Pentair EasyTouch vs Intellitouch

[aroranuj]

I was hoping to get some clarity around smart/app based system. My PB is using Pentair products and is offering EasyTouch for upgraded Smart functionality. I have been reading online and most of the information I find is Intellitouch from Pentair. Is there a difference between EasyTouch and Intellitouch? If so, what’s the difference?
I’m getting a fiberglass pool with spillover spa, SCG and a heater.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum. Read Pentair Automation Systems - Further Reading

Intellicenter is the system you should be looking at.

 

[Dirk]

Is there a difference between EasyTouch and Intellitouch? If so, what’s the difference?

I don't know IntelliTouch at all, but I've heard it's quite a bit more expensive than EasyTouch. It has quite a bit more capability, of course, but as Marty alludes, IntelliCenter is Pentair's new flagship model, so that's probably the way to go.

Though, there's nothing wrong with an EasyTouch. They're still around, still being sold, and they're tried and true. I have one. But I wanted to warn you not to let your PB sell you one that has an "L" in its model number. That stand for "Lite" and is woefully inadequate. It's Pentair's "low cost" solution. I got stuck with one before I knew better, and it is my single biggest pool purchase mistake.

Anywho, welcome to TFP. Glad you found us. Congrat's on the new pool. Stick around, we'll help you before, during and after your build.

 

[Geekshot]

Old tech in both. It's really hard to get info about where pentair is going with either.

 

[Kansas Corey]

Interestingly enough, I spent about 30 minutes on the phone with Nathan from Pentair earlier today asking 20 questions about their automation systems. ** disclaimer: this is my understanding base on reaserach to date and conversation earlier today - please do your own research to validate **

First up, they have EasyTouch which is the more basic version and oldest of their systems. There is additionally a "light" version of indicated but the letter "L" in the name - for example, EasyTouch 4 or 4P versus EashTouch 4PL of 4PSL​

​

The next rung up the ladder is their IntelliTouch which is newer than the previous version but still older technology.​

​

Finally, their is the IntelliCenter which as mentioned above is their current flagship model and has their newest technology.​

Seperate from this, they have their communication platform/interface (my words for lack of anything better). It allows communication with the automation system either through computer or phone app. This bolt on solution works with the EasyTouch lineup and the IntelliTouch lineup. It is not necessary for the newest IntelliCenter which not only has a digital display on the unit, but also has the communication intelligence for computers/phone app already built in.

Based on my application, which honestly I'm still trying to plan out, my rough math puts me at $1,000 vs. $2,000 vs. $3,000 in very rough numbers for the three different systems listed above. Good luck - I'm going to continue my research here on TFP.com!

 

[rstrouse]

Actually an IntelliCenter i8PS with IC-40 is ~$2,900 and an EasyTouch 8 with IC-40 is ~$1,900. However you will spend another $700 for the EasyTouch for ScreenLogic. The price difference is not that great and the updates can be loaded by you. There is really little reason to consider IntelliTouch these days.

 

[Jimrahbe]

A,

Some other facts..

The EasyTouch systems are a "What you buy is, is what you get systems" There is no easy upgrade path to add options.. Just one example.. it comes with the ability to control four valves.. If you want to control five valves, you are out of luck .

The IntelliTouch is similar to the EasyTouch, but it does have additional modules that you can buy to add options.. With the IntelliTouch you can add additional valve circuits. Plus other upgrades.

The new IntelliCenter is like the IntelliTouch as you just buy the parts you need and assemble the system you want for your pool. It is a much better system, color display, more programs circuit groups, etc, etc.. And, it has a ScreenLogic-like system that is built-in. You can also update the software like you can do on you phone or PC. Something you can't easily do on the older systems.

I have the EasyTouch with ScreenLogic and it has been working great for me for the past 6 year or so.. I looked into upgrading to the new IntelliCenter, but could not justify the cost vs. what I would gain.. My system does everything I need it to do now..

That said, if I were to build a new pool today, I would for sure go with the new IntelliCenter..

Thanks,

Jim R.