Automated Water Chemistry Controller Advice

[BaxonJax]

Hello all... I was looking into purchasing the Pentair IntelliChem Water Chemistry Controller for my aboveground pool/spa combo. I wanted to see if anyone on this forum had any thoughts on the product and if its worth the cost and or a quality product. Currently, I go through about a gallon of chlorine every month and the pool stays covered when not being used. The pool/spa is 4500 gallons and setup with the Pentair PSL4 Control System and the Pentair IntelliFlo VS pump. Being new to this, I just wanted to hear if anyone has experience with this product or if there are other options to consider.
Thank you much!!

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

You won't find many here that suggest using the IntelliChem.. They tend to be more of a pain than a help.. They use a ORP sensor that will not work with a CYA above about 30 ppm.

Nothing works as well as testing the water yourself and then only adding what is needed.

Let's see what some of our members have to say..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[BaxonJax]

B,

You won't find many here that suggest using the IntelliChem.. They tend to be more of a pain than a help.. They use a ORP sensor that will not work with a CYA above about 30 ppm.

Nothing works as well as testing the water yourself and then only adding what is needed.

Let's see what some of our members have to say..

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim!
I've learned more reading your 5 sentences than I have looking through pages of their materials! I just seem to have the hardest time keeping the water clear since we don't use the pool more than once or twice a week. I also have a UV system which is supposed to help keep the water cleaner but it still seems like I have to keep adding shock all the time.

 

[ajw22]

More on the IntelliChem at Pentair IntelliChem - Further Reading

And on UV systems - UV Systems - Further Reading

I suggest you read ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and study TFP Pool Care methods in Pool School - Trouble Free Pool

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

I have three pools that in total are about 20 years old. In all that time, I have never had algae, nor failed to have very clear water.. In that time, I have never added any bags of pool store "shock".

I use the TFP pool care process which basically uses nothing to sanitize the pool except chlorine. Dirt simple and testable, so I know what I need to add or not. You will find this site is a little different than most pool websites.. We believe in using simple products that you can buy at Home Depot or Lowe's, and not having to go to a pool store, who's job it is to sell you something.

Take a look through our Pool School.. Pool School - Trouble Free Pool.. and see what we are all about.

One problem with UV is simply testing to ensure how well it is working.. Most people that have unplugged them, have seen no difference between a working UV system and a non-working UV system. When I go out to my pool and measure my FC (Free Chlorine) level, I instantly know if it is at the right level or not.

My guess is that you are running your FC as low as possible.. Most likely at 1 ppm or less... I run my FC at about 5 ppm. It is all related to the level of your Stabilizer (CYA). The higher the CYA, the higher your FC needs to be to keep your pool clear and sanitized..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[BaxonJax]

Thanks again Jim.
I was following that method eversince I discovered this forum and studied up on it. I guess I just need to be more fastidious about it and keep up instead of buying equipment that might make things more complicated down the road.