty?

A: Not necessarily. In spas without a blower installed (common in some Canadian Spa models), the Blower button will be inactive. This is normal operation.

Q: Can the overlay/sticker be changed?

A: Yes, the topside sticker can be changed to match your actual spa configuration if needed.

Q: What is the difference between VL406T and VL404?

A: The VL406T has different dimensions (178×86mm vs 187×83mm) and a different button order (Jets, Blower, Light, Temp vs Set/Temp, Blower, Jets, Light). Both are compatible with similar systems.

Q: What is the connection type?

A: The VL406T uses a telephone cord style connector for easy plug-and-play installation.

Q: What functions can I control?

A: The VL406T has 4 buttons: Jets, Blower, Light, and Temp. It supports 1 pump and 1 blower/auxiliary output. In Canadian Spa, the Jets button can operate 2 pumps.

Q: What does the display show?

A: The VL406T features a basic 3-digit LED display showing water temperature with enhanced brightness for better visibility.

Q: What are the dimensions?

A: The VL406T measures 178 mm (length) × 86 mm (height), making it a large-format panel with excellent visibility.

📥 Downloads & Resources

• VL series
• cutout template

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa VL406T

• ✅ Genuine Balboa Quality – Manufactured to Balboa’s exacting standards
• ✅ LED Display – Brighter, more visible than traditional LCD
• ✅ Large Format Size – 178 mm × 86 mm for excellent visibility
• ✅ Full 4-Button Design – Jets, Blower, Light, Temp for complete control
• ✅ Blower Support – Dedicated blower/auxiliary control
• ✅ Wide Compatibility – Works with GS Series, Duplex, Touch Spas, and Canadian Spa
• ✅ Canadian Spa Ready – Generic version with multi-pump Jets button support
• ✅ Telephone Cord Connection – Reliable plug-and-play installation

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

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

✨ Summary

The Balboa VL406T Topside Control Panel is a large-format control interface designed for GS Series, Duplex, Touch Spas, and Canadian Spa hot tubs. Measuring 178 mm × 86 mm with a bright 3-digit LED display, this panel provides control of Jets, Blower, Light, and Temp functions, supporting 1 pump (or 2 pumps via single Jets button in Canadian Spa) and 1 blower/auxiliary output. This is the generic version commonly used by Canadian Spa where the Blower button is inactive if no blower is installed. Compatible with GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z, and Duplex control systems. The telephone cord style connection ensures easy installation. Note: This product is discontinued by Balboa – please use TS-VL407 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.