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Spa circuit board shorted out- worth upgrading to a wireless system?

glenn1000

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Our spa circuit board shorted out. Our spa is about 25 years old and replacing just the old circuit board would be over $1000. Alternatively, we were advised that it is possible to upgrade the control panel system, poolside control and get a wireless remote for $2900. Has anyone done this, any opinions and does this seem to be within reason?
 

Elan

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If I understand your situation correctly, the control panel on your hot tub is fried? If this is correct, you should be able to replace it for under $500 in parts (less if it's just the user interface). It's a pretty simple replacement if it's semi-standard equipment. Go search for "Balboa control" on eBay and see if there isn't something that would do the trick.

If I misunderstood your situation, then please disregard.
 

glenn1000

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If I understand your situation correctly, the control panel on your hot tub is fried? If this is correct, you should be able to replace it for under $500 in parts (less if it's just the user interface).

It's an older spa and the wiring is definitely not easy- a job for a professional. Between the part and labor the cost is just over $1000. I'm wondering if an additional $1900 to upgrade the system is worth it in case anyone has faced a similar situation.
 

Elan

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It's an older spa and the wiring is definitely not easy- a job for a professional. Between the part and labor the cost is just over $1000. I'm wondering if an additional $1900 to upgrade the system is worth it in case anyone has faced a similar situation.

Is it the user interface (spa side -- DC) or the control box inside the tub (the AC portion with heater, pump control, etc)?

I wouldn't replace anything on a 25 year old tub if it cost $2900, personally.
 

glenn1000

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Is it the user interface (spa side -- DC) or the control box inside the tub (the AC portion with heater, pump control, etc)?

I wouldn't replace anything on a 25 year old tub if it cost $2900, personally.

The shorted panel is in the control box (AC) but if we upgrade then we'll need to replace both portions (control box and spa side) so they are compatible. That's part of the reason for the higher cost.

Since we haven't used the spa much I considered having it pulled out or filled with cement. Either would cost more than fixing it (it's built underground in a stone patio) and, with teenage kids, they are starting to use the spa with friends.

If I just spent the minimum $1000 for the new circuit board I'm afraid that it might short out again since it will remain the same old system. If you would not do the $2900 upgrade, what would you do? Any other options? :doh:
 

oldman

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If its 25 years old I'd be surprized if its digital. My system is 22 years old and I'm told the replacement systems were made digital about 15 years ago. That aside, I find my non-digital parts at websites like spadepot.com - where you can see pictures of the replacement parts and ensure they at least "look" correct (relays, switches, etc.). If the electrical repair (labor) is expensive it couldn't be digital. You can purchase an entire skid mounted digital unit at spaguts.com for under $2,000...just connect it to the plumbing.
 

Elan

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The shorted panel is in the control box (AC) but if we upgrade then we'll need to replace both portions (control box and spa side) so they are compatible. That's part of the reason for the higher cost.

Since we haven't used the spa much I considered having it pulled out or filled with cement. Either would cost more than fixing it (it's built underground in a stone patio) and, with teenage kids, they are starting to use the spa with friends.

If I just spent the minimum $1000 for the new circuit board I'm afraid that it might short out again since it will remain the same old system. If you would not do the $2900 upgrade, what would you do? Any other options? :doh:

Ok, I just now got that it's built in-ground.

Hard to say what I'd do without seeing the system. I would guess, and it's only a guess, that diagnosing the exact location of the problem in the control box wouldn't be that difficult (transformer, relay, cap, etc). I would probably try to do that, and go from there. If that didn't work, I'd consider retrofitting a new digital control into the unit. Maybe something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Balboa-Hot-...oryZ3243QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Obviously, all just speculation on my part since I don't know all the specifics. At any rate, best of luck to you!

Jim
 
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