“I Have a Balboa Spa” – Why That’s Probably Not True

One of the most common things we hear from spa owners is: “I have a Balboa Spa.”

But here’s the truth: Balboa doesn’t make spas. Balboa Water Group is a manufacturer of spa control systems – including the controller box, touchpad, and heater. They supply these components to many spa manufacturers, but they do not produce or sell complete spas to consumers.

What You Likely Have

If your touchpad says “Balboa” or you see a Balboa sticker on your heater or controller, that just means your spa uses Balboa electronics. It doesn’t tell you the actual brand of your spa.

Many spa brands use Balboa systems – including both high-end and entry-level manufacturers. Unfortunately, some cheaper imported spas (especially from China) are falsely advertised as “Balboa Spas” just because they contain a Balboa controller like a GS100 or GS501, which are basic entry-level units.

There Is No Such Thing as a “Balboa Spa”

It’s a common misconception, often made worse by misleading sellers. Balboa makes the control gear – not the shell, frame, cabinet, insulation, or plumbing. These components are often made by the actual spa manufacturer, or another company, which could be a reputable Australian brand – or not.

How to Identify Your Spa

In Australia, all spas must legally have a compliance plate and an electrical approval certificate. This is typically located inside the equipment bay, near the control box, or on the outside of the cabinet. This label usually includes:

• The brand and model of the spa
• The serial number
• Electrical safety approval information

Sending us clear photos of the components inside the spa – including the touchpad, control box, and heater – can also help us identify the actual brand or manufacturer.

Why It Matters

Knowing the real brand of your spa helps us:

• Recommend the correct parts
• Check wiring and compatibility
• Offer accurate technical support
• Verify it’s built to Australian safety standards

Just because a spa has Balboa parts doesn’t mean it’s a quality spa – and it doesn’t mean all Balboa parts are interchangeable. There are huge differences between systems depending on the spa and model.