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How do topsides work?

There are 2 general types of topsides. The older models use topsides with dial temp controls and air or pneumatic buttons. The dials have a cable that runs from the topside to a thermostat and turns it. The air/pneumatic buttons compress air and force the air down a plastic tube. The tube connects to a switch that is activated by the air.

Since the mid 90's most spas were converting to electronic topsides. These use a "piezo" switch on the topside. This switch creates a micro amp when compress and sends a charge down the electrical cord. This micro amp tells the pcboard what you want to do. Using "piezo" switches removes any amount of electricity on the topside and you avoid any chance of getting a shock.

Hopefully this will be an easy question for our expert.
The panel light has gone out. (Top control, push button control panel)

I can see the readings on the LCD panel in the daytime but at night it is too dark to read. I'm assuming there must be some type of light bulb but where and what is the correct way to access it.

Yes, that's easy. There are 2 bulbs that are replaced from the backside of the topside. They are part #6000-070 at http://www.clearcreekspas.com/topsides.html. You will find them listed second on the page.

The actual replacement is simple. You turn the old socket 1/4" turn counterclockwise and the bulb releases and falls out. The challenge is getting the new bulb up and snapped into place and on some models, access to the underside of the topside. It some cases I have actually pried the topside away from the spa shell on the top, replaced the bulbs, and after cleaning the old seal off the topside, put a bead of clear silicon in place and sealed the topside back down. I did this because coming underneath was impossible. Other times getting access is real easy.


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