Automation, SWG decisions

eco-help

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Bronze Supporter
Apr 4, 2014
209
Tampa, Florida
After receiving advice on pool pump replacement, (Featured - Pump Failing) some responses included talk about Automation - Intelliconnect, Easytouch, Intellicenter. I also talked to a company and they were leading me to Jandy Automation / SWG due to better inter-company operability.
Looking at the "big picture" I realize some "complaints" from my wife could be solved: (all are controlled manually currently from the pool equipment pad area)
1. 24v Landscape lighting (it already has a day/night sensor but we really only want it on at night and when guests are visiting
2. Pool equipment pad / security light - plugged into 110v outlet
3. Lamp post light. MacGyver timer screwed into side of sub-panel and wired into breaker (somehow, I shudder to think). I would like to schedule it from automation, if not just a relay on/off
4. Pool light (old style in swimming pool. Tied into breaker sub-panel. Wife has to flip breaker to turn on/off.. breaker usually pulls out so I have to come back and plug it in
5. Aquacal SQ 155 Heat Pump
6. Hayward GoldLine SWG with bad cell. I am pondering replacing the cell and hooking it into Pentair automation and using ON/OFF capability, then later switchover to Pentair SWG
7. My gut says Jandy isn't a consideration but I would like to know if that should be considered.
8. I would like to control all these via smartphone.. iPhone specifically. Ideally solution would directly hook to wifi without having to connect to my WIFI router.
9. Do most companies that install this handle hooking all this together (including sub-panel breakers / removal of existing panel to replace with automation panel.. or is this a combo electrician / pool company effort?
10. We have a water pipe going into the ground for a fountain. We see an electrical looking pole next to the pool that looks like it was designed for that. Maybe we can hook that up as well? I presume it would be some sort of bird bath setup? We likely would have to dig it up and it would be a future project but I wanted to mention it. (I can post photos if needed)
11. My wife said go with the cheapest even if we need to rip and replace later, but she also said if we can have a solution that controls everything and can be used when we are on long vacation that would be good
11A. Long vacation - This might mean we need a Muriatic Acid dispenser since PH rises quite quickly due to Aeration / SWG.. I am always putting a lot of MA in pool. I don't want friends to have to deal with acid, it is a favor to ask them to look in every few days
11B. I have a Warrior SE robot - For vacations I intend to leave in pool and schedule via simple SmartThings timer. I might buy one of those Solar surface skimmers too.
12. I haven't replaced the pump yet, but I am pretty set on the gold standard Intelliflo VS recommended here. I understand I can get the Hayward pump but that takes me down the rabbit hole of upgrading Hayward Aquarite to AquaPlus....

Do any of the Pentair solutions have their own Sub-panel that I could replace the existing one with?
Which would be the best solution?
Would you suggest I throw away the GoldLine and go ahead with the Pentair SWG?

I posted here because I tend to go down rabbit holes I doubt most people would be interested in. Mods feel free to move it to another forum as you see fit. [moved I see]
 
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eco,

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy, so keep that in mind.. :mrgreen:

I have upgraded two rent house pools.. At first I tried to keep patching the equipment that was there. As soon as I fixed one thing, something else would go South. I finally gave up, and installed an IntelliFlo VS pump, EasyTouch automation that came with an IC40 SWCG. It was the best pool decision that I have ever made. The downside of course was the initial cost. But, this was soon forgotten as I never have had to go back and keep patching and patching things. The one thing that I did not replace was the Filters.. this was because I had done that during my initial patching period.

I am sure there are several ways to accomplish what you want to do, but here is what makes the most sense to me..

Install the IntelliFlo (or Pro) pump and an EasyTouch automation system with an IC40 SWCG and ScreenLogic2.




The EasyTouch has a 125 amp load center or sub-panel, that has 10 breaker slots.. (5 ea 240 volt breakers or 10 120 volt breakers)

ScreenLogic allows you to control the EasyTouch with your PC, Phone, or Tablet.

The IC40 integrates into the EasyTouch and allows you to control the percent of output as well as see the salt level in the pool..

This EasyTouch comes with an internal SWCG power supply, so all you do it plug the cell into the bottom of the EasyTouch.

