Pentair Controller and Automation Questions

[rangerks]

Can someone enlighten me on the different options for controls and automation from Pentair. We’re currently proposing using an ET-8 for a pool/spa combo and pool light control. We’ve opted for the 8 in case we want to power and control landscape lighting, equipment pad light and SWG if we ever wanted to switch to that. We’ll have a gas fired heater for the Spa.

Couple questions;
1) what’s the difference between IntelliConnect and EasyTouch?
2) can you install the ScreenLogic wireless system separate from the remote system. I’d rather just be able to control from an app/iPad.
3) are there any specific equipment recommendations to meet our needs in the most efficient way? (Ie: EasyTouch-8 + ScreenLogic2 interface)

Thanks for the help,
Kyle

 

[mknauss]

The newest automation from Pentair is Intellicenter. It comes integrated with the wifi connectivity. There are a couple members with them.

Or , you would use the old tech ET8 and Screenlogic2. You do not need a separate remote if you have the Screenlogic2 interface via wifi.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Kyle,

The IntelliConnect is more on the toy end of automation and it only has two relays to control external things that need 120/220 volts to operate...

If I were building a new pool and spa I would go with the latest IntelliCenter which has a lot more capabilities than the EasyTouch..

That said the EasyTouch 8 will do all the things that you said you wanted to do... With some caveats..

You did not say what pump you plan to use... All of Pentair automation systems are designed to control the IntelliFlo style pumps... Do not buy the Pentair SuperFlo VS as it does not have a serial control input connector.. If you plan to go with a saltwater pool (which you should) then make sure you get the EasyTouch 8 that comes with the built-in salt cell power supply. They sell these in kits so you can get the EasyTouch, the salt system plus the valves to control switching between the pool and spa all in one package...

See this example... Pentair Easy Touch Control Control System with IC40 Chlorine Generator 520545

ScreenLogic is an additional $400... See this... Pentair ScreenLogic Interface and Wireless Connection Kit 522104

You did not tell us much about your new pool, but we always recommend that an saltwater system be rated for 2 x the volume of the pool..

And we always recommend that you do not let you pool builder talk you into useless "magic" items like UV and OZone systems... They are all magic, but don't include the rabbit...

Here are a couple of ScreenLogic screen shots just to wet your whistle...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[MyAZPool]

Kyle,
Welcome to TFP. You just got some great advice and information above in my opinion and I couldn’t agree more with it. I hope you don’t mind if I throw my two cents (or maybe even three) in here as well.

If you are looking for Pentair Automation and given your requirements (Pool/Spa combo & 8 circuit capability). You essentially have three viable options.

Option #1: Pentair EasyTouch 8SC-IC60P (521150). Includes Load Center, IntelliChlor IC-60 and 2 standard valve actuators. Plus separate purchase of ScreenLogic. Approximate cost - $2,330.00

Option #2: Pentair IntelliTouch i9+3 (521221). Plus separate purchase of the Load Center, ScreenLogic and IntelliChlor. Approximate cost - $3,000.00

Option #3: Pentair IntelliCenter i8PSIC60 (521903). Includes Load Center, IntelliChlor IC-60 and 2 IntelliValve Valve Actuators (Pentair’s newest and most advanced valve actuator). NO NEED FOR SCREENLOGIC. Approximate cost - $2,800.00. Please check on this price. It should be close but maybe not exact.

NOTE: The “IntelliCenter” is Pentair’s newest and flagship automation system. It cannot be ordered on the internet due to “Trade Grade” restrictions. You can order it however, over the phone. If you are interested, I would highly recommend that you give PolyTec Pools a call and get the exact price of the IntelliCenter or any other equipment for that matter. I and many other members here, have found their prices to be the lowest and they do not charge shipping or taxes.
DISCLAIMER: I have no financial interest in their business. I am only a satisfied customer who has purchased the IntelliCenter, IntelliFlo VSF, IntellipH, Valve Expansion Module and four additional IntelliValve actuators from them and wish to pass on my satisfaction with them (PolyTec Pools) to others. Great customer service as well and super-fast shipping!

So, you may be a bit confused over the three Pentair Automation Systems presented above. I get it. I’ve been there. And just to be fully transparent. I am not affiliated with Pentair or any other company. I am only a very happy IntelliCenter user who is pleased that I made the right choice between the three systems presented above.

