🎛️ Balboa GL8000 Mach 3 Elite Spa Control System | 3.0kW | Triple-Pump + AV Integration

Global Elite Series Control with ML Panel Compatibility — Triple-Pump Power, Dual Lighting Options & AV Ready

📋 Product Overview

The Balboa GL8000 Mach 3 is a premium Global Elite series spa control system designed for feature-rich hot tub installations. Featuring an integrated 3.0kW heater, support for three pumps with flexible speed configurations, and comprehensive AV integration for audio/visual systems, the GL8000 delivers advanced control for demanding spa environments.

With dual lighting options (12V or 230V), Pump 2 dual-speed capability (when no blower is installed), and compatibility with Balboa ML series topside panels (ML700, ML900), the GL8000 represents Balboa’s premium spa control solution for spas requiring entertainment system integration.

Suitable for retrofit and replacement installations, the GL8000 Mach 3 operates on 230V, 50Hz single-phase power.

✨ Key Features at a Glance

Feature	What It Does	Why It Matters
🌡️ 3.0kW Integrated Heater	Powerful heating with 2″ connections	Fast, efficient heat-up
💧 Triple-Pump Support	Control up to 3 pumps	Multiple jet zones for hydrotherapy
⚡ Pump 2 Dual-Speed Option	Dual-speed Pump 2 when no blower used	More flexibility
💨 Pump 3 OR Blower	Selectable single-speed output	Choose extra jets or air massage
🔄 Circulation Pump	Optional circ pump support	Energy-efficient filtration
🫧 Ozone Ready	Integrated ozone output	Cleaner water
💡 Dual Lighting Options	12V OR 230V output	Flexible lighting choices
🎵 AV Integration	Radio, TV, auxiliary connections	Entertainment ready
🖥️ ML Panel Compatible	ML700, ML900 topsides	Premium control interface

🔧 Technical Specifications

Core System

Component	Specification	Details
Heater	3.0kW integrated	Built-in heating element
Pump 1	Dual-speed OR Single-speed	With circulation pump option
Pump 2	Single-speed OR Dual-speed*	*Dual-speed if no blower used
Pump 3 OR Blower	Single-speed	Shared output — choose one
Circulation Pump	✅ Optional	Low-energy filtration
Ozone Output	✅ Supported	Sanitation system ready
Light Output	12V OR 230V	Selectable voltage options
AV Connections	✅ Yes	Radio, TV, auxiliary support

Electrical Specifications

Specification	Value
Power Supply	230V
Frequency	50Hz
Heater Output	3.0kW
Light Options	12V or 230V

Plumbing Specifications

Specification	Value
Plumbing Size	2″
Heater Connections	2″ unions

📐 Dimensions & Footprint

Measurement	Value	Notes
Length	490 mm	Including heater assembly
Height	386 mm	Larger than BP series
Width	110 mm	Profile width

🔗 Topside Panel Compatibility

The GL8000 Mach 3 is compatible with Balboa ML series topside panels.

Panel Type	Compatible
ML700	✅ Yes
ML900	✅ Yes
Other ML Series	✅ Yes

ML Series Panels

The ML (Multi-Line) series panels feature advanced display capabilities and intuitive controls designed specifically for the GL8000 system.

⚠️ Note: TP and SpaTouch panels are NOT compatible with the GL8000. If upgrading to a BP pack, you will need a compatible TP or SpaTouch topside.

⚙️ Pump & Blower Configuration

The GL8000 offers flexible pump speed configurations with unique Pump 2 dual-speed capability.

Pump Output Overview

Pump	Speed Options	Notes
Pump 1	Dual-speed OR Single-speed	With circ pump if single-speed
Pump 2	Single-speed OR Dual-speed*	*Dual-speed available if no blower
Pump 3	Single-speed	Shared with Blower
Blower	Single-speed	Shared with Pump 3
Circulation	✅ Optional	Energy-efficient filtration

Unique Feature: Pump 2 Dual-Speed

Unlike many control systems, the GL8000 allows Pump 2 to run as dual-speed — but only when the blower is NOT installed.

Configuration	Pump 2	Blower
With Blower	Single-speed only	✅ Available
Without Blower	✅ Dual-speed available	❌ Not installed

Pump 3 / Blower Shared Output

Configuration	Pump 3	Blower
3 Pumps	✅ Active	❌ Not available
2 Pumps + Blower	❌ Not installed	✅ Active

💡 Dual Lighting Options

The GL8000 offers flexible lighting voltage options — a feature not commonly found in other control systems.

Light Option	Voltage	Use Case
12V Output	12 VAC	Standard 12V spa lights
230V Output	230 VAC	Mains voltage lighting

Lighting Flexibility

Choose the lighting voltage that matches your spa’s light installation — no need for external transformers with the 230V option.

🎵 AV Integration

One of the GL8000’s standout features is its built-in AV connections for entertainment system integration.

