From a Basic Lawn to Private Resort - We Have A Pool! Controlling Pollen...

[elleb]

FusionSoft 700/1400 is great I love it. It comes with a blank-out plate for the mineral side just never remove it or put a mineral cartridge in. It also comes with a starter cartridge and your builder may give you one real cartridge. Sell them both on eBay. But grab them before the builder has a chance to put them in and hide them somewhere. Make it clear to him you do not want the cartridge installed. Exact same specs and controls as the AquaPure 700/1400.

Make sure he specs out the 1400 series. Usually the FusionSoft is cheaper for the builder than the AquaPure since they are counting on you purchasing expensive mineral cartridge consumables. Again though the saltwater generator portion is functionally identical.

Thanks @HermanTX and @PoolGate. We have insisted on the AquaPure 1400 and that it needs to be in writing. I also followed up on the diverter. Making sure we get a 3 directional Jandy Never Lube diverter, PB said we would never touch it, I told him it doesnt matter if we dont, we do not want ball valve diverter valves. I also followed up on the pump, they use only Jandy ePump VS, so I told them we want the Jandy ePump VS in writing on our contract and not the Jandy Stealth Multi-speed. We are getting two pumps so that the water features can run at the same time. I did some skimmer research since PB stated all skimmers are the same and "heavy duty", so we then requested dual port skimmers in writing for safety since we have a small child that will be in the pool also. Jandy Led Lights will be used. The other items have already been addressed. I just need to find out about the robotic vaccum now.

It pays to do research and to ask quesions on TFP. Thanks for your help thus far

 

[PoolGate]

If you are getting a bottom drain, you don't want that tied into your skimmer. Have the bottom drain home runned back to your pad along with each skimmer on it's own line.

Are you getting Jandy watercolors? That's what I have great lights!

Get any of zodiac corded robots don't get a water powered vacuum.

I didn't read all the above are you getting aqualink? If so ask about the smart jva controller for your valves. It allows you to set your valves in 5% increments. Most builders have never heard of them though. Also make sure it's aqualink rs in writing not aqualink pda.

 

[HermanTX]

I also followed up on the diverter. Making sure we get a 3 directional Jandy Never Lube diverter, PB said we would never touch it, I told him it doesnt matter if we dont, we do not want ball valve diverter valves.

This is exactly why you should have the Jandy Never Lube diverter valve. You may not turn it for a year, but if you had the ball valve, the one time you need to turn it, it will be stuck, however that Jandy Never Lube diverter valve will rotate. Great that you are pushing the PB on these items and documenting in writing.

 

[elleb]

If you are getting a bottom drain, you don't want that tied into your skimmer. Have the bottom drain home runned back to your pad along with each skimmer on it's own line.

Are you getting Jandy watercolors? That's what I have great lights!

Get any of zodiac corded robots don't get a water powered vacuum.

I didn't read all the above are you getting aqualink? If so ask about the smart jva controller for your valves. It allows you to set your valves in 5% increments. Most builders have never heard of them though. Also make sure it's aqualink rs in writing not aqualink pda.

iAqualink is the app and it's already in writing. Thanks for the vacumm tip. The Polaris is what they write into contract, but we may have them to remove it and purchase our own. I will look into the jva controller and the zodiac robot.

 

[PoolGate]

iAqualink is the app and it's already in writing. Thanks for the vacumm tip. The Polaris is what they write into contract, but we may have them to remove it and purchase our own. I will look into the jva controller and the zodiac robot.

Sorry - I mean Polaris, not Zodiac! What model?

What does it say about Aqualink? This is important since a lot of builders truly have no clue about the models and you want it to be an "RS" system. Not an Aqualink PDA with the IQ20a (or IQ30a) package!

 

[elleb]

Sorry - I mean Polaris, not Zodiac! What model?

What does it say about Aqualink? This is important since a lot of builders truly have no clue about the models and you want it to be an "RS" system. Not an Aqualink PDA with the IQ20a (or IQ30a) package!

This is what the PB stated in the respone email to me yesterday "Jandy iAqualink, Aqualink PDA is a remote and AQUALINK RS is the app on your phone and you'll see i circled RS for the app."

 

[PoolGate]

This is what the PB stated in the respone email to me yesterday "Jandy iAqualink, Aqualink PDA is a remote and AQUALINK RS is the app on your phone and you'll see i circled RS for the app."

OK - This language looks like monkey business to me. But it could be ignorance. Ask what the BASE system is. It is either Aqualink-RS or Aqualink-PDA. I think he is going to give you Aqualink-PDA with a WiFi antenna. This results in you having to program from the PDA which will make you want to kill yourself. The PDA is useless you will never use it and don't need it. With an actual, full RS system, you will program from a web interface and be able to use any smartphone to control your system. You can also control your pool with an Alexa skill, which I am pretty sure will not work from the PDA system.

Ask again for the exact model #. You are looking for something like Aqualink RS-PS8. The last number is the number of relays you have to work with. Relays = features. Pump, heater, lights, JVAs, low-voltage lights, etc. All require a dedicated relay. Make sure you have the capacity now that you need.

https://www.jandy.com/-/media/zodiac/global/downloads/sl/9544_sl_automationselection.pdf?rev=a29c1dfaa0774ac29b83400b57cec4be

 

[HermanTX]

For clarification - the system AquaLink and should be RS-8 meaning you have 8 relays to control equipment.
You also want the IQ30 antenna as that is the interface to give you remote access to either the iAquaLink app on your phone or on a PC. You do not want a PDA as that is very difficult to program, however it is easy to turn equipment on or off as it is a direct link to your AquaLink control box. With the iQ30 antenna you or family members will have to use your phone app to control equipment on and off, etc.

I would seek clarification on what you are getting by requesting the model number.

