Best Spa Heater Element for Hot Tubs and Spas

Hot tub heater elements restore heating performance and reliability for spa systems. This guide summarizes top replacement elements compatible with common brands and heater housings, plus a concise comparison table to help choose the right component.

Product Power / Type Material / Notes
Xzionh 4kw 240v Hot Tub Heater Element 4 kW, 240V Titanium, Flo-Thru, Balboa compatible
5.5KW 240V Titanium Flo-Thru Universal Heating Element 5.5 kW, 240V Titanium, mounting hardware included
Replacement Flo-Thru Hot Tub Spa Heater Element (Spa Depot) 4 kW or 5.5 kW options, 240V/120V Incoloy 800, universal flow-through
Bzsunway Balboa 58117 M7 Heater Element Assembly 4.0 kW @ 240V / 1.0 kW @ 120V Stainless steel assembly with sensors, Balboa direct fit
GDW 4kw 240v Hot Tub Heater Element 4 kW, 240V Titanium, bend for Balboa M-7, universal fit

Xzionh 4kw 240v Hot Tub Heater Element

Xzionh 4kw Hot Tub Heater Element

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This replacement is a 4 kW, 240V flo-thru heater element designed for compatibility with Balboa, Gecko, Hydro Quip and many OEM spa builders. Constructed of titanium, it emphasizes corrosion resistance and extended service life. The listing references cross-replaceable part numbers including several Balboa series codes.

Intended To Replace Worn Elements, This Unit Is Suited For Standard Flo-Thru Metal Tubes. The manufacturer highlights timely replacement to protect overall spa life. Key features include compatibility with a broad list of spa brands and use of high-quality titanium for durability and corrosion resistance.

5.5KW 240V Titanium Flo-Thru Universal Heating Element

5.5KW Titanium Flo-Thru Heating Element

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This component is a 5.5 kW, 240V titanium flo-thru heating element marketed for use in hot tubs and some pool heater applications. The package includes mounting hardware: terminal nuts, O-rings, and jam nuts, which supports straightforward installation in compatible housings.

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The listing stresses universal design for use with Balboa, Gecko, Hydro’Quip and other systems where the heater housing is a flo-thru metal tube. The titanium construction is presented as an advantage for corrosion resistance, and the seller recommends keeping a spare element on hand for uninterrupted hot water service.

Replacement Flo-Thru Hot Tub Spa Heater Element (Spa Depot)

Spa Depot Flo-Thru Heater Element

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Spa Depot Offers A Universal Incoloy 800 flo-thru spa heater element available in 4 kW or 5.5 kW options, and for 240V or 120V systems. Incoloy 800 is a nickel-iron-chromium alloy commonly used in heating elements for its high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance.

The product emphasizes superior quality and choice of wattage which is useful when matching an element to the existing control and breaker setup. The universal nature means it fits a variety of flo-thru housings but requires confirmation of tube size and terminal arrangements before ordering.

Bzsunway Replacement For Balboa 58117 M7 Assembly

Bzsunway Balboa 58117 M7 Heater Assembly

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This is a direct replacement assembly for Balboa 58117 and is specifically designed to fit Balboa VS, EL, TS, GS, and BP series control systems. The assembly includes sensors and tail pieces, matching many OEM part numbers and configurations.

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The seller highlights reliable performance aimed at resolving breaker tripping and corrosion issues common with aging elements. Constructed from stainless steel with anti-corrosion finishes on tail pieces, the unit is presented as meeting or exceeding OEM specifications for Balboa systems.

GDW 4kw 240v Hot Tub Heater Element

GDW 4kw Hot Tub Heater Element

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The GDW element is a 4 kW, 240V titanium flo-thru designed to fit 2″ stainless steel flow-thru tubes including Balboa M-7 manifolds. The listing notes the element features the rear bend commonly required for Balboa M-7 heater tubes and compatibility with Gecko, ACC, and other standard 15″ heater tubes.

Material quality is emphasized with titanium construction and multi-brand compatibility. This unit targets owners seeking a replacement that integrates with widely used spa heater manifolds and that replicates the physical form factor of OEM elements.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Spa Heater Element

Selecting the correct spa heater element requires matching electrical, mechanical and material specifications. Below are key considerations presented objectively to guide a correct replacement choice.

Wattage And Voltage Compatibility

  • Match The Existing Rating: Confirm the element’s wattage (e.g., 4 kW, 5.5 kW) and voltage (120V/240V) match the spa’s wiring and control system.
  • Breaker And Wiring Limits: Ensure house wiring and breaker capacity support the element’s current draw; higher wattage increases amperage requirements.

Heater Housing Type

  • Flo-Thru Versus Immersion: Many listed elements are designed for flo-thru metal tube housings. Verify your heater housing is a flo-thru tube and confirm tube diameter and length.
  • Physical Fit: Check the element’s length, number of bends, and terminal layout to ensure a proper mechanical fit in the heater manifold.

Material And Corrosion Resistance

  • Titanium: Offers excellent corrosion resistance in chlorinated or brominated water and is common in modern replacement elements.
  • Incoloy And Stainless Steel: Incoloy 800 and stainless options can be suitable depending on water chemistry and temperature cycling; verify compatibility with your spa’s conditions.

Control System And Sensor Integration

  • Direct-Fit Assemblies: For Balboa and other branded control systems, consider direct-replacement assemblies that include sensors and tail pieces to ensure compatibility with control inputs.
  • Sensor Locations: Sensor placement and connectors should match the control board to avoid calibration or safety faults after replacement.

Installation And Hardware

  • Mounting Hardware Included: Some kits include terminal nuts, O-rings, and jam nuts. Confirm what is supplied to avoid sourcing additional parts.
  • Professional Installation: Electrical and plumbing skills are required; consider professional installation if unsure about breaker isolation, wiring, or pressure testing.

Reliability And Maintenance Perspectives

  • Spare On Hand: Keeping a spare element can minimize downtime if a failure occurs during peak use.
  • Water Chemistry: Maintain balanced water chemistry and regular shock treatments to prolong element life regardless of material.
  • Signs Of Failure: Slow heating, frequent breaker trips, or visible corrosion are indicators that an element may need replacement.

Compatibility And Cross-Reference

  • Cross-Reference OEM Part Numbers: Use listed replacement part numbers and control model references to verify fit—particularly for Balboa and other major control manufacturers.
  • Tube Size And Bend Profile: Confirm the element matches the heater tube length and bend profile (some Balboa M-7 tubes require a specific bend).

Comparison Perspectives

  • Material Trade-offs: Titanium typically offers superior corrosion resistance versus Incoloy or stainless steel but may come at different supply considerations.
  • Assembly Versus Element Only: Direct-fit assemblies with sensors reduce integration uncertainty for specific control systems, while universal elements offer broader compatibility at the cost of additional checks.
  • Wattage Choices: Choose wattage to match the original spec and desired heat-up speed; higher wattage shortens heat-up time but increases electrical demands.

Following these guidelines helps ensure the replacement element matches electrical, mechanical, and control-system requirements. Confirm specifications with your spa manual or control model information before purchasing or installing a replacement heating element.

Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices

  1. Prioritize Quality Over Cost
    The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money.
  2. Check for Rebates
    Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost.
  3. Compare Multiple Quotes
    Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors.
  4. Negotiate Smartly
    Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.

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