Coleman / MAAX 100 Series Spa Circuit Board — 101285 (Chip 115/7R1x)

🛠️ Coleman / MAAX 100 Series Spa Circuit Board — 101285 (Chip 115/7R1x)

Factory-original Balboa-made replacement circuit board for 2001–2002 Coleman and MAAX 100 Series hot tubs — the correct board for 115 and 117 model spas with extended filter time programming

📋 Product Overview

The Coleman 100 Series Circuit Board (101285) — Balboa part number 52336 — is the genuine OEM replacement circuit board for Coleman and MAAX 100 Series hot tubs manufactured in model years 2001 and 2002. Built by Balboa Water Group and programmed with Coleman’s proprietary chip designation 115/7R1(x), this board controls all core spa functions including pump operation, heating, lighting, ozone, and the extended filtration cycle timing unique to the 115 and 117 model spa configurations.

This board belongs to the Balboa Value Series platform and connects to the topside control panel via an 8-pin phone-style cord — the same connection format used across the 100 Series 2001–2002 control system family. It is compatible with the original Coleman Cal Coop 4-button topside panel (101227) and works with the original control box assemblies used in the 115 and 117 model spas.

Who needs this board: If your Coleman or MAAX hot tub is a 100 Series model (specifically a 115 or 117) manufactured in 2001 or 2002, and your existing circuit board shows the chip designation 115/7R1 (any letter suffix), this is the correct direct replacement.

⚠️ Critical notes before ordering:

• The chip number on your existing board must read 115/7R1 — do not order based on appearance
• This board is not the replacement for 1997–2000 100 Series spas (those used chip 105/7R1C, Coleman PN 101096)
• For 2003–2005 100 Series spas, the correct board is Coleman PN 103093
• This is a limited-availability, special-order item — allow additional lead time before shipping; board is non-returnable once ordered

✨ Key Features

✅ Factory-Original Coleman OEM Board — Manufactured by Balboa Water Group specifically for Coleman/MAAX 100 Series spas; chip 115/7R1(x) contains custom Coleman programming including extended filter time settings

✅ Correct Fit for 115 and 117 Model Spas (2001–2002) — Direct replacement for Coleman models 115 and 117 from the 100 Series lineup manufactured in model years 2001 and 2002

✅ Extended Filter Time Programming — The “EXT. Filter Time” designation in the Coleman system name distinguishes this board’s filter cycle settings from earlier 100 Series configurations

✅ 8-Pin Phone-Style Connector — Matches the original topside panel wiring used in 2001–2002 100 Series control box systems; plugs directly into original Coleman Cal Coop 4-button panel (101227)

✅ Balboa Value Series Platform — Built on Balboa’s proven Value Series architecture with established relay and component reliability

✅ Compatible with Original Topside Panel — Works with the Coleman Cal Coop 4-button topside (101227), which replaces the discontinued original panel 101173/101225 (Balboa PN 51669)

✅ Also for California Cooperage Spas — This control system was shared across Coleman-produced California Cooperage hot tubs manufactured in the same period

✅ Warranty Coverage — Covered under manufacturer’s limited warranty; contact Parts4Tubs for warranty terms applicable to this specific board

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Coleman Part Number	101285 (also written 101-285)
Balboa OEM Part Number	52336
Chip Designation	115/7R1(x) — chip revision may be suffix A, B, C, or later
Board Platform	Balboa Value Series
Board Type	Main PCB / Control Board
Panel Connection Type	8-pin phone-style cord
Compatible Model Series	Coleman/MAAX 100 Series (115 and 117 models)
Compatible Model Years	2001–2002
Filter Program	Extended filter time
Input Voltage	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs for your specific model
Heater Compatibility	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs
GFCI Protection	Class A GFCI required (NEC Article 680)
Certifications	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs
Warranty	Please contact Parts4Tubs for current warranty terms on this board
Physical Dimensions	Please refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs
Availability Note	Limited availability — special order; allow 2–5 business days before shipping

⚠️ Ordering Warning: This is a non-returnable, special-order item. Verify the chip number on your existing board before placing an order. Orders cannot be canceled once placed.

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🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Board Is Correct For

Coleman PN	Balboa PN	Chip	Spa Models	Model Years
101285 (this board)	52336	115/7R1(x)	100 Series (115, 117 models)	2001–2002

Related Coleman 100 Series Boards — Do NOT Confuse

Coleman PN	Chip	Models	Years	Notes
101096	105/7R1C	100 Series (105, 107)	1997–2000	Different chip — earlier generation
101281	115/7R1(x)	100 Series	2001–2002	Earlier version — replaced by 101285
103093	135R1(x)	100 Series	2003–2005	Newer chip — 2003 and later spas

⚠️ Do not assume year-range from appearance. The 101096, 101285, and 103093 boards may look very similar but contain completely different chips. Only the chip number sticker on your existing board confirms the correct replacement.