EDIT - I see @PoolGate gave very similar information.

 

[elleb]

For clarification - the system AquaLink and should be RS-8 meaning you have 8 relays to control equipment.
You also want the IQ30 antenna as that is the interface to give you remote access to either the iAquaLink app on your phone or on a PC. You do not want a PDA as that is very difficult to program, however it is easy to turn equipment on or off as it is a direct link to your AquaLink control box. With the iQ30 antenna you or family members will have to use your phone app to control equipment on and off, etc.

I would seek clarification on what you are getting by requesting the model number.

EDIT - I see @PoolGate gave very similar information.

Yeah, I think it is fluff what he is saying but what he wrote in the contract is iAqualink RS.

 

[PoolGate]

According to that, you are ok. Just make sure that is what you actually get. Inspect the cabinet before they install it it should say Aqualink RS on it. There are a LOT of builders that simply have no clue about automation. Also you still need to nail down that last number. That determines if you'll have enough relays for any future expansion. Like adding solar, more lights, controllable outlets around the pool, etc. Builders classically under-estimate the amount of relays. It will cost you a couple hundred to do this now but a couple thousand if you have to do this later. Better to have the extra and never need it. Did you mention the smart JVAs? I use one to control the flow between my two waterfalls. Sometimes we want more to go to the sheers and sometimes more to the rock waterfall. Nice to have the option do to this.

Did you say he told you you are also getting the PDA? This is like a $700 option so I would cancel it if so.

 

[HermanTX]

In addition to what @PoolGate stated, verify the antenna - is should say iQ30 on it. This is the latest version by Jandy and works with mesh wifi systems. It connects to the main PCB in the AquaLink control box

 

[elleb]

According to that, you are ok. Just make sure that is what you actually get. Inspect the cabinet before they install it it should say Aqualink RS on it. There are a LOT of builders that simply have no clue about automation. Also you still need to nail down that last number. That determines if you'll have enough relays for any future expansion. Like adding solar, more lights, controllable outlets around the pool, etc. Builders classically under-estimate the amount of relays. It will cost you a couple hundred to do this now but a couple thousand if you have to do this later. Better to have the extra and never need it. Did you mention the smart JVAs? I use one to control the flow between my two waterfalls. Sometimes we want more to go to the sheers and sometimes more to the rock waterfall. Nice to have the option do to this.

Did you say he told you you are also getting the PDA? This is like a $700 option so I would cancel it if so.

No PDA, just whats in the RS. I will be sure to verify the channels.

We are only having bubblers and the spillover from the spa, do you think the jva controller is worth it for these?

 

[elleb]

In addition to what @PoolGate stated, verify the antenna - is should say iQ30 on it. This is the latest version by Jandy and works with mesh wifi systems. It connects to the main PCB in the AquaLink control box
View attachment 455932

Okay will do once stuff starts arriving. I'm going to make a checklist and snap photos as stuff arrives. PB thinks I'm bougie for asking so many questions at contract signing phase, but the sales guy keeps telling him we are really cool people. I'm a researcher by nature, I work in the Tech industry . I must know where my money is going and the benefits or pitfalls of said purchases...

 

[elleb]

Sorry - I mean Polaris, not Zodiac! What model?

What does it say about Aqualink? This is important since a lot of builders truly have no clue about the models and you want it to be an "RS" system. Not an Aqualink PDA with the IQ20a (or IQ30a) package!

Polaris 8640 robotic vacuum. What are thoughts on this model. Share links if you have them, please and thanks

 

[HermanTX]

I work in the Tech industry

Then once you figure out the iAquaLink app, you can help others!!!!!

 

[PoolGate]

Polaris 8640 robotic vacuum. What are thoughts on this model. Share links if you have them, please and thanks

Looks like a new model to me. I suspect it is fine. See how much he is charging you might get it cheaper elsewhere. I paid $1500 for my Polaris. Does he have a return privileges on the vacuum if you are not happy with it? Tracked vacuums have been known to get stuck on things. Many people skip builder supplied vacuums altogether and just get their own. There is an entire sub forum dedicated to them.

Pool Cleaners

The selection, operation and repair of pool cleaners.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[HermanTX]

Polaris 8640 robotic vacuum. What are thoughts on this model. Share links if you have them, please and thanks

The only red flag is there is no app associated to it for scheduling or control. If you are having remote control to your pool via iAquaLink then the cleaner (which is a separate app) would be needed as well.
The Alpha iQ seem to be the preference for the latest technology.

 

[elleb]

Then once you figure out the iAquaLink app, you can help others!!!!!

I'll be happy to do just that!

 

[elleb]

The only red flag is there is no app associated to it for scheduling or control. If you are having remote control to your pool via iAquaLink then the cleaner (which is a separate app) would be needed as well.
The Alpha iQ seem to be the preference for the latest technology.

We are sitting down this weekend and writing everything that we want them to take out or leave in the contract and then submit it on Monday. I will research vaccums this weekend.

 

[elleb]

Hello @HermanTX and @PoolGate. We are nearing Dig Day! Scheduled for February 23rd, 2023, might be a lucky day in all of this GA Clay . Quick question, please review these site plans for me and let me know if anything stands out to you. I'm mostly concerned about the skimmers, bubblers, etc running on their own lines. Is 2 skimmers enough for this size pool? Also, please ignore that NatureSoft SWGC shown here, I was called when the order was placed and sent a photo of the Jandy AquaPure 1400 and that's exactly what we're getting. I want to get any questions cleared up before they start digging. So let me know your thoughts. We did get our JVAs also. Do we need a separate pump for the spillover and bubblers? We want to be able to operate them at the same time or independently of one another. Also, the equipment will be moved because we have a 3rd AC unit that was installed when we had some work done our basement. Thanks in advance!!!