I'm getting ready to start my build and am going with a VS pump. I'm using Pentair equipment. My PB quoted me the Pentair VS, however looking at their site it appears they have several different models. Is there one that's better than the other?
Variable Speed Pump Questions
- Thread starter 3monkeys
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Re: Variable speed pumps? Are they as good as they claim?
3,
If you plan on automation, such as the EasyTouch, you will want to have the IntelliFlo. If no automation is in your future, then the SuperFlo VS is a good pump.
I see that you are also getting a SWCG.. Now is the time to ask your Pool Builder how he intends to keep the SWCG off when the pump is not running. This was easy with single speed pumps as both the SWCG and the pump were run off the same timer. With a VS pump, the pump has an internal times that cannot control the SWCG. You will either need an automation system or an external timer just for the SWCG.
You might also think about stepping up to the IC60 instead of the IC40. We always suggest that the SWCG be at least 2 x the size of the pool. The IC40 will work, but you will just have to run it harder than you would the IC60.
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
3,
If you plan on automation, such as the EasyTouch, you will want to have the IntelliFlo. If no automation is in your future, then the SuperFlo VS is a good pump.
I see that you are also getting a SWCG.. Now is the time to ask your Pool Builder how he intends to keep the SWCG off when the pump is not running. This was easy with single speed pumps as both the SWCG and the pump were run off the same timer. With a VS pump, the pump has an internal times that cannot control the SWCG. You will either need an automation system or an external timer just for the SWCG.
You might also think about stepping up to the IC60 instead of the IC40. We always suggest that the SWCG be at least 2 x the size of the pool. The IC40 will work, but you will just have to run it harder than you would the IC60.
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
Re: Variable speed pumps? Are they as good as they claim?
Thanks Jim. I am getting automation so that will hopefully solve that issue. Now I have to figure out the differences between easy touch and screen logic.
Thanks Jim. I am getting automation so that will hopefully solve that issue. Now I have to figure out the differences between easy touch and screen logic.
3,
The EasyTouch and ScreenLogic are two different things.
The EasyTouch is the automation system which has a small 3" LCD used to operation of the main enclosure, which is mounted by your equipment pad.
ScreenLogic is an add on to the EasyTouch that allows you to communicate with the outside unit, from inside your house, using your PC, a tablet, or your phone.
ScreenLogic makes programing, understanding your programming, or troubleshooting about 10 x easier than without it. Anyone getting an EasyTouch would be making a very big mistake not to also get ScreenLogic.
Here is a quick review of what the EasyTouch does that I have posted before...
1. Automation will help you with pool maintenance, but it will not replace the need for you to test your water, understand what you are looking at, and then making sure your water is balanced. (Another reason you need the accuracy of the TF100 test kit.)
2. The main downside to automation is cost. So before going too far down this path, you might ask your PB what it's going to cost. That said, the best time to install automation is when the pool is being built, because all the connections to the system can be made without having to figure out how you are to get power across 50' of new deck. Also, the additional cost, when compared to the cost of the pool, will be miniscule.
3. Automation systems work best when the same brand is used because then the pieces can "talk" to together. So, in your case I would recommend the EasyTouch 4 (or 8) that has a built in power supply for the SWG and generally comes with the SWG and two valves. ScreenLogic2 is an absolute requirement if you want to be able to control things from your PC or Phone.
Here is a list of what I think the advantages are:
1. Appearance. Instead of having a bunch of different boxes hanging on your wall you have one, professional looking enclosure.
2. Circuit Breaker Panel. The bottom half of the enclosure is a circuit-breaker panel where the breakers for your pool equipment (Pumps, Heater, etc.) are located. This panel is also an excellent place to add surge protector, which is an absolute must if you have the Intelliflo pump. Even if you do not get the automation, make sure your PB includes a surge protector for the pump.
3. SWG Control. Without automation, your SWG will have to have a timer, synced to the pump timer so that it does not run when the pump is off. This function is built into the EasyTouch.
4. Spa mode and SWG output. Normally all the water flows through the SWG, so when in the Spa mode, the EasyTouch reduces the amount of chlorine the SWG produces, so that the Spa users are not subjected to high levels of chlorine.
5. Pool Lighting. The EasyTouch allows you to control your pool lighting from your PC and/or from a schedule. This is another reason to add the EasyTouch now. Once your pool light is wired to switches inside your house, it might be very difficult to get the wiring to any automation system.
6. Control of Spill-over and bubblers. Right now I'm sure you are thinking.. I want that spillover running 24-hours a day because it is so beautiful.. Well, after a few weeks of having your pH go through the roof, you'll appreciate the ability to only turn it on, when you want it on. The same with the bubblers. With the Easytouch, you can program them to run on a schedule for a few minutes a day to keep the everything properly chlorinated or when you want to "show off" for your guests..
7. Relay Control. The EasyTouch 4 has four (really three) relays that can be used to control other things, such as landscape lights. (The EasyTouch has 8 (really 7) relays.
8. Built in Valve controls. The EasyTouch has the ability to control 4 valves. Two work for switching between the Pool and Spa modes, while two others can be programmed to do whatever you might want, like bubbler control. I would note that a lot of bubblers are controlled by manual valves that cannot be automated. You need to be sure to tell your PB that you want Jandy style valves for your bubbler control.