AV Feature	Status
Radio Connection	✅ Supported
TV Connection	✅ Supported
Auxiliary Systems	✅ Supported

Entertainment Ready

The GL8000 can integrate with in-spa entertainment systems, providing control and power connections for audio and visual equipment.

💡 Upgrade Note: Modern BP packs typically do not include built-in AV connections. If AV integration is essential, consider retaining the GL8000 via PCB replacement.

🫧 Ozone System Integration

Built-in ozone output connects your spa’s ozonator for enhanced water sanitation.

Ozone Feature	Specification
Output	✅ Supported
Connection	Standard ozonator hookup

🎯 Ideal Applications (Reference)

Application	Suitability	Notes
🔧 GL8000 PCB Replacement	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Restore function without full upgrade
🎵 Entertainment Spas	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Built-in AV integration
🛁 Multi-Zone Hot Tubs	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Three pumps with flexible speeds
💡 230V Lighting Systems	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Direct mains voltage lighting support
🔄 Retrofit Projects	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Designed for replacement installs

📦 What’s Included

Item	Included
GL8000 Mach 3 Control Box	✅ Yes
3.0kW Integrated Heater	✅ Yes
Topside Panel	❌ No (sold separately)

Quantity: Sold individually

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Availability & Replacement

Q: Is this product still available? A: No — the GL8000 Mach 3 is discontinued and no longer manufactured by Balboa.

Q: What are my options if my GL8000 fails? A: You have two options:

1. Replace the PCB — Install a GL8000 replacement PCB to restore function
2. Upgrade to BP pack — Install a modern Balboa BP control box with a compatible TP or SpaTouch topside

Q: Can I upgrade from GL8000 to a BP system? A: Yes, but you will need a new topside panel as ML series panels are not compatible with BP packs. Contact Parts4Tubs for upgrade advice.

Q: Will my ML topside work with a BP pack? A: No — ML series panels are only compatible with GL systems. A BP pack requires a TP or SpaTouch panel.

Pump Configuration

Q: Can Pump 2 be dual-speed? A: Yes — but only if the blower is NOT installed. If you use a blower, Pump 2 must be single-speed.

Q: Is Pump 3 or Blower shared? A: Yes — Pump 3 and Blower share a single output. You can install one or the other, but not both.

Lighting

Q: What lighting options are available? A: The GL8000 offers either 12V or 230V lighting output — giving you flexibility to match your spa’s lighting system.

AV Integration

Q: What AV connections does this have? A: The GL8000 includes connections for radio, TV, and auxiliary entertainment systems.

Q: Do BP packs have AV connections? A: Generally no — built-in AV integration is a feature unique to the GL Elite series. If AV is essential, consider PCB replacement rather than upgrading to BP.

Dimensions

Q: What are the dimensions? A: 490 mm (L) × 386 mm (H) × 110 mm (W) — larger than BP series packs.

📥 Documentation & Downloads

📄 GL8000M3 Technical Data Sheet — Complete specifications, wiring diagrams, and technical reference

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅	What You Get
🇬🇧	UK-Based Company — Local support, local expertise
🚚	Fast UK Delivery — Get your parts quickly
💬	Expert Advice — Spa specialists ready to assist
💷	Competitive Pricing — Excellent value on genuine parts
🛡️	Full Warranty — Complete manufacturer backing
↩️	Easy Returns — 30-day hassle-free returns
🔧	Technical Support — Expert help when you need it
🔗	Compatible Accessories — Everything you need in one place

✨ Summary

The Balboa GL8000 Mach 3 is a premium Global Elite series spa control system featuring a 3.0kW integrated heater, support for three pumps with flexible speed configurations (Pump 2 can be dual-speed if no blower installed), circulation pump, ozone integration, dual lighting options (12V or 230V), and built-in AV connections for radio, TV, and auxiliary entertainment systems. Measuring 490 × 386 × 110 mm and compatible with Balboa ML series topside panels (ML700, ML900), the GL8000 was designed for premium entertainment-focused spa installations.

⚠️ This product is discontinued. Replacement options include GL8000 PCB replacement to restore function whilst retaining existing features including AV integration, or upgrading to a modern Balboa BP pack (BP8, BP2100) with a compatible TP or SpaTouch topside for current features including WiFi control. Contact Parts4Tubs for expert guidance on the best solution for your spa.

 

Hot Tub Wiring – Configuring a Balboa BP7 Spa Control 4.0kW Spa Pack

If you are using a basic setup, and by basic I mean a regular dual speed hot tub pump with a single speed blower, out of the box, your Balboa pack is likely to work without any additional configuration. However, if you are not using a separate circulation pump, the chances are you will need to “configure” the pack using the details below.

On the underside of the Spa Pack covers, you will see a circuit diagram that looks something like this.

Firstly, you need to work through the setup table at the bottom on the left hand side and work out which setup number you need. For example, a 2 speed pump and a single speed blower will need setup #12.

Next, you need to change the DIP switch settings to match your setup. Once you have the right combination of DIP switches, using the topside control you should do the following to change the pack’s setup mode to #12.

