♨️ Balboa VL701S Topside Control Panel – Compatible with GS 5xxSZ Series

🌟 Premium 7-button LCD panel with dual pump & blower control – Separate Jets 1 & Jets 2 buttons with RJ45 connection

📋 Product Overview

The Balboa VL701S Topside Control Panel is a premium 7-button control interface designed for the GS 5xxSZ Series of hot tub control systems. With its sleek 188 mm × 84 mm rectangular design and comprehensive button layout, this panel provides advanced spa control with dedicated buttons for dual pump operation and blower control.

Featuring an LCD graphical display with moving function indicator icons, maintenance reminders, and service alerts on an easy-to-read screen, the VL701S delivers modern functionality with excellent visibility. The panel connects via RJ45 connector, ensuring reliable digital communication with compatible spa packs.

The VL Series of topside panels were designed to work with the Elite VS (Values) and GS (Global) Series of hot tub control systems. These panels support the advanced functions of the VS/GS controls that use Balboa’s patented M7 temperature and flow sensor technology and a new universal control platform.

With dedicated buttons for Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, Light, Warm, and Cool, this panel provides comprehensive control over all spa functions. The VL701S is compatible with GS501SZ, GS510SZ, and GS520SZ control systems, supporting 2 pumps plus blower operation.

⭐ Key Features

• ✅ 7-Button Interface – Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, Light, Warm, Cool controls
• ✅ Separate Jets 1 & Jets 2 Buttons – Independent control of each pump
• ✅ Dual Pump Support – Controls up to 2 jet pumps
• ✅ Blower Control – Dedicated button for air blower operation
• ✅ LCD Graphical Display – Moving function indicator icons
• ✅ Maintenance Reminders – Built-in service alerts on display
• ✅ GS 5xxSZ Series Compatible – Works with GS501SZ, GS510SZ, GS520SZ
• ✅ M7 Sensor Technology – Supports Balboa’s patented temperature and flow sensing
• ✅ Separate Temperature Buttons – Individual Warm and Cool buttons for precise adjustment
• ✅ Mode Control – Dedicated Mode button for system settings
• ✅ RJ45 Connection – Reliable digital communication connector
• ✅ Rectangular Design – 188 mm × 84 mm sleek profile
• ✅ Overlay Included – Complete panel with overlay fitted

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Balboa
Model	VL701S
Model Series	VL
Product Type	Topside Panel
Complete Topside MPN	53189
Naked Topside MPN	54112
Overlay MPN	10430
Compatible Systems	GS501SZ, GS510SZ, GS520SZ (GS 5xxSZ)
Display Type	LCD
Display Features	Graphical with moving icons, maintenance reminders, service alerts
Display Cut Out	Yes
Number of Buttons	7
Button Configuration	Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, Light, Warm, Cool
Maximum Pumps Supported	2
Blower Support	Yes
Dimensions (L × H)	188 mm × 84 mm
Shape	Rectangle
Connection Type	RJ45
Overlay Included	✅ Yes
Overlay Compatibility	VL701S

🖥️ Display & Controls

Button Configuration:

Button	Function
Warm	Increase temperature setpoint
Cool	Decrease temperature setpoint
Blower	Activate/control air blower
Mode	Access system modes and settings
Jets 1	Activate/control jet pump 1 independently
Jets 2	Activate/control jet pump 2 independently
Light	Control spa lighting

Display Features:

Feature	Description
Display Type	LCD Graphical
Function Icons	Moving indicator icons
Maintenance Alerts	Built-in maintenance reminders
Service Alerts	System service notifications
Display Cut Out	Yes (in overlay)

Control Capabilities:

Function	Availability
Pump 1 Control	✅ (Jets 1 button)
Pump 2 Control	✅ (Jets 2 button)
Blower Control	✅
Temperature Up	✅ (Warm button)
Temperature Down	✅ (Cool button)
Mode Selection	✅
Light Control	✅

🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Topside Control is Compatible With:

Control System	Series	Confirmed
GS501SZ	GS 5xxSZ	✅
GS510SZ	GS 5xxSZ	✅
GS520SZ	GS 5xxSZ	✅

VL Panel Compatibility Rule:

VL Panels ending in S work with VS/GS systems ending in SZ

Panel Suffix	Compatible System Suffix
VL panels ending in D	VS/GS systems ending in DZ
VL panels ending in S	VS/GS systems ending in SZ
Other VL panels	VS/GS systems ending in Z (not SZ or DZ)

NOT Compatible With:

• ❌ GS systems ending in Z only (not SZ)
• ❌ GS systems ending in DZ
• ❌ Standard Duplex systems
• ❌ GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z (non-SZ variants)

How to Verify Compatibility:

• 📍 Check your spa pack model number – must end in SZ (e.g., GS501SZ, GS510SZ, GS520SZ)
• 📍 Confirm your spa pack has 2 pump + blower capability
• 📍 Verify the connector type matches (RJ45)
• 📍 All panels ending with the same letter are interchangeable and hot swappable
• 📍 Contact Parts4Tubs if you require confirmation

⚠️ Important: The VL701S is specifically designed for GS systems ending in SZ. Ensure your spa pack matches before ordering.