Alternate Part Numbers for This Board

Part Number	Notes
101285	Coleman primary part number
101-285	Coleman hyphenated format
52336	Balboa Water Group OEM part number
101-281	Earlier Coleman PN replaced by 101285
115r1	Chip designation shorthand
117r1	Chip designation shorthand (117 model reference)
115/7R1C	Full chip designation with revision C

Compatible Topside Control Panel

Coleman PN	Description	Notes
101227	Cal Coop 4-button topside, 99–02	Current production replacement; 8-pin phone plug
101225	Original topside	Discontinued; replaced by 101227
101173	Original topside (older)	Discontinued; replaced by 101227

ℹ️ The 101227 topside (Balboa 51669) is the current recommended replacement for the original topside panels used with this board. It is compatible with the 52336 / 101285 circuit board system.

Compatible Spa Brands

Brand	Series / Models	Years
Coleman Spas	100 Series (models 115, 117)	2001–2002
MAAX Spas	100 Series equivalents	2001–2002
California Cooperage	100 Series equivalent systems	1999–2002

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🎛️ Board Functions

This board provides control of all standard functions in the Coleman/MAAX 100 Series 115/117 model spa:

• Pump Control — Primary pump operation (pump speeds as configured for the specific model)
• Heater Control — Manages spa water heating with temperature regulation and hi-limit protection
• Extended Filter Cycles — Programmed with extended filter cycle timing specific to the 115/117 system designation
• Lighting — Spa light on/off control
• Ozone — Controls ozone generator operation if installed
• Temperature Display — Works with Cal Coop 4-button topside for temperature monitoring and adjustment

⚠️ Chip-Specific Programming: The 115/7R1(x) chip contains programming custom-tailored by Coleman for the 100 Series 115/117 spa models. This means filter cycle timing, temperature defaults, and pump behavior are programmed specifically for these spa models — which is why using any other chip (such as the 105/7R1C or 135R1) will result in incorrect system behavior even if the boards look identical.

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⚙️ Installation Requirements

⚠️ IMPORTANT: All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 680 and all applicable local codes.

Pre-Installation Checklist

• [ ] Verify chip designation on your existing board reads 115/7R1 (any letter suffix)
• [ ] Confirm spa is a 2001 or 2002 Coleman/MAAX 100 Series (model 115 or 117)
• [ ] Note all component wiring before disconnecting (photograph if possible)
• [ ] Confirm topside panel is the Cal Coop 4-button (101227) or original equivalent with 8-pin phone plug
• [ ] Disconnect ALL power at circuit breaker and GFCI before starting
• [ ] Allow capacitors to discharge — wait at least 5 minutes after power-off
• [ ] Verify this is a board failure and not a pressure switch, sensor, or wiring issue before ordering

Electrical Requirements

Requirement	Specification
GFCI Protection	Class A GFCI required — NEC Article 680
Ground Connection	Equipment grounding and bonding — NEC Article 680
Dedicated Circuit	Required
Disconnect	Within line of sight of spa, minimum 5 ft from water (NEC)
Supply Voltage	Refer to manufacturer documentation for your specific model

💡 Tip: The chip number (115/7R1x) is found on a white sticker on the existing board — typically near the center or on one of the board relays. If the sticker is missing or damaged, provide your spa’s full model number and serial number to Parts4Tubs for assistance.

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⚠️ Safety Warnings

Electrical Safety:

• ⚠️ ALWAYS disconnect ALL power at the circuit breaker and GFCI before any work
• ⚠️ Installation MUST be performed by a licensed electrician only
• ⚠️ Class A GFCI protection is mandatory per NEC Article 680
• ⚠️ Equipment grounding and bonding is required per NEC Article 680
• ⚠️ A dedicated circuit and disconnect within line of sight of spa are required by NEC

Board-Specific Warnings:

• ⚠️ Verify chip number BEFORE ordering — 101285, 101096, and 103093 boards look similar but are not interchangeable
• ⚠️ This is a non-returnable, special-order item — cancellations are not possible once placed
• ⚠️ Do not match by appearance — Coleman/Balboa boards from different model years look nearly identical but contain different firmware
• ⚠️ Component voltage wiring must match original configuration; incorrect wiring will damage equipment

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🔍 Troubleshooting Before Replacing the Board

On legacy Coleman spa systems, board failure is often misdiagnosed. Before ordering a replacement circuit board, check these components first:

