🛁 Balboa VL701S Topside Control Panel – Compatible with GS510S Series, Spaform, Hydropool & More

✨ Premium 7-button panel with dual pump & blower control – Serial Standard display with overlay included

📋 Product Overview

The Balboa VL701S Topside Control Panel is a comprehensive 7-button control interface designed for dual pump spa systems with blower support. With its 187 mm × 83 mm design and full button layout, this panel provides complete spa control with individual Warm and Cool temperature buttons, separate Jets 1 and Jets 2 controls for independent pump operation, plus dedicated blower control.

Featuring a Serial Standard style display with 4 large digits arranged in a horizontal line, the VL701S offers excellent visibility and clear temperature readings. Operating at 12V, this panel supports 2 pumps plus 1 blower/auxiliary output, and connects via a telephone cord style connector for easy installation.

The VL701S is designed for advanced GS510S Series control systems and is compatible with a wide range of spa brands including Spaform SF100, Hydropool, Canadian Spa, Beachcomber, Catalina, Aegean, Hot Tubs Direct, and Touch Spas. With dedicated buttons for Warm, Cool, Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, and Light, this panel provides comprehensive control over all spa functions. This model comes complete with the overlay included, providing a ready-to-install solution.

⭐ Key Features

• ✅ 7-Button Interface – Warm, Cool, Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, and Light controls
• ✅ Dual Pump Support – Independent control of 2 pumps via Jets 1 and Jets 2 buttons
• ✅ Blower/Aux Support – Dedicated control for 1 blower or auxiliary device
• ✅ GS510S Series Compatible – Works with GS501SZ, GS510S, GS510SZ, and GS511SZ
• ✅ 2005 LE & M3TUV Compatible – Works with legacy control systems
• ✅ Multi-Brand Compatible – Spaform SF100, Hydropool, Canadian Spa, Beachcomber, and more
• ✅ Serial Standard Display – 4 large digits in horizontal line for excellent visibility
• ✅ Separate Temperature Buttons – Individual Warm and Cool buttons for precise adjustment
• ✅ Mode Control – Dedicated Mode button for system settings
• ✅ Telephone Cord Connection – Easy plug-and-play installation
• ✅ 12V Operation – Low voltage design for safe operation
• ✅ Overlay Included – Ready to install out of the box

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Manufacturer	Balboa
Model	VL701S
Model Series	VL
Product Type	Topside Panel
SKU	TS-VL731
Compatible Systems	GS501SZ, GS510S, GS510SZ, GS511SZ, 2005 LE, M3TUV
Compatible Brands	Spaform SF100, Hydropool, Canadian Spa, Beachcomber, Catalina, Aegean, Hot Tubs Direct, Touch Spas
Display Type	Serial Standard Style
Display Format	4 Large Digits in Horizontal Line
Number of Buttons	7
Button Configuration	Warm, Cool, Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, Light
Maximum Pumps Supported	2
Blower/Auxiliary Outputs	1
Operating Voltage	12V
Dimensions (L × H)	187 mm × 83 mm
Connection Type	Telephone Cord Style
Overlay Included	✅ Yes
Status	⚠️ DISCONTINUED
Replacement Model	TS-VL703

🖥️ 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
Jets 2	Activate/control jet pump 2
Light	Control spa lighting

Display Features:

Feature	Description
Display Type	Serial Standard Style
Digit Format	4 Large Digits in Horizontal Line
Temperature Display	Current/set water temperature
Visibility	Large digits for excellent readability

Control Capabilities:

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

🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Topside Control is Compatible With:

Control System	Type	Confirmed
GS501SZ	GS510S Series	✅
GS510S	GS510S Series	✅
GS510SZ	GS510S Series	✅
GS511SZ	GS510S Series	✅
2005 LE	Legacy Series	✅
M3TUV	M3 Series	✅

Compatible Spa Brands:

Brand	Model/Series	Confirmed
Spaform	SF100	✅
Hydropool	Various	✅
Canadian Spa	Various	✅
Beachcomber	Various	✅
Catalina	Various	✅
Aegean	Various	✅
Hot Tubs Direct	Various	✅
Touch Spas	Various	✅

NOT Compatible With:

• ❌ GS500, GS500Z, GS501, GS501Z (use VL400 series instead)
• ❌ Standard Duplex systems (different control system)
• ❌ Single pump systems without Jets 2 requirement (use VL701S 1p + Air instead)

How to Verify Compatibility:

• 📍 Check your existing topside model (VL701S)
• 📍 Confirm your spa pack is a compatible system (GS510S Series, 2005 LE, or M3TUV)
• 📍 Verify you have a dual pump + blower configuration
• 📍 Verify the connector type matches (telephone cord style)
• 📍 Contact Parts4Tubs if you require confirmation

⚠️ Important: The VL701S is designed for dual pump systems with blower support. For single pump systems, use the VL701S (1p + Air) TS-VL721 variant.