⚙️ Installation Guide

Before Installation:

• ⚠️ Disconnect power to spa at the isolator/breaker before any work
• ⚠️ Verify compatibility with your GS 5xxSZ spa pack
• ⚠️ Confirm your system has 2 pumps and blower configured
• ⚠️ Confirm connector type matches (RJ45)

Installation Steps:

1. Turn off power at the isolator/breaker
2. Remove the existing topside panel from the mounting location
3. Disconnect the RJ45 cable from the spa pack
4. Connect the new VL701S cable to the spa pack
5. Mount the new topside panel in position (overlay is pre-fitted)
6. Restore power and test all functions including both pumps and blower

Mounting Information:

Specification	Detail
Panel Dimensions	188 mm × 84 mm
Shape	Rectangle
Overlay	Included and fitted
Connection	RJ45

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

⚡ Wiring & Connection

Connector Information:

Specification	Detail
Connector Type	RJ45
Communication	Digital

Connection Location:

The VL701S connects to the topside port on compatible GS 5xxSZ control systems via an RJ45 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 RJ45 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 M7 sensor (separate component)
Display dim or flickering	Connection issue or power problem	Check and reseat RJ45 connector
Warm/Cool buttons not responding	Panel fault or overlay issue	Check button membrane condition
Jets 1 or Jets 2 not working	Individual pump issue	Check pump connections and spa pack configuration
Blower not responding	Blower or wiring issue	Check blower connections
Mode button not working	System configuration issue	Refer to spa pack manual
Maintenance reminder showing	Scheduled maintenance due	Perform required maintenance and reset reminder

Error Codes:

Error codes are determined by the spa pack, not the topside panel itself. The VL701S displays error information from your GS 5xxSZ 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 RJ45 connection	Annually
Check overlay condition	Annually
Respond to maintenance reminders	As displayed

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 RJ45 connector

Overlay Replacement:

If overlay becomes worn, faded, or buttons unresponsive, replacement overlay (MPN: 10430) may be available separately.

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
🔄 Replacement for faulty VL701S topside	✅ Ideal
🎛️ Spas with GS501SZ control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS510SZ control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS520SZ control systems	✅ Compatible
💨 Systems with 2 pumps + blower	✅ Ideal
⬆️ Upgrade requiring LCD graphical display	✅ Ideal

Common Replacement Scenarios:

• 💔 Cracked or damaged display
• 🔘 Unresponsive buttons
• 💧 Water damage to existing panel
• 👁️ Faded or dim display
• 🔌 Damaged RJ45 connector
• 🏷️ Worn or illegible overlay

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: The VL701S is designed for Balboa GS systems ending in SZ (GS501SZ, GS510SZ, GS520SZ). VL Panels ending in S work with VS/GS systems ending in SZ. Check your spa pack model number to confirm.

Q: What is the difference between VL700S and VL701S?

A: The VL701S has an LCD graphical display with moving icons, maintenance reminders, and service alerts, while the VL700S has a Serial Standard style display. The VL701S also uses RJ45 connection while VL700S uses telephone cord style. Check your spa pack suffix to determine which is compatible.

Q: Why are there separate Jets 1 and Jets 2 buttons?

A: The separate Jets 1 and Jets 2 buttons allow independent control of each pump. This gives you more flexibility to run pumps individually or together.

Q: What does the Mode button do?

A: The Mode button allows access to system modes and settings on your GS 5xxSZ spa pack. Refer to your spa pack manual for specific mode functions.

Q: What are the maintenance reminders?

A: The VL701S LCD display includes built-in maintenance reminders and service alerts that notify you when maintenance is due. These can be reset after completing the required maintenance.

Q: Is the overlay included with this topside?

A: Yes, this model comes complete with the overlay (MPN: 10430) included and fitted.

Q: What is the connection type?

A: The VL701S uses an RJ45 connector for reliable digital communication with compatible spa packs.

Q: Can I swap between VL panels?

A: All panels ending with the same letter (S) are interchangeable and hot swappable on compatible systems. The VL701S works with any GS 5xxSZ system.

Q: What are the dimensions?

A: The VL701S measures 188 mm (length) × 84 mm (height) in a rectangular shape.

Q: What is the naked topside part number?

A: The naked topside (without overlay) MPN is 54112. The complete topside with overlay is MPN 53189.

📥 Downloads & Resources

• VL series
• cutout template

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa VL701S

• ✅ Genuine Balboa Quality – Manufactured to Balboa’s exacting standards
• ✅ 7-Button Design – Comprehensive control with dedicated buttons
• ✅ Separate Jets 1 & Jets 2 – Independent control of each pump
• ✅ Dual Pump + Blower Support – 2 pumps plus blower control
• ✅ LCD Graphical Display – Moving icons for intuitive operation
• ✅ Maintenance Reminders – Built-in service alerts
• ✅ M7 Sensor Compatible – Works with Balboa’s patented technology
• ✅ Precise Temperature Control – Separate Warm and Cool buttons
• ✅ GS 5xxSZ Series Compatible – GS501SZ, GS510SZ, GS520SZ
• ✅ RJ45 Connection – Reliable digital communication
• ✅ Hot Swappable – Interchangeable with other S-suffix VL panels
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready to install out of the box

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with local support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery
• ✅ Expert advice from spa specialists
• ✅ GS 5xxSZ Series compatibility assistance
• ✅ Full warranty support
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
• ✅ Replacement overlays available (MPN: 10430)

✨ Summary

The Balboa VL701S Topside Control Panel is a premium 7-button control interface designed for GS 5xxSZ Series control systems (GS501SZ, GS510SZ, GS520SZ). Measuring 188 mm × 84 mm with an LCD graphical display featuring moving function indicator icons, maintenance reminders, and service alerts, this panel provides comprehensive control of Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, Light, Warm, and Cool functions. The separate Jets 1 and Jets 2 buttons enable independent control of each pump, supporting 2 pumps plus blower operation. The VL Series panels work with Balboa’s patented M7 temperature and flow sensor technology. Connecting via RJ45 for reliable digital communication, the overlay is included. VL panels ending in S are interchangeable and hot swappable with compatible SZ systems. 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.