Symptom	More Likely Cause	Check First
Heater not working	Failed high-limit sensor or pressure switch	Test sensors and pressure switch
Spa won’t power on	GFCI tripped, blown fuse, or bad power connection	Reset GFCI, check fuses and wiring
Panel unresponsive	Damaged topside panel or cord connection	Test panel; inspect 8-pin phone cord
Intermittent operation	Loose wiring connection	Inspect all connectors and terminal blocks
Pump not running	Failed relay on board, or failed pump itself	Verify pump operates when direct-tested

ℹ️ On older Coleman spas, degraded wiring, corroded connectors, and failed sensors are common failure points. Replacing the circuit board without checking these first can result in continued problems even after board replacement.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
♨️ Coleman 115 (2001–2002)	✅ Direct replacement	Chip 115/7R1x — confirm on existing board
♨️ Coleman 117 (2001–2002)	✅ Direct replacement	Chip 115/7R1x — confirm on existing board
♨️ MAAX 100 Series equivalents (2001–2002)	✅ Compatible	Verify chip designation
♨️ California Cooperage (1999–2002)	✅ Compatible — select models	Verify chip 115/7R1x and 8-pin phone connector
♨️ Coleman 100 Series 1997–2000	❌ Wrong board	Those models use chip 105/7R1C — see 101096
♨️ Coleman 100 Series 2003–2005	❌ Wrong board	Those models use chip 135R1x — see 103093
♨️ Coleman 500/600/700 Series	❌ Wrong board	Different chip — different boards required

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I confirm this board fits my spa? A: Check the chip number on your existing circuit board. It will be printed on a white label sticker, usually near the center of the board or on the transformer/relays. The chip number must read 115/7R1 followed by any letter. Also confirm your spa is a 2001 or 2002 Coleman or MAAX 100 Series (model 115 or 117). Contact Parts4Tubs with your spa’s full model and serial number if you cannot locate the chip label.

Q: Will this work for my 1999 or 2000 Coleman 100 Series spa? A: No. The 1997–2000 100 Series spas used a different board with chip designation 105/7R1C (Coleman PN 101096). The boards look very similar but the chips are programmed differently. Using the wrong chip will cause incorrect filter cycles and other operational issues.

Q: My spa is a 2003 or 2004 model — will this work? A: No. Coleman 100 Series spas from 2003 to 2005 use the board with chip designation 135R1(x), Coleman PN 103093. The 101285 is specifically for 2001–2002 models.

Q: Is this board also used in California Cooperage spas? A: Yes. California Cooperage hot tubs from approximately 1999–2002 used the same Coleman/Balboa 100 Series control system with the 115/7R1(x) chip board. The compatible topside panel (101227) is described as a “Cal Coop 4-button” panel and works with both Coleman and California Cooperage spas using this system.

Q: What topside panel works with this board? A: The current replacement for the original topside panel is the Coleman Cal Coop 4-button panel, PN 101227 (Balboa PN 51669). This replaces the discontinued original panels 101173 and 101225. It connects with the same 8-pin phone-style cord as the circuit board.

Q: Is this a hard-to-find board? A: Yes. This is a legacy Coleman OEM board with limited ongoing production. It is available as a special order with a 2–5 business day lead time. Once ordered, it is non-returnable and cannot be canceled. Contact Parts4Tubs to confirm current availability before placing your order.

Q: Do I need a licensed electrician to install this? A: Yes. NEC Article 680 and most local jurisdictions require a licensed electrician for all hot tub electrical work including circuit board replacement.

Q: What is the warranty? A: Please contact Parts4Tubs to confirm current warranty terms. Note that Coleman historically offered a limited 90-day factory warranty on circuit boards, though Balboa’s standard warranty is 1 year. Parts4Tubs will clarify the applicable warranty terms at time of order.

🏆 Why Choose the Genuine Coleman 101285 Board?

✅ Factory OEM Board — Manufactured by Balboa Water Group with custom 115/7R1(x) programming specifically for Coleman 100 Series 115/117 model spas; generic boards will not have the correct filter time and system settings

✅ Correct Chip — Critical for Proper Operation — The 115/7R1(x) chip contains Coleman-specific filter cycle programming (extended filter time) that is not present on related boards from other model years

✅ Compatible With Existing Topside and Control Box — Plugs directly into original 8-pin phone connector; works with the Cal Coop 4-button panel (101227) — no system conversion required

✅ Proven Coleman/Balboa Heritage — Built on Balboa Value Series architecture; Coleman spa boards of this era have well-documented service histories

✅ Parts Ecosystem Still Available — Compatible topside panel (101227), pressure switches, heaters, and sensors are still available for 2001–2002 Coleman 100 Series spas

