Embodiments of the present invention advantageously locate a wireless transceiver within the “topside” control panel of a spa. The wireless transceiver can communicate with a remote controller for control signal communication and to receive data (e.g., music). Since the wireless transceiver of the present invention is located “topside,” it avoids the interferences and blockages associated with lower mounted transceivers. Further, since the transceiver is located on the topside controller, there is no need to run a wired communication bus from the Spa pack main controller to a lower mounted transceiver, as done in the prior art systems. Instructions received wirelessly to the topside controller are formatted and sent to the Spa pack main controller. The wireless commands received through the topside controller are passed to the Spa pack main controller and can control all the spa equipment, including, heaters, pumps, lights, speakers, cleaning systems, jets, etc.