Switch to Pentair?

[SC1971]

Just looking for a little advice. I’ve had multiple issues with my Jandy equipment since the pool was built in 2015. Two boards have been replaced in the control panel (in warranty and out). I had my Pentair pump installed as a replacement to the Jandy pump. The motor in the Jandy died under warranty and then died again out of warranty, hence the replacement. I’ve had problems with the SWG in the past (replaced sensor and interface board). Now, it’s giving me the “120/121” error, even after cleaning. So, it looks like I may need a new cell? Or just get a new SWG. Oh, and now my heater is down for the second time this year. The first repair was the user interface and possibly the universal controller. This time it’s possibly the gas valve. Will have to wait for the service tech to look at it and the SWG.

My PB put in the Jandy equipment, but the service company I’m using likes Pentair. I’ve had two of their techs tell me they prefer Pentair equipment. I’m now at a point, after 5 years, of thinking about changing my equipment over to Pentair. I love my automated system… When it works . I control my pump, lights, heater, 2 actuator valves (slide and 2 deck jets), schedule, etc. I was thinking about getting a quote for a filter, SWG, automation, and maybe a heater? Just to get an idea. Or keep the heater if it will automate with Pentair. Either way I’m sure the price tag is going to shock me. I already got a quote for just the IntelliChlor and that was $1800 (which seems kinda high). Obviously, repairs are cheaper, but these repairs are starting to add up. It seems like every summer something breaks. I told my wife that every time we need to get something replaced, I’m getting Pentair.

Thanks

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Wow.... that's a horrible situation! I'm sorry to hear you're having such problems. Let me call in someone who knows Pentair well- @Jimrahbe

The only thing I know is that Jandy makes it hard for pool owners to install their products themselves. Not a lot of folks I read about here use much more than Jandy valves (highly rated!).

Maddie

 

[guinness]

@SC1971 It would help if you can update your signature, do you have the AquaPure 1400? Do you have the Aqualink RS4 or RS8?

A possible automation replacement could be the IntelliCenter 5P w/ load center and the IntelliChlor transformer w/ IC40 cell.

Pentair IntelliCenter i5PIC40 Kit - Pool only with Load Center and IC40

 

[Jimrahbe]

SC,

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy.. But.. I bet I can find Pentair and Hayward owners that have had similar problems with their equipment.. I think overall all three brands have about the same quality and reliability.. Even so, I always recommend Pentair as I have had great luck with their equipment..

If you are going to change brands, then I would also recommend the package kit that Guinness linked to above... You already have the IntelliFlo and you can continue to use your filter and heater if you wanted..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[SC1971]

@SC1971 It would help if you can update your signature, do you have the AquaPure 1400? Do you have the Aqualink RS4 or RS8?

A possible automation replacement could be the IntelliCenter 5P w/ load center and the IntelliChlor transformer w/ IC40 cell.

Pentair IntelliCenter i5PIC40 Kit - Pool only with Load Center and IC40

Thanks for the info. Sorry about the signature, I just updated it (RS8, but no spa and Fusion 1400). Does that unit give me the option for cellphone app usage?

 

[SC1971]

SC,

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy.. But.. I bet I can find Pentair and Hayward owners that have had similar problems with their equipment.. I think overall all three brands have about the same quality and reliability.. Even so, I always recommend Pentair as I have had great luck with their equipment..

If you are going to change brands, then I would also recommend the package kit that Guinness linked to above... You already have the IntelliFlo and you can continue to use your filter and heater if you wanted..

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks for the info Jim. Sounds good. A must-have for me is control via phone app. We've had issues with our Zodiac remote. Oh, by the way I mentioned in my orignal post about the price for the Intellichlor. My second quote was roughly the same. So both were in the $1,800 range .

Thanks,
Scott C.

 

[guinness]

Thanks for the info. Sorry about the signature, I just updated it (RS8, but no spa and Fusion 1400). Does that unit give me the option for cellphone app usage?

How many relays are you currently using? If the Fusion 1400 for 40k gals then the IC40 is equivalent.

Yes the IntelliCenter app is in both the Google play store and Apple app store.

Oh, by the way I mentioned in my orignal post about the price for the Intellichlor. My second quote was roughly the same. So both were in the $1,800 range .

The Pentair IntelliCenter 5PIC40 Kit is about $2200 if you buy direct - can you pay a pool guy just to install and get the 1 year warranty?