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅ Fast US shipping on in-stock spa parts
✅ Spa specialists available to verify Coleman spa compatibility and correct board identification
✅ We can help confirm the correct board using your spa’s model number and serial number
✅ Competitive pricing on genuine Coleman/Balboa OEM parts
✅ Related parts available — 101227 topside control panel, sensors, heater assemblies, pressure switches, and more
✅ Expert guidance on board replacement vs. control system upgrade options for older Coleman spas

✨ Summary

The Coleman 100 Series Circuit Board (101285 / Balboa 52336) with chip 115/7R1(x) is the factory OEM replacement PCB for 2001–2002 Coleman and MAAX 100 Series hot tubs (models 115 and 117). Built by Balboa Water Group with extended filter time programming specific to these models, it connects via 8-pin phone cord to the Cal Coop 4-button topside panel (101227). This is a limited-availability, special-order item — confirm the chip number on your existing board before ordering, as board orders are non-returnable. For 1997–2000 100 Series spas use PN 101096; for 2003–2005 use PN 103093. Order from Parts4Tubs with confidence.

Finding and identifying a replacement Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)

If you are looking to replace a failed PCB on your Hot Tub’s spa pack, then quite often identifying the part that you need can be the hardest thing.

Firstly, you are looking for a model number on the actual circuit board itself. Having the model or serial of your hot tub is not going to help at this point, you need to find the number on the PCB itself.

Now, with certain brands of PCB, the number of the replacement PCB that you need is not going to match identically the one you are replacing. Why is that I hear you ask?

Well, normally, it is an updated version. This means that it might have updated firmware on the PCB or be a later revision. Normally, this means that the part number would be slightly different. This is usually indicated with a “12345678 -x” at the end of that part number where x indicated a firmware revision.

In some cases, there will be some following letters on the part number of the circuit board, “12345678 -x MAS” this can indicate that the PCB was used for an OEM meaning it was produced for a certain hot tub manufacturer and the letters identify the manufacturer.

This means if you source an original PCB, it will not have the letters, but will in most cases work just fine.

It can be confusing I know!

What if you can’t find a model number?

If you can’t find a model number on the PCB itself, then you need to look for a model number on the spa pack. Normally, there is a sticker on the outside of the spa pack that tells you the current ratings and input voltages etc and this will have a model number.

In general, most spa packs in the USA are manufactured by Balboa, Hydro-Quip, ACC or Gecko. I know I am generalising here, but if you have a spa pack that has the brand of your hot tub on, it will be an OEM so the key is identifying who made the original box.

From there, you can normally find an original PCB that you will be able to switch out.

For example, the Balboa VS (value series) is a very popular spa pack that has been used by multiple hot tub manufacturers under their own brand names. Whatever they have called it, strip it back and it is still a Balboa VS.

Visual Inspection

One of the most important things you can do when you are looking for a replacement is to visually inspect the PCB that you have versus the picture online of the replacement you are considering. They need to look the same even if there are the differences in firmware revisions or OEM part numbers, you should be visually replacing a PCB that looks like the one you have.

Configuring a replacement Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)

When you get a new PCB, you are more than likely going to need to configure it. Most PCBs have a number of different modes and setups that the can operate in. For this, you will need to manual or spec sheet to guide you.

For things like DIP switches, most of the time you can copy the settings from your original circuit board. You are looking for things like setting the voltage as a lot of PCBs can be configured to run on both 115V and 230V.

You may need to move jumpers or even wires to configure voltages – the key here is that you read the schematic and don’t expect the PCB to just work out of the box – it usually doesn’t.

Troubleshooting a Hot Tub Circuit Board (PCB)

Here are some common things you will see when you replace a PCB on a hot tub.

You press the buttons on the topside control and they don’t control the right parts (pumps or blower etc) – this is a mode configuration thing and you will either need to change some DIP switches on the PCB or an internal or low level programming mode on the topside control. Check the manual for how to do this.

You turn on the hot tub and it trips the breaker – it is not common for a new PCB to fail out of the box (I have not seen one yet!) However, a common mistake is that the voltage has not been set correctly. If it is set for 115V and then you try and turn it on, the current draw will be a lot more (twice) than expected and the breaker will trip.

To check this, unplug all of your kit – heater, pumps, blower and then turn on the PCB. If it trips with nothing plugged in, usually the voltage is incorrectly set and what is happening is that live current is being sent to the ground – because you have 4 wires into the PCB rather than 3. Current on the ground loop causes the trip. Check the settings to make sure it is configures for 230V.

It might not trip until you physically turn on a pump or a blower. As mentioned, if the pack is set to 115V and your pump is meant for 230V, it will draw twice the current at half the voltage and trip your breaker. Check the manual for info on how to set the voltage.