9. Heater Control. The EasyTouch can control your heater.. So, you can be inside and tell your PC what temperature you want the Spa to be and it will tell you when it is ready.
10. ScreenLogic. ScreenLogic allow you to program the EasyTouch with various schedules. It lets you see most all of the inputs and output to the EasyTouch and lets you decide what you want on/off and in the case of your SWG, lets you adjust the % of output on the fly.
I will add that I have the EasyTouch 4 and wish that I had gotten the ET8. It is much better to have an used relay than it is to not have one when you think of something else you want to control.
Check out this site for some more details about special packaging... http://www.sunplay.com/pentair-easytouch-control-systems
And finally.. Do NOT let your Pool Builder install any EasyTouch "lite" systems.. You can tell because the model number will have an "L" in it.. Like PL4 or PLS4..
Thanks,
Jim R.
The EasyTouch and ScreenLogic are two different things.
The EasyTouch is the automation system which has a small 3" LCD used to operation of the main enclosure, which is mounted by your equipment pad.
ScreenLogic is an add on to the EasyTouch that allows you to communicate with the outside unit, from inside your house, using your PC, a tablet, or your phone.
ScreenLogic makes programing, understanding your programming, or troubleshooting about 10 x easier than without it. Anyone getting an EasyTouch would be making a very big mistake not to also get ScreenLogic.
Here is a quick review of what the EasyTouch does that I have posted before...
1. Automation will help you with pool maintenance, but it will not replace the need for you to test your water, understand what you are looking at, and then making sure your water is balanced. (Another reason you need the accuracy of the TF100 test kit.)
2. The main downside to automation is cost. So before going too far down this path, you might ask your PB what it's going to cost. That said, the best time to install automation is when the pool is being built, because all the connections to the system can be made without having to figure out how you are to get power across 50' of new deck. Also, the additional cost, when compared to the cost of the pool, will be miniscule.
3. Automation systems work best when the same brand is used because then the pieces can "talk" to together. So, in your case I would recommend the EasyTouch 4 (or 8) that has a built in power supply for the SWG and generally comes with the SWG and two valves. ScreenLogic2 is an absolute requirement if you want to be able to control things from your PC or Phone.
Here is a list of what I think the advantages are:
1. Appearance. Instead of having a bunch of different boxes hanging on your wall you have one, professional looking enclosure.
2. Circuit Breaker Panel. The bottom half of the enclosure is a circuit-breaker panel where the breakers for your pool equipment (Pumps, Heater, etc.) are located. This panel is also an excellent place to add surge protector, which is an absolute must if you have the Intelliflo pump. Even if you do not get the automation, make sure your PB includes a surge protector for the pump.
3. SWG Control. Without automation, your SWG will have to have a timer, synced to the pump timer so that it does not run when the pump is off. This function is built into the EasyTouch.
4. Spa mode and SWG output. Normally all the water flows through the SWG, so when in the Spa mode, the EasyTouch reduces the amount of chlorine the SWG produces, so that the Spa users are not subjected to high levels of chlorine.
5. Pool Lighting. The EasyTouch allows you to control your pool lighting from your PC and/or from a schedule. This is another reason to add the EasyTouch now. Once your pool light is wired to switches inside your house, it might be very difficult to get the wiring to any automation system.
6. Control of Spill-over and bubblers. Right now I'm sure you are thinking.. I want that spillover running 24-hours a day because it is so beautiful.. Well, after a few weeks of having your pH go through the roof, you'll appreciate the ability to only turn it on, when you want it on. The same with the bubblers. With the Easytouch, you can program them to run on a schedule for a few minutes a day to keep the everything properly chlorinated or when you want to "show off" for your guests..
7. Relay Control. The EasyTouch 4 has four (really three) relays that can be used to control other things, such as landscape lights. (The EasyTouch has 8 (really 7) relays.
8. Built in Valve controls. The EasyTouch has the ability to control 4 valves. Two work for switching between the Pool and Spa modes, while two others can be programmed to do whatever you might want, like bubbler control. I would note that a lot of bubblers are controlled by manual valves that cannot be automated. You need to be sure to tell your PB that you want Jandy style valves for your bubbler control.
9. Heater Control. The EasyTouch can control your heater.. So, you can be inside and tell your PC what temperature you want the Spa to be and it will tell you when it is ready.
10. ScreenLogic. ScreenLogic allow you to program the EasyTouch with various schedules. It lets you see most all of the inputs and output to the EasyTouch and lets you decide what you want on/off and in the case of your SWG, lets you adjust the % of output on the fly.
I will add that I have the EasyTouch 4 and wish that I had gotten the ET8. It is much better to have an used relay than it is to not have one when you think of something else you want to control.
Check out this site for some more details about special packaging... http://www.sunplay.com/pentair-easytouch-control-systems
And finally.. Do NOT let your Pool Builder install any EasyTouch "lite" systems.. You can tell because the model number will have an "L" in it.. Like PL4 or PLS4..
Thanks,
Jim R.
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