IntelliConnect with IntelliFlo VS+SVRS

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Endro32

Endro32

Well-known member
Jul 1, 2021
50
Rives Junction, MI
Pool Size
60000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
The IntelliFlo VS+SVRS we've had in our Arizona pool has finally kicked the bucket after many years of reliable service. Unfortunately, we do need to replace it with another SVRS pump since it's an old pool with a single bottom drain cover 🙄

Anyway, it's a great time to also finally install a SWG and some automation since we'll have to get a pool company on site to install the pump anyway for warranty purposes. Our pool is pretty simple: no spa, water features, lights, or valve actuators to worry about, so I'm thinking an IntelliConnect would be the most cost-effective way to meet our needs of simple monitoring/control and safely making sure the SWG shuts off if the pump stops running.

Before we pull the trigger, the IntelliConnect can control the IntelliFlo VS+SVRS, right? I apologize if this should have been an easy answer to find, but I know the IntelliConnect has some limitations in pump compatibility and I'd hate to end up getting it, only to find out it's not compatible. I assume it is, given the following paragraph in the manual not listing the SVRS pump P/N, but just want to see if anyone knows for sure.
IntelliConnect is not compatible with IntelliFlo VF (P/N011012), IntelliFlo VS (P/N 011013) and IntelliPro VS(P/N P6E6T4H-209L) pumps
Click to expand...

Second, the IntelliConnect between the pump and the SWG is sufficient as a safety control, right? I know nothing beats a mechanical timer, but I'd much rather keep the whole system as simple as possible to minimize room for human error if the timer isn't kept in sync with the pump schedule.
 
Endro32 said:
The IntelliFlo VS+SVRS we've had in our Arizona pool has finally kicked the bucket after many years of reliable service. Unfortunately, we do need to replace it with another SVRS pump since it's an old pool with a single bottom drain cover 🙄

Anyway, it's a great time to also finally install a SWG and some automation since we'll have to get a pool company on site to install the pump anyway for warranty purposes. Our pool is pretty simple: no spa, water features, lights, or valve actuators to worry about, so I'm thinking an IntelliConnect would be the most cost-effective way to meet our needs of simple monitoring/control and safely making sure the SWG shuts off if the pump stops running.

Before we pull the trigger, the IntelliConnect can control the IntelliFlo VS+SVRS, right? I apologize if this should have been an easy answer to find, but I know the IntelliConnect has some limitations in pump compatibility and I'd hate to end up getting it, only to find out it's not compatible. I assume it is, given the following paragraph in the manual not listing the SVRS pump P/N, but just want to see if anyone knows for sure.


Second, the IntelliConnect between the pump and the SWG is sufficient as a safety control, right? I know nothing beats a mechanical timer, but I'd much rather keep the whole system as simple as possible to minimize room for human error if the timer isn't kept in sync with the pump schedule.
Click to expand...
You don’t need to install a SVRS pump. They make $15 drain covers that are compliant and don’t come with the issues.
 
Endro32 said:
The IntelliFlo VS+SVRS we've had in our Arizona pool has finally kicked the bucket after many years of reliable service. Unfortunately, we do need to replace it with another SVRS pump since it's an old pool with a single bottom drain cover
Click to expand...
32,

That is total Bull Feathers!!! :mrgreen:

Maybe your SVRS works well.. Mine, on the other hand, turns off if my next-door neighbor just passes a little gas...

Ok, that might not be true, but any little tiny surge in the suction, will cause the pump to shut off.. Then it can often take three or four attempts to get the darn thing running again.

The standard IntelliFlo is the Gold standard of pool pumps.. The SVRS version is more like the Brown standard of pool pumps... :(

I'd be willing to bet there is no requirement for your pool to have an SVRS pump, no matter what drain cover you have.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Jimrahbe said:
32,

That is total Bull Feathers!!! :mrgreen:

Maybe your SVRS works well.. Mine, on the other hand, turns off if my next-door neighbor just passes a little gas...

