How to Choose Equipment for New Build

[DSMinAtlanta]

Hello,

We finally have our pool builder nearly selected. After getting quotes from several builders and sharing them on this forum, a TFP-recommended list of equipment was provided and we sent that back to the builders.

Due to a number of challenges in our backyard, we are limited on how big we can build the pool. The current design is a 10'x22' pool with a feature wall which includes 3 scuppers. No spa.

I reviewed the quote of the builder that we are leaning towards and saw the following:

Pool Equipment (copy/paste from quote):

• Pentair 1.5 HP Whisperflo Variable Speed pump for pool
• Pentair 1.5 HP Superflo Variable Speed for shear descents
• Pentair Quad-Cartridge CV580 Filter
• Polaris 280 Cleaner w/ Booster Pump
• Easy Touch PD4 Remote system w/ full pool automation
• Pentair Salt System
• Includes Gas Heater 406,000 BTU

Given the proposed pool size, does the above make sense? Should we get the Pentair Intelliflo 3 Variable Speed Pump instead for the pool itself or is that too powerful?

I have no idea what an 'Easy Touch PD4' system is. Searching online I see there is an Easy Touch PL4' model. I did some research on this site over the weekend and see that Pentair is actually moving away from the EasyTouch products and migrating everything to the IntelliCenter line. I assume that we should insist on IntelliCenter, correct? When I asked this builder last week about IntelliCenter he said the EasyTouch "has all the technology you need for a pool your size and features you'll have". I want to get this right given it's a new build so I appreciate any advice on choosing the right equipment for this pool. Thank you!

 

[Lampasas1]

From a previous post, the easy touch is becoming obsolete. You might want to look into the intellicenter systems that is replacing them.

IntelliTouch and EasyTouch Officially Obsolete

The time has come. Pentair released a statement to all distributors and warranty stations that the IntelliTouch and EasyTouch/EasyTouch Lite systems are officially obsolete by the end of this year. Warranty will continue to be available per normal terms on equipment purchased this year, but the...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

• Pentair 1.5 HP Whisperflo Variable Speed pump for pool

Whisperflo 1.5HP will do. Intelliflo3 will be more energy efficient and quieter but cost more.

• Pentair 1.5 HP Superflo Variable Speed for shear descents

What size are the shear descents?

What flow requirement does the sheer descents have for the length and height?

Superflo is not the best pump for a low head waterfall. Pentair makes specific waterfall pumps.

WaterFall Specialty Pumps

The Pentair Waterfall Specialty Pool Water Features Pump has a closed impeller, low-head pump ideal for water features such as fountains, waterfalls and other special pool features.

www.pentair.com

@mas985 may have thoughts.

• Pentair Quad-Cartridge CV580 Filter
• Polaris 280 Cleaner w/ Booster Pump

Those are good.

• Easy Touch PD4 Remote system w/ full pool automation
• Pentair Salt System

It makes no sense to install the obsolete EasyTouch system now.

Get the IntelliCenter i5P bundle P/N 521905 Model 5PIC40 that includes the integrated SWG Power Center and IC40 cell. The bundle is a discounted price from buying the individual components.

• Includes Gas Heater 406,000 BTU

Pentair heaters are 400,000 BTUs.

MasterTemp heater or Max-E-Therm heater?

Specify that a Heater Bypass - Further Reading be installed as shown in the Pentair Installation manual.

Specify all diverter valves be used. No ball valves.

You will need two valve actuators connected to your IntelliCenter. One to control your sheer descents and one on the heater bypass.

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

Whisperflo 1.5HP will do. Intelliflo3 will be more energy efficient and quieter but cost more.



What size are the shear descents?

What flow requirement does the sheer descents have for the length and height?

Superflo is not the best pump for a low head waterfall. Pentair makes specific waterfall pumps.

WaterFall Specialty Pumps

The Pentair Waterfall Specialty Pool Water Features Pump has a closed impeller, low-head pump ideal for water features such as fountains, waterfalls and other special pool features.

www.pentair.com

@mas985 may have thoughts.



Those are good.



It makes no sense to install the obsolete EasyTouch system now.

Get the IntelliCenter i5P bundle P/N 521905 Model 5PIC40 that includes the integrated SWG Power Center and IC40 cell. The bundle is a discounted price from buying the individual components.



