EasyTouch Running Pump at Random Times

[mnvron]

I recently upgraded to an EasyTouch 8 w/ SCG to control my Intelliflo VS pump. I have a schedule set up as follows:

• 2400 rpm pool filtration 6AM-6PM
• 3200 rpm in-floor cleaner 7AM-9AM
• 3200 rpm in-floor cleaner 3:45PM-5:45PM

Despite the schedule, I'm noticing that the high speed mode is activating at random times, and even after the entire schedule should shut down in the evening, I'm coming home to find the high-speed mode running still after 7PM.

My understanding is that the EasyTouch defaults to the highest programmed speed at the time, so with the low-speed circulation mode running in the background all day, the high-speed mode should only run during the programmed "exceptions" for two 2-hour periods of in-floor cleaning head operation.

What am I missing? Can anyone offer up a solution to help me get the operation to actually follow the schedule?

Thanks!

 

[Jimrahbe]

Sounds like a programming issue, not a malfunction. How are you controlling the 3200 RPM? Are you using a feature circuit or Aux circuit.

You are correct about the system defaulting to the higher RPM anytime two speeds are selected at the same time.

Jim R.

 

[mnvron]

Good morning Jim,

The 3200 rpm speed is set up as an Aux circuit. I've already gone through ScreenLogic and deleted and recreated all of the existing Aux and Feature circuits but it's still happening. I was home part of the day yesterday to observe and it appears as though the pump is kicking into the 3200 speed approximately every 30 minutes or so and running that way for 30 mins before dropping back down to the lower speed setting.

I've reviewed the existing setup and the clock displays the right time, DST setting is where I want it, etc.

I have additional Feature circuits set up and they seem to be running appropriately, as do the other Aux circuits.

 

[Jimrahbe]

I remember a similar issue where the user had his circuit function set up as "cleaner" or something other than Generic. The recommendation was to set the function to Generic. It fixed his system, so you might try that and see what happens. This was not my idea, just something that I remember being asked before..

With ScreenLogic it is so easy to try and it can't hurt.

Jim R.

 

[mnvron]

Thanks Jim. I did have the cleaner circuit setup as a "Cleaner" function, so I reset it to "Generic." After babysitting this thing all morning and keeping notes, I see that the pump is toggling between the two speeds on 20 minute cycles. I can't see anything in my ScreenLogic setup that would suggest a 20 minute cycle, so I'm at a loss for what's causing this.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Here is a link to the original post.. Sure appears to be the same issue to me.

http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/110035-Strange-Pentair-EasyTouch-Schedule-Issue

Jim R.

 

[mnvron]

Jim,
It didn't seem to fix things at first, but this evening everything shut down at 6PM as it was supposed to, and the 20 hi/20 low cycling seems to have stopped. I'm still scratching my head!

 

[bdavis466]

The programming was working as intended under the cleaner circuit. Pentair's programming is really obsolete on that circuit function and it would be best to avoid it.

 

[mnvron]

Lesson learned! Thanks!

 

[Pool Clown]

"Floor Cleaner", which seems to be the selection giving you trouble here, does make a switch at 20 min intervals, and is intended for an in-floor (pop-up head) cleaner. They are still in use today and even installed on new construction. Not quite obsolete... yet. It is more intended to be used to control a valve actuator every 20 min. to route water to a water module(s), or distribution valve(s). You can use Generic or Master Cleaner.

Generic operates simply as an on off function, no matter the condition (on or off) of the filter pump.

Master Cleaner will:

Force the filter pump on 5 min before the cleaner pump switches on. Example: Allows you to have the filter and cleaner both programmed to come on at 8am. The system will turn on the filter pump at 7:55am.
When the spa is turned on, will lock the cleaner pump out (won't turn on).
Will switch the cleaner off for 5 min. in the event the solar cycles on.

Those are three good reasons to use master cleaner over generic. That setting insures that the cleaner pump will always have water and/or not run dry due to conditions.

 

[mnvron]

Pool Clown,

That's a great explanation of the features (limitations) of the different settings! I have in-floor cleaning heads, but I didn't want them cycling every 20 mins. I also don't have a separate cleaner pump, as the in-floor heads are plumbed in with the main filter pump and are selected via a valve that diverts to the in-floor, or the wall returns.

After resetting that speed to a "Generic" function, things are now following my schedule again.