Expert: Roger Tee - 9/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2002 Marquis spa, model wish.

The spa seems to work in most respects but the controller panel with LCD display does nothing and shows nothing. I have checked all fuses and power. Was told that the two flat ribbon cables coming from the controller and into a "splitter" are known problems. I was also told to plug one of the flat wire modular type phone connectors one at a time to the main board and see if the panel lights up. It does not. Can You suggest how to proceed from here. How is a controller replaced if necessary, and how do I know if my problem is the panel or the main board in the power control box?

ANSWER: Flat ribbon cables are like those used in computers to connect hard drives to the motherboard. You mentioned phone cables that resemble a ribbon with phone jacks. Does the buttons on the keypad work and are the backlights working. LCD's require a backlight to be seen at night the sun is good during the day but if the lights are burnt you won't see anything at night. If the keypad buttons don't work but the auxilary does get a new keypad. I would say if the buttons don't work get a new keypad and if its just the display replace the backlights which are found on the bottom of the keypad.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Are the back ground pre programmed filtering programs for spas/hot tubs pretty consistent between manufactures. That is the two most popular electronic control manufactures, Balboa and Gecko, make millions of controllers for many different brands of spas. Do they all basically have similar programming that control cycles of filtering and ozonating schedules over a 24 hour period or would some models of spa packs stand out in this regard. This information would be very meaningful to help me select my replacement spa pack.

ANSWER: Both have their own specific setups the ideas are the same the electronics is not. Both do the same thing perhaps in different ways.I have found the Gecko easier and cheaper to install but I would use Balboa in a mew spa design but for resale and upgrades become expensive and Gecko In,XE is a very nice spa pack at a good price. They all offer ozone.

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QUESTION: I really like everything I have heard and read regarding the Gecko Spa Controller. Unfortunately I do not see the same favorable pricing that justifies Gecko over Balboa that you do. Spare parts cost is a non factor, in my opinion, as you and everyone else I talked to seem to believe once you have a failed component more failures are sure to follow. On a system over 7 years the best thing to do is replace the whole spa controller. In my case,my spa uses proprietary components based on Balboa electronics and every part is exactly double the price of the generic Balboa component. My problem started out with my thinking my problem was only the top side panel. Most panels from Balboa list for around $100.00 but the exact replacement for my Marquis is $200.00. A complete VS501 Balboa spa controller complete less pump is available everywhere for around $425.00 US shipping included.  A replacement Marquis Spa Control made by Balboa list for $800.00. Even with a 25% dealer discount (which I do not get) it is still over $600.00. The best deal I can find on a comparable Gecko unit (Aeware IN/XE) is over $500.00 plus shipping and does not include a light kit. Maybe I am missing something. Can you point me in a different direction?

One extra question: Are the white plastic knurled rings at each end of a stainless steel heater tube assembly meant to be tightened or removed by hand for mounting purposes?


Answer
From the figures you give me the IN.XE is cheaper since it includes a new keypad, a new heater and the new board, hook the hydro, add new wires and it is there. What do you want over 500 or 600, I think Balboa is probably 200 more. Gecko includes 1 2 speed pump plus 1 high speed second pump, a circ pump and lights plus jets.