Balboa BP8 review – Is this the Best Replacement Hot Tub Spa Pack?

If you dont know your BP8s from your BP501s, don’t worry because I’ve got you covered. Today, I’ll be reviewing the Balboa BP8 Spa pack. What’s it all about, why you should consider it, the features and lastly the configuration. 

Before we proceed, please note that the BP8 is not yet available in the United States, where the current model is the BP7. You can find a review of the BP7 here.

Now, if you’re from Europe and looking into the BP8, this article is for you!

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Why the BP8

One of the best things about the Balboa BP8 is that it has been designed as an ideal replacement Spa pack. It is compatible with the entire BP range and the GS range of Spa packs. 

Furthermore, in terms of size and fit, it will fit exactly like your previous Spa pack. This makes it an excellent replacement option that ensures a simple, smooth switch. 

This is just a note for the BP2001. If you have a second dual-speed pump, you will need to replace it like for like, meaning with a BP2001 Spa pack. 

Load and Features

In terms of load, the BP8 can support up to three pumps and one blower, which is more than enough for an average hot tub. 

It packs a unique feature that I love! You can plug a Clim8Zone directly into your Spa pack. This will result in a much more efficient heating system. 

How will it be more efficient? If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you will know that air source heat pump if we install one as a retrofit, usually works via water flow.

When the circulation pump turns on, it sends water to the air source heat pump, which in turn is switched on. This could be more efficient as the air source heat pump is constantly running when things like filter cycles and purge cycles kick in.

Balboa has integrated the climate zone into the spa pack, making the entire system simple because the heat pump is now switched on and off via the spa pack. This significantly reduces the cost of heating up your hot tub. Kudos to Balboa for this feature!

As with all the BP range, it supports Wi-Fi connectivity via the control my spa system. You can check out my review of that here. 

Configuration

Configuring a BP8 might have a few caveats but nothing you can’t tackle. 

Regarding the top-side controls, here’s a detailed list of all the equipment the BP8 is compatible with. 

Control Panels:
spaTouch™3 Any version (version 3.2 or later required for Clim8zone™ heat pump support)
spaTouch™2 Any version (version 2.19 or later required for CHROMAZON3™ support; version 2.36 or later required for Clim8zone™ heat pump support)
Icon spaTouch™ Any version (version 3.36 or later required for bba™2 fully integrated functionality)
Menued spaTouch™ Any version (version 2.8 or later required for bba™2 integrated functionality)
TP900* Version 3.1 and later (Version 3.13 or later required for bba™)
TP800 Version 3.1 and later (Version 3.13 or later required for bba™; version 4.11 or later required for bba™2 integrated functionality)
TP700/TP740 Any version
TP600 Version 2.7 and later (Version 2.12 or later required for bba™/bba™2 On/Off control via menu)
TP500 Any version — only usable in those Setups that have at most one other piece of equipment (Pump 2 or Blower) in addition to Pump 1
TP400T CE* Version 2.7 and later (TP400T US should not be used) (Version 2.12 or later required for bba™/bba™2 On/Off control via menu)
TP400W CE* Version 2.7 and later (TP400W US should not be used) (Version 2.12 or later required for bba™/bba™2 On/Off control via menu)
TP200T* Any version
TP200W* Any version
* The TP900 and TP400/TP200 series panels are not supported in all Setups. See the Panel Configuration pages for these panels for details.

A summary of this is any of the TP range or any of the Spa touch range are compatible. As for the older TP models, there’s a software revision required, so feel free to get in touch with me to find the ideal one for your existing setup!

The chances of your BP8 matching the exact configuration of your Spa pack are very slim. Don’t worry because that’s completely normal. Here’s a video I made about configuring your Balboa BP8 spa pack.

The key to configuring a BP8 Spa pack is on the inside cover. You’ll find the circuit diagram and all sorts of other information. The table below shows the different hardware configurations you can choose. 

Next, the BP8 uses the AMP connectors. You might need to rewire those connectors if you’re using an older system. This is very straightforward and will also update your hot tub’s wiring with the latest connectors. 

The Best Replacement Spa Pack?

There is no doubt that the BP8 is a versatile Spa pack. It’s flexible in terms of the amount of kit it can support, and the direct connection with the Clim8Zone is very cool. However, the cherry on top is that it can easily replace almost all the BP and GS ranges.

Please note that the BP7 is the default model in the States at the time of this article. Also, if you have a two-speed pump in a BP2001, you’ll need to replace it with the a BP2001 model only. For the other models mentioned here, the BP8 is great bang for your buck!

If you’re in the market for a BP8 Spa pack, you can check them out here. Feel free to contact me with any questions or for help on your hot tub journey!

Can I Help You?

If I can help you in any way I would love to hear from you. You can get in touch using the form below.

Thanks - Andi

 

Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

Today, I've helped over 1000 DIY customers just like you all over the world build hot tubs and pools. Have a good look around the site, there are lots of resources here. Please do get in touch if I can help you. - Cheers, Andi