Plan for equipment overhaul

[JFarr]

I'm making a plan to overhaul my pool equipment. I wanted to post here to see what the experts think and to make sure I'm not totally off the reservation.

Here is my current equipment:



My first course of action will be to build a proper pad and get my equipment out of the dirt. I would rather cut and frame lumber than dig and pour concrete so I was thinking about building a ground level 6x8 deck on pre-formed concrete piers. If this is a terrible plan I would probably do patio pavers over pouring concrete.

Second course of action is the equipment. Everything works without issue. I believe the filter and heater are more than adequate for my needs. I want to upgrade to a variable speed pump and I think the pentair intelliflo 3 would be the best fit for my setup.

The Polaris booster pump, inline chlorinator, and copper mineral dispenser are all going to be removed because none of them are being nor will be used.

I want to install a swcg. At first blush it seems the pentair ic-30 would be the best fit for my system. However, after comparing the pentair swcgs to others on the market they seem to fall short on every relevant factor. Shorter cell life, less chlorine generation per hour, poor warranty, bad reviews, and higher cost.

I also want to update my control center to enable wifi control. I was planning to buy the screen logic controller bundle for the easy touch 4 but then I saw another thread where it was recommended to upgrade the whole panel to an intellicenter. It seems wifi support is built into the intellicenter so does that upgrade path make more sense with my setup?

Final course of action is to upgrade my plumbing. The PVC ball valves are all going to be eliminated and replaced with jandy style shutoff valves. I want to install a bypass for the heater. I want to split my two skimmers and have them each on their own line. I also would like to upgrade them from 1.5 in pipe to 2 in but I don't know if that's really worth doing. My main drain is plumed into one of my skimmers. I would like it to be independent but I don't think that's possible.

I would like anyone's thoughts, comments, or advice. Especially if you think I'm headed in the wrong direction or if there's something I'm missing.

Thank you all for your time.

 

[sande005]

I have the same Challenger pump, but upgraded the motor to a V-Green variable speed years ago. Might save a few $$. Integrating into the wifi would have to be studied. Only had it for 3 months and love it, but the CircuPool SWCG's seem to be well liked here, and is one of a few that warranty self installs. It was easy - if you can do a plumbing joint, the battle is won. Again, more study to incorporate it into WiFi needed.
Wood rots - so make your pad concrete. Pavers can shift over time, especially if you ever get heavy rains or freezing temps, so not optimal.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

@Jimrahbe is the guy I would ask about Pentair automation and components. He would probably recommend to use a Pentair SWG with Pentair automation.

 

[BDY]

The pentair ic 15 and ic30 are a different line that don’t get good reviews (called ichlor i think?)

The ic20/40/60 are the good ones to focus on. (Called intellichlor)

 

[1poolman1]

I'm making a plan to overhaul my pool equipment. I wanted to post here to see what the experts think and to make sure I'm not totally off the reservation.

Here is my current equipment:
View attachment 519928
View attachment 519929View attachment 519930

My first course of action will be to build a proper pad and get my equipment out of the dirt. I would rather cut and frame lumber than dig and pour concrete so I was thinking about building a ground level 6x8 deck on pre-formed concrete piers. If this is a terrible plan I would probably do patio pavers over pouring concrete.

Second course of action is the equipment. Everything works without issue. I believe the filter and heater are more than adequate for my needs. I want to upgrade to a variable speed pump and I think the pentair intelliflo 3 would be the best fit for my setup.

The Polaris booster pump, inline chlorinator, and copper mineral dispenser are all going to be removed because none of them are being nor will be used.

I want to install a swcg. At first blush it seems the pentair ic-30 would be the best fit for my system. However, after comparing the pentair swcgs to others on the market they seem to fall short on every relevant factor. Shorter cell life, less chlorine generation per hour, poor warranty, bad reviews, and higher cost.

I also want to update my control center to enable wifi control. I was planning to buy the screen logic controller bundle for the easy touch 4 but then I saw another thread where it was recommended to upgrade the whole panel to an intellicenter. It seems wifi support is built into the intellicenter so does that upgrade path make more sense with my setup?

Final course of action is to upgrade my plumbing. The PVC ball valves are all going to be eliminated and replaced with jandy style shutoff valves. I want to install a bypass for the heater. I want to split my two skimmers and have them each on their own line. I also would like to upgrade them from 1.5 in pipe to 2 in but I don't know if that's really worth doing. My main drain is plumed into one of my skimmers. I would like it to be independent but I don't think that's possible.

I would like anyone's thoughts, comments, or advice. Especially if you think I'm headed in the wrong direction or if there's something I'm missing.

Thank you all for your time.

You need to hard-pipe the gas line into the heater to get rid of that yellow flex line. Amazing that heater would work plumbed that way. You can change the above ground plumbing to 2", but if the inground is isn't changed as well it won't gain a lot. You can also separate your main-drain from the skimmer if you really want to pay to have someone jack-hammer the pool or deck to access the plumbing and then run a new suction line to the equipment pad. Looks to be a fairly long run.

 

[JFarr]

You need to hard-pipe the gas line into the heater to get rid of that yellow flex line. Amazing that heater would work plumbed that way. You can change the above ground plumbing to 2", but if the inground is isn't changed as well it won't gain a lot. You can also separate your main-drain from the skimmer if you really want to pay to have someone jack-hammer the pool or deck to access the plumbing and then run a new suction line to the equipment pad. Looks to be a fairly long run.