This unit has the ability to control 2 valves for any water features you might have.

This unit can control your heater (almost any heater which has a fireman's switch).. Tell the EasyTouch what temp you want, and the heater will run until the pool is that temperature and then the heater will shut off.

You can program the speeds you want the pool pump to run at specific times or when you turn something on. To be ridiculous, you could tell the system to have the pump run at 2000 RPM when you turn the pool light on.. Whatever you want.

It goes on, but I have run out of words.. ( I can only use so many per day ) :)

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
eco,

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy, so keep that in mind.. :mrgreen:

I have upgraded two rent house pools.. At first I tried to keep patching the equipment that was there. As soon as I fixed one thing, something else would go South. I finally gave up, and installed an IntelliFlo VS pump, EasyTouch automation that came with an IC40 SWCG. It was the best pool decision that I have ever made. The downside of course was the initial cost. But, this was soon forgotten as I never have had to go back and keep patching and patching things. The one thing that I did not replace was the Filters.. this was because I had done that during my initial patching period.

I am sure there are several ways to accomplish what you want to do, but here is what makes the most sense to me..

Install the IntelliFlo (or Pro) pump and an EasyTouch automation system with an IC40 SWCG and ScreenLogic2.




The EasyTouch has a 125 amp load center or sub-panel, that has 10 breaker slots.. (5 ea 240 volt breakers or 10 120 volt breakers)

ScreenLogic allows you to control the EasyTouch with your PC, Phone, or Tablet.

The IC40 integrates into the EasyTouch and allows you to control the percent of output as well as see the salt level in the pool..

This EasyTouch comes with an internal SWCG power supply, so all you do it plug the cell into the bottom of the EasyTouch.

This unit has the ability to control 2 valves for any water features you might have.

This unit can control your heater (almost any heater which has a fireman's switch).. Tell the EasyTouch what temp you want, and the heater will run until the pool is that temperature and then the heater will shut off.

You can program the speeds you want the pool pump to run at specific times or when you turn something on. To be ridiculous, you could tell the system to have the pump run at 2000 RPM when you turn the pool light on.. Whatever you want.

It goes on, but I have run out of words.. ( I can only use so many per day ) :)

Thanks,

Jim R.
This is great info thanks!
(since your out of words :) ) can you use a mark to indicate yes/no to:
1. I think this needs something to plug into WIFI router. True or False?
If so... you ever have any issues with that?
2. I think Intellicenter is newest product and doesn't need an adapter to plug into router. True or False?
3. Does this get wired by an Electrician or did the Pool company wire it? I need to replace my sub-panel .. Yes / No

Thanks :)
 
9. Do most companies that install this handle hooking all this together (including sub-panel breakers / removal of existing panel to replace with automation panel.. or is this a combo electrician / pool company effort?

I wasn't really biased about automation until I started looking into the details. For several reasons I think Intellicenter by Pentair is the best way to go but you can save some $ with Easy Touch. As far as the installation approach there are several ways to go. At one end of the spectrum you pay a service company, pool store, or authorized rep to do everything (or sub the parts he doesn't do himself). It's the simplest way to go for you so long as you spec the job completely before you start. At the opposite end you buy the equipment yourself online and hire each different craft to do the work. Advantage of this is usually cheaper and you learn a lot. Disadvantage is you are responsible for any additional cost because the interfaces aren't managed well and warranty is fragmented so more complex to claim. If you're not familiar with managing multiple different crafts/permitting etc this is probably not the right choice for you. You'll almost certainly eat up a lot of the savings by learning how to do this.

Pricing for fully managed install in Florida seems to run 2x equipment costs on average. A typical bundle for the Easy Touch approach is about $1200, the Intellicenter is about $2500. Installation can be higher for more complex installation and/or when you have to do major work on the power supply. Can be less if your installation is fairly simple and doesn't require a lot of electrical re-routing etc.

Intellicenter does not require a wired internet connection. You connect to your WiFi network. I believe Easy Touch/Screen logic is the same. With any WiFi system you need a decent signal at the equipment pad. Also you may have very rare server/connection issues for short periods of time... (once per year or so). You always have control at the cabinet and via the local network though.