⚙️ Installation Guide

Before Installation:

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

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 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	187 mm × 83 mm
Profile	Large 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 VL701S connects to the topside port on compatible GS510S Series, 2005 LE, and M3TUV 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)
Display dim or flickering	Connection issue or power problem	Check and reseat telephone cord connector
Warm/Cool buttons not responding	Panel fault or overlay issue	Check button membrane condition
Jets 1 not working	Pump 1 issue	Check pump 1 connections and spa pack configuration
Jets 2 not working	Pump 2 issue	Check pump 2 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

Error Codes:

Error codes are determined by the spa pack, not the topside panel itself. The VL701S 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.

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability
🔄 Replacement for faulty VL701S topside	✅ Ideal
🎛️ Spas with GS501SZ control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS510S control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS510SZ control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with GS511SZ control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with 2005 LE control systems	✅ Compatible
🎛️ Spas with M3TUV control systems	✅ Compatible
♨️ Spaform SF100 spas	✅ Compatible
♨️ Hydropool spas	✅ Compatible
♨️ Canadian Spa hot tubs	✅ Compatible
♨️ Beachcomber spas	✅ Compatible
♨️ Catalina spas	✅ Compatible
♨️ Aegean spas	✅ Compatible
♨️ Hot Tubs Direct	✅ Compatible
♨️ Touch Spas	✅ Compatible
💨 Systems with blower output	✅ Compatible
♨️ Dual pump + blower spa systems	✅ Ideal

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

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: When current stock of the TS-VL731 (VL701S) is depleted, please use the replacement model TS-VL703. Contact Parts4Tubs for availability and compatibility confirmation.

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

A: The VL701S is designed for Balboa GS510S Series control systems (GS501SZ, GS510S, GS510SZ, GS511SZ), 2005 LE, and M3TUV systems. It is also compatible with Spaform SF100, Hydropool, Canadian Spa, Beachcomber, Catalina, Aegean, Hot Tubs Direct, and Touch Spas. Check your spa pack model number to confirm compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between TS-VL731 and TS-VL701?

A: Both are VL701S models with the same specifications (7 buttons, 2 pumps + blower, 187×83mm). The TS-VL731 comes with the standard overlay included, while the TS-VL701 comes with a generic overlay that can be replaced with a branded overlay if required.

Q: What is the difference between VL701S and VL700S?

A: Both have 7 buttons and support 2 pumps + 1 blower. The VL700S (TS-VL700) has larger dimensions (248×79mm) and is still active. The VL701S is smaller (187×83mm) and is discontinued.

Q: What is the difference between VL701S and VL701S (1p + Air)?

A: The VL701S (TS-VL731) has 7 buttons and supports 2 pumps + 1 blower with separate Jets 1 and Jets 2 controls. The VL701S (1p + Air) TS-VL721 has 6 buttons and supports only 1 pump + 1 blower (no Jets 2 button). Both have the same dimensions (187×83mm).

Q: Why are there separate Warm and Cool buttons?

A: The separate Warm and Cool buttons allow for more precise temperature adjustment compared to a single temperature button. Press Warm to increase and Cool to decrease the setpoint.

Q: What does the Mode button do?

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

Q: Is the overlay included with this topside?

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

Q: What is the connection type?

A: The VL701S uses a telephone cord style connector for easy plug-and-play installation.

Q: What does the display look like?

A: The VL701S features a Serial Standard style display with 4 large digits arranged in a horizontal line for excellent visibility.

📥 Downloads & Resources

• VL series
• cutout template

🏆 Why Choose the Balboa VL701S

• ✅ Genuine Balboa Quality – Manufactured to Balboa’s exacting standards
• ✅ Serial Standard Display – 4 large digits for excellent visibility
• ✅ Comprehensive 7-Button Design – Warm, Cool, Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, Light
• ✅ Dual Pump Control – Independent Jets 1 and Jets 2 buttons
• ✅ Precise Temperature Control – Separate Warm and Cool buttons
• ✅ Mode Selection – Dedicated Mode button for system settings
• ✅ Blower Support – Dedicated blower/auxiliary control
• ✅ Wide Compatibility – GS510S Series, 2005 LE, M3TUV, and many spa brands
• ✅ Multi-Brand Support – Spaform, Hydropool, Canadian Spa, Beachcomber, and more
• ✅ Telephone Cord Connection – Reliable plug-and-play installation
• ✅ 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
• ✅ GS510S Series, 2005 LE, and M3TUV compatibility assistance
• ✅ Full warranty support
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
• ✅ Guidance on replacement models for discontinued products

✨ Summary

The Balboa VL701S Topside Control Panel is a comprehensive 7-button control interface designed for dual pump spa systems with blower support. Measuring 187 mm × 83 mm with a Serial Standard style display featuring 4 large digits in a horizontal line, this panel provides control of Warm, Cool, Blower, Mode, Jets 1, Jets 2, and Light functions. Supporting 2 pumps and 1 blower/auxiliary output, this panel is compatible with GS501SZ, GS510S, GS510SZ, GS511SZ, 2005 LE, and M3TUV control systems, plus major spa brands including Spaform SF100, Hydropool, Canadian Spa, Beachcomber, Catalina, Aegean, Hot Tubs Direct, and Touch Spas. The telephone cord style connection ensures easy installation, and the overlay is included.

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.