Review: New Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF

[Newdude]

Maybe it has the wrong impeller?

Very well could be. It was part of the 1st backlog and then that ship went sideways in the Suez. Pretty much every product across every line has been rushed since, at any cost to its integrity or quality.

But back to the I3...... it's my next pump, hopefully in 2042+

 

[JamesW]

If you need maximum oomph, maybe consider the WhisperFloXF VS 5 HP Variable Speed Pump - 022035.

It will get to 260 GPM.

Pentair - WhisperFloXF VS 5 HP Variable Speed Pump - 022035

Pentair - WhisperFloXF VS 5 HP Variable Speed Pump - 022035

waterlinetechnologies.com

WhisperFloXF® VS 5HP Variable Speed Pump

The WhisperFloXF VS 5HP Commercial Pump is the first five-horsepower variable-speed pool pump that runs on single-phase or three-phase power.

www.pentair.com

https://waterlinetechnologies.com/content/Pentair/Pumps/whisperfloxf-maxeprofxf-vs-pumps-manual-english.pdf

 

[poolschoolguy]

Can the Intelliflo3 "drop-in" to replace Whisperflo pumps? In other words, do the ports line up? Looks like the redesigned the wet end.

 

[davisito45]

Thanks for the review. After 15 years my Intelliflo is not working anymore. I can opt to replace the driver but might go with a new pump

Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF​

. I will order the one with the optional touchscreen. I wonder if I can use both? The touchscreen and my phone as well. Does anyone know?

David

 

[ajw22]

TI will order the one with the optional touchscreen. I wonder if I can use both? The touchscreen and my phone as well. Does anyone know?

Yes, both the touch screen and app controls will work on the pump.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Can the Intelliflo3 "drop-in" to replace Whisperflo pumps? In other words, do the ports line up? Looks like the redesigned the wet end.

Guy,

I am pretty sure the wet ends are different and that some plumbing work will have to be done.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

 

[JamesW]

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

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/pumps/intelliflo3-vsf/manuals/install-guide/intelliflo3-pro3-vsf-install-guide.pdf

IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed & Flow Pool Pump

The award-winning, energy-efficient IntelliFlo3 VSF Pool Pump has a quiet design with sensorless flow control, app connectivity, and automation capability.

www.pentair.com

 

[MaverickFL]

Thanks for the review. After 15 years my Intelliflo is not working anymore. I can opt to replace the driver but might go with a new pump

Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF​

. I will order the one with the optional touchscreen. I wonder if I can use both? The touchscreen and my phone as well. Does anyone know?

If you have the pump hooked to any automation the app and touchscreen do basically nothing but tell you “controlled by automation”

 

[JamesW]

The IntelliFlo VSF is the same as the WhisperFlo except for the variable speed motor.

The IntelliFlo 3 is a different pump, but the suction center is the same, so the pipes line up on the suction.

The IntelliFlo3 has unions, which is nice, but the discharge does not line up the same.

 

[Poolbreh]

both port size are 2.5” the pump comes with 2” reducers. No threading on the inside for high temp unions. Even though I didn’t personally connect them to WiFi the customer did within minutes simple with QR code. The programming allows the relays to be flow dependent for swg and heaters etc..

 

[wireform]

Great read here.
Question, the 2.5" port size of the intelliflo3 pump and the 2" diverter valve right in front of the suction port, Will I be able to use a 2.5" coupling to mate the two the shortest possible assuming the height from the new pump is at the right height.

 

[MaverickFL]

Great read here.
Question, the 2.5" port size of the intelliflo3 pump and the 2" diverter valve right in front of the suction port, Will I be able to use a 2.5" coupling to mate the two the shortest possible assuming the height from the new pump is at the right height.

The Intelliflo 3 can do 2”, 2 1/2” or 3” and comes with reducers so you can go directly with the 2” without a coupling. Heres my setup using 2” pipe, you can see the reducer on the intake side with the coupling. Make sure your intake length is correct according to the instructions, theres a minimum length, I assume to reduce turbulence.

 

[wireform]

Great picture but I'm very limited in space length wise so I'd have to reem the valve port to rid of the old 2" pvc whereas if I can use a 2.5" coupling it would save me the reem job or am I overthinking this.

 

[MaverickFL]

Great picture but I'm very limited in space length wise so I'd have to reem the valve port to rid of the old 2" pvc whereas if I can use a 2.5" coupling it would save me the reem job or am I overthinking this.

@wireform : A picture would probably be helpful to see what you're dealing with. I'm not an expert on hydraulics but I dont think expanding to 2.5" for the last few inches will have any positive effects, so you could use a 2" coupler just the same. To avoid priming issues and extend pump life, recommended length into the pump for 2" pipe is 5x pipe diameter or 10". If you go to 2.5", the 5x rule would be 12.5".

 

[wireform]

Pentair Superflo on its way OUT
Pentair Superflo on its way OUT

 

[MaverickFL]

Pictures are helpful. Nice setup. I understand why you think you need a 2.5 coupler now. Not sure of the height differences between those pumps, you might need some shims, but that technically should work, however you definitely don't have the recommended space to do a 10-12" intake, so could you do a 90 and slide the pump down towards the filter?

 

[wireform]

That's actually a fantastic idea. The port is the same or very very close as I measured it this morning and came up with 9"+ a drop and that seems to be in line with the new pump.

 

[MaverickFL]

That's actually a fantastic idea. The port is the same or very very close as I measured it this morning and came up with 9"+ a drop and that seems to be in line with the new pump.

Actually, looking at it again, you may not need to, the length of the Intelliflo 3 is only 26", which seems shorter than your current pump? Also, the installation manual says it requires only 3" of rear clearance so you may have plenty of room with your current layout?

 

[wireform]

The picture is a little deceiving. As per my measuring this morning I have 29" from the rim of the valve to the farthest point where the pvc crosses from the filter. The pump in the picture is a Superflow.