To go into the low levels follow the following steps please.

1. Turn tub off.
2. DIP switch 1 move to ON.
3. Turn tub on
4. On the top side control, Press “WARM” twice
5. Press “LIGHT”
6. Press “WARM”
7. Then use “WARM” to move down to the low levels until you get on the set up number you need.
8. Turn off tub
9. DIP switch one back to OFF
10. Turn on tub

Getting the right setup and config is important for the pack to function correctly and the buttons on the top side to do what you expect them to.

 

Balboa DIP Switches Explained

Most of the Balboa Spa Packs have a set of DIP switches that can seem a little confusing in the setup. In the most basic form, you are telling the Spa Pack how many pumps or blowers you have connected and how many it should allow to run before it turns off the heater (or let them all run at once). The reason for this is if you are limiting the amount of current the pack can draw. You are also telling the pack wither you need additional cool down times if you are using an gas/propane/ASHP additional heater. This to stop the kettling effect you can get in the heaters.

Check the circuit diagram that is on the inside of your Balboa pack and do not just copy the settings I explain below as they may be in a different order. The “logic” behind them is the same so just check what each of the DIP switches says it does.

Fixed-fuction DIP Switches 

A1 Test Mode (normally Off). 

A2 In “ON” position, add one high-speed pump (or blower) with Heater. (If you have 1 pump and NO blower use this)

A3 In “ON” position, add two high-speed pumps (or 1 HS Pump and Blower) with Heater. (If you have a pump and a blower use this)

A4 In “ON” position, add four high-speed pumps (or 3 HS Pumps and Blower) with Heater. (If you have two or three pumps and a blower use this)

You should only enable one of the A2, A3 or A4. You can use them in combinations, but it is easier just to use one.

A5 In “ON” position, enables Special Amperage Rule B.  In “OFF” position, enables Special Amperage Rule A. 

Special Amperage Rule A No Limitation (if you are not sure, set it to this. Worst case, your electric will trip if you don’t have enough current available)

Special Amperage Rule B 2 High Speed Pump Maximum, in Setups 1 – 9 1 High Speed Pump Maximum, and also Blower turns off with 1 High Speed Pump, in Setups 10 – 18 (avoid this if you can)

A6 Persistent memory reset (Used when the spa is powering up to restore factory settings as determined by software configuration). 

A2, A3, and A4 work in combination to determine the number of high-speed devices and blowers that can run before the heat is disabled. i.e. A2 and A3 in the ON position and A4 in the OFF position will allow the heater to operate with up to 3 high‑speed pumps (or two HS Pumps and Blower) running at the same time. Heat is disabled when the fourth high-speed pump or blower is turned on. 

Note: A2/A3/A4 all off = No heat with any high-speed pump or blower. 

Assignable DIP Switches 

A7 In “ON” position, enables a 5-minute cooldown for some gas heaters (Cooling Time B). In “OFF” position, enables a 1-minute cooldown for electric heaters (Cooling Time A). 

 

Who are Balboa Water Group?

Balboa Water Group is a prominent manufacturer and supplier of innovative spa and hot tub components. With a rich history spanning several decades, Balboa Water Group has established itself as a leading brand in the industry, known for its cutting-edge technology, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service.

Balboa Water Group specializes in designing and manufacturing spa control systems, which serve as the brains behind the operation of hot tubs and spas. These control systems include a control panel, circuit board, and other components that regulate various functions, such as temperature control, water flow, jet activation, and lighting.

One of the key strengths of Balboa Water Group is their dedication to innovation. They continuously strive to develop new and advanced technologies that enhance the spa experience for users. From user-friendly interfaces and touchscreens to wireless connectivity and smartphone apps, Balboa control systems offer convenient and intuitive control over every aspect of the spa.

Balboa Water Group also places a strong emphasis on safety and energy efficiency. Their control systems often feature built-in safety mechanisms, such as high-limit sensors and automatic shutdowns, to protect users from potential hazards. Additionally, they incorporate energy-saving features that optimize power consumption, helping to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

In addition to control systems, Balboa Water Group offers a comprehensive range of spa components and accessories. These include pumps, heaters, filters, jets, valves, and more. Their products are known for their durability, reliability, and compatibility with various hot tub models and brands.

Customer satisfaction is a top priority for Balboa Water Group. They provide excellent technical support, troubleshooting assistance, and product documentation to help spa owners and industry professionals make the most of their products. Balboa also collaborates closely with spa manufacturers and distributors worldwide, ensuring that their components are widely available and supported.

Balboa Water Group's commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a stellar reputation within the spa industry. Whether you are a hot tub owner, a spa designer, or a service professional, choosing Balboa products can provide you with the confidence and reliability you need to create a superior spa experience.

Overall, Balboa Water Group is a trusted and respected name in the spa industry, known for its technologically advanced spa components, commitment to customer satisfaction, and ongoing pursuit of innovation. Their products and solutions continue to elevate the spa experience for users around the world.