I purchased a new Pentair Easytouch 8 system a couple months ago and I'm hooking everything up now. I want to control my automation with an Android phone. What specific products (with item numbers) do I need to add to the Easytouch to do this? I've got strong wifi at the Easytouch location. I'm seeing different products and item numbers available, so I'm not clear what is needed on a newer Easytouch system. Thanks!
What items to add to Easytouch 8 for Android automation
- Thread starter Nateski
- Start date
Nate,
The EasyTouch does not use Wi-Fi.. It uses 900 MHz links..
This is what I use... Pentair P/N 522104.. Includes the Protocol Adapter and two wireless links.
These used to be about $400 bucks.. Now, almost double..
You could also use almost the same amount of money and upgrade to the new IntelliCenter...
Thanks,
Jim R.
The EasyTouch does not use Wi-Fi.. It uses 900 MHz links..
This is what I use... Pentair P/N 522104.. Includes the Protocol Adapter and two wireless links.
These used to be about $400 bucks.. Now, almost double..
You could also use almost the same amount of money and upgrade to the new IntelliCenter...
Thanks,
Jim R.
Thanks, Jim. Are there other advantages to the Intellicenter Upgrade beyond the wifi capability? Does it include everything the ScreenLogic 2 has? I want to use a single Pentair VS pump to run my pool and inground spa as two separate water systems (no spillway) and I've still got to figure out how to program that all out. If the Upgrade would help with that, I'd be tempted to go that way. I appreciate your input.
Following with similar interest, what is there to gain one way or the other. Many thanks, Allan
Nate,
You can't run an EasyTouch with two sets of equipment. This means two separate pumps, two filters, etc.. one for each body of water..
The IntelliTouch has a dual set of equipment circuit card (Not standard)
The new IntelliCenter also has a dual equipment set up...
Thanks,
Jim R.
You can't run an EasyTouch with two sets of equipment. This means two separate pumps, two filters, etc.. one for each body of water..
The IntelliTouch has a dual set of equipment circuit card (Not standard)
The new IntelliCenter also has a dual equipment set up...
Thanks,
Jim R.
Thanks for your feedback... just need a little more clarity. I am planning only ONE pump that will serve both the pool circulation and spa circulation at different times. My hope is that I can program the pool to run for a while, then switch to the spa, then back again, etc. with both bodies of water being separate. Of course, the pump would also operate the spa jets (with a blower unit, too) when called for. I don't have enough power to run two pumps, so I need to have a single pump do it all. So can this be done with the Easytouch 8 as is... or do I need the Upgrade. Thanks for your patience with me. I'm afraid I know just enough to be dangerous at this point...
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,353
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
You are then constructing a POOL/SPA system the same as though you have a spillover.
You need to get a PS version of the EasyTouch or IntelliCenter that will move suction and return actuator valves between your pool and spa.
The pool only EasyTouch will not work for you. It does not have the valve control logic you need.
Nate,
Normally, when you have a pool and spa, the spa overflows into the pool.. When you use an EasyTouch it would be a P/S dual body system... What P/N is your EasyTouch???
When the spa does not overflow into the pool, then normally the spa and the pool are connected via a pipe.. there is no overflow, but the spa water and pool water get exchanged.
If you have a spa that is not connected to the pool at all, then I would assume you would have to have a skimmer in the spa.
The main problem that I see is when you switch between the Pool and Spa, or via versa, you will either drain or overflow the Spa over time.
I have never heard of a set up like you want to do, but I know a couple of guys who know a lot more about it than I do.. Let's see what they have to say...
Calling @1poolman1
Calling @JamesW
Thanks,
Jim R.
Normally, when you have a pool and spa, the spa overflows into the pool.. When you use an EasyTouch it would be a P/S dual body system... What P/N is your EasyTouch???
When the spa does not overflow into the pool, then normally the spa and the pool are connected via a pipe.. there is no overflow, but the spa water and pool water get exchanged.
If you have a spa that is not connected to the pool at all, then I would assume you would have to have a skimmer in the spa.
