Adding IntelliChlor IC40 to Compool, should I upgrade to Easytouch while I'm at it?

[fatdogsdaddy]

I'm loving the TFP method but tired of lugging jugs of chlorine. I want to add an Intellicholr IC40 to my 11 year old Compool CP3400 automation.

The Intellicholr IC40 requires me to buy an Intellicholr Power Center for $338 but for a few hundred more I can buy the Compool to Easytouch upgrade w/ transformer for $648. Would I still need to purchase the Power Center or would the EasyTouch with the transformer option power the salt cell or is the transformer just to power the computer boards inside the panel? The reason I'm thinking of the upgrade is that I'm still on my 11 yr old single speed pump and when it finally goes I'd like to switch to the IntelliFlow to reduce energy costs.

 

[bobodaclown]

You can add a stand alone SWCG, they have flow switches that turn the unit off when there's no/low flow situations. You'll have to figure out where to tap the power from. Not sure what your power cost are, that would be a determining factor to go with a 2-speed or variable speed. Run the 2-speed on hi when you need the floor cleaner and heater on, otherwise run on low. It's easy to change out the motor and shaft seal. The wet side of the pump is pretty bullet proof and seldom go bad. How many hours a day are you currently running your pump? If it's 8 hours or less, you'll want a SWCG rated for at least twice the size of your pool, with SWCG bigger is better. The daily output is typically based on a run time of 24 hours (daily), so if you only run your pump 8 hours, you'd want to go 3 times the size of the pool. (Doubling the output size doesn't double the price.) The power supplies are usually universally sized in a product line, they have jumpers or setting to tell what size cell is being used.

 

[gary300]

The Compool to Easy Touch upgrade does not have the transformer for the SWG. The transformer option is for older Compool systems which did not have the proper type of transformer to run the Easy Touch motherboard.

 

[Pool Clown]

Compool made a change to the transformer that supplied power for its automation main board during its run. The difference is the wire/plug that plugs onto the board. Before you choose to order the upgrade, look at your existing transformer that supplies power to your Compool. If it is a three wire plug, you WILL need the option w/transformer part# 521247. If you have a 5 wire, you need part# 521107

This transformer DOES NOT power the IC40.

This upgrade uses your existing control box. You don't need to get the Easytouch power center. Get the ic40 power center #520556. It is the size of a small shoe box.

 

[fatdogsdaddy]

Thank you all for your replies. From what I gather I may as well stick with my Compool CP3400 unless there are specific functions I want from the Easytouch since I'll be buying the Power Center for the IC40 anyway. I can always upgrade later when/if I go with an Inteliflow pump.

My only other thought which may just be over thinking things is: When I run my pump some evenings for the hot tub will the extra 2 hours or so of the SWCG running cause me problems with too much chlorine or will it all come out even after the next cleaning cycle when all the water mixes together again.

- - - Updated - - -

bobodaclown I run about 8 to 10 hours in the summer. I'm at 13,000 gallons and the Las Vegas sun eats chlorine so I'm figuring at 13k times 3 the IC40 would be about right and I can always dial down the output

 

[Jimrahbe]

My only other thought which may just be over thinking things is: When I run my pump some evenings for the hot tub will the extra 2 hours or so of the SWCG running cause me problems with too much chlorine or will it all come out even after the next cleaning cycle when all the water mixes together again.

FDD,

One of the advantages of the EasyTouch, is that it automatically reduces the amount of chlorine produced when in the Spa mode. If you buy an EasyTouch now, you can get a package deal which includes the IC40 and a power center built into the ET itself.

Then you can buy the Intelliflo, which you know you want to do...

Jim R.

 

[Pool Clown]

If you don't mind the stroll out to the equipment when you turn on the spa, you can just dial down the iC40 . There are some customers that plumb in the cell on the pool side of the return so no chlorine will go to the spa, but some here will voice concerns that the power center will still have power to it during this time. This is true, but the lack of flow across the switch should keep the iC40 generating Chlorine when you are in spa mode.

If you can afford the E/T upgrade, That would be my recommendation.

 

[Pool Clown]

If you buy an EasyTouch now, you can get a package deal which includes the IC40 and a power center built into the ET itself.

Then you can buy the Intelliflo, which you know you want to do...

Jim R.

He would be better off with the upgrade, and separate iC40. He would be buying alot that he wouldn't need to by getting a complete E/T w/ iC40. Power center, relays, actuators. Roughly $500.00 less (in my book) your mileage may vary.