Can you do macros with the Pentair Intellicenter?

[JamesW]

Why don't you want the bubbler on the sheer pump?

The bubbler won't be able to be used when you're in spa mode if the bubbler is on the main pump.

How do you plan to make it work?

 

[MCF50]

Why don't you want the bubbler on the sheer pump?

The bubbler won't be able to be used when you're in spa mode if the bubbler is on the main pump.

How do you plan to make it work?

Correct. Can't run bubbler when in spa mode which is fine. IF we ever wanted to run bubber when in spa we just want have water jets on in spa. No big deal. Im not going to redo plumbing with valves and all that....just not something I want to do.

 

[JamesW]

Ok. Hopefully, one of the other methods will do what you want.

 

[MyAZPool]

@MCF50
One question first and then I'll attempt to see if I can assist. Are you not using the web-client? You mentioned app. Are you using the web-client (on your desktop) or your mobile app? iOS or Android? The reason I ask is I can probably replicate what I think you want to do on whatever platform you are using and then I can just send you some screen captures and you can just follow the screen captures.

Also, not sure if you have figured out the whole "Pentair puzzle" of how AUX Circuits, Feature Circuits, Circuit Groups (macros) work and how they relate to valves and pump speeds. If not, try checking out this video below (I never claimed to be a production specialist .) It has helped a few others in the past.

Let me know and I'll try to help out if its possible.. Not sure it is but we can give it a shot.
r.

 

[MCF50]

@MCF50
One question first and then I'll attempt to see if I can assist. Are you not using the web-client? You mentioned app. Are you using the web-client (on your desktop) or your mobile app? iOS or Android? The reason I ask is I can probably replicate what I think you want to do on whatever platform you are using and then I can just send you some screen captures and you can just follow the screen captures.

Also, not sure if you have figured out the whole "Pentair puzzle" of how AUX Circuits, Feature Circuits, Circuit Groups (macros) work and how they relate to valves and pump speeds. If not, try checking out this video below (I never claimed to be a production specialist .) It has helped a few others in the past.

Let me know and I'll try to help out if its possible.. Not sure it is but we can give it a shot.
r.

Thank you. I am using the App on my Iphone. As an engineer, the logic Pentair uses simply does not comply with my thought process!!!! All I want to accomplish is if the pool is running (pump at 2000 rpm) and I turn the bubbler one (uses same pump) the pump speed drops to 1200rpm.

 

[MyAZPool]

@MCF50
Let me see if I can hit a couple of points without the benefits of fully consuming my first cup of coffee. Yup, there is nothing "logical" about how IntelliCenter operates, manages interfaces, communicates etc., etc. It's almost like Pentair chose to employ a group of Monkey's they obtained cheaply from a defunct zoo, gave them some name tags that said "software engineer" , didn't feed them enough banana's and set them to work on Pentair's "flagship" (I use that term loosely) pool automation system called the Pentair IntelliCenter.

1. The one advantage to using the iOS app is that you have the option to connect locally to your OCP (Outdoor Control Panel). Since the web-client utilizes third-party servers that are down more times than up, that helps.

2. But, the web-client is much more user-friendly when it comes to configuring your Feature Circuits, Circuit Groups (macros), pump speeds, schedules, etc. I recommend that you use it for at least initial setup/configurations. It can be a real pain to use at times (slow, unresponsive, clunky, etc) but just hang in there with it.

3. Here is my recommendation but it will add one more step that may irritate you and I get it. But it's the only thing I can think of as a "work-around" so you can accomplish your end-state.

(a) For this scenario, create two Circuit Groups (macros).​

(b) The first one is your normal pool cleaning group. Let's just call it "Normal" for discussion purposes. It should contain the Feature Circuits - Pool and a Feature Circuit called say "Speed2000". This Feature Circuit (Speed2000) will be associated with a pump speed of 2000 rpm in your pumps page.​

(c) The second Circuit Group let's call "Bubblers". It will have the following Feature Circuits embedded - Pool, a Feature Circuit called say "Speed1200". This Feature Circuit (Speed1200) will be associated with a pump speed of 1200 rpm in your pumps page. Lastly you should have a Feature Circuit embedded in this Circuit Group that is associated with the valve actuator that opens the bubbler valve.​

​

4. In order to do what you want to do, you will need to insure that the pump speed that is associated with your pool body circuit in your pumps page is set lower than the above speeds. Say, 1000 RPM.