Here are some differences and a product comparison chart.

1. The IntelliCenter has the newest technology. It’s architecture is built for flexibility, future enhancements, modular circuit card architecture for future upgrades etc.
2. Web Based (no need for configurator type utilities and programs like the IntelliTouch and EasyTouch).
3. Built-in Internet connectivity.
4. Automatic software and firmware update “pushes” versus the “flash-upgrade” style updates that require an expensive (approximately $700.00) Pentair Automation Flash Programming Kit.
5. Future expandability, flexibility and upgradeability (i.e. future RS-485 support for IntelliValve and possibly IntellipH as well).
6. USB port located at the control panel which allows for saving the latest system configuration file(s).
7. Small cost difference from other similar systems due to several factors.
8. Built-in integration support for the new Pentair IntelliFlo VSF pump and the Pentair IntelliChem (NOT RECOMMENDED).
9. Built-in integration support for the new Pentair IntelliValve (two come bundled with the personality kits).
10. Larger Capacitive type screen which is touch sensitive, and which allows for better access to ALL functionality at the equipment pad (when preferred or required).
11. 32 “Feature Circuits” capability.
12. 16 “Feature Groups” (“macros”) capability.
13. 100 user-defined programmed schedules




It essentially comes down to whether you want an automation system that is only currently using an estimated 20% to 25% of its logic and computing capability and is completely upgradeable and has a very large expandability potential. One that can receive software and firmware update “pushes” automatically. One that requires no “external’ boxes and additional software in order for it to connect to other IT systems (i.e. smart phones/watches/computers, Amazon Echo’s etc). One that has greater programming capability and frankly is just a lot more advanced technologically.

The IntelliTouch and the EasyTouch do what they are supposed to do and I respect any pool owner who utilizes these systems. They are good systems and there is nothing wrong with them. They activate relays and valves, control compatible pumps, turn on heaters and lights either manually or based on user-defined schedules. The IntelliCenter also does the exact same thing. But how it does it and the efficiency at which it does it is quite different.

Think of it like this..

You have two aircraft. A Cessna 152 Commuter and a General Dynamics F16-C Block 50 2-seat variant.

Both are exactly alike in that they are two-seat training aircraft. Both will allow you to take off from point A and to land at point B. They both use very similar aerodynamic principles and both burn fuel to perform the same function. However, this is where the similarities end.

Unfortunately one of those training aircraft cost about 20 million dollars more than the other

However the IntelliCenter is not so "lopsided" in cost, compared to the two “ScreenLogic” type automation systems. You get to fly Pentair’s “Flagship” automation system for only about $400 dollars more. What a bargain

Now you just have to decide whether you want to:
- Go Mach 2+ or 110 knots?
- Climb at 50,000 ft/min or 715 ft/min?
- And lastly cruise around at 50,000 ft or 9,000 ft?

Sorry about the analogy, but I was having a bit of fun to make the point.
I hope that I have been able to offer up another perspective in order to help you decide on which automation system will be best suited to your requirements etc.

Good luck in your pool automation decision.
If I can answer any questions you might have regarding Pentair’s IntelliCenter Automation System, please feel free to ping me @MyAZPool or if better for you, PM me here on TFP.
All-the-best.
r.

p.s. Here are some photos/screenshots of my system as well for comparison sake.

 

[Jimrahbe]

11. 32 “Feature Circuits” capability.
12. 16 “Feature Groups” (“macros”) capability.
13. 100 user-defined programmed schedules

Kyle,

There are many advantages of "gee-whizz" stuff with the IntelliCenter but I find that the above three things the most important...

The EasyTouch has 8 feature circuits, vs. the IntelliCenter 32
The EasyTouch has zero macros (combining several actions into one) capability
The EasyTouch has 12 max programs vs. 100... This is a huge disadvantage if you want to run something several times a day...

Buying the IntelliCenter makes the most sense to me for a new pool... It also depends on the pool owner.. If you are a let the pool builder install it, and never crack it open again person, then either will work just fine for you.. But, if you are like most of us here on TFP, always tinkering with your pool and pool equipment, the the IntelliCenter is your best option.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[rangerks]

@MyAZPool and Jim thank you guys for the info, super helpful. I'm definitely leaning toward the IntelliCenter.