@1poolman1

I see that my photos were a bit misleading. The pool you see in the one isnt mine, it's my neighbor's. Our neighborhood is on the rim of a canyon and below us is protected green space. So my equipment is downhill of my pool. All of the plumbing that goes to my pool is exposed and accessible as is the downhill wall of my pool.



Maybe that makes it more clear. The only thing that's not accessible is the pipe for the drain. I guess it's buried in the shell of my pool.

I'm glad you mentioned the gas line. That looked sketchy to me too. It looks like just a line for gas dryer and I didn't think it should be used outdoors. The pool contractor I had out here though said that while it's not the way he would do it, if it's working and not leaking he wouldn't touch it. Other than the hose does the rest of the gas line look ok? Or is it just completely fubar?



@BDY
Thank you for the clarification. I see you have the ic-40 in your profile. I'll look into that

 

[Ahultin]

Redo the gas line from the ball valve on!

I think the pentair intelliflo 3

Good choice , youll need to add the data cable as i dont beleive they are included with the intelliflow 3

I also want to update my control center to enable wifi control. I was planning to buy the screen logic controller bundle for the easy touch 4 but then I saw another thread where it was recommended to upgrade the whole panel to an intellicenter. It seems wifi support is built into the intellicenter so does that upgrade path make more sense with my setup?

For a small amount more I would recommend the intellicenter upgrade over spending almost as much to add screen logic.

I want to install a swcg. At first blush it seems the pentair ic-30 would be the best fit for my system. However, after comparing the pentair swcgs to others on the market they seem to fall short on every relevant factor.

The IC40/Ic60 i believe are considered the gold standard SWG, the ic20 and ichlor30 have less than stellar reviews. I would price the difference between the Intellicenter upgrade plus the ic40 plus the swg power center vs the cost of a full intellicenter kit. I would guess it will be close and if you need new or plan to get new actuators, that may throw the full kit ahead. You could still install as an "upgrade" but you would then have the built in swg transformer plus could likely package your easytouch back in the new cabinet with the relays and sell it for a couple bucks.

 

[JFarr]

I want to make sure that if I buy the intellicenter upgrade panel, or if I buy the whole intellicenter kit, that it comes with the wireless antenna and Ethernet adapter.

Or do I have to buy Pentair SKU 523557 separately?

The product info for either implies they come ready to connect to wifi. However, no where specifically states that the wireless antenna is included.

**edit**

Judging from a thread I just found I want SKU 523557 and not SKU 522475Z. Question remains though, do I have to make a separate purchase in either case?

 

[Ahultin]

I want to make sure that if I buy the intellicenter upgrade panel, or if I buy the whole intellicenter kit, that it comes with the wireless antenna and Ethernet adapter.

Or do I have to buy Pentair SKU 523557 separately?

The product info for either implies they come ready to connect to wifi. However, no where specifically states that the wireless antenna is included.

**edit**

Judging from a thread I just found I want SKU 523557 and not SKU 522475Z. Question remains though, do I have to make a separate purchase in either cas

High power wifi kit comes with both the upgrade kit and the full kit

 

[JFarr]

@Ahultin
Thank you very much for your help.

So I talked it over with the wife and I'm just going to decommission the heater for now. We will get someone out here to rebuild the gas connection later and make sure it's done proper.

Unless someone sees a problem, this evening I'm going to order:

Pentair SKU EC-011028 pump
Pentair SKU 350122 com cable
Pentair SKU 522048 intellicenter

Along with 6 shutoff valves, 3 two way diverters and 2 check valves.

This should get me started. The swg I've decided to wait on until after the new plaster is in for 30 days since we can't use it until then anyway. But after the feedback from you guys, and reading the forums more, I think I'm pretty sure about the IC-60.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Pentair SKU EC-011028 pump

This pump should come with the data cable.

 

[Ahultin]

@Ahultin
Thank you very much for your help.

So I talked it over with the wife and I'm just going to decommission the heater for now. We will get someone out here to rebuild the gas connection later and make sure it's done proper.

Unless someone sees a problem, this evening I'm going to order:

Pentair SKU EC-011028 pump
Pentair SKU 350122 com cable
Pentair SKU 522048 intellicenter

Along with 6 shutoff valves, 3 two way diverters and 2 check valves.

This should get me started. The swg I've decided to wait on until after the new plaster is in for 30 days since we can't use it until then anyway. But after the feedback from you guys, and reading the forums more, I think I'm pretty sure about the IC-60.

Since you will be re-plumbing, make your future self smile and get the intellichlor dummy cell - 520588, then when it comes time to add the swg, you won't need to cut anything.

 

[JFarr]

@Rancho Cost-a-Lotta
You are correct. I found a YouTube unboxing video that confirms this. Thank you.

@Ahultin
That's a great idea. I should just commit to the Pentair swg and save myself from having to do the same work twice. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[JFarr]

If I'm not mistaken this all appears to run on some form of electricity... I may be in a bit over my depth here.

Serious question though, would it make sense to install the new control panel with the existing equipment in place? Or do the new pump / plumbing first and then go after the control panel?

I'm worried that if I one fell swoop it troubleshooting will be more difficult when things inevitably don't work off rip.

 

[Ahultin]

Serious question though, would it make sense to install the new control panel with the existing equipment in place?

No reason not to. Once you get the new pump you'll need to change a couple settings and move the pump feed wires from the load side of the pump relay to the line side.
I'm all for breaking it into small manageable bites lol

 

[JFarr]

Yikes!! Guess I'm grateful we haven't had a fire already.

 

[Ahultin]

Cute lol. I think you said you are taking the mastertemp out of the mix but if not, there is a cover that is missing from the line voltage compartment (pic 2)