Spa Keypads Glossary

Posted by on 2/29/2024 to Glossary

Adapter Plate or Trim Plate: Flat plastic trim plate for adapting smaller keypads where larger ones were originally installed. Used for generic keypads only.
Adhesive Backing or 3M Backing: A sticky material added to the back of a keypad to help it adhere to the surface of the spa. Most keypads and overlays will include an adhesive backing.
Auxiliary Keypad or Aux Keypad, Aux Controller: Spa keypad designed to function as a secondary interface. Will work in conjunction with a normal full-sized keypad. Generally will not contain a display window and will be limited to 1-4 buttons.
Control System or Spa Pack: A plastic or metal box that will contain internal components such as a terminal block, fuses, circuit board, switches, and relays. Powered directly from the circuit breaker and controlled by a keypad. Digital mechanical system. Controls all the equipment and functions of the spa.
Cord or Keypad Cable, Wire: Insulated wire(s) permanently attached to keypad. Plugs in to control system allowing keypad to control functions of the spa.
Error Code or Error Message: Manufacturer-specific codes displayed on the keypad when a failure has been detected by the control system. Every manufacturer displays their own codes. Error codes will display for failures such as no flow, overheat, and sensor failure.
In.Link Cord (Keypads): Plastic Connector with fastener to secure plug to receptacle. Proprietary cord and connector used by only one manufacturer (Gecko Alliance) on X-Class & Y Class Control Systems Only.
JST or Japan Solderless Terminal: Type of electrical connector found in many different types of electronics. Wires are inserted into connectors without being soldered. 8 & 10 Pin configurations are most common in spa controls.
Keypad or Topside Control, Spaside Control: Control Interface for various functions of the spa. Device allows the user to control water temperature, pumps, blowers etc.
LCD or Liquid Crystal Display: Common display type used in keypads. Visual display in which a layer of liquid crystal is sandwiched between two panels of polarized glass. Usually appear as black characters in a gray background.
LED or Light Emitting Diodes: Light Emitting Diode. A type of display used in keypads. Usually appears as red characters in a black background.
Modular (Phone Type) or Phone Style Connector: Extremely common type of connector used for spa keypads. Similar to telephone and coaxial data connectors. Available in 6 & 8-pin configurations.
Molded Plug or JJ Plug: Type of plug used for both keypads and equipment cords. Made of thick molded plastic. Typically used with older pneumatic control systems.
Molex: Type of electrical connector used by manufacturers such as Balboa Water Group. Incorporates a molded plug with specially shaped pins. 4,6, & 8 pins are most common in spa controls.
Overlay or Keypad Sticker, Keypad Label: Special Stickers made for Keypads. Containing control buttons, and company logos. Can be sold seperately from a keypad.
Pneumatic (Air System) or Air System, Mechanical System: Control system that uses air tubing connected to push buttons to control functions of the spa. Generally do not contain circuit boards or any sort of digital technology. These systems utilize switches, relays, contactors and thermostats to control spa functions.
Proprietary: Relating to an owner or ownership of a product or design. Proprietary keypads are made specially, and only for a specific spa manufacturer. They will generally contain different button configurations as well as a different size and shape from generic counterparts.
Ribbon Cable: Flat cord with internal wires positioned parallel with each other creating an extremely flexible ribbon type appearance. Used by manufacturers such as Jacuzzi and Sundance. Can also be found in computers and hard drives.

Spa Keypads Glossary

Categories