Pentair Warranty - Its Been an Interesting Year of Failures

[Karl]

Good evening folks, It's been a while since I've posted and I have had my share of repair experiences. Please allow me to start off by saying that when my automation system is working, it is virtually second to none. I enjoy it very much and its definitely suits my needs (when it is operating properly). I own what I consider a very nice Pentair setup comprising of their 60SF DE Filter, Easytouch 4 remote with panel, variable speed pump, intellibrite LED pool and spa lights and the 400K BTU gas heater. I am in the last 6 months of my 3 year warranty coverage and I'm very concerned right now about reliability. Within the past year or so I have had an Easytouch "main board" replaced, a spa light replaced, and 3 Compool automated valves replaced/repaired. Right now I am experiencing my 4th automated valve issue and am at a loss as to the chronic problems that are occurring, I had a brief chat with the Pentair service rep out of North Carolina this morning and expressed my concern that I'll be pretty much "hung out to dry" once the 3 year warranty period is over. I asked if there was anything that Pentair could do to extend the warranty coverage for a period of reasonable time until my Pentair system "stabilizes" and shows signs of being more dependable. I explained that I was very concerned about Pentair product reliability at this point and his response was to simply approach my pool builder and ask how they installed it. I am not pleased with his implied belief that it was the pool builder's fault. Heck, my system had been working quite well for the first couple of years! To add a bit of salt to the wound, Pentair has only one authorized pool contractor in my area and they are stretched to the limit.

I just have a few questions regarding my situation ... has anyone else had failure rates like I have had? If so, was there a common root cause? At some point would Pentair send one of their "Company" techs out to inspect my system? I am at my wits end regarding these repair problems, all I desire is a system that is reliable and not a perpetual money pit (aka Pentair Profit Center)

Thank You

 

[jerryt]

Re: Pentair Warranty - Its Been an Interesting Year of Failu

Within the past year or so I have had an Easytouch "main board" replaced, a spa light replaced, and 3 Compool automated valves replaced/repaired. Right now I am experiencing my 4th automated valve issue and am at a loss as to the chronic problems that are occurring,

Can you provide details of each failure?

The only connections I could make from this limited information, is a "Bad power feed" to the Easytouch panel, which would provide low voltage to all these devices. Easy to check.

 

[Judodad]

Re: Pentair Warranty - Its Been an Interesting Year of Failu

I agree with Jerry. The problems your having are all electrical related. Have you had any power surges or storms that could have caused this? It certainly could be a part failure too. I have all Pentair equipment also & my 3 years ends next month. I have to say the only problem I have had is the SWG not working correctly & that just started.

 

[Patrick_B]

Re: Pentair Warranty - Its Been an Interesting Year of Failu

Reading threads like these contributed to me not going with automation. I deal with it on a routine basis at work, and don't wan the problems at home.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Re: Pentair Warranty - Its Been an Interesting Year of Failu

We haven't heard of a lot of failures of any of the components that you listed, so I think it's an individual install issue. As others have said the failures you listed appear to be all electrical in nature. Living in Melbourne you're subject to a lot of lightning strikes and therefore power surges. If you don't have surge surpressor on the house and/or the system, I'd seriously consider adding one. Beyond that I really don't know what to suggest.

 

[Karl]

Re: Pentair Warranty - Its Been an Interesting Year of Failu

My local Pentair warranty folks stopped by last Friday and replaced the offending valve. Pentair suggested that I contact my PB ... which I did in order to double-check the electric install. Unsure of what they'll be investigating short of a proper ground. I have heard of the circuit breaker style of surge protectors that are on the market, I'm thinking that may be good insurance in case of lightning this coming summer.

KARL