Hope this helps.

Chris
 
I wasn't really biased about automation until I started looking into the details. For several reasons I think Intellicenter by Pentair is the best way to go but you can save some $ with Easy Touch. As far as the installation approach there are several ways to go. At one end of the spectrum you pay a service company, pool store, or authorized rep to do everything (or sub the parts he doesn't do himself). It's the simplest way to go for you so long as you spec the job completely before you start. At the opposite end you buy the equipment yourself online and hire each different craft to do the work. Advantage of this is usually cheaper and you learn a lot. Disadvantage is you are responsible for any additional cost because the interfaces aren't managed well and warranty is fragmented so more complex to claim. If you're not familiar with managing multiple different crafts/permitting etc this is probably not the right choice for you. You'll almost certainly eat up a lot of the savings by learning how to do this.

Pricing for fully managed install in Florida seems to run 2x equipment costs on average. A typical bundle for the Easy Touch approach is about $1200, the Intellicenter is about $2500. Installation can be higher for more complex installation and/or when you have to do major work on the power supply. Can be less if your installation is fairly simple and doesn't require a lot of electrical re-routing etc.

Intellicenter does not require a wired internet connection. You connect to your WiFi network. I believe Easy Touch/Screen logic is the same. With any WiFi system you need a decent signal at the equipment pad. Also you may have very rare server/connection issues for short periods of time... (once per year or so). You always have control at the cabinet and via the local network though.

Hope this helps.

Chris
Man is this helpful thank you! :)
for the $1200/2500 is that for the installation?
Can you say the various reasons you think Intellicenter is better?
Everyone is saying once you go Pentair you'r locked into Proprietary system I am not against it (I am a huge Apple fanboy even though I am IT guy and everything else to me is fine too (if it has a keyboard I am good to go) )
I doubt I will DIY with crafts but that is good to know.. (I will probably blow the budget as you said by learning it and screwing up)
Also doesn't the DIY solution reduce the warranty?
Did I say this was a helpful answer? Really appreciate your input.

Last question, do you think I should replace the Aquarite with Pentair solution ? I think that is what your inferring but it would be good to hear it :) If not I replace the cell but it seems to me better to rip out.
I understand the Pentair cell is more expensive and it's electronics are on the cell.. I hate that, but ok I will deal with it if that is the way to go.

WIFI router is on the other side of the equipment wall and its a really powerful router, I doubt I will have issues (unless they are Pentair)

Thank you
 
It goes on, but I have run out of words.. ( I can only use so many per day ) :)
Wow... I never thought that could happen! you must be on a quota!

Man is this helpful thank you! :)
for the $1200/2500 is that for the installation?
Can you say the various reasons you think Intellicenter is better?
Everyone is saying once you go Pentair you'r locked into Proprietary system I am not against it (I am a huge Apple fanboy even though I am IT guy and everything else to me is fine too (if it has a keyboard I am good to go) )
I doubt I will DIY with crafts but that is good to know.. (I will probably blow the budget as you said by learning it and screwing up)
Also doesn't the DIY solution reduce the warranty?
Did I say this was a helpful answer? Really appreciate your input.

Last question, do you think I should replace the Aquarite with Pentair solution ? I think that is what your inferring but it would be good to hear it :) If not I replace the cell but it seems to me better to rip out.
I understand the Pentair cell is more expensive and it's electronics are on the cell.. I hate that, but ok I will deal with it if that is the way to go.
...

Thank you
I have toyed with this idea since I retrofitted my pool with equipment 15 years ago. But I didn't think the automation back then seemed very mature. Now it seems alot better. So how old is your Aquarite system? If its over 10 years old I would consider replacing the whole shebang., I'm currently in the time frame of if something major goes out, I'll just replace it all for the next generation stuff.
 
1. I think this needs something to plug into WIFI router. True or False?
If so... you ever have any issues with that?
2. I think Intellicenter is newest product and doesn't need an adapter to plug into router. True or False?
3. Does this get wired by an Electrician or did the Pool company wire it? I need to replace my sub-panel .. Yes / No

Eco,

I found few more words in the bottom of an old desk drawer.... :mrgreen:

The EasyTouch/ScreenLogic does not directly use WiFi... ScreenLogic is connected to your local network with something called a Protocol adapter.. Pentair on one end and Ethernet on the other end. If I use my PC to tell the EasyTouch to do something, no WiFi is involved. If I use the phone, I can control the EasyTouch via the phone itself or I can use the phone in the WiFi mode to talk with the local network.. The EasyTouch can be connected to the Protocol Adapter by a 4-wire cable, or by two transceivers that operate in the frequency range of the old wireless phones.. Not WiFi...

The IntelliCenter is better, and what I would use, but the EasyTouch is simple and is known by most installers. On simple systems, there is not much of an advantage to go with the IntelliCenter "IF" the costs are not the same.. In other words, if the installer wants a lot more money for the IntelliCenter, then I would go with the EasyTouch. If the total costs are about the same, I would go with newer IntelliCenter.

Most pool companies have installers that can run the electrical lines, install the load centers, as well as wire and program the automation. I would expect the labor to be about the same as the materiel costs..

The one bad thing about the IntelliCenter is that it talks to the Pentair website, which talks to your automation. This means that if the website is down, then you have no automated control.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Wow... I never thought that could happen! you must be on a quota!


I have toyed with this idea since I retrofitted my pool with equipment 15 years ago. But I didn't think the automation back then seemed very mature. Now it seems alot better. So how old is your Aquarite system? If its over 10 years old I would consider replacing the whole shebang., I'm currently in the time frame of if something major goes out, I'll just replace it all for the next generation stuff.
Aquarite purchased April 2014
 
Aquarite purchased April 2014
Are you still running on the same cell?.. I found anything after 5 years with TCell's is borrowed time ;) soooo.. its your call if you want to put the impending cost of a new cell into a new automation system that includes the SWG... just sayin' were it me I would lean toward replacing it, so the automation system is better integrated. And I bet you could sell your controller on CraigList to someone that needs to fix thier old SWG system ;)
 
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Eco,

I found few more words in the bottom of an old desk drawer.... :mrgreen:

The EasyTouch/ScreenLogic does not directly use WiFi... ScreenLogic is connected to your local network with something called a Protocol adapter.. Pentair on one end and Ethernet on the other end. If I use my PC to tell the EasyTouch to do something, no WiFi is involved. If I use the phone, I can control the EasyTouch via the phone itself or I can use the phone in the WiFi mode to talk with the local network.. The EasyTouch can be connected to the Protocol Adapter by a 4-wire cable, or by two transceivers that operate in the frequency range of the old wireless phones.. Not WiFi...

The IntelliCenter is better, and what I would use, but the EasyTouch is simple and is known by most installers. On simple systems, there is not much of an advantage to go with the IntelliCenter "IF" the costs are not the same.. In other words, if the installer wants a lot more money for the IntelliCenter, then I would go with the EasyTouch. If the total costs are about the same, I would go with newer IntelliCenter.

Most pool companies have installers that can run the electrical lines, install the load centers, as well as wire and program the automation. I would expect the labor to be about the same as the materiel costs..

The one bad thing about the IntelliCenter is that it talks to the Pentair website, which talks to your automation. This means that if the website is down, then you have no automated control.

Thanks,

Jim R.
So Protocol adapter connects to WIFI.. Screenlogic connects WIFI to the adapter? Is the phone connection Bluetooth then.
Some how I doubt the words "Permit" or "Inspection" will be uttered, maybe "yes sir it will all be inspected, permitted" and then not.
For real? It talks to Pentair site! That is practically a deal breaker.. I have no words :( (see I am out of them too, that never happens :( )
 
I'm looking at IntelliCenter now too. From what I understand, if you use mobile devices, that's local control and doesn't go through Pentair; the PC app does. Apparently there's folks working on software for local PC control, but who knows when/if they'll be available.
 
So Protocol adapter connects to WIFI.. Screenlogic connects WIFI to the adapter? Is the phone connection Bluetooth then.

Eco.. so... I am not an IT guy, but no... There is no WiFi involved in the ScreenLogic process at all. The EasyTouch is connected to the protocol adapter.. the adapter talks "Pentair" at one end and Eithernet at the other end.. To control your EasyTouch your only need to have a local network...

