What do I need to buy?

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nikolausp

Gold Supporter
Jul 16, 2020
167
Houston, TX
I'm about to have a pool built (dig start time mid-November), and the Builder is putting in a full Pentair system that's pretty robust it seems. It should be around 15,000 gallons it looks like, Freeform pool. I've new to all this pool stuff, but I've been lurking on these forums for a couple months.
Dirk said:
I'm very pleased with my EasyTouch and Screenlogic setup, which manages my pool, the solar, my vac, the SWG, etc: at home, while away, from my computers or iPad/iPHone and even from a wall gizmo next to my HVAC thermostat. I went all in. I'd have bought a more capable model (DO NOT BY THE LITE VERSION OF AN EASYTOUCH), but other than that I'd buy it all again, or maybe their new IntelliCenter (I think it's called). They offer bundles, so you can get the controller and SWG at the same time at a bit of a discount. Sorry, can't address your other questions...
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So, I'm in the final stages of my first pool build/design, and my builder's standard pool includes EasyTouch, Pentair VS Pumps, ScreenLogic2, etc... robust Pentair system.

Which version of EasyTouch do I WANT (Model#?), and which version do I want to AVOID? (Model#?) I want to make sure he's installing the version I want, and not the one you say is "LITE" version

Also, he's including the IC40, but I told him I want the IC60..... i can't see a reason not to upgrade, I don't care if it costs a bit more, based on what I've read on this forum in the last couple months. (I'm a n00b on pools, but I've been reading a lot on here the last couple months). I mean, more Chlorine output, the better, no? I was looking at getting a CircuPool RJ-60 Plus instead for max output potential, but since it's a full Pentaire EasyTouch system, does it make sense to go with the IC60? It sounds like I can get Automated 1%-100% adjustments from my phone, anywhere. Pool will be around 15,000 gallons, and FREEFORM. I realize the SWG 60's over 40s are (maybe?!) overkill from what I've read, but why not? I'm fine with being overkill, I don't care if it costs a tad more. Am I off here? The CircuPool RJ-60+ puts out up to 3.1 lbs a day, and the IC60 is only 2.0. Again, from what I've read from what I understand, even the IC60 might be too much? (But maybe not? I don't know, I'm new at this).

My thoughts are, just skip my idea of doing the robust CircuPool RJ-60+, and just tell the builder to do the Pentair IC60, since the IC60 should be plenty Chlorine for my ~15,000 pool, and that way, I can get it working with my EasyTouch system the builder is installing? (Cost doesn't really matter to me (IC40 vs IC60), these models all seem pretty similar in cost).
 
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Do not buy the EasyTouch PL4 or PSL4. You want the model with the built in Load Center (circuit breakers) and the built in SWG transformer, with a bundled SWG, either the IC40 or IC60. @Jimrahbe can help you decide on the EasyTouch w/ScreenLogic or the newer IntelliCenter. I have the EasyTouch and don't know enough about the IntelliCenter to say yay or nay on that one. Jim knows the Pentair gear inside and out. You only want the IntelliFlo variable speed pump. I believe that is the only Pentair pump model that works with their automation.

If you post your entire proposal from your PB, our experts will go over it with you.

Shoot, sorry, I just realized this isn't your thread. Perhaps Jim can move your post over to your own build thread, as we are now hijacking Bob's.
 
Dirk said:
Do not buy the EasyTouch PL4 or PSL4. You want the model with the built in Load Center (circuit breakers) and the built in SWG transformer, with a bundled SWG, either the IC40 or IC60. @Jimrahbe can help you decide on the EasyTouch w/ScreenLogic or the newer IntelliCenter. I have the EasyTouch and don't know enough about the IntelliCenter to say yay or nay on that one. Jim knows the Pentair gear inside and out. You only want the IntelliFlo variable speed pump. I believe that is the only Pentair pump model that works with their automation.

If you post your entire proposal from your PB, our experts will go over it with you.

Shoot, sorry, I just realized this isn't your thread. Perhaps Jim can move your post over to your own build thread, as we are now hijacking Bob's.
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Ok.... it sounds like I'm getting the Non-Lite EasyTouch then, because earlier today when I floated the idea with the builder of getting the IC60 or the CircuPool RJ-60+, he said something about an included SWG transformer with his IC40 kit or something. I will clarify with him. I will confirm model#'s with him. I just want to make sure I'm getting the correct EasyTouch that let's me control everything good with the SWG and pump and stuff. This builder seems to be giving me a really robust system (overkill) based on the pool size, but I'm fine with that.
 
When it comes to automation, the pool size only matters for the SWG. Nothing you've mentioned so far would be overkill. IC40 is not robust for a 16K pool, it is the minimum size you should get. The other consideration is the number of relays in the EasyTouch. That's determined by how many things you want to control. Four might be enough for a simple pool. If there's a spa, and you want to also control pool lighting, garden lights, bug zappers, fountains, etc, then you could run out quick. If I was to upgrade, I'd go with the EasyTouch 8.
 
Dirk said:
When it comes to automation, the pool size only matters for the SWG. Nothing you've mentioned so far would be overkill. IC40 is not robust for a 16K pool, it is the minimum size you should get. The other consideration is the number of relays in the EasyTouch. That's determined by how many things you want to control. Four might be enough for a simple pool. If there's a spa, and you want to also control pool lighting, garden lights, bug zappers, fountains, etc, then you could run out quick. If I was to upgrade, I'd go with the EasyTouch 8.
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Is the EasyTouch 8 the only "non LITE" version of the EasyTouch? So, No PL4 and No PSL4, and YES to the EasyTouch 8?

