Pool Automation System

[dvmak]

Having new patios built and in process am moving pool pad to new location. Pool is 25K gallons with basic setup and one pump, filter, SWG (pool pilot) & pool light . Will want to add a booster pump and heater (still debating heat pump vs gas)

Also want to tie in the 12v lighting that they will be adding for the hardscaping around patio and walkways. Currently the pool light is 120V but not working so with change-out can go to 12V.

Question - looking at the Pentair Intellicenter I can't figure out how many 12v circuits they support. I see they have 12v 18v and 24v. Can the 18 and 24v be changed to 12v? Any other automation system suggestions?

 

[chiefwej]

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[Jimrahbe]

Question - looking at the Pentair Intellicenter I can't figure out how many 12v circuits they support. I see they have 12v 18v and 24v. Can the 18 and 24v be changed to 12v? Any other automation system suggestions?

dv,

The IntelliCenter does not provide any low voltages for external use.. the 12, 18, and 24 volts circuits are for internal use of the automation system..

The main thing that a pool automation controls is 120/240 volts... using relays.. The number of high voltage is usually part of the model or part number.. An EasyTouch-4 has 4 relays.. The IntelliCenter i5PS**** would have 5 relays, etc...

As an example.. To control a 12 volt pool light, the Automation would turn on a relay, that provides 120 volts to an EXTERNAL low voltage step down transformer then the transformer sends the 12 volts to the light.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[dvmak]

dv,

The IntelliCenter does not provide any low voltages for external use.. the 12, 18, and 24 volts circuits are for internal use of the automation system..

The main thing that a pool automation controls is 120/240 volts... using relays.. The number of high voltage is usually part of the model or part number.. An EasyTouch-4 has 4 relays.. The IntelliCenter i5PS**** would have 5 relays, etc...

As an example.. To control a 12 volt pool light, the Automation would turn on a relay, that provides 120 volts to an EXTERNAL low voltage step down transformer then the transformer sends the 12 volts to the light.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanx Jim - finally getting around to setting up the equipment on the new pad and making a decision on which automation system to go with.

I have one pump and filter - a SWG and heater. Have piping for a cleaner so may add a booster pump in the future. So basic setup and would only want to add the ability to control one pool light and 2 landscape lighting circuits.

I am running 60 amp service to the pool pad as that should be sufficient as heater will be natural gas.

Any recommendation on which pentair automation system would be a good fit? Also for the low voltage transformers - do they hard wire into a breaker in the automation system?

Thanx

 

[setsailsoon]

My LV transformer for LED lights wired directly to a relay just like Jim described. Worked like a charm and very simple installation. Most LED lights use a sequence of on-off switching to control color and other features. The Intellicenter board takes care of this for you. Works better with Pentair brand lights but can be used for any so long as you don't mind on off-brands the colors may not be perfect match. For example, on my Jandy lights I had to select deep red for blue light color. I wired all 3 LED lights together on one relay. If you want to control lights independently it takes more relays. Also, if you're adding the transformer yourself be careful not to be tempted to use the cheapest you can find for a given power level. Pool transformers have to be built to a higher spec that does cost more to make.

Chris

 

[dvmak]

My LV transformer for LED lights wired directly to a relay just like Jim described. Worked like a charm and very simple installation. Most LED lights use a sequence of on-off switching to control color and other features. The Intellicenter board takes care of this for you. Works better with Pentair brand lights but can be used for any so long as you don't mind on off-brands the colors may not be perfect match. For example, on my Jandy lights I had to select deep red for blue light color. I wired all 3 LED lights together on one relay. If you want to control lights independently it takes more relays. Also, if you're adding the transformer yourself be careful not to be tempted to use the cheapest you can find for a given power level. Pool transformers have to be built to a higher spec that does cost more to make.

Chris

Chris,

Why brand/transformer are you using?

Thanx

 

[setsailsoon]

I used Intermatic brand: