Hi, I'm new to the forum and did see the search option but couldn't find the info I am looking for. So if this is a repeat of a previously asked question or post, please help me by pointing me toward the info.

I have an 8 person hot tub that recently burnt up the circuit board. I purchased the tub (new) about 5-7 years ago ( I think). I have put in a call to a friend who was with me at the time of purchase in the hopes that they will remember the exact year.

My question is whether I should just replace the circuit board or go with a whole new pack? If what I have seen online is correct, the pack consists of the circuit board and most of the other parts that are likely to break in the next couple years- motor etc. If the pump is 6 years old (we'll go with the middle number). Which should I do and what is the price difference between the two (guesstimate).

I have been in contact with a repairman who looked at the tub this morning and will be getting back to me with a price by tomorrow. He qouted $650-$800 range without actually knowing the price of the part.

I can get the part number for anyone if that will help in the assessment. I think it is a SunQuest spa if I remember correctly? I definitely saw Sun-something on the circuit board.

On a seperate note, I have been told that the wiring going to the spa is wrong. I am no electrician but I know it is 3 wires- it has 3 wires but I'm told it is not a GFCI. Could this have played any part in malfunction of the circuit board?

Again, I apologize for the trivial questions, hot tubs are not something I have had much experience repairing so I know little about them. Any help and information is appreciated. I will continue to search the forums for advice in the meantime.

You could go either way. I usually default toward replacing the board if it's available because there's no guarantee as to what component is going to fail next, if any.

You need a GFCI on the circuit. As it stands now, power could be flowing directly into the water and the breaker would have no way of knowing it. If it's a matter of budget, put off the new pack, buy the board alone, and use the difference in price to pay an electrician to sort this out for you.

Thanks spishex,

After speaking with the repair man again last night, I concur with both of your statements. He says that there is really little point in replacing the entire pack as everything else appears to be in good condition and the technology of the system is still up to date. However, he is having some difficulty locating a replacement board which could force us into replacing the pack.

Also, I should clarify the main reason he says the board (or pack) is more expensive than usual is because of the 4 components my spa has- bubbles, heat, jets, and the light. Apparently, the typical spa has 3?

I never even knew the tub was wired wrong until the repair man told me...all these years! The installer swears it's OK...

Looks like the company no longer makes the circuit board so we are replacing the whole pack- around $850 with the parts and labor- ouch! But, I'll be glad when it's installed...