New Guy - Intellicenter vs. Jandy

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J

JSam

Member
Nov 30, 2022
18
Southern California
Pool Size
28500
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I'm a new guy and new to pools. Tend to do all of my own stuff so was planning to maintain the pool myself and feel even more encouraged to do so after "stumbling across" TFP and seeing all of the support.

Just bought our house a year ago. Late 50s but finally got a pool? Had to have it "redone" (pebbletech exposed on above ground outer walls and 20 year old equipment). New equipment (in my very lengthy signature) and new tile/pebble tech (submerged).

The one thing we didn't do is upgrade our controls. Still using the Jandy 2.0 (I think not 3.0). I'm not a fan of the user app and how you "program" via connecting through the web interface. It was suggested to me by the guy who works for the pool contractor to install the Pentair Intellicenter i8PS although I was shocked by his "do it on the side" price. Kicking around doing it on my own (Looked at Rob's YouTube video - thank you and very inspiring). I guess since I'm using substantially all Pentair equipemnt other than the Chemtrol and from what I can tell the Intellicenter seems to be a huge step up (just my novice impression not an opinion vs. Jandy) in user interface and ease of programming I'm wondering what others think and otherwise ease of install for someone with limited pool experience but very handy (plumbing, electrical. programming algorithms, etc.).

Anyway nice to meet all of you. Appreciate your input.

Joe
 
No idea cuz I went simple with my setup. And by simple I mean cheap. :ROFLMAO:

9ff1f070-24f7-476e-965e-e6a4b9a4f693_text.gif


But Welcome !!!!

Hang tight for thoughts. :)
 
Given your equipment (IntelliFlo, IntelliChlor, IntelliBrite), I would go with IntelliCenter. If you want to do it on your own for much less, consider this.
github.com

DIY Standalone Nixie Pool Controller

An application to control pool equipment from various manufacturers. - tagyoureit/nodejs-poolController
github.com github.com

You can continue to use your existing Jandy load center. There is support over RS485 for all of the equipment you list.
 
JSam said:
I'm wondering what others think and otherwise ease of install for someone with limited pool experience but very handy (plumbing, electrical. programming algorithms, etc.).
Click to expand...

Piece of cake.

I replaced my 2000 vintage Aqualink panel with an IntelliCenter. I bought my i8PS with an IC60 cell from Polytec Pools. I did all the wiring of new CBs in the Load Center. I then paid a helper to work with me to mount the IntelliCenter box. It is heavy and more then I could do as one man.

In about 6 hours I had my old Aqualink panel removed, the helper arrived and we got the IntelliCenter mounted and electrically connected, and the pool running on the IntelliCenter.

A few things to be aware of:
  • The IntelliCenter panel is taller than the Aqualink. I had to relocate a gutter downspout to make room for the larger panel.
  • The knockouts are in a different position on the bottom. It took some realignment of the conduits to get the existing wires into the IntelliCenter box.
  • The CB's in the IntelliCenter are higher from where the conduit enters the box. So some wires did not reach and needed to be spliced.
  • Also the ground bar on the Aqualink panel is on the bottom of the Load Center while in the IntelliCenter the bar is in the middle. So some ground wires were too short and needed to be spliced.

You will find my thread about my IntelliCenter install at...

Replacing an Aqualink with an IntelliCenter

This thread is for me to work out what I do in upgrading my 20 year old pool equipment. Jandy RS8 automation, 1.5HP SS Pentair pump, Pentair Mastertemp 400 NG heater, IC40 SWG, typical pool/spa combo with spa spillover, Pentair JVA actuators on suctions & return Jandy valves, 1HP pump for spa...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

I am very pleased with the IntelliCenter compared to my old Aqualink.
 
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rstrouse said:
Given your equipment (IntelliFlo, IntelliChlor, IntelliBrite), I would go with IntelliCenter. If you want to do it on your own for much less, consider this.
github.com

DIY Standalone Nixie Pool Controller

An application to control pool equipment from various manufacturers. - tagyoureit/nodejs-poolController
github.com github.com

You can continue to use your existing Jandy load center. There is support over RS485 for all of the equipment you list.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Gotta do more diligence but do like the intellicenter.
 
ajw22 said:
Piece of cake.

I replaced my 2000 vintage Aqualink panel with an IntelliCenter. I bought my i8PS with an IC60 cell from Polytec Pools. I did all the wiring of new CBs in the Load Center. I then paid a helper to work with me to mount the IntelliCenter box. It is heavy and more then I could do as one man.

In about 6 hours I had my old Aqualink panel removed, the helper arrived and we got the IntelliCenter mounted and electrically connected, and the pool running on the IntelliCenter.

