New Construction Started - Willis, TX (north of Houston)

[Duffatola]

Assuming you just want open and closed, then a regular actuator can be used.

Are there any advantages to having more precise controllability for either valve in lieu of fully opened/closed?

 

[JamesW]

The only difference is how you set the stop positions.

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/product-related/product-manuals/pool-and-spa-equipment/Valve_Acutator_Installation_Instructions_English.pdf

 

[Duffatola]

I would put one check valve between the pump and filter and one after the filter.

For the bypass, I would just put a 2-way valve on the bypass.

You can add an actuator if you want or do it manually.

There's no reason to block flow to the filter when the bypass is open.

On to the Infinity Edge system. I understand that having a filter bypass will increase flow back to the pool. With regards to the Two-Way valve on the bypass, I assume the reason is to have the ability close it in order to attain 100% filtration? I'm not sure I see an advantage to automating that valve.

 

[JamesW]

That's really up to you if you want it to be automated or not.

It depends on how often you would open the bypass and if you want to do it manually or if you want it automated.

Your automation also might not support the total number of actuators.

View attachment 451959

 

[Duffatola]

I know the i8PS has 8 relays, however I'm not certain how many valve actuators it can control.

This is my anticipated control plan:

Relays: 8

• Filter Pump
• Infinity Edge Pump
• Water Feature Pump
• Spa Blower
• Spa Heater
• Pool lights - 1 (12v/Transformer)
• Pool lights - 2 (12v/Transformer)
• Landscape/Step Lights (12v/Transformer)

Valve Actuators: 5

Am I missing anything with regards to the relay assignments?

 

[JamesW]

The filter pump relay is always dedicated to the filter pump, but you won't connect the pump to the relay, just directly to the breaker.

The SWG will connect to the Filter pump relay.

The other two pumps don't need a relay as they will be powered continuously.

 

[Duffatola]

The filter pump relay is always dedicated to the filter pump, but you won't connect the pump to the relay, just directly to the breaker.

The SWG will connect to the Filter pump relay.

The other two pumps don't need a relay as they will be powered continuously.

Therefore it looks more like this?

Relays:

• SWG
• Spa Blower
• Spa Heater
• Pool lights - 1 (12v/Transformer)
• Pool lights - 2 (12v/Transformer)
• Landscape/Step Lights (12v/Transformer)
• Open/Available
• Open/Available

 

[JamesW]

I would not put the heater on a relay.

Just power it directly.

It will be controlled through the RS-485 communications wiring.

 

[Duffatola]

I would not put the heater on a relay.

Just power it directly.

It will be controlled through the RS-485 communications wiring.

Relays:

• SWG (via dedicated filter pump relay)
• Spa Blower
• Pool lights - 1 (12v/Transformer)
• Pool lights - 2 (12v/Transformer)
• Landscape/Step Lights (12v/Transformer)
• Open/Available
• Open/Available
• Open/Available

Notes:

• Filter Pump: Powered directly.
• Infinity Edge Pump: Powered directly.
• Water Feature Pump: Powered directly.
• Heater: Powered directly and controlled through RS-485 communications wiring.

 

[Duffatola]

The filter pump relay is always dedicated to the filter pump, but you won't connect the pump to the relay, just directly to the breaker.

The other two pumps don't need a relay as they will be powered continuously.

I need to talk to the PM. I am almost certain he advised all the pumps would require relays. Perhaps that's just the way they've done it in the past? I want to have as many open/available relays as possible.

 

[JamesW]

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/manuals/pool-pumps/intelliflo-vs/intelliflo-vs-pump-manual-english.pdf

 

[JamesW]

Note: When connecting the pump to an automation system, continuous power must be supplied to the pump by connecting it directly to the circuit breaker.

When using an automation system, be sure that no other lights or appliances are on the same circuit.

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/manuals/pool-pumps/intelliflo-vsf/intelliflo-vsf-om-eng.pdf

 

[JamesW]

32 Feature Circuits: Allow additional speeds on a variable speed pump or an actuator to be assigned without using an existing auxiliary circuit.

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/automation/intellicenter/manuals---user-docs/intellicenter-users-guide.pdf

 

[Duffatola]

I would put one check valve between the pump and filter and one after the filter.

For the bypass, I would just put a 2-way valve on the bypass.

You can add an actuator if you want or do it manually.

There's no reason to block flow to the filter when the bypass is open.

Due to lack of pad space, the plan may have to change. Otherwise, I'll have to climb over piping 3+ high to reach the pump.
Original:

PB Recommendation:


Thoughts?

 

[JamesW]

It will work.

I like 2 check valves because if one fails, the entire pool is going into the trough until the pool and trough water are equal.

 

[Duffatola]

It will work.

I like 2 check valves because if one fails, the entire pool is going into the trough until the pool and trough water are equal.

I will ask if they can squeeze another in.

 

[Duffatola]

There may be a space issue with regards to installing this check valve.

 

[Duffatola]

I will ask if they can squeeze another in.

They can install one on the inlet side of the pump.

 

[JamesW]

They can install one on the inlet side of the pump.

I would prefer to avoid adding any head loss to the suction side of the pump.

It can be done, but it is less than ideal.

 

[JamesW]

Why can't it be put immediately after the pump?