Getting started on new pool build

[Cesar P.]

Hi all, we are about to get started with our salt water pool build out in AZ and would like to get some recommendations on pool equipment. The pool is going to be a rectangle with the shallow end at 4' and deep end at 8'. Pool dimensions are 18' x 33' with a separate 7' x 7' spa that will drip into the pool. I have calculated about 27k gallons for the pool and estimating around 2k gallons for the spa (the spa volume might be totally wrong). I have done some research and will go with Pentair equipment and their automation system. I would like to use the Easy touch with the 8 relays and the one that includes the intellichlor transformer. So far this is the equipment I have selected with questions we have:

1. 1 pump (intelliflo: I know it's a 3 HP pump, is this overkill? Plumbing will be 2")
2. Intellichlor IC40 (upsizing a bit per this group's comments in several threads I read)
3. Heatpump (No idea what size I need. Would like it to be able to heat up both pool and spa if possible)
4. Valve actuators (Inlet, outlet... would I need a third actuator if I'm installing a dedicated suction port for the cleaning robot?)
5. LED lights (1 or 2 for the pool, 1 for the spa. Is 2 lights really necessary for a pool this size? I have heard nothing but bad things about the intellibrite lights... are they better now?)
6. Filter (No idea which one to go with but leaning towards DE Cartridge. We have septic, in case that matters. I was looking into the Pentair separation tank in case I go with DE cartridge. Does anyone have any experience with those and are they worth it?)
7. For spa jets, do I go with a second pump or just add a blower?

I apologize for the long post. We've been saving up for a LONG time to be able to pull this off and I don't want to screw this up. I'm an electrical engineer so the wife believes I can do anything! so I don't want to let her down. LOL.
Thanks in advanced,
Cesar

 

[PoolStored]

In AZ? Get an IC60.

 

[Cesar P.]

In AZ? Get an IC60.

Thanks!

 

[pjt]

shallow end at 4' and deep end at 8'

Good choice.

I would like to use the Easy touch with the 8 relays

That product is obsolete and discontinued. Get IntelliCenter load center with the built-in SWCG transformer.

1 pump (intelliflo: I know it's a 3 HP pump, is this overkill? Plumbing will be 2")

Get an IntelliFlo3 pump (3.0 HP). Upsize your pool plumbing to 2.5" and spa plumbing to 3".

Intellichlor IC40 (upsizing a bit per this group's comments in several threads I read)

Get the IC60.

Heatpump (No idea what size I need. Would like it to be able to heat up both pool and spa if possible)

HP for heating the spa will disappoint you. HPs work slowly. I have a HP only because I don't have an attached spa. I'd suggest a 400k BTU heater and separate chiller for the pool. Get an external bypass for each.

Valve actuators (Inlet, outlet... would I need a third actuator if I'm installing a dedicated suction port for the cleaning robot?)

I'd recommend a standalone robot instead of a suction or pressure cleaner. They clean better and cost almost nothing to operate.

LED lights (1 or 2 for the pool, 1 for the spa. Is 2 lights really necessary for a pool this size? I have heard nothing but bad things about the intellibrite lights... are they better now?)

Depends on the type of light. The latest Pentair offering is the MicroBrite. You'd want ~4 for the pool and 1 for the spa. Their reliability is poor though, but it's the best they offer. You might have better luck with Jandy lights or another brand.

Filter (No idea which one to go with but leaning towards DE Cartridge.)

DE and cartridge are two different types. I'd highly recommend a large cartridge filter (CCP520).

For spa jets, do I go with a second pump or just add a blower?

A second pump will give you better jet flow. You can get by with a single pump though.

Spend lots of time and effort in the planning phase. It's impossible to have too much detail. Do you have sketches/renderings of the plan?

Construction Best Practices - Further Reading

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Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

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[Cesar P.]

Hey all, I am trying to order an intellicenter (load center) with the SCG transformer but all of the pentair documentation says that the only way to get that is to buy the bundle that comes with the IC40. Per this group's recommendation, I need the IC60 so I don't want to pay for the bundle because I'm not going to use the IC40. According to the Pentair rep on the phone, this is the only way to get the built-in SCG transformer in the intellicenter or the other option is to get the Easy Touch which has a bundle with the IC60. Some of the members here had said that the Easy Touch was obsolete but according to this rep, it is not???? Has anyone ordered an intellicenter with the SCG built-in? If so, what was the model number? I was also told I can't order directly from Pentair myself, that I would have to go through one of their authorized dealers? Any truth to this?
Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

Polytec pools in Las Vegas has the IC60 bundled with the Intellicenter. See if your Rep will get it from them.

The Easytouch has been discontinued.

 

[ajw22]

Some dealers, such as this one, will remove the IC40 and supply an IC60 in the IntelliCenter bundle for an upcharge...

Pentair IntelliCenter i8PSIC60 Kit - Pool and Spa with Load Center and IC60

Take a drive North and pick one up.

IntelliTouch and EasyTouch Officially Obsolete

The time has come. Pentair released a statement to all distributors and warranty stations that the IntelliTouch and EasyTouch/EasyTouch Lite systems are officially obsolete by the end of this year. Warranty will continue to be available per normal terms on equipment purchased this year, but the...

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