New build with SWG - what do I need to know?

[Michele17]

Hi there! We are in the midst of a new pool build (pre-shotcrete inspection tomorrow), and want to go with a SWCG. Most of our equipment will be Pentair. Our pool will be about 32k gallons, so from what I have learned on this forum, we should go with the Intellichlor IC60. Our PB stated earlier that we would probably need to go with two (either IC20's or IC40's - I don't remember), but want to be armed with knowledge before I discuss with PB again. Can anyone help with the following questions?

1. Why would PB recommend two lower capacity systems over one IC60? Is IC60 still on the market?
2. What does the overall system consist of? Looks like a "power center" and the salt cell? Anything else?
3. Do we need a dedicated 120V AC outlet at the equipment pad just for the SWG system? (we want to have one outlet open for an irrigation system timer, and one open for any service needs, so if we need another want to let electrician know asap).

Thanks in advance for your help And if I should post this on "under construction" instead would someone let me know?

Michele

 

[needsajet]

Welcome to TFP! Good to have you here

I can't answer why the PB would recommend two SWGs. I'd go with the single IC60. You have a VS pump, so longer run time is not an issue, and you should be able to provide enough chlorine with 8 hrs run time. On real big swim days, you could run for more hours and the cost will still be very good, or you could top up with chlorinating liquid which isn't a big deal either. Twin SWGs are plumbed in parallel, so the downside is that your minimum flow rate becomes 2X the minimum flow rate for a single SWG.

The Intellichlor has the flow switch built into the cell, so yes, those are your only two components - power supply and cell.

I'll leave the electrics to others, but I have to wonder why you have iAqualink (Jandy/Zodiac) automation with Pentair equipment. It's best to keep everything in the same brand when you're planning for automation. It should be possible to integrate all that and power the equipment from the automation load center. I'll get another TFPer to talk to you about options, but maybe mention why the iAqualink to help inform them. Thanks

 

[Jimrahbe]

Michele,

The number one rule of automation is to use the same brand of equipment for the VS pump, the SWCG, and the Automation panel. Violating this rule causes all types of issues.

These three items need to be able to "talk" the same language so that they can communicate over the control network.

It does not make any sense to me as to why your pool builder would not be using the Pentair EasyTouch automation system. This system is designed to control the IntelliFlo pump and Pentair SWCG, has a built-in SWCG power supply and comes prepackaged for a Pool and Spa set up. Comes with the main panel, the SWCG, and two valve actuators.

Here is an example.... https://www.sunplay.com/pentair-easy-touch-control-system-521150

Below is my standard blurb about the EasyTouch System...

************
Many people have pools without automation and they work just fine. I do, however, think it is important to know the advantages and the disadvantages of having an automation system.

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" to 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. I recommend the ET8, as 4 relays is not enough.

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 allows 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.

11. Pool pump speed... The EasyTouch can be programmed to adjust your pumps speed. So when running just the pool, it can run slow, but when running your waterfall, it will automatically increase the speed to make your waterfall or other water features look exactly how you want them to look.
*******

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Philo]

IC60.

Bigger is better

 

[Michele17]

Welcome to TFP! Good to have you here

I can't answer why the PB would recommend two SWGs. I'd go with the single IC60. You have a VS pump, so longer run time is not an issue, and you should be able to provide enough chlorine with 8 hrs run time. On real big swim days, you could run for more hours and the cost will still be very good, or you could top up with chlorinating liquid which isn't a big deal either. Twin SWGs are plumbed in parallel, so the downside is that your minimum flow rate becomes 2X the minimum flow rate for a single SWG.

The Intellichlor has the flow switch built into the cell, so yes, those are your only two components - power supply and cell.

I'll leave the electrics to others, but I have to wonder why you have iAqualink (Jandy/Zodiac) automation with Pentair equipment. It's best to keep everything in the same brand when you're planning for automation. It should be possible to integrate all that and power the equipment from the automation load center. I'll get another TFPer to talk to you about options, but maybe mention why the iAqualink to help inform them. Thanks

Thanks so much for the reply and guidance! FYI, all the major pool equipment is Pentair, lights and auto cover are Jandy or Zodiac, but cover can't be on the auto. Hmmmm. I will ask PB why the Zodiac controller with all the Pentair equipment. Thanks again!

- - - Updated - - -

IC60.

Bigger is better

Thanks Philo!

- - - Updated - - -

Michele,

The number one rule of automation is to use the same brand of equipment for the VS pump, the SWCG, and the Automation panel. Violating this rule causes all types of issues.

These three items need to be able to "talk" the same language so that they can communicate over the control network.

It does not make any sense to me as to why your pool builder would not be using the Pentair EasyTouch automation system. This system is designed to control the IntelliFlo pump and Pentair SWCG, has a built-in SWCG power supply and comes prepackaged for a Pool and Spa set up. Comes with the main panel, the SWCG, and two valve actuators.

Here is an example.... https://www.sunplay.com/pentair-easy-touch-control-system-521150

Below is my standard blurb about the EasyTouch System...

************
Many people have pools without automation and they work just fine. I do, however, think it is important to know the advantages and the disadvantages of having an automation system.

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" to 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. I recommend the ET8, as 4 relays is not enough.

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 allows 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.

11. Pool pump speed... The EasyTouch can be programmed to adjust your pumps speed. So when running just the pool, it can run slow, but when running your waterfall, it will automatically increase the speed to make your waterfall or other water features look exactly how you want them to look.
*******

Thanks,

Jim R.

Wow - Thanks Jim! Appreciate all of the detailed info. Will definitely ask why PB included iAqualink over Pentair Easy Touch automation.