I'm not going go be going with a SWG to start with (I know, not what you guys recommend, but what has been recommended to me by multiple pool builders here in Austin, TX). Question is, with our current proposed equipment below is there a different model number IntelliCenter i should be looking for or is the i8PSIC60 still what I want?

Pump: Pentair IntelliFlo 2 VST
Filter: Pentair Clean & Clear 420 Cartridge
Heater: Pentair MasterTemp 400k (Gas)
Lights: Pentair IntelliBright LED (I think we're switching this back to Halogen tho)
Purification: In-Line Chlor

Again we want some extra bandwidth for electrical connection/control for landscape lighting, ect in the future, which seems to have us more than covered with the IntelliCenter

Thanks again guys,
-Kyle

Kyle,
Welcome to TFP. You just got some great advice and information above in my opinion and I couldn’t agree more with it. I hope you don’t mind if I throw my two cents (or maybe even three) in here as well.

If you are looking for Pentair Automation and given your requirements (Pool/Spa combo & 8 circuit capability). You essentially have three viable options.

Option #1: Pentair EasyTouch 8SC-IC60P (521150). Includes Load Center, IntelliChlor IC-60 and 2 standard valve actuators. Plus separate purchase of ScreenLogic. Approximate cost - $2,330.00

Option #2: Pentair IntelliTouch i9+3 (521221). Plus separate purchase of the Load Center, ScreenLogic and IntelliChlor. Approximate cost - $3,000.00

Option #3: Pentair IntelliCenter i8PSIC60 (521903). Includes Load Center, IntelliChlor IC-60 and 2 IntelliValve Valve Actuators (Pentair’s newest and most advanced valve actuator). NO NEED FOR SCREENLOGIC. Approximate cost - $2,800.00. Please check on this price. It should be close but maybe not exact.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Kyle,

Mark this day in your memory... It will come back to haunt you later... Not having a SWCG will be a big mistake in my mind..

But as always, it is your pool and your rules.

Jim R.

 

[MyAZPool]

@MyAZPool and Jim thank you guys for the info, super helpful. I'm definitely leaning toward the IntelliCenter.

I'm not going go be going with a SWG to start with (I know, not what you guys recommend, but what has been recommended to me by multiple pool builders here in Austin, TX). Question is, with our current proposed equipment below is there a different model number IntelliCenter i should be looking for or is the i8PSIC60 still what I want?

Pump: Pentair IntelliFlo 2 VST
Filter: Pentair Clean & Clear 420 Cartridge
Heater: Pentair MasterTemp 400k (Gas)
Lights: Pentair IntelliBright LED (I think we're switching this back to Halogen tho)
Purification: In-Line Chlor

Again we want some extra bandwidth for electrical connection/control for landscape lighting, ect in the future, which seems to have us more than covered with the IntelliCenter

Thanks again guys,
-Kyle

Kyle
If you did not want an IntelliChlor bundled with the IntelliCenter, then you would want just the i8PS, LC (no salt) (521904).
But you may want to reconsider your decision to not install an IntelliChlor. Like Jim said, it's your decision but later on down the road, its pretty certain that you will be pinging us and asking us why we did not try harder to convince you to go with IntelliChlor . Especially considering the fact, that you will have the latest and greatest in automation. The IntelliCenter is built to integrate with IntelliChlor seamlessly.

Everything else looks good in my honest opinion (minus the purification), except just remember that the Halogen will cost you about 5 times more in electricity than an LED light. If you want to use your pool light every night for say five hours, for the backyard ambience effect, the LED will cost you about $9.00 to $15.00 a year. AND you will not be able to take advantage of the IntelliCenter's automated light show features with a halogen. With a halogen, you just get On or Off. If you are worried about the LED not being bright enough, have your builder install two or more LED's in the pool and don't forget spa lighting. The IntelliCenter offers some fantastic light show options for those who have multiple LED lights (IntelliBrite or IntelliBrite compatible) in their pools/spa's.

Hope you don't mind me giving you some "options".
All-the-best...
r.