Pentair heaters are 400,000 BTUs.

MasterTemp heater or Max-E-Therm heater?

Specify that a Heater Bypass - Further Reading be installed as shown in the Pentair Installation manual.

Specify all diverter valves be used. No ball valves.

You will need two valve actuators connected to your IntelliCenter. One to control your sheer descents and one on the heater bypass.

Thank you for the reply!

• This builder quoted an extra $600 for the Intelliflo 3 which I'm willing to spend for more efficiency and less noise
• The feature wall will likely have just 3 scuppers (probably 2" in size), is there a specific Pentair pump that would work better?
• I will send that IntelliCenter i5P bundle part number to the builder(s), thank you for confirming the EasyTouch doesn't make sense
• I'm not sure why this builder did not specify the heater model/part number but I will ask them to
• I've never heard of a heater bypass but it makes complete sense after reading that article, thanks

 

[ajw22]

• This builder quoted an extra $600 for the Intelliflo 3 which I'm willing to spend for more efficiency and less noise

I would get the IntelliFlo3 VSF 3HP with Touchscreen - 011077. The touchscreen adds another $200 or so but makes it much easier to use when servicing the pool or pump.

• The feature wall will likely have just 3 scuppers (probably 2" in size), is there a specific Pentair pump that would work better?

I would expect the scuppers to be on the same pump as the sheer descents. The plumbing needs to have valves and actuators so you can direct flow to the scuppers or sheer descents or both.

• I've never heard of a heater bypass but it makes complete sense after reading that article, thanks

See page 15 in https://www.pentair.com/content/dam...p/manual/mastertemp-heater-manual-english.pdf

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

I would get the IntelliFlo3 VSF 3HP with Touchscreen - 011077. The touchscreen adds another $200 or so but makes it much easier to use when servicing the pool or pump.

Thank you. An extra $200 seems well worth it to have a touchscreen.

I would expect the scuppers to be on the same pump as the sheer descents. The plumbing needs to have valves and actuators so you can direct flow to the scuppers or sheer descents or both.

Sorry, my original post was a bit confusing. We only plan to have the scuppers, no sheer descents. The quote from that builder calls out sheer descents but my wife wants scuppers instead.

 

[ajw22]

Sorry, my original post was a bit confusing. We only plan to have the scuppers, no sheer descents. The quote from that builder calls out sheer descents but my wife wants scuppers instead.

Scuppers require a lot less water flow then sheer descents and the superflo VS pump is ok for that.

 

[pjt]

• Pentair 1.5 HP Whisperflo Variable Speed pump for pool
• Pentair 1.5 HP Superflo Variable Speed for shear descents

One pump can operate both your pool and water features. Install a diverter valve on the pressure side to direct water to either your returns or the water features. No need for a second pump.

Pentair Quad-Cartridge CV580 Filter

Are you referring to the CCP520? Great choice.

Polaris 280 Cleaner w/ Booster Pump

I'd recommend a robot instead of a pressure side cleaner. Much better cleaning performance and energy efficiency.

Easy Touch PD4 Remote system w/ full pool automation

Get IntelliCenter. Don't buy an obsolete system.

Should we get the Pentair Intelliflo 3 Variable Speed Pump

Yes.

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

One pump can operate both your pool and water features. Install a diverter valve on the pressure side to direct water to either your returns or the water features. No need for a second pump.

Thanks, I'll look into that option although I like the idea of having a dedicated pump to just the feature wall even if it costs more

Are you referring to the CCP520? Great choice.

Good catch. A quick search online shows that the CV580 isn't even a Pentair product, it's Jandy. We had asked for the Pentair CCP 420 Filter so I'll have to send another email about this.

I'd recommend a robot instead of a pressure side cleaner. Much better cleaning performance and energy efficiency.

We will look into this, thanks.

Get IntelliCenter. Don't but an obsolete system.

Agreed. I'm wondering how much of a red flag this is that they are recommending an obsolete system and then making other mistakes like the filter make/model in the quote. This builder has good reviews and was even recommended by someone else on this forum who is having a new pool built right now. I also assume many homeowners don't do their homework when they get these quotes and just trust that the equipment is 'good enough'.