A few things to be aware of:
  • The IntelliCenter panel is taller than the Aqualink. I had to relocate a gutter downspout to make room for the larger panel.
  • The knockouts are in a different position on the bottom. It took some realignment of the conduits to get the existing wires into the IntelliCenter box.
  • The CB's in the IntelliCenter are higher from where the conduit enters the box. So some wires did not reach and needed to be spliced.
  • Also the ground bar on the Aqualink panel is on the bottom of the Load Center while in the IntelliCenter the bar is in the middle. So some ground wires were too short and needed to be spliced.

You will find my thread about my IntelliCenter install at...

Replacing an Aqualink with an IntelliCenter

This thread is for me to work out what I do in upgrading my 20 year old pool equipment. Jandy RS8 automation, 1.5HP SS Pentair pump, Pentair Mastertemp 400 NG heater, IC40 SWG, typical pool/spa combo with spa spillover, Pentair JVA actuators on suctions & return Jandy valves, 1HP pump for spa...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

I am very pleased with the IntelliCenter compared to my old Aqualink.
Click to expand...
Thanks Allen. I looked at your post. I have the same Aqualink circa 2000! Gotta wrap my head around it more but do like the Intellicenter. Need to figure out exactly what I need. Current system uses two Jandy actuators so assume no plumbing required if just replace the two with Pentair.
 
You do not need to change the actuators since the JVAs are interchangeable between panels, but your IntelliCenter kit will likely come with 2 IntelliValve actuators. I replaced an old IntelliTouch for my IntelliCenter and it was a breeze. I took me about half a day. I also replaced one for a buddy of mine who had a Jandy RS8 and it only took around 4 hours from power off to fully programmed. Probably because I already had one under my belt.
 
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JSam said:
Current system uses two Jandy actuators so assume no plumbing required if just replace the two with Pentair.
Click to expand...

I did not change my existing actuators or water temperature sensor when I put in the IntelliCenter. As my thread described I even used the Jandy spa control with the IntelliCenter. The only things I replaced was the IntelliCenter panel and the indoor control panel.

All actuators are compatible. I still have the IntelliValve actuators that came with the IntelliCenter in the box for sometime when an actuator fails.
 
ajw22 said:
I did not change my existing actuators or water temperature sensor when I put in the IntelliCenter. As my thread described I even used the Jandy spa control with the IntelliCenter. The only things I replaced was the IntelliCenter panel and the indoor control panel.

All actuators are compatible. I still have the IntelliValve actuators that came with the IntelliCenter in the box for sometime when an actuator fails.
Click to expand...
Got it. Makes sense.
 

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rstrouse said:
You do not need to change the actuators since the JVAs are interchangeable between panels, but your IntelliCenter kit will likely come with 2 IntelliValve actuators. I replaced an old IntelliTouch for my IntelliCenter and it was a breeze. I took me about half a day. I also replaced one for a buddy of mine who had a Jandy RS8 and it only took around 4 hours from power off to fully programmed. Probably because I already had one under my belt.
Click to expand...
Okay. I just need to step back and think through my entire system and best transition. I tend to do that first and I am sure I will stare at the existing Jandy for a while as well. Since the actuators are control system agnostic makes complete sense not to replace. I need to read Allen's post a couple of times! I do need to better understand the Intellicenter "options" relative to how I will use/what I need - Load - CLC or CPC, dual vs. shared, wireless stuff, expansions modules. Got some research to do! With all of the knowledge/info here should be a breeze! Thank you.
 
With a spa you will need a shared system if the water in the spa has a path to the pool like in a spillover. In the IntelliCenter world that would be either an i5PS, i8PS, or i9PS. If the spa is truly separate you need an i10D. There is only one option for dual bodies.

If you truly have a shared system, based on what you have listed above you simply need to evaluate how many circuits you need. I assume the IntelliBrites are broken out between the pool and spa so 2 aux circuits for these, 1 for the fiber tower, and 1 for the blower. No additional aux circuits are required for the chlorinator, pumps, or the heater. This puts you at the i8PS range for a shared system with a couple of aux circuits to spare.

You should be looking at a load center as this will house your breakers at the pad. The conrtol center panel is typically for housing an expansion i5X or i10X and has no space for breakers.

IntelliCenter eliminates the need for additional hardware for network connectivity. Most of the kits come with a wireless connection kit but if you have CAT at the pad you can hook it up direct. As for valves capabilities a PS model comes out of the box with the needed intake and return valve control. There are also two available aux valve controls available. These would allow you to control 2 additional valves for a total of 4 automated valves.
 