5. When you want to transition from the "Normal" Circuit Group (pump speed of 2000) to the "bubbler" Circuit Group (pump speed of 1200), merely turn off the "Normal" Circuit Group and turn on the "bubbler" Circuit Group. When you are done with the bubblers, do the opposite.

Here are some screen captures from my web-client that should give you an idea since capturing screen shots from the iOS app would not really help since I would have to capture many more embedded screens.

Feature Circuits


Circuit Groups (macros)


Pumps Page

Valves Page



There is possibly more ways to skin this cat but this is what I have been able to come up with. It's simplified but effective...
Good luck Sir...
r.
EDIT. One thing I forgot to mention. In my opinion, it's good operating practice to make the "Pool" body circuit the lowest pump speed possible and practicable. Helps all around to keep things from getting discombobulated.

 

[MCF50]

@MCF50
Let me see if I can hit a couple of points without the benefits of fully consuming my first cup of coffee. Yup, there is nothing "logical" about how IntelliCenter operates, manages interfaces, communicates etc., etc. It's almost like Pentair chose to employ a group of Monkey's they obtained cheaply from a defunct zoo, gave them some name tags that said "software engineer" , didn't feed them enough banana's and set them to work on Pentair's "flagship" (I use that term loosely) pool automation system called the Pentair IntelliCenter.

1. The one advantage to using the iOS app is that you have the option to connect locally to your OCP (Outdoor Control Panel). Since the web-client utilizes third-party servers that are down more times than up, that helps.

2. But, the web-client is much more user-friendly when it comes to configuring your Feature Circuits, Circuit Groups (macros), pump speeds, schedules, etc. I recommend that you use it for at least initial setup/configurations. It can be a real pain to use at times (slow, unresponsive, clunky, etc) but just hang in there with it.

3. Here is my recommendation but it will add one more step that may irritate you and I get it. But it's the only thing I can think of as a "work-around" so you can accomplish your end-state.

(a) For this scenario, create two Circuit Groups (macros).​

(b) The first one is your normal pool cleaning group. Let's just call it "Normal" for discussion purposes. It should contain the Feature Circuits - Pool and a Feature Circuit called say "Speed2000". This Feature Circuit (Speed2000) will be associated with a pump speed of 2000 rpm in your pumps page.​

(c) The second Circuit Group let's call "Bubblers". It will have the following Feature Circuits embedded - Pool, a Feature Circuit called say "Speed1200". This Feature Circuit (Speed1200) will be associated with a pump speed of 1200 rpm in your pumps page. Lastly you should have a Feature Circuit embedded in this Circuit Group that is associated with the valve actuator that opens the bubbler valve.​

​

4. In order to do what you want to do, you will need to insure that the pump speed that is associated with your pool body circuit in your pumps page is set lower than the above speeds. Say, 1000 RPM.

5. When you want to transition from the "Normal" Circuit Group (pump speed of 2000) to the "bubbler" Circuit Group (pump speed of 1200), merely turn off the "Normal" Circuit Group and turn on the "bubbler" Circuit Group. When you are done with the bubblers, do the opposite.

Here are some screen captures from my web-client that should give you an idea since capturing screen shots from the iOS app would not really help since I would have to capture many more embedded screens.

Feature Circuits
View attachment 314794

Circuit Groups (macros)
View attachment 314795

Pumps Page
View attachment 314796
Valves Page
View attachment 314797


There is possibly more ways to skin this cat but this is what I have been able to come up with. It's simplified but effective...
Good luck Sir...
r.
EDIT. One thing I forgot to mention. In my opinion, it's good operating practice to make the "Pool" body circuit the lowest pump speed possible and practicable. Helps all around to keep things from getting discombobulated.