I should have clarified, from my research the last 2 months on this forum, I totally agree, the IC40 is not robust or overkill for my proposed pool, which is why I was pushing (with the builder) for the IC60 (2lb), or the CircuPool RJ-60+ (3.1lb). I was wondering, is there any reason I would want the RJ-60+ (3.1 lb, which the builder said he would install for me if I buy it), or just have the builder put in the IC60 (2 lb) SWG, even though it's way less chlorine output, but I would get the added benefit of the EasyCare Automation, and apparnetly, 1% intervals of adjustment, and possibly other benefits I'm unaware of? This is my first pool build, so I'm not sure, but I've learned a ton in a couple months to be even asking these Q's. The builder seemed fairly surprised yet somewhat impressed, at the questions I was asking him, on my first pool build ever, lol.

By Overkill, I meant that his pool for me includes multiple(two) 3 hp Pentair Intelliflo's (keep big grotto & waterfall seperate from main pump) and a 1.5 hp WhisperFlo (Weeping wall control seperate from Waterfall), and also includes the Clean & Clear 520 Filter, and the MasterTemp 400k BTU Heater.

I will add, that to his credit, this builder , in TEXAS, actually encouraged the SWG to me, even with my plan for natural stone grotto and travertine decking, and explained to me why the other builders that make you sign SWG WAIVERS in Texas are full of sh%@ on the SWG / Natural Stone issue, so that was a good sign from Day 1 with this guy.
 
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This EasyTouch thing is (I hope) gonna control pool lights, Spa, Waterfall, Weeping Wall, Chiller?, pump, SWG, etc. So hopefully it's at least the EasyTouch 8 that you talk about. I need to look into that more, I didn't realize there were so many variants of the "EasyTouch". He just said it was EasyTouch, and would include phone remote (ScreenLogic2?).
 
Basically, I need to know what to tell the Pool Builder I want for an automation system, assuming I want the IC60 so I can tie it into automation (ditching the CircuPool RJ-60+ idea). He did say that the unit included with his IC40 proposed system didn't have the little remotes (are those actuators?), and he said those things cost like $500+ or something if I recall correctly. If I'm reading this chart correctly, the only way to get the kit with IC60 cell, is to include to "actuators"? Is the actuator the remote? They (Pentair) seem to make this stuff a bit confusing.
 
The remotes, both wired and wireless, mimic the control panel of the ET, but are mounted elsewhere, like inside the house. I have one by my indoor HVAC thermostat and use it everyday. Others here claim their ScreenLogic app on their phone is all you'll need. I like having both, but I didn't pay $500, more like $150 for mine (I installed it myself). I hard-wired it to the ET, so I didn't need the wireless option for the remote, or for ScreenLogic.

Actuators attach to the valves on the pad and allow you to automate the spa and other water features. With all your water features, you'll need at least two, and probably several more, assuming you want to be able to turn everything on and off with your phone or wall remote. So get the ET8 bundle with the actuators and either the IC40 or IC60.

I'm still not sure if the IntelliCenter wouldn't be even better for you or not. Sorry, I don't know enough about that model, but you might want to look into it before you buy, so you'll have no regrets later. It's their newest line of automation controller. I've heard it has a few bugs (or had), but otherwise have read that it has a lot of nice features. Web-based and app support are built in, so it doesn't need the ScreenLogic add on, which makes it close in price to the ET with ScreenLogic.
 
Nik,

You want your pool builder to buy a "package" deal... As an example, the 521150 is an EasyTouch 8, with internal salt cell power supply, an IC60 cell and two actuators. You would still need to buy ScreenLogic 2.

I have three pools with EasyTouch systems and love them.. But.. if I were to build a new pool today, I would go with the newer IntelliCenter for about the same cost..


You do not "need" Pentair remotes as you can use your phone, PC, or tablet to control the pool, plus the main panel itself.. If you want Pentair remotes, they can be added at an additional charge. They can also be added later if desired.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Ok, thanks so much for the information. The builder just confirmed with me that he only does the EasyTouch 8's and not the 4's, so that's good. I haven't asked him about IntelliCenter yet, but I will.

So for my pool , (should be around 15,000-16000 gallons I think), do ya'll think that the IC60 (2.0 lbs) vs the CircuPool RJ-60+ (3.1 lbs) will still be plenty good for me? Seems like the ease of use with the Pentair Automation would be nice, vs the CircuPool that wouldn't have automation.
 
N,

In my mind, if you have an EasyTouch system, it would very foolish to use a CircuPool salt cell.. The EasyTouch is made to be used with an IntelliFlo pump and IntelliChlor IC40 or 60 salt cell.

An IC40 will work for you just fine.. An IC60 would be better, but it is not a necessity..

If you did not have an automation system, then I would recommend the CircuPool system.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Jimrahbe said:
N,

In my mind, if you have an EasyTouch system, it would very foolish to use a CircuPool salt cell.. The EasyTouch is made to be used with an IntelliFlo pump and IntelliChlor IC40 or 60 salt cell.

An IC40 will work for you just fine.. An IC60 would be better, but it is not a necessity..

If you did not have an automation system, then I would recommend the CircuPool system.

Thanks,

Jim R.
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Alright, GREAT! Thank you! That is the post I've been scouring the internet and this forum for. This is quite helpful, just to put my mind at east on what to buy. Again, thank you!

So I'll be able to adjust the IC60 in 1% increments, right?
 
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