 

[rangerks]

Kyle
If you did not want an IntelliChlor bundled with the IntelliCenter, then you would want just the i8PS, LC (no salt) (521904).

R - Don't mind the options, and do appreciate you guys giving input. I could always still add an IC40 a year from now if I wanted to correct? My pool builder doesn't want to warranty the stone with the salt. I figure i'll try chlorinating the old school way with liquid or tabs for a year and if it's not going my way I'll try the salt. The stone here in central texas is soft and porous - which has led people in this area to go away from the salt. Maybe they just don't know how to correctly maintain their pools. I wonder if there are any guys on this forum that have a SWG in Central Texas i could talk to.

As far as the lights - there were a few posts on here about people complaining about the life of the intlli LEDs and how much a pain they were to replace. Has this been improved? Either way, were only going with White lights, my wife is not into the colors and I'm indifferent.

Thanks guys!

 

[jimbethesda]

@MyAZPool and Jim thank you guys for the info, super helpful. I'm definitely leaning toward the IntelliCenter.

I'm not going go be going with a SWG to start with (I know, not what you guys recommend, but what has been recommended to me by multiple pool builders here in Austin, TX).

I live in Austin and have SWG and Intellicenter. I know, all the Austin pool builders tell you not to go SWG and many of them won’t do it. Those pucks are a nightmare. Not only do they add CYA, they are also hard (at least for me) to dial in a specific chlorine level. Just call their bluff and insist on a SWG. That’s what I did. Guess what, they said ok.

Pool builders don’t have to maintain your pool. If your pool turns green, it wouldn’t occur to you to blame them. But, if you have scaling or any other kind of plaster damage, you will call them. So, they have no incentive to push SWG, there is no upside for them, only a (perceived) downside. I say perceived because the experience in the real world is that SWG pools don’t have a higher rate of plaster damage. Non SWG pools end up having a salt level close to SWG anyway.

I’m sure you are at the stage where you just want to get the project started, but trust me, you should tell them you want a SWG.

 

[Bvacchiano]

I’m the type of person that’s going to let all the “bugs” be found out by other people and let them deal with the hassle then I’ll come in and buy when everything is pretty much perfect. The Intellicentee is too “new” in my opinion.
The Easy Touch is so easy I’m confident my 5 year old niece could run it. My favorite expression on this entire site is “it’s a pool not a science experiment”.

 

[MyAZPool]

R - Don't mind the options, and do appreciate you guys giving input. I could always still add an IC40 a year from now if I wanted to correct? My pool builder doesn't want to warranty the stone with the salt. I figure i'll try chlorinating the old school way with liquid or tabs for a year and if it's not going my way I'll try the salt. The stone here in central texas is soft and porous - which has led people in this area to go away from the salt. Maybe they just don't know how to correctly maintain their pools. I wonder if there are any guys on this forum that have a SWG in Central Texas i could talk to.

As far as the lights - there were a few posts on here about people complaining about the life of the intlli LEDs and how much a pain they were to replace. Has this been improved? Either way, were only going with White lights, my wife is not into the colors and I'm indifferent.

Thanks guys!

rangerks
I understand what you are getting at regarding the stone & salt pools. Do some searches here on TFP regarding this issue. Seems to me, that I saw something conclusive on this, not long ago. Maybe one of the moderators can "bump" this to one of the "Subject Matter Experts" who I think had a very in-depth explanation concerning this issue.

If nothing else, have them install the IntelliChlor and just don't add salt or turn on the SWG for a year. Buying a bundled system will cost less than "piecing it out". AND you won't have to start cutting pipe and trying to fit in an IC "after the fact". How many gallons will your pool be? Most here recommend an SWG 2x your pool water volume (i.e. 20k gallons = IC40 minimum). I even went a bit overkill with an IC-60 and I believe to my advantage since I live in Arizona with that brutal summer sun.

Regarding the lights, I understand where you are coming from. Personally I have not had a problem with my J&J Color Splash. I think others may have. Some have had no problems with IntelliBrites, others have. Who knows. I love my J&J Color Splash and I would replace it tomorrow if it went south (especially since it would cost me nothing because of J&J Electronics 3 year warranty. I'm not a pool light expert, so I'll leave that to others who may be able to weigh-in on this point.
All-the-best..
r.