Which Pentair Intelliflow size and model?

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H

HeritageHD

Member
Jul 15, 2021
10
Michigan
Hi,

I am looking to replace my current pump and I think I have decided to go with the pentair intelliflo. Could be convinced to go in a different direction though. I want a vsp for the savings, would like it as quiet as possible, and enough power for my pool.

The pool is inground, roughly 23k gallons. Current pump is a single speed 1hp. Sand filter. No water features or spa. Vacuum is electric. The return lines are 1.5" copper.

Do I need the 3hp or the 1.5hp?

I would be an added benefit to be able to control it from my phone. Do I need to buy anything separate to be able to do this?

There are 4 versions of each HP model. Regular, with I/O board, with touchscreen, and with I/O board and touchscreen. Which do I need?

Thank you!
 
HD,

I always recommend larger VS pumps (3 HP) over the smaller (1.5 HP) pumps, because you can always turn a big pump down, but you can't turn a little pump up.. The bigger the pump the slower you can run it and still move a lot of water. The slower you can run it the quieter it will be.

Obviously, the larger pumps cost a little more money, but in my mind they are worth it.

If you want to control the pump from an app on your phone, you will need the new IntelliFlo3..

The one that has the In/Out card, allows you to control two external devices.. Like your booster pump for example..

The one with the Display, just makes it easier to use the pump without using an app, but the app comes with it in either case.

Choose the one that makes the most sense for you.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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HeritageHD said:
Do you know if you can still control the non-touchscreen model directly from the pump or can you only do it from the app?
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HD,

Sorry, I do not know... :cry:

I suspect you can turn it on and off and maybe select a clean mode, but I doubt you can program it to run at the times you want. But, that is what the app is for..

Let's see if we can get one of our IntelliFlo3 users to chime in..

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
No, you can only control it via the automation panel or the app when you don't select the touch screen model. You can buy it without the touch screen and then buy touch screen later and added it on. It may be somewhat cheaper to buy it at once versus buying them separately. I'd recommend getting it and being done with it.
Also, I suggest you install a dedicated surge protector at the pool subpanel as these electronic drives are sensitive to lightening/surges and will take your drive out in a bad thunderstorm. Have seen one happen last summer.
Also, delve into the homeowners warranty because if it's not purchased directly from a authorized dealer and installed by a licensed contractor you may only have a "60" day warranty, yes this is a Pentair policy.
https://a.co/d/fPqKf8E
https://yk8vw.app.goo.gl/dj4FdHDDzu3ShWVK9
 
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Thanks Jim and Wire.

I just spoke with a local pool store and they do offer the full warranty if purchased in store. Depending on model its a few hundred more than online so I think its worth it.

While I was on the phone though, the rep brought up a couple of things that I'd appreciate your and anyone else's opinion on.

1. He said the IntelliFlo3 is not app ready out of the box and I will still need to buy the "automation setup" to use it. Is this true? I currently have no automation.

2. He steered me away from the 3HP model because it was too large and said it was overkill for my set up. Im 100% fine with this and appreciate him not trying to upsell me. As an alternative he suggested the pentair superflow VST or the Hayward MaxFlow. I asked about the 1.5 HP IntelliFlow model (thinking it came app ready out of the box) and he said it was still overkill at 1.5HP.

I thought the purpose of the higher HP VS motor is to be able to run it at low speeds (HP) to increase energy savings. He said because all of them start and backwash at full RPM, I would risk collapsing my copper return and feeder lines. Therefore he recommends a .75 or 1 HP VS motor. Is this accurate?

I don't want to pay money for something I don't need. At the same time I'm in the boat where if I'm buying something brand new - why would I get the older model when there is an upgraded one out for relatively the same price?

3. My next purchase is to replace my sand filter. Current set up is a Cristal-Flo II Sand Filter w Multiport - 75 Gal/Min. Do I have to think about what my next set up is when purchasing the pump? From initial research I was thinking a 27" similar to this one - Perflex In-Ground Filters and Systems | Doheny's Pool Supplies Fast

Thanks again!!
 
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