For an Easy Touch PSL4, is it possible to program the aux 3 relay to only be on when in pool mode (off during spa mode)? If so, how would you program it?
Easy Touch PSL4 Aux 3 Relay Set-up
- Thread starter fpadar
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I've had too many issues with my IC40 SWG (the unit has been replaced 3 times under warranty and additionally two times they replaced the flow switch only under warranty -- 5 total warranty repairs) so I want to replace it with another company's SWG unit the next time it fails now that it will shortly be out of warranty. The plumbing of my pool pad does not allow easy insulation of a flow switch after the pool/spa 3-way valves in the pool only inlet pipe (I would have to mount it vertically, and I believe that could be an issue), so I will need to have the flow switch inline with the SWG before the 3-way valves for the pool/spa. Since I would not have the new SWG hooked into my automation, I want to still be able remotely to turn on the SPA/Heat Pump heater without the SWG running in Spa mode. My plan is to use two relays in series -- the pump relay and the Aux 3 relay. That way the SWG would only get power when the pump is running, and I would use Aux 3 to turn off the SWG when it is in SPA mode. I could do this manually, but if possible, I would like to program it to go off automatically when I remotely switch to SPA mode.
I would also like any suggestions on what SWG would be the best replacement. I live in SW Florida and keep the pool open year-round. The Pentair equipment/automation has worked well other than the SWG, and I have no issues following the TFP chemistry recommendations for the pool other than chlorine level when I'm having issues with the IC40 SWG.
I would also like any suggestions on what SWG would be the best replacement. I live in SW Florida and keep the pool open year-round. The Pentair equipment/automation has worked well other than the SWG, and I have no issues following the TFP chemistry recommendations for the pool other than chlorine level when I'm having issues with the IC40 SWG.
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F,
The "iChlor" cells are not Pentair's finest products.
The easiest solution is to just install a IntelliChlor cell. It should fit into the space you have and be controlled by your EasyTouch. I have three pools and they all have IntelliChlor IC40 salt systems. In the past year or so, I had to replace two of the cells. One was almost 9 years old, and the other was over 7 years old. The one at my house is a little over 5 years old, but still running fine. I "assume" your current cell has a Power Center, if so, it can be used with the IntelliChlor.
If you want to use another brand, I'd go with Hayward T cell, or CircuPool. Installing a SWCG in the vertical position works just fine as long as the water through the cell is flowing upward through any flow switch.
You can't really program an AUX relay to turn on when in the Spa mode. There is a SPA relay output, but that would turn on a relay in the Spa mode. What you want is to turn off a relay in the spa mode. One option would be to replace one of your SPDT Aux relays with a DPDT relay. This would allow the cell to work, when the relay was off, and then interrupt the power to the cell whenever the relay was turned on.
Thanks,
Jim R.
The "iChlor" cells are not Pentair's finest products.
The easiest solution is to just install a IntelliChlor cell. It should fit into the space you have and be controlled by your EasyTouch. I have three pools and they all have IntelliChlor IC40 salt systems. In the past year or so, I had to replace two of the cells. One was almost 9 years old, and the other was over 7 years old. The one at my house is a little over 5 years old, but still running fine. I "assume" your current cell has a Power Center, if so, it can be used with the IntelliChlor.
If you want to use another brand, I'd go with Hayward T cell, or CircuPool. Installing a SWCG in the vertical position works just fine as long as the water through the cell is flowing upward through any flow switch.
You can't really program an AUX relay to turn on when in the Spa mode. There is a SPA relay output, but that would turn on a relay in the Spa mode. What you want is to turn off a relay in the spa mode. One option would be to replace one of your SPDT Aux relays with a DPDT relay. This would allow the cell to work, when the relay was off, and then interrupt the power to the cell whenever the relay was turned on.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Can you mount flow switches vertical? If so, I have 12" that I could vertically mount the Hayward or CircuPool flow switch in the pool return line and I would not need to use the relay. If I went to CircuPool which model would you recommend (my pool is 11.5K gallons, so I assume I would want at least 25K gallons)?
My current power center is the same model number that is used on the IntelliChlor 40 system, so I could switch to this model. Is there any issues with a short straight flow distance into the IntelliChlor 40 or minimum distance to the unit? I have substandard distance to the current iChlor 30, and the IntelliChlor 40 is longer than the iChlor 30, so the straight distance to the new unit and distance from the Heat Pump would be even smaller.
My current power center is the same model number that is used on the IntelliChlor 40 system, so I could switch to this model. Is there any issues with a short straight flow distance into the IntelliChlor 40 or minimum distance to the unit? I have substandard distance to the current iChlor 30, and the IntelliChlor 40 is longer than the iChlor 30, so the straight distance to the new unit and distance from the Heat Pump would be even smaller.
F,
The straight pipe before the cell is not really important at all. My pool (done by my pool builder) has about an inch right off of a 90.. My two rent house pools (done by me) has the recommended 12 inches.. There is just no difference between the three pools operation wise. I suspect the rule is left over from when people used single-speed pumps and the flow was much higher. With VS pumps, the idea is to run at a low RPM, so the flow is much lower and has little negative effect on the flow switch.
Plus, a couple of 90's and you could make the line, where your SWCG is now, much longer.
Look... I don't work for Pentair, and I don't personally care what brand of SWCG you use, but I do think you are making a mistake going with a different brand.
Thanks,
Jim R.
The straight pipe before the cell is not really important at all. My pool (done by my pool builder) has about an inch right off of a 90.. My two rent house pools (done by me) has the recommended 12 inches.. There is just no difference between the three pools operation wise. I suspect the rule is left over from when people used single-speed pumps and the flow was much higher. With VS pumps, the idea is to run at a low RPM, so the flow is much lower and has little negative effect on the flow switch.
Plus, a couple of 90's and you could make the line, where your SWCG is now, much longer.
Look... I don't work for Pentair, and I don't personally care what brand of SWCG you use, but I do think you are making a mistake going with a different brand.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Thank you for your help. I think I will take your advice and just go with the IC40. It's the simplest change, as I just need to cut the pump and install the two new unions that come with the unit.
F,
If your pool is in a screen-room, you could get away with running an IC20. I think an IC40 is a better value, but the IC20 does give you another option.
How big was your original iChlor?
Thanks,
Jim R.
If your pool is in a screen-room, you could get away with running an IC20. I think an IC40 is a better value, but the IC20 does give you another option.
How big was your original iChlor?
Thanks,
Jim R.
It's in a screen enclosure and the original SWG was a 30K (iChlor 30). Since I already have the transformer unit, I only need to buy the IC 20 or IC 40, and the price difference is very small ($850 vs. $930 at one online store), only $80 for twice the size. I assume running the IC 40 at 1/2 of the percentage of the IC 20 will double the number of years before I need to replace it. Am I making a bad assumption (i.e. the unit life will be less due to another failure or issue) or will it probably last twice as long?
F,
Your assumption is correct, The cell is like a tank of gas, the bigger the tank the further you can drive on it.
The good news is that Pentair lets you self-install a cell, if it is a replacement for an old one, and it should have a two year warranty.
Jim R.
Your assumption is correct, The cell is like a tank of gas, the bigger the tank the further you can drive on it.
The good news is that Pentair lets you self-install a cell, if it is a replacement for an old one, and it should have a two year warranty.
Jim R.