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rstrouse said:
With a spa you will need a shared system if the water in the spa has a path to the pool like in a spillover. In the IntelliCenter world that would be either an i5PS, i8PS, or i9PS. If the spa is truly separate you need an i10D. There is only one option for dual bodies.

If you truly have a shared system, based on what you have listed above you simply need to evaluate how many circuits you need. I assume the IntelliBrites are broken out between the pool and spa so 2 aux circuits for these, 1 for the fiber tower, and 1 for the blower. No additional aux circuits are required for the chlorinator, pumps, or the heater. This puts you at the i8PS range for a shared system with a couple of aux circuits to spare.

You should be looking at a load center as this will house your breakers at the pad. The conrtol center panel is typically for housing an expansion i5X or i10X and has no space for breakers.

IntelliCenter eliminates the need for additional hardware for network connectivity. Most of the kits come with a wireless connection kit but if you have CAT at the pad you can hook it up direct. As for valves capabilities a PS model comes out of the box with the needed intake and return valve control. There are also two available aux valve controls available. These would allow you to control 2 additional valves for a total of 4 automated valves.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice. Really straightfoward at least in terms of getting the right set up based on how you describe. I don't have a CAT connection in the pool area but looks like the Intellicenters come with WiFi kit. Definitely a shared set up with spa spillover when in pool filter pump mode. My current Aqualink uses 7 aux connections - 1x for each of the 2 infinity spillover VSF pumps, 1 x for the booster VSF pump, 1x for each of pool, spa and bahama lights and 1x for the air blower. I assume i8PS can accommodate but maybe worth stepping up to 10PS for added flex relative to price but not sure. Being able to use existing actuators and I assume temperature sensors as well helps a lot and as you point out gives me a couple of spare actuators or perhaps another application to take advantage of Intellicenter capability (coule of valves that are manual for cleaning). I guess no use for Intellichlor transformer since I have Chemtrol - which so far I like. I ended up mounting (velcro) a ring camera on one the filters so I can see the Chemtrol readings and rotate to see chemical tanks/rolachem -> couldn't resist and didn't want to "fly blind".
 
The big three companies Hayward, Jandy and Pentair all produce decent automation systems but Jandy hasn't been investing and updating their systems to the same extent as the other two and it shows. Since you already use Pentair equipment like Intelliflo pumps that makes going with the IntelliCenter the obvious replacement. BTW those pumps won't need to be hooked up to AUX relays. Maybe share some photos of your equipment pad so we can get a better idea of your current setup. Also note that a self install will limit the warranty to 60 days instead of 1 year that you would get with a professional installation.
 
Last edited:
guinness said:
The big three companies Hayward, Jandy and Pentair all produce decent automation systems but Jandy hasn't been investing and updating their systems to the same extent as the other two and it shows. Since you already use Pentair equipment like Intelliflo pumps that makes going with the IntelliCenter the obvious replacement. BTW those pumps won't need to be hooked up to AUX relays. Maybe share some photos of your equipment pad so we can get a better idea of your current setup. Also note that a self install will limit the warranty to 60 days instead of 1 year that you would get with a professional installation.
Click to expand...
Appreciate the advice. Was gonna ask the warranty question. Didn't know Intellicenter had dedicated relays for all pumps. I'll post some photos. Thank you.
 
JSam said:
Appreciate the advice. Was gonna ask the warranty question.
Click to expand...

Pentair is very liberal in their definition of Professional Installation. Read the warranty.

Pentair VS pumps with RS-485 are controlled by the data line and don’t use a relay in the IntelliCenter.
 
Respect on the equipment and installation. Looks beautiful. I can't offer advice, only commiseration. We inherited a Jandy iAquaLink installation. I take every opportunity to gripe about the software :) , so am with you 100% on that topic. The user interface has all the hallmarks of a code base long untouched and so poorly done that no one is willing to take on updates. Otherwise it would be a matter of a few $10k for them to engineer a reasonable user interface instead of that kludge of a 90's throwback they call an app. What a shame. The controls back end is solid even though it's based on old tech that can't be patched except by replacing ROM chips.

I would encourage you to look at this real roll-your-own approach, but alas I don't think it's up-to-date enough to work with your pumps.
 
I have to say what I know of the AquaLink and given your equipment it isn't even a close match to control it. If I were you I would either replace it with IntelliCenter or do a Nixie setup for more power and automation. Bummer that the Rol-a-Chem is a closed system. Being able to see the tank and chemistry levels from the interface is pretty handy. Especially for days like today when it is raining from the ground up and I know I need to fill the acid tank.
 

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