If you were replacing everything and/or building new, what brand would you go with?

[heckofagator]

We just bought a house with an existing pool. Everything is pretty old and messy. Pool pump and plumbing are fine, but old. Filter is a Stay-Rite DE. There's a Hayward heater that is throwing an error code and a 2nd pump for the spa jets that doesn't even turn on.

So....we are getting some bids now to replace alot of stuff. Hoping the heater will give us another couple years. The DE filter, again, seems to work ok but it pretty old. Ideally we would re-do all of the plumbing, raise it up on pads (we are on the water), move to a single VS pump, add a SWG and maybe a simple control system.

Just curious what kind of systems you'd be going with if you could "start over" now. There's a lot of choices and its a bit overwhelming.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

If you want to add an automation system, then the general consensus is to keep everything in one vendor family. So since you’d like to get a little more life out of your Hayward heater, then rip everything out that isn’t Hayward and replace it.

If I were trashing everything and going new, I’m a Pentair fan so I would go with Pentair.

FYI - Sta-rite was bought up by Pentair years ago and so it’s a legacy line of equipment. Pentair has no intention of updating any of it and will eventually deprecate the line once it starts to fade.

 

[HermanTX]

It is important to match your SWCG to your automation for best compatibility. I would go Pentair as it has the most choices for SWG models, has a great automation - IntelliCenter and IMO the best VS pumps.

I would also go with a cartridge filter if you replace the DE filter.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Heck,

The IntelliFlo VS pumps are considered by most to be the Gold Standard of VS pumps.

Assuming that is true, then it only makes sense to use Pentair Automation and Salts systems. Filter and heaters not so much, but even then, I'd use Pentair even if it is just because of the color..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[heckofagator]

I'd use Pentair even if it is just because of the color..

Wife said you get her vote!

 

[heckofagator]

Pentair seems to be the favorite so far. thanks for the thoughts. I have read that staying all in 1 manufacturer makes sense.

First bid we got was Jandy stuff and they were suggesting getting rid of the DE and going with a cartridge filter to save a little space. That makes sense to me.

If we go with another brand but end up keeping the Hayward heater and get some automation, worst case we can turn on pumps/spa mode/lights with the app but have to come over and turn on the heater manually (assuming the other manufacturer can't interface with Hayward)?

 

[Newdude]

'Jandy equipment is not known for being robust'
-@mknauss. (And echoed many times/ways here frequently)

They are not DIY friendly and can only be purchased / installed by a licensed dealer to get the warranty. You will not be able to source your own parts down the road, or 'shop around' for a deal. At one point they were the cheapest but they've basically caught up to have no benefit by using them.
So realistically your choices are Hayward and Pentair and you can't really go wrong with millions of each in service with happy customers.

I had Pentair and it worked so well I replaced it for my upcoming build after moving. I had a sister of the Intelleflow pump and was long convinced it was a beast (while sipping electric) before I learned alot of the 'whys' here at TFP. The SWG and Cartridge filter were equal beasts and I was so sold on all 3 that I secured them for my build before even signing the build contract.

Far too many folks skimp on the backbone of the operation, only to go buck wild with $1200 loungers or bubblers or whatever else. The system ain't pretty and will only WOW you, but it's hands down the most important part of your build.

 

[heckofagator]

good point about Jandy and the parts warranty, etc. I'm ok to have an installer put the system in to get the initial warranty, but yeah, don't want to have my hands tied later on should i need parts or have to make repairs

 

[mknauss]

Heater is controlled by a Fireman’s switch via automation. A Hayward heater can be controlled by a Pentair automation system.

 

[Homebrewale]

If we're picking equipment by color, I'll go with Hayward. Black doesn't show the dirt as much.

 

[BMerrill]

New pool owner as well. Went almost Totally Hayward; Equipment listed in signature.
As to valve actuators, self installed the Pentair Intellivalve since it is the easiest to set the two positions.

 

[ajw22]

Pentair first, Hayward second.

Hayward has improved their pumps and I think the TriStarVS is as good as the IntelliFlo. Hayward automation UI is even more complex then Pentair. Hayward boards burn up components which you never hear Pentair boards doing.

Latest Pentair products are making use of RS-485 communication to talk to each other. Hayward is lagging in device data communication.

Jandy has some interesting features in their new pumps with relays to control other devices without other automation boxes or timers. But Jandy products are the most designed to lock you into them. And Jandy has the least consumer friendly warranty for DIY.