Startup plaster and chemicals

[PoolGate]

PB/electrician has not delivered PDA yet. I can be hands on, so worst case scenario, this is reassuring and gives me a path forward.. Does the upgrade kit give all the same functionality of the RS-PS8 (e.g. setting schedules and connecting to home automation)?

Once you replace the PCB board I pictured, it is as if you originally bought the RS system. Had he spec'd the RS initially instead of the PDA, the price would have been just about a wash. It would be nice if he would change it now since you don't have it yet.

I don't see any electrical at all installed yet. Why did the electrician say you are not getting automation? Has at least the line been run to your pad from your electric box in the house yet?

The Aquapure SWG requires the power supply it doesn't work without it.

 

[Poolparty2022]

Once you replace the PCB board I pictured, it is as if you originally bought the RS system. Had he spec'd the RS initially instead of the PDA, the price would have been just about a wash. It would be nice if he would change it now since you don't have it yet.

I don't see any electrical at all installed yet. Why did the electrician say you are not getting automation? Has at least the line been run to your pad from your electric box in the house yet?

The Aquapure SWG requires the power supply it doesn't work without it.

It's amazing PB would spec a legacy system, then a conversion, in a new build. Speculation, but maybe they're just trying to unload inventory or have trouble finding the latest components now? I will continue to see if they can just swap the pda and RS from the beginning rather than doing a conversion. No electrical installed yet, not even line from inside house.

at the very least, the electrician wasn't tracking the IQ device.

 

[PoolGate]

It's amazing PB would spec a legacy system, then a conversion, in a new build. Speculation, but maybe they're just trying to unload inventory or have trouble finding the latest components now? I will continue to see if they can just swap the pda and RS from the beginning rather than doing a conversion. No electrical installed yet, not even line from inside house.

Oh it's not a legacy system it is a current Jandy product. Problem with the pool industry as a whole is that because of the pool builder layer between the consumers and the manufacturer, changes happen very slowly.

 

[Poolparty2022]

PB says at least 7 week back order for the RS system.

 

[ajw22]

PB says at least 7 week back order for the RS system.

You should not plaster and add water until the Spring anyway. 7 weeks is no problem.

 

[Poolparty2022]

That is the hope... This project has been a snails pace compared to other pools in the area.

Are there any feature/function limitations on using the PDA to RS8 conversion kit, rather than just going with the RS8 system from the beginning?

 

[PoolGate]

That is the hope... This project has been a snails pace compared to other pools in the area.

Are there any feature/function limitations on using the PDA to RS8 conversion kit, rather than just going with the RS8 system from the beginning?

None. Mine is a PDA to RS conversion. Once converted it is as if you bought an RS to begin with. Only issue is paying the extra for the conversion. You can sell the PDA and PDA antenna for well over $500 on ebay. Or keep it but you will never use it.

 

[ajw22]

Are there any feature/function limitations on using the PDA to RS8 conversion kit, rather than just going with the RS8 system from the beginning?

No, just additional cost.

 

[Poolparty2022]

No, just additional cost.

Ok thanks...

Spoke with the PB and apparently its in stock now through one of their vendors.

On the other hand, I noticed they did not install a secondary spa pump (2 HP) that's in the contract. They also didn't run the 60' plumbing line. Would you ask for a refund on the secondary spa pump or make them install? The spa is 7' with 6 jets.

 

[ajw22]

Make them install the second spa pump. You will like the additional pressure you get from the jets with a dedicated pump.

 

[Poolparty2022]

No, just additional cost.

FYI Jandy customer service says the RS8 automation system includes much more functionality than moving from a pda-ps8 using the IQ-20RS web connection kit.

 

[ajw22]

FYI Jandy customer service says the RS8 automation system includes much more functionality than moving from a pda-ps8 using the IQ-20RS web connection kit.

I have no idea what that means.

 

[PoolGate]

FYI Jandy customer service says the RS8 automation system includes much more functionality than moving from a pda-ps8 using the IQ-20RS web connection kit.

No it doesn't. Moving from a PDA based system to an RS system using the IQ20-RS is as if you bought an RS system to begin with (with the added functionality of still having the PDA - bonus). IQ20-RS includes a WiFi antenna AND the RS PCB board which totally replaces your existing PDA PCB board. The board is what changes your system from being PDA-based to being Web-based.