The main problem that I see is when you switch between the Pool and Spa, or via versa, you will either drain or overflow the Spa over time.
I have never heard of a set up like you want to do, but I know a couple of guys who know a lot more about it than I do.. Let's see what they have to say...
Calling @1poolman1
Calling @JamesW
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,353
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Show us pics of your pool and spa and equipment pad so we can understand your setup.
Without a spa overflow you will have to manually manage issues with spa water level and water chemistry. Let us understand your complete situation.
Without a spa overflow you will have to manually manage issues with spa water level and water chemistry. Let us understand your complete situation.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,353
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Can we discuss why you think you don’t have power for two pumps?
Having two pumps and setting up the automation so they do not run at the same time will give you a more reliable and trouble free setup then trying to use valves to switch one pump.
Having two pumps and setting up the automation so they do not run at the same time will give you a more reliable and trouble free setup then trying to use valves to switch one pump.
Is the spa at the same level as the pool?
If yes, you would usually have an equalizer line between the two so that they remain at the same water level.
You can have completely separate equipment if you want.
If yes, you would usually have an equalizer line between the two so that they remain at the same water level.
You can have completely separate equipment if you want.
Hey guys... so many great questions. Glad you're all willing to help.
My pool and spa are at the same inground level. I do have a small spillway between the two in case the spa should overflow. Also,, I want to be able to run in spillway mode during a six month period that we are not on premise to simplify water maintenance during that time... so I will plan a make up valve for that.
I am limited to a 50A service because of loads on my main panel. The automation unit is an "Easytouch Control System 8 for Pool and Spa" (P/N is 520540). The panel needs to serve the pump, a small 240v HWT for an outdoor shower, a 240v blower unit, ignition circuit for the gas heater, and a couple 15-20A 120volt landscape circuits. I might be able to squeeze another pump in, but it would be pushing the limits -- and I prefer one pump if possible (unless it's just a really stupid idea).
The reason I'm avoiding the spillover water system for the other 6 months of the year is we want to be able to heat the spa (about 850 gallons) quickly with our gas heater. The pool is about 7,000 gallons but we're not likely to heat it very often. So, keeping the spa separate from the unheated water of the pool seems like the way to go for efficiency.
Both the pool and the spa have their own skimmers and water autofill valves.
So, my thinking and planning has been to use a single variable speed Pentair pump (I'm thinking 2 HP -- for pool circulation with two waterfalls and the spa with a total of 9 jets) to #1 circulate/filter the pool water and #2 circulate/filter the spa water and then run the spa jets as called for.
I have the Easytouch system installed now, but have yet to purchase the pump(s) filter, blower unit, and heater. So, I'm open to your suggestions. I want to be sure that my Easytouch will do what I want and can be controlled by my Android phone... which gets back to my original question about what I need to add to the Easytouch to do that.
Thanks for all your opinions, suggestions, and ideas. My brain is a sponge right now!
Nate
PS: Here's a link to a video overview of the project: Back Yard Completion
I can upload pics, but this video gives a better overview. The video does not show the spillway between the spa and baja shelf (but it is there in the final construction). Plus, the pool is not an infinity style. The water line will be a couple inches below the coping.
My pool and spa are at the same inground level. I do have a small spillway between the two in case the spa should overflow. Also,, I want to be able to run in spillway mode during a six month period that we are not on premise to simplify water maintenance during that time... so I will plan a make up valve for that.
I am limited to a 50A service because of loads on my main panel. The automation unit is an "Easytouch Control System 8 for Pool and Spa" (P/N is 520540). The panel needs to serve the pump, a small 240v HWT for an outdoor shower, a 240v blower unit, ignition circuit for the gas heater, and a couple 15-20A 120volt landscape circuits. I might be able to squeeze another pump in, but it would be pushing the limits -- and I prefer one pump if possible (unless it's just a really stupid idea).
The reason I'm avoiding the spillover water system for the other 6 months of the year is we want to be able to heat the spa (about 850 gallons) quickly with our gas heater. The pool is about 7,000 gallons but we're not likely to heat it very often. So, keeping the spa separate from the unheated water of the pool seems like the way to go for efficiency.
Both the pool and the spa have their own skimmers and water autofill valves.
So, my thinking and planning has been to use a single variable speed Pentair pump (I'm thinking 2 HP -- for pool circulation with two waterfalls and the spa with a total of 9 jets) to #1 circulate/filter the pool water and #2 circulate/filter the spa water and then run the spa jets as called for.
I have the Easytouch system installed now, but have yet to purchase the pump(s) filter, blower unit, and heater. So, I'm open to your suggestions. I want to be sure that my Easytouch will do what I want and can be controlled by my Android phone... which gets back to my original question about what I need to add to the Easytouch to do that.
Thanks for all your opinions, suggestions, and ideas. My brain is a sponge right now!
Nate
PS: Here's a link to a video overview of the project: Back Yard Completion
I can upload pics, but this video gives a better overview. The video does not show the spillway between the spa and baja shelf (but it is there in the final construction). Plus, the pool is not an infinity style. The water line will be a couple inches below the coping.
Nate,
Since you actually have a spillover, then there is no problem using your Pool and Spa EasyTouch.
You are worrying over nothing..
When you are in the Pool mode, a little water will overflow the spa into the pool keeping the spa water fresh.
When you are in the Spa mode, valves move to isolate the spa from the pool so that only the spa is being heated. During this time the Pool will have no circulation, so you can't leave it this way for days at a time.. You just put it into the Spa mode when you want to use the spa.
I suspect that your EasyTouch came with two valve actuators. These actuators mount of top of a standard Jandy style 3 way valve and when connected to the EasyTouch, allow the EasyTouch to switch between the Pool Mode and Spa Mode.
I really doubt that you are going to be able to operate everything at the same time with just one pump.. Waterfalls take a lot of water.
Since you have an EasyTouch, then I suggest that you get a 3 HP IntelliFlo pump. A small pump is not going to do what you want.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Since you actually have a spillover, then there is no problem using your Pool and Spa EasyTouch.
You are worrying over nothing..
When you are in the Pool mode, a little water will overflow the spa into the pool keeping the spa water fresh.
When you are in the Spa mode, valves move to isolate the spa from the pool so that only the spa is being heated. During this time the Pool will have no circulation, so you can't leave it this way for days at a time.. You just put it into the Spa mode when you want to use the spa.
I suspect that your EasyTouch came with two valve actuators. These actuators mount of top of a standard Jandy style 3 way valve and when connected to the EasyTouch, allow the EasyTouch to switch between the Pool Mode and Spa Mode.
I really doubt that you are going to be able to operate everything at the same time with just one pump.. Waterfalls take a lot of water.
Since you have an EasyTouch, then I suggest that you get a 3 HP IntelliFlo pump. A small pump is not going to do what you want.
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,353
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
- May 3, 2014
- 62,708
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Unless you are planning to keep the spa covered, with an insulated cover, you will not retain the heat in the spa. It will be back to base temperature in one day, maybe two.
Very unique design.
Do you plan to run those waterfalls when only using the spa? In Spa Mode? If so, then you will need a dedicated pump for them as the water flows back to the pool.
Waterfalls take lots of volume to work and give the look you want. Having a dedicated pump would be best to give you flexiblity in the use of the water features. Keep a dedicated pump for filter of spa and pool.
Do you plan to run those waterfalls when only using the spa? In Spa Mode? If so, then you will need a dedicated pump for them as the water flows back to the pool.
Waterfalls take lots of volume to work and give the look you want. Having a dedicated pump would be best to give you flexiblity in the use of the water features. Keep a dedicated pump for filter of spa and pool.
Nate,
I initially only looked at your video for the first few seconds.. What I say was not a spa spillover.. When I look at the Spa I see no spillover at all..
Often, things that "look" cool do not make sense operationally.. If the real pool is anything like the video, you will not be able to hear yourself think when all the water is running. I have a very small three port waterfall and I almost never use it because it is so loud...
I can't picture one pump running all that at the same time...
Thanks,
Jim R.
I initially only looked at your video for the first few seconds.. What I say was not a spa spillover.. When I look at the Spa I see no spillover at all..
Often, things that "look" cool do not make sense operationally.. If the real pool is anything like the video, you will not be able to hear yourself think when all the water is running. I have a very small three port waterfall and I almost never use it because it is so loud...
I can't picture one pump running all that at the same time...
Thanks,
Jim R.
You all have such great insights! No, I'm not planning on running the waterfalls during spa use. The final version of the waterfalls is two 24inch modules, about 50gpm total. Plus, I want them on their own valves/actuators to run separate from the pool filtration process (which I'm hoping I can have as an automation option). I'll be turning wfalls on as an ambiance thing for gatherings, etc. JimR, you must have missed my comment under the video link... I do have a spillway between the spa and baja shelf that doesn't show on the concept video. Good suggestion going with the 3HP pump (I guess more is better than not enough!) MKnauss, we are contemplating a cover but we'll see after everything is operational. AJW22, I do have a pool/spa Easytouch. So, my original questions, for clarity, do I need to go with the ScreenLogic 2 package, or the Intellicenter Upgrade to my Easytouch... and are there any additional advantages to the Upgrade over just the ScreenLogic2?
Nate,
I have three EasyTouch systems on three pools and they all work great. There is no reason for me to upgrade to the IntelliCenter..
But..... all my pools are dirt simple. If I had a complex pool, or were building a new pool today, it would have the new IntelliCenter.
The EasyTouch is an old black and white alphanumeric system, with a little LCD display. What you buy is what you get.. The IntelliCenter is a color touch screen system.. You can buy additional modules to customize it to your needs. It is also updateable, like your PC over the Internet.
The EasyTouch only allows you to have a max of 12 schedules. The IntelliCenter has a max of 100. The EasyTouch only has the ability to control 4 valves.. Pool, Spa, and two additional valves. The IntelliCenter has the option to add more valves.
The list goes on and on, but the IntelliCenter is a better system.
Since the cost for ScreenLogic2 is almost the same as the upgrade package to make your EasyTouch into an IntelliCenter it is almost a no brainer decision.
Thanks,
Jim R.
I have three EasyTouch systems on three pools and they all work great. There is no reason for me to upgrade to the IntelliCenter..
But..... all my pools are dirt simple. If I had a complex pool, or were building a new pool today, it would have the new IntelliCenter.
The EasyTouch is an old black and white alphanumeric system, with a little LCD display. What you buy is what you get.. The IntelliCenter is a color touch screen system.. You can buy additional modules to customize it to your needs. It is also updateable, like your PC over the Internet.
The EasyTouch only allows you to have a max of 12 schedules. The IntelliCenter has a max of 100. The EasyTouch only has the ability to control 4 valves.. Pool, Spa, and two additional valves. The IntelliCenter has the option to add more valves.
The list goes on and on, but the IntelliCenter is a better system.
Since the cost for ScreenLogic2 is almost the same as the upgrade package to make your EasyTouch into an IntelliCenter it is almost a no brainer decision.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Jim, your case argument make total sense to me. Seems like the Intellicenter Upgrade is the way to go especially since it will just log right onto my wifi router and give me the Android phone option for control. I mistakenly assumed that since I brought a brand new Easytouch a couple months ago, it would be state of the art. But, alas, it appears I have to spend another $900 to get it there! ;-( If I valve/actuate and discriminate all the things I want to control (plus my pool/spa filtration cycles), I'll have quite a few things I'm hoping to automate and control by phone (and some by schedule as well):
- Waterfall #1
- Waterfall #2
- Waterfall #3 (at spa)
- Pool lites
- Landscape lights circuit #1
- Landscape lights circuit #2
- Pool Filtration cycle (scheduled, 1-2 cycles per day)
- Spa filtration cycle (scheduled, 1-2 cycles per day)
- Spa operation with jets & blower (also controlled at the spa with a key unit)
- Suction/return valves/actuators for spa/pool alternation
- Spa makeup valve (as needed during times of absence)
- Aerator sprayer (occasional use, not critical to automation but nice if I could)