That said, most local networks do have WiFi .. so only if you want, you can put your phone on WiFi and talk to your local network using your phone's WiFi.. But you do not have to use the WiFi, you can just use the phone itself.. Just like your phone can talk with websites via an IP address, your phone can talk to the IP address of the protocol adapter and then of course tell the EasyTouch what to do.

Just to be clear.. WiFi is not required to use ScreenLogic.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Man is this helpful thank you! :)
for the $1200/2500 is that for the installation?
Can you say the various reasons you think Intellicenter is better?
Everyone is saying once you go Pentair you'r locked into Proprietary system I am not against it (I am a huge Apple fanboy even though I am IT guy and everything else to me is fine too (if it has a keyboard I am good to go) )
I doubt I will DIY with crafts but that is good to know.. (I will probably blow the budget as you said by learning it and screwing up)
Also doesn't the DIY solution reduce the warranty?
Did I say this was a helpful answer? Really appreciate your input.

Last question, do you think I should replace the Aquarite with Pentair solution ? I think that is what your inferring but it would be good to hear it :) If not I replace the cell but it seems to me better to rip out.
I understand the Pentair cell is more expensive and it's electronics are on the cell.. I hate that, but ok I will deal with it if that is the way to go.

WIFI router is on the other side of the equipment wall and its a really powerful router, I doubt I will have issues (unless they are Pentair)

Thank you

Before I reply on let me say I know Intellicenter way better because I installed it myself. I'd defer to Jim about WiFi on Easy Touch or Intellicenter for that matter... he's an automation expert.
  • The prices I quoted are off the internet for comparable equipment prices you have to double for total installed cost (+/-)
  • Intellicenter is the newest technology and it uses modular add-on boards to add expansion capacity. You don't need to completely replace the main board for this. It also has a load of configurable options right out of the box. 100 schedules, apps for anything etc. It's also more configurable than most others on the market including calibration of each temp sensor and ability to choose the temp delta to start solar. I could go on but it's simply a very robust design that can be expanded well into the commercial area with multiple pools etc. That said it's probably overkill for a simple pool.
  • Pentair doesn't "lock you in". It does make control of certain equipment easier. For example it's easier to control and select speeds with their line of VS motors since both communicate on the same Pentair protocol. But there are adapters to "translate" and most equipment has other ways to interface such as pretty versatile digital inputs. Major equipment manufacturers use their own proprietary RS 485 protocol and for the most part sell adapters for other manufacturers equipment. I control Jandy heater, V-green VS motor, Circupool SWG, and Jandy spa booster pump plus Jandy, Intermatic and Hayward valve actuators with no problem on my system.
  • SWG is a close call. I think Hayward, Pentair and 3rd parties are about the same. Cell manufacturing is an evolving science as is the coatings themselves in the cell. They also still seem to have a fair number of failures well after start up. So I went for the best warranty and cheapest $/lb chlorine. Jury's out on that decision.
  • You're gonna be fine with that WiFi. I just installed a mesh network and it's fantastic. I've got great signal even out to the spa for temp adjustment on the phone without needing to use cell signal.
I hope this helps.

Chris
 
Are you still running on the same cell?.. I found anything after 5 years with TCell's is borrowed time ;) soooo.. its your call if you want to put the impending cost of a new cell into a new automation system that includes the SWG... just sayin' were it me I would lean toward replacing it, so the automation system is better integrated. And I bet you could sell your controller on CraigList to someone that needs to fix thier old SWG system ;)
No it failed. Both single speed pump and cell failed about the same time (pump had 2 motors and 1 bearing replacement)
So now is time to replace all as you said
Selling on Craigslist, I didn't think of, thank you, that is good idea! just have to figure out "social distancing" for the sale; and how to prove it works after it is dismantled.... hmmm
 
