Easy Touch with Autelis vs Screen Logic. Best integration with Alexa and Homeseer?

[bankingdom]

Hi guys, I'm again trying to upgrade to automation this year. I asked the same question last year and I was advised to return my EasyTouch (that I already bought and cost me $100 to return) since the IntelliCenter was coming out "ANY DAY NOW" and I would be installing out dated hardware that cost $2500. So I returned my Easy Touch and now its been a year and I'm tired of waiting.

So, before I go ahead and buy everything I wanted to run my purchase by you guys.

I plan on full automation and using Alexa and Homeseer. I do have a Cat 5 Cable running to my pool equipment. I also plan on converting from Chlorine to SWG since I go out of town regularly.

Easytouch 8sc-IC40 (520545) - (https://sunplay.com/products/pentair-easy-touch-control-system-520545) Does this come with the valves and everything I need, or do I have to purchase anything separately?
Pentair Screen Logic (522104) OR Autelis Controller (Autelis Home) for $249 (Autelis Pool Control (3P) - HomeSeer Message Board)

Do I need to buy the Screen Logic if I plan on using the Autelis and Homeseer? Or will I still need the Screen Logic? I know the Screen Logic also incorporates with Alexa, but I wanted to have the extra customization of Homeseer to run scenes where if I turn on my spa, the lights will automatically change and my house music will play.

Also wanted to buy a new pool light that would be able to do light shows, is the pentair Intellibrite 5G a good choice?

Also, any ideas of where the cheapest place to buy is? Last time I bought from http://www.sunplay.com and I was told as long as a pool professional installs the equipment the warranty will be valid, is this still true?

I wanted to thank you for any info you can give me! I really appreciate it. Sorry for the multiple list of questions!

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

What were you thinking????

The ET that you list above comes with the IC40 salt cell and the two valves... the IC40 is a little small for your pool... We recommend that the cell be at least 2 x the volume of the pool. It will work, you will just have to run it longer and harder here in the Texas sun...

Until shown differently, I am not believing any of the off brand automation systems can actually talk with and control the IntelliFlo or the Intellichlor salt cell...

I have ScreenLogic2 and would buy it just for the ease of programming if that was all it did... It makes using the EasyTouch about 10 x easier and much more fun..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[bankingdom]

Thanks Jim!

Can you believe its been a year already and still no Intellicenter!

OK, I might get the IC60 easytouch kit. I have to find the model # for the one that comes with the valves.

I do think your right that the off brand automation systems can't control the IntelliFlo or the salt cell. I may just go with the ScreenLogic2 first and see how I like it and in the future I can buy the Autelis. Its only $250.

BTW Jim, do you know any reasonably priced pool guys that can install this set up including the light - someone who actually knows what they are doing? I also have a suction leak somewhere (guy who installed my pump and heater was clueless and I'm never using him again. I actually had to hire a gas guy since he left a leak when he turned on the gas and didn't even realize it!).

Thanks!

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

Here is the P/N for an ET 8 with IC60 and two valves... The ScreenLogic2 is the same P/N you listed above...

https://sunplay.com/collections/pentair-easytouch-control-systems/products/pentair-easy-touch-control-system-521150

I don't know of any "official" Pentair install guys, but I might know someone that does... Let me do a little follow up work...

On the light you might want to rethink it... Once you run the wiring in the conduit it may or may not come out.... If it comes out great... If it does not come out you could be stuck with ripping up some decking..

Why do you think that you have a suction side air leak???

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[bankingdom]

Thanks for the quick reply Jim. I don't need a "official" pentair install guy. Anyone who will give me a invoice showing they installed it with some type of official looking invoice is all I need. Most importantly they know how to install it!

I'm bummed about the light. My current light throws the GFCI every time its switched on. Someone told me there might be a leak, so I figured I would at least switch it to a new LED that really make the pool look great at night. So your saying the light housing may not come all the way out? I was going to get the 100 foot cable. So there is no way for the light to work unless I rip up decking? :-(

I think I have a suction side leak since there are tons of bubbles in my pump and into the pool. I also see some water leaking from the pump. I'm afraid the guy who installed it did a real crappy job and its been throwing bubbles for a year now.

 

[Jimrahbe]

B,

If your current light is not working then it makes sense to repair or replace it... My comment about the decking was if you were replacing it just to have a new LED one... I think most of the time the cord comes out... But you need to know there is a possibility that it might not...

Is your pump installed with pump unions? Post or send me a pic of the pump area...

Thanks,

Jim R.