What they may have said is that upgrading a PDA based system with the IQ20a "upgrade" gives you minimally more functionality, which is true. Upgrading a PDA based system with the IQ20a only gives you the basic additional functionality of being able to use your phone to turn things on and off. The PDA still remains your primary interface into the system. IQ20a is ONLY a WiFi antenna.

 

[Poolparty2022]

I have no idea what that means.

OK so bare with me... Now between Jandy, the contract, the contract drawing, this forum, and the PB, I've figured out the discrepancy.

A minute ago, and after about 10 phone calls and emails, the PB admitted to an error on the contract drawing which says IQ20RS web connection kit. This was not supposed to be there, and it was what I was relying on to justify I had the RS automation. Now the upgrade cost makes a bit more sense..

 

[PoolGate]

OK so bare with me... Now between Jandy, the contract, the contract drawing, this forum, and the PB, I've figured out the discrepancy.

A minute ago, and after about 10 phone calls and emails, the PB admitted to an error on the contract drawing which says IQ20RS web connection kit. This was not supposed to be there, and it was what I was relying on to justify I had the RS automation. Now the upgrade cost makes a bit more sense..

This goes back to what I have said many times before. Most builders don't know much about the products that they sell especially when it comes to automation. If the IQ20RS line made it into your contract, I would press him to put that in. He should have spec'd out an Aqualink RS system to begin with instead of an Aqualink PDA system.

Not sure what he is gouging - err - charging you for the "upgrade", but here is everything you need on Amazon to turn whatever you have into an Aqualink RS-8 for $1300. It takes under an hour (1/2 hour?) to install the entire IQ20-RS upgrade.

Amazon.com: Zodiac Jandy IQ20-RS iAqualink 2.0 RS Conversion Interface Kit with PCB Board : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com: Zodiac Jandy IQ20-RS iAqualink 2.0 RS Conversion Interface Kit with PCB Board : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

Here's one for under $1k with the 3.0 antenna.

Wholesale Pool Equipment - Best Prices - FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS!

Wholesale Pool Equipment - Best Prices on All Your Pool Needs!

www.wholesalepoolequipment.com

 

[Poolparty2022]

We finally settled the automation issue. $400 to move on with the RS and IQ30. There are a few more issues ongoing and I’m starting to feel like the PM but know nothing about pool builds. This is a major PB.

The item on my radar now is a missed 2 HP spa booster pump install following gunite and plumbing stages. Plumbing trenches are still open with latest pic attached. They acknowledged this was missed and initially dismissed it as unnecessary. I’ve made progress in getting them to install it with the latest plan to run as follows:

I am waiting to hear back from the tech support to verify that the calculations for the hydraulics involved in adding the pump and the necessary sumpless drain are correct and sufficient. Once verified, the order will be placed, and we can have a technician core drill into the spa to run the plumbing lines and re-seal the affected concrete with hydraulic cement.

Is there anything I should be concerned about with this approach or questions that would clarify their approach?

 

[ajw22]

Is there anything I should be concerned about with this approach or questions that would clarify their approach?

Show us pics of the spa floor and where the existing suction connections are.

They need to put an additional suction "drain' in the floor that is VGBA compliant. Keep an eye on where they decide to place it. It then comes down to proper workmanship to install it.

 

[Poolparty2022]

Show us pics of the spa floor and where the existing suction connections are.

They need to put an additional suction "drain' in the floor that is VGBA compliant. Keep an eye on where they decide to place it. It then comes down to proper workmanship to install it.

The PM did a surprise visit today and I mentioned VGBA compliance and following guidelines in the booster pump manual. I am going to request more details since he mentioned the person putting together the resolution is new. Here is a pic of the spa from above.

The Aquastar 6” round hockey puck (VGB compliant) is the drain cover they plan on using after adding another 2” pipe from the booster.

 

[Poolparty2022]

Electrical started today! Props to those working in freezing weather! purelink in with 50 amp sub panel and a couple actuators. Changeover to RS to follow.

 

[Poolparty2022]

Is this base/equipment pad adequate? I am thinking the products sitting on top may require a concrete base to meet their installation instructions.