Before I reply on let me say I know Intellicenter way better because I installed it myself. I'd defer to Jim about WiFi on Easy Touch or Intellicenter for that matter... he's an automation expert.
  • The prices I quoted are off the internet for comparable equipment prices you have to double for total installed cost (+/-)
  • Intellicenter is the newest technology and it uses modular add-on boards to add expansion capacity. You don't need to completely replace the main board for this. It also has a load of configurable options right out of the box. 100 schedules, apps for anything etc. It's also more configurable than most others on the market including calibration of each temp sensor and ability to choose the temp delta to start solar. I could go on but it's simply a very robust design that can be expanded well into the commercial area with multiple pools etc. That said it's probably overkill for a simple pool.
  • Pentair doesn't "lock you in". It does make control of certain equipment easier. For example it's easier to control and select speeds with their line of VS motors since both communicate on the same Pentair protocol. But there are adapters to "translate" and most equipment has other ways to interface such as pretty versatile digital inputs. Major equipment manufacturers use their own proprietary RS 485 protocol and for the most part sell adapters for other manufacturers equipment. I control Jandy heater, V-green VS motor, Circupool SWG, and Jandy spa booster pump plus Jandy, Intermatic and Hayward valve actuators with no problem on my system.
  • SWG is a close call. I think Hayward, Pentair and 3rd parties are about the same. Cell manufacturing is an evolving science as is the coatings themselves in the cell. They also still seem to have a fair number of failures well after start up. So I went for the best warranty and cheapest $/lb chlorine. Jury's out on that decision.
  • You're gonna be fine with that WiFi. I just installed a mesh network and it's fantastic. I've got great signal even out to the spa for temp adjustment on the phone without needing to use cell signal.
I hope this helps.

Chris
I like the idea of modular a lot, who knows what we will do in the future.. the pool is really old, we have to replace the retention wall.. so who knows... I would hate to have to rip out a perfectly good system just to add a few things later.
Before I reply on let me say I know Intellicenter way better because I installed it myself. I'd defer to Jim about WiFi on Easy Touch or Intellicenter for that matter... he's an automation expert.
  • The prices I quoted are off the internet for comparable equipment prices you have to double for total installed cost (+/-)
  • Intellicenter is the newest technology and it uses modular add-on boards to add expansion capacity. You don't need to completely replace the main board for this. It also has a load of configurable options right out of the box. 100 schedules, apps for anything etc. It's also more configurable than most others on the market including calibration of each temp sensor and ability to choose the temp delta to start solar. I could go on but it's simply a very robust design that can be expanded well into the commercial area with multiple pools etc. That said it's probably overkill for a simple pool.
  • Pentair doesn't "lock you in". It does make control of certain equipment easier. For example it's easier to control and select speeds with their line of VS motors since both communicate on the same Pentair protocol. But there are adapters to "translate" and most equipment has other ways to interface such as pretty versatile digital inputs. Major equipment manufacturers use their own proprietary RS 485 protocol and for the most part sell adapters for other manufacturers equipment. I control Jandy heater, V-green VS motor, Circupool SWG, and Jandy spa booster pump plus Jandy, Intermatic and Hayward valve actuators with no problem on my system.
  • SWG is a close call. I think Hayward, Pentair and 3rd parties are about the same. Cell manufacturing is an evolving science as is the coatings themselves in the cell. They also still seem to have a fair number of failures well after start up. So I went for the best warranty and cheapest $/lb chlorine. Jury's out on that decision.
  • You're gonna be fine with that WiFi. I just installed a mesh network and it's fantastic. I've got great signal even out to the spa for temp adjustment on the phone without needing to use cell signal.
I hope this helps.

Chris
I like the idea of modular a lot, who knows what we will do in the future.. the pool is really old, we have to replace the retention wall.. so who knows... I would hate to have to rip out a perfectly good system just to add a few things later.
Interesting it can control solar... We considered solar (water heating for pool) but were told it wouldn't work for our location or something. Only asked one company. I think solar panels may be way to go for whole house power but that's another story, so again another possible.. Sun power is really great in Florida :)
Mesh WIFI - yup that's what I have, I think the thing reaches to far neighbors.. that's good and bad :)
Thank you for all the info, got it.. good to hear on the interoperability via adapters.

Question: What functionality do you get with the SWG.. can you adjust the salt level? Does the Intellicenter report salt reading/level? (maybe it senses that itself from the water directly?
 

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