Thanks. I will re-read but if I have to turn off one ciruit group before turning on another and vice versa, I can do that now. Turn off 'Pool'. Turn on 'Bubblers'. So after all that programming I am still back to the same scenario. Don't want make pool speed slower as there are thousands of dead leaves falling due to freeze and I want to make sure skimmers are doing their job (they are - 4 baskets fill daily with leaves).

 

[MCF50]

What is the address to the web-client?

 

[JamesW]

if I have to turn off one ciruit group before turning on another and vice versa, I can do that now. Turn off 'Pool'. Turn on 'Bubblers'.

Don't want make pool speed slower as there are thousands of dead leaves falling due to freeze and I want to make sure skimmers are doing their job

Make the pool speed 1,200 rpm and create a feature circuit that runs at the same time as the pool circuit that is set to 2,000 rpm.

This way, the pump will run at 2,000 rpm, which is exactly what you want it to do.

Make a group with the bubbler set to 1,200 rpm and turn the feature circuit off in this group.

This should do exactly what you are asking for.

 

[MyAZPool]

Thanks. I will re-read but if I have to turn off one ciruit group before turning on another and vice versa, I can do that now. Turn off 'Pool'. Turn on 'Bubblers'. So after all that programming I am still back to the same scenario. Don't want make pool speed slower as there are thousands of dead leaves falling due to freeze and I want to make sure skimmers are doing their job (they are - 4 baskets fill daily with leaves).

@MCF50

1. The URL to the web-client is https://intellicenter.com Use the email address / password that you configured at the OCP during initial setup.


2. I only use the "Pool" circuit to turn on the "body." That's it. I never actually use the speed associated with the "pool" circuit for anything else. I combine other "speed" Feature Circuits with the "pool" body circuit. My "pool" body circuit is only 20 gpm (approx 800 rpm). This is way to low for anything useful by itself (for my pool), but combined with another "speed" Feature Circuit within a Circuit Group, I always get the advantage of having the pool body circuit ON along with a more useful speed because with all of the Pentair automation systems - THE HIGHEST SPEED ALWAYS WINS!

In other words, if I have a Circuit Group that incorporates the (a) pool circuit (800 rpm) and (b) a feature circuit associated with a pump speed of 1500 rpm, the pump will always run at 1500 rpm. You've got a max of eight speed circuits available (six useful ones in my scenario because the speeds associated with the "Pool" and the "Spa" body circuits are too low for anything meaningful). In fact, you'll notice that I don't even show the "Pool" and "Spa" circuits as features (SHOW AS FEATURE - NO).

3. With the IntelliCenter, you have the advantage of having 16 Circuit Groups available. Why not use them to your advantage? Even with my crazy setup/system, I have only been able to use 13. I do not use ANY individual circuits. All of my cleaning, skimming, maintenance functions, spa, lighting and water feature activities are Circuit Groups (macros).

4. Below I will include five screen captures from my real-world (not simulated), web-client configuration. They are my Aux Circuits, Feature Circuits, Pumps Page, Valves Page and lastly my Circuit Groups.
You should be able to see the relationships between the five and see then how I have maximized the use of the Circuit Groups (macro). All of my schedules invoke (call for) Circuit Groups and never individual circuits (Aux or Feature). Note: When you see "Pump **", just think of that as a pump speed circuit since I have a pump that will allow me to use GPM vs RPM.



Pumps Page


Valves Page


Circuit Groups (Macros).
1. Notice that every Circuit Group has a "body" circuit embedded (pool body or spa body).
2. Every Circuit Group has a "speed" Feature Circuit embedded in the macro.
3. Many Circuit Groups have at least one Valve Actuator Feature Circuit embedded in the macro. Some have more than one.


I realize that I have a lot more going on here than many will need. I only illustrate my setup/configurations so that you can see the relationship between the AUX circuits, Feature Circuits, Pump Speeds, Valve Actuators and then how all can be embedded within the Circuit Group to make many things happen all at once. These macros are your friend. Like I pointed out above, none of my schedules call for an individual circuit. They all call for a Circuit Group (macros).
Can I turn on an individual circuit manually from my iPhone, computer or at the OCP? Sure, if I need to. But in almost all cases, I am using the Circuit Groups (macros).

Take care...
r.