When I had my pool built in 2015 I never thought I would want or need any automation. It’s just a basic rectangular in ground vinyl liner pool with no spa or other features. I have all Hayward equipment to include to a variable speed pump model SP3200VSP and an AquaRite Pro SWG. Well over time I added a Hayward 140k heat pump and a Cat 1000 pH controller with a Stenner pump/tank. My equipment pad is outside the pool area in the back of the yard next to a small shed for pool stuff. I was thinking how nice it would be to check on things remotely to make sure there is enough flow for the SWG and heater without having to go back there. Then I came across Hayward’s fairly new Omnihub pool and spa controller which was exactly what I was looking for plus the ability to change heater temp, SWG output, pump speed, etc. from a smart phone or tablet. They are touting this as an easy retrofit to any existing pool equipment. So before I dropped $800, I contacted Hayward to make sure it would control my equipment. Well what do you know, their retrofit solution to automation will not work with my pump. A 3 year old Hayward vsp can not be controlled by Omni. Turns out reading my pump manual the SP3200vsp (the one with control the display) can not be automated but the SP3200vspnd (no display) can. Can someone please tell me why? If I unplug the removable control panel and open wiring the cover it looks identical to the one with out the display for automation to include dip switches and low voltage connections. According to the Omnihub install directions I can use a relay but the pump must be set to one speed and then it is simply an on/off control, which to me defeats the purpose of a vsp.
Hayward Omnihub Pool and Spa Controller
- Thread starter rmundo21
- Start date
With what you want and your current equipment, I don't think the Omni VS is the system for you. Even bearing your pump issues in mind, it will not control your SWG or your chemical system. The VS is basically a relay controller, meaning it will only turn a relay on/off. You wouldn't have the ability to control your outputs of either of your systems, just to turn them on or off. It's a bit pricey, but for you equipment the "full size" Omni Logic would be the only