 

[mas985]

From your original post, it says 3 scuppers. Is that still the number and what is the recommended flow rate?

 

[pjt]

I like the idea of having a dedicated pump to just the feature wall even if it costs more

Just curious what benefit you think that provides.

I'm wondering how much of a red flag this is

A successful build requires attention to detail. If you're happy with your PB, crosscheck and verify their work. Nobody will care about your build more than you. The devil is in the details, but so is salvation.

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

From your original post, it says 3 scuppers. Is that still the number and what is the recommended flow rate?

Yes, that is still the plan. My wife looked up the scuppers she wants and it says 5-15 gpm for recommended flow rate.

 

[mas985]

So 45 GPM is not that much and the Intelliflo could certainly handle that in addition to any other features you might have plus regular returns. You would just program the controller to increase the speed when those are on. You might want to have an actuated valve to turn them on and off as well.

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

Just curious what benefit you think that provides.

Are there any downsides to having a dedicated pump for the scuppers besides the added cost?

A successful build requires attention to detail. If you're happy with your PB, crosscheck and verify their work. Nobody will care about your build more than you. The devil is in the details, but so is salvation.

Very true. This particular builder is coming to meet us in the morning so we can walk the property again. He hasn’t replied to my email about fixing the equipment list yet. We will see how the in person meeting goes and then decide if this builder gets eliminated from the final list of 3. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[pjt]

Are there any downsides to having a dedicated pump for the scuppers besides the added cost?

It adds cost/complexity to your system and takes up room on your equipment pad. Your water feature pump will probably be off 98% of the time. You're only running a few scuppers, not a gigantic waterfall.

My build has three sheers and two spouts (check the pictures in my build thread). I have one high quality pump (IntelliFlo) for my entire system and it works great. However, it's your pool and your decision on what equipment you want.

 

[wireform]

I'd recommend a robot instead of a pressure side cleaner. Much better cleaning performance and energy efficiency.

But still have the line put in and it can be hooked up whenever if you decide to change things.
Also, not sure of the gallon capacity of the pool but you may be able to step down to the next smaller heater and still have plenty heater for the pool size.

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

It adds cost/complexity to your system and takes up room on your equipment pad. Your water feature pump will probably be off 98% of the time. You're only running a few scuppers, not a gigantic waterfall.

My build has three sheers and two spouts (check the pictures in my build thread). I have one high quality pump (IntelliFlo) for my entire system and it works great. However, it's your pool and your decision on what equipment you want.

So we are finally at the stage of our project that the equipment is being installed today. It's been quite the journey to get to this point and I'll create a separate thread with all the build details. However, when I looked at the equipment they were installing and spoke to the installer, I discovered there was no separate pump for the scuppers. The installer is telling me that the main pool pump is more than enough to support the pool and the scuppers. We went with the IntelliFlo3 VSF 3HP pump. I'm not happy that the builder changed the design on me without telling me and they are saying we have two options:

• Proceed without the separate dedicated pump for the scuppers and they will credit the cost (not sure how much $)
• Order the separate pump (Pentair SuperFlo 1.5HP VSP) and install it next week after it arrives

They are going to proceed with getting everything setup without the separate pump because the electrician is coming tomorrow and they need to test the equipment.

What is the expert opinion on this? Should we ask them to install the separate pump? We will likely be running the scuppers anytime we use the pool to help create some white noise and block out the sound of the next door neighbor. The final pool design is as follows:

• 12'x24' rectangle with a bump out for the steps, depth of 3.5' to 5.5'
• Estimated total gallons of 10,000

 

[ajw22]

Do you have a separate suction line for the scupper pump?

 

[DSMinAtlanta]

Do you have a separate suction line for the scupper pump?

Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by a separate suction line. How would I check for that? On the equipment pad I see the three separate lines that take the water to each of the three scuppers. Most of the plumbing is connected now (without a separate pump) and the electrician arrives tomorrow. I just went out to mark the location for the IntelliCenter i5P on the wall just to the left of the equipment pad.

 

[ajw22]

Each pump needs a dedicated suction line from the pool.

You should not have two pumps trying to pull water from the same suction line.

So when you ask about adding a pump it is only practical if the suction line for it was installed during the pool build.