Installing a SWG & computer control system, which one?

[timjet]

I installed a Pentair easy touch pool control system in my former house. It controlled the pump, SWG, pool light and solar pool heater. It worked great. Now at my new house the pool has a traditional tablet chlorination system with a gas pool heater. No computer just a timer for the pool pump and an on/off valve for the heater.
I want to add a pool computer and convert the pool to a SWG. I would also like to control the gas pool heater and will eventually add a solar pool heater. I don't have a need to control the pool light from the computer.
I liked the easy touch coupled with an IC 20 SWG and could add that but would like to hear the collective wisdom from you guys as to what you recommend. Pentair also has a slightly cheaper computer - the SunTouch.
I not stuck on Pentair and would welcome any recommendations.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Tim,

Here ya go... Pentair EasyTouch 4 System Pool or Spa w/IC20 Cell 520592

I'd go with the IC40 for an extra $100 bucks.. Pentair EasyTouch 4 System Pool or Spa w/IC40 Cell 520593

This assumes that you have no Spa...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[timjet]

I do have a Spa. Since my previous house did not have a spa I'm not familar with how to add that to the easytouch. Do you recommend the easytouch over competing brands?

 

[JamesW]

Do the pool and spa share equipment or do they have separate equipment?

Maybe consider the Intellicenter, which comes with the web interface.

When you replace the pump, you should get an Intelliflo VSF or IntelliFlo XF VSF.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Tim,

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy...

Just to be clear.. You have a spa that overflows into your pool.. Is that correct?

Here are the Pool and Spa models..

Pentair EasyTouch 4 System Pool and Spa w/IC40 Cell

Pentair EasyTouch 4 System Pool and Spa w/IC20 Cell

And the new IntelliCenter... Pentair IntelliCenter i5PSIC40 Kit - Pool and Spa with Load Center and IC40

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Flying Tivo]

+1 on pentair and you also have a collective knowledge base here by a few members. Win-Win to me.

 

[JamesW]

With EasyTouch you would probably want ScreenLogic2 for web control.

The IntelliCenter includes a web interface. So, that's probably the way to go.

 

[timjet]

Tim,

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy...

Just to be clear.. You have a spa that overflows into your pool.. Is that correct?

Here are the Pool and Spa models..

Pentair EasyTouch 4 System Pool and Spa w/IC40 Cell

Pentair EasyTouch 4 System Pool and Spa w/IC20 Cell

And the new IntelliCenter... Pentair IntelliCenter i5PSIC40 Kit - Pool and Spa with Load Center and IC40

Thanks,

Jim R.

I have a spa that overflows into the poll - Yes.

I am not at the house now, so I need to ask a couple of questions.
Does a spa generally have separate controls so that you can heat the spa and not the pool. Is there some way to prevent the heated spa water from overflowing into the pool?
Since both the Easy Touch and IntelliCenter control both the spa and pool, what's the difference in the two except the $1000 in price?

 

[JamesW]

Does a spa generally have separate controls so that you can heat the spa and not the pool. Is there some way to prevent the heated spa water from overflowing into the pool?

There should be a "Pool" mode, a "Spa" mode and a "Spillover" mode.

Since both the Easy Touch and IntelliCenter control both the spa and pool, what's the difference in the two except the $1000 in price?

EasyTouch does not have a web interface for remote control. You would have to add ScreenLogic 2 to get the web interface remote control.

ScreenLogic costs more. So, that affects the total price.

 

[timjet]

Thanks. We have access to the house this Friday and I will take a good look at the setup. I'm sure I'll have additional questions.