Qualified Installer - Defined as a licensed professional who charges a fee for his services, and possesses a business license, contractor's license and/or resale permit. Common examples of a "qualified installer" include: Swimming Pool, Home Repair or Landscape Professional; Plumber or Electrician; General Contractor; Heating and Air Conditioning Specialist.

Pool Product Warranty Information

Pentair delivers smart, sustainable solutions that empower our customers to make the most of life's essential resource. At Pentair, we believe the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean water.

www.pentair.com

 

[SC1971]

How many relays are you currently using? If the Fusion 1400 for 40k gals then the IC40 is equivalent.

Yes the IntelliCenter app is in both the Google play store and Apple app store.



The Pentair IntelliCenter 5PIC40 Kit is about $2200 if you buy direct - can you pay a pool guy just to install and get the 1 year warranty?

Pool Product Warranty Information

Pentair delivers smart, sustainable solutions that empower our customers to make the most of life's essential resource. At Pentair, we believe the health of our world depends on reliable access to clean water.

www.pentair.com

I believe 4. I originally had the RS with (PDA P4 only Rev. 6), but switched it out. Pool is 20K gallons.

I will definitely check to see if they would just install.

Thanks

 

[Dirk]

If you decide to replace a lot of your stuff with Pentair, be sure to understand their warranty upgrade. If you buy three of their qualifying items, they up the warranty to three years. Also be aware that certain components only work, or only work best, when connected to or controlled by components of the same brand. And lastly, realize that these are electrical and electronic components that need to perform in relatively harsh conditions: outdoors, subjected to rain and pool water and salt, etc., manufactured by highly competitive companies that maximize profits through whatever means, which include production shortcuts. There are bound to be failures and subsequent repairs. I have all Pentair. I've so far lost a light, second one is on its way out, and two SWGs. All less than three years old.

 

[guinness]

I believe 4. I originally had the RS with (PDA P4 only Rev. 6), but switched it out.

You should be OK, what are the relays labelled? Other than lights, what are do your relays control?

BTW if you decide to sell any of the replaced equipment you can head on over to The Coffee Bar.

You'll definitely have offers for the Aqualink RS8, in fact the poster below might be interested.

Reasonable price to add automation?

I'm in the process of building the pool and strongly considering adding the automation at this point. I asked PB for a quote and they are asking $2200 for Jandy AquaLink PDA automation and $3150 for Jandy AquaLink RS. Of cource I would like the RS but it seems like almost not worth it. I will...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[SC1971]

If you decide to replace a lot of your stuff with Pentair, be sure to understand their warranty upgrade. If you buy three of their qualifying items, they up the warranty to three years. Also be aware that certain components only work, or only work best, when connected to or controlled by components of the same brand. And lastly, realize that these are electrical and electronic components that need to perform in relatively harsh conditions: outdoors, subjected to rain and pool water and salt, etc., manufactured by highly competitive companies that maximize profits through whatever means, which include production shortcuts. There are bound to be failures and subsequent repairs. I have all Pentair. I've so far lost a light, second one is on its way out, and two SWGs. All less than three years old.

Thanks for the warranty info and I feel your pain in reference to the equipment failures

 

[SC1971]

You should be OK, what are the relays labelled? Other than lights, what are do your relays control?

BTW if you decide to sell any of the replaced equipment you can head on over to The Coffee Bar.

You'll definitely have offers for the Aqualink RS8, in fact the poster below might be interested.

Reasonable price to add automation?

I'm in the process of building the pool and strongly considering adding the automation at this point. I asked PB for a quote and they are asking $2200 for Jandy AquaLink PDA automation and $3150 for Jandy AquaLink RS. Of cource I would like the RS but it seems like almost not worth it. I will...

www.troublefreepool.com

Yep, I just confirmed it's four. Pump / Lights / Jets / Slide. I'll have to check out the Coffee Bar.

Thanks

 

[guinness]

Yep, I just confirmed it's four. Pump / Lights / Jets / Slide.

Well the good news is that you only actually need 1 relay - for the lights, The Intelliflo pump will be powered on constantly and controlled via RS485 cable and the jets and slides are controlled by actuator valve controls A & B.

 

[SC1971]

Well the good news is that you only actually need 1 relay - for the lights, The Intelliflo pump will be powered on constantly and controlled via RS485 cable and the jets and slides are controlled by actuator valve controls A & B.

That is good news. Thanks!

 

[guinness]

Good luck, keep us posted!