Ok, that might not be true, but any little tiny surge in the suction, will cause the pump to shut off.. Then it can often take three or four attempts to get the darn thing running again.

The standard IntelliFlo is the Gold standard of pool pumps.. The SVRS version is more like the Brown standard of pool pumps... :(

I'd be willing to bet there is no requirement for your pool to have an SVRS pump, no matter what drain cover you have.

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...
Ours really has not ever presented any major inconveniences, except for during vacuuming. And that is easy enough to remedy by hooking up the vacuum with the pump running at low RPM and then slowly ramping back up to the necessary speed.

Anyway, this is the first I've heard that a retrofit cover alone is sufficient to comply with the VGB act. Given that we are a camp (I know, beyond the scope of most TFP use) and have children in the pool often as our primary users, we definitely want to make sure we're in compliance. For reference, here's a picture of our drain. Not great, but it's basically impossible to read any labels with it being six feet underwater at the moment. I'd guess it's around 32" wide or so.
1000000498.jpg

Regardless of which pump we go with, I'd still love some input on my second question about the automation being sufficient safety for the SWG.
 
Endro32 said:
Regardless of which pump we go with, I'd still love some input on my second question about the automation being sufficient safety for the SWG.
Click to expand...
The issue is that the automation can fail,
Or specifically the pump can fail and the automation doesn’t know it. If the pump shuts off and the SWG still has power and its flow switch is stuck open, it can explode. Those are some big IF’s but they do exist. The general recommendation is to not allow the SWG to have power unless the pump also has power and is pumping water. Maybe someone who knows the pentair automation can advise further.
 
32,

You have a channel drain.. It is very wide and it would be impossible for anyone to sit on it and get sucked into place... The problem is when you have a small, round flat drain cover... You just don't have that issue..

I suggest that you buy an IntelliFlo3 with a relay card.. The relay can be set to only supply the SWCG with AC power when the pump is running at a specific speed. You can also control the pump with an App...


The IntelliFlo3 is not a drop in replacement for the original IntelliFlo.. but if you don't currently have pump unions, you will have to replumb anyway.. It is a pretty simple plumbing task.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Since your "camp" is likely a regulated commercial pool, check with your regulating body before making any decision on the type of pump you may or may not need.
 
You really need to dig into the code to ensure compliance. If you have an incident, you are up a creek without a paddle....

You note one drain...

It may have been that an inspector accepted the SVRS BECAUSE you have a single drain. It may be that you need SVRS to satisfy any Departmental approvals.


1740109674773.png

1740109860963.png

1740109839005.png
 
Last edited:
The Vacless Pump Safety Vacuum Release System SVRS-10ADJ can be added to a drain port of any pump and is less problematic then the Pentair pump with SVRS.

www.swimmingpoolsupplyusa.com

Vacless Pump Safety Vacuum Release SVRS10ADJ - Swimming Pool Supply USA

Vacless Systems SVRS-10ADJ Automatic Adjustable Pump-Mounted SVRS features Auto Reset Upon Entrapment Release, Works With .5hp - 10hp pumps. We include free shipping.
www.swimmingpoolsupplyusa.com

 
Endro32 said:
Second, the IntelliConnect between the pump and the SWG is sufficient as a safety control, right? I know nothing beats a mechanical timer, but I'd much rather keep the whole system as simple as possible to minimize room for human error if the timer isn't kept in sync with the pump schedule.
Click to expand...
When an IntelliChlor or iChlor SCG is wired to IntelliConnect via an RS-485 cable, a power connection to the load side of the pump relay is not required. Digital commands sent from the IntelliConnect to the SCG will not allow chlorine production when the filter pump relay has low/no power or when the IntelliFlo is not running.

For the Intelliconnect to control the Intellichlor or iChlor settings, you must also have a separate temperature sensor installed. It is surprising to learn this since the Intellichlor has its temperature sensor.

Pentair Automation Systems - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 

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