Use of actuators for water features

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poolremodelnewbie

Active member
May 30, 2020
36
Los Angeles
Hello
I am trying to plumb 4 bubblers and 4 deck jets on one 3 HP Intelliflo VSP. In order to have the bubblers work independently from the deck jets the plumber says I need TWO Pentair 521485 IntelliValve Valve Actuators (they are listed as setting just the right amount of flow for two water features using a single pump). Is this correct? I think I may only need one here.

I am also trying to plumb a 6' waterfall and 2 LED Laminars on one 3 HP Intelliflo VSP. In order to have the waterfall and the 2 laminars work independently he says I need TWO more Pentair 521485 IntelliValve Valve Actuators for this. Again, Im thinking just one is needed?

We will be linking to a Pentair Intellitouch. All items are Pentair.

Thanks Please advise
 
OK -- try again. Each set of features will have its own pump, right? Man, that will be one noisy backyard!

Will you ever want both things on one pump to run?
 
mknauss said:
OK -- try again. Each set of features will have its own pump, right? Man, that will be one noisy backyard!

Will you ever want both things on one pump to run?
Click to expand...
No, here is the planned set up:
3 HP VSP 4 bubblers and 4 deck jets (will have two 2" bypass)
3 HP VSP 6' waterfall and 2 laminars with clean and clear 150 filter (two 3" suction lines and can have two 2" bypass)
3 HP VSP pool and spa with DE filter and salt system
2HP whisperflo spa air jets
Click to expand...

We want to be able to run each set of features independently.
Thanks
 
I think a diagram would help that is a LOT of pumps your electric bill is going to be outrageous! I run my entire system on a single pump. Both water features and all the returns (7 total) work fine with just the one. Without seeing the setup with multiple pumps, I think you are going to need an automated valve to turn on/off the water feature and isolate it from the other pump and then another valve to dial in the flow you want. If you always want the same flow you could just put a regular valve with no actuator I suppose since it would just be set and forget.

You can kind of get an idea on my setup below. I have one automated valve to turn on both the water features and then another to balance between the 2 waterfalls. From 0% to 100% depending on what we want. If I did not have that one to isolate the water features they would always have some water flowing out of them.

1594324765581.png
 
I'll let the experts weigh in, but what is the reasoning for balking at the additional actuators they are recommending? I would think that in a pool with 4 pumps, a few extra actuators would not break the bank, and would also give you greater flexibility with the water features and ultimately make you happier with the end result.
 
Over my head. A diagram would help. You probably can use just one actuator for each set. Pump off nothing runs, pump on one or the other feature runs.
Complicated. And noisy.
We have two measly deck jets and have run them a grand total of 3 times in 6 years. Too noisy.
 
I think I agree with the plumber. :oops:
With a single actuator -- If you have the just deck jets running, it's going to require one setting, if you have just the bubblers running, it's going to require another setting, and if you have both deck jets and bubblers on it's going to require a third setting. With two actuators you set one for the bubblers and the other for the deck jets and you won't have to change them whether you're running one or the other or both.
 
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@MyAZPool I read you had some insight on this and with the new actuators and automation more may be possible (please read through my initial post ) thanks!!
@jblizzle


I will not be running all the features/pumps all the time. Only when we are using the pool. I didnt get any guidance and had all of the features purchased and initial rough pluming done before I knew how much more was needed to run everything.:( im in a mess and way over budget. Im trying to determine how to make it all run independently without having to buy too many actuators and pay for the install of each. Thanks
 
So what is the status of your equipment? Is it not ordered, ordered, delivered, etc?

I personally think you need to re-look at your equipment list from automation all the way down to actuators. I can't offer specific advice, but I can point out a couple of red flags that I think you may need some advice on:
1. Intellitouch - Is this the correct automation for you. I hear a lot about Intellicenter and EZtouch, much less about Intellitouch. Can it even handle the 4 pumps and all of the features you have listed?
2. 4 pumps - You pool has more features than the average bear, but 4 pumps seems like it may be overkill. Being more efficient here could help you out if you are over budget as pumps are pricey.
3. Plumbing at the equipment pad - Do you have a diagram or picture of what that will look like? That will help the experts help you.

Good luck.
 

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JJ_Tex said:
So what is the status of your equipment? Is it not ordered, ordered, delivered, etc?

I personally think you need to re-look at your equipment list from automation all the way down to actuators. I can't offer specific advice, but I can point out a couple of red flags that I think you may need some advice on:
1. Intellitouch - Is this the correct automation for you. I hear a lot about Intellicenter and EZtouch, much less about Intellitouch. Can it even handle the 4 pumps and all of the features you have listed?
2. 4 pumps - You pool has more features than the average bear, but 4 pumps seems like it may be overkill. Being more efficient here could help you out if you are over budget as pumps are pricey.
3. Plumbing at the equipment pad - Do you have a diagram or picture of what that will look like? That will help the experts help you.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Yes the intellitouch with power center and screen logic will cover 5 pumps. Its a i9+ 3 and expandable.
Purchased 2 VSPs already- own the whisperflo from old set up (was told to buy one more VSP)
3 HP VSP 4 bubblers and 4 deck jets (will have two 2" bypass)
3 HP VSP 6' waterfall and 2 laminars with clean and clear 150 filter (two 3" suction lines and can have two 2" bypass)
3 HP VSP pool and spa with DE filter and salt system
2HP whisperflo for spa air jets only
 
In your posting about pool lights earlier a couple of days ago you mentioned you had an IntelliCenter, but now it's the IntelliTouch? Probably time to take a complete inventory of everything and double check you can achieve what you need in terms of automation.
 
guinness said:
In your posting about pool lights earlier a couple of days ago you mentioned you had an IntelliCenter, but now it's the IntelliTouch? Probably time to take a complete inventory of everything and double check you can achieve what you need in terms of automation.
Click to expand...
Hi I just found that error you mentioned thanks (the names are similar) It is
INTELLITOUCH I9+3 PERSONALITY
KIT 521221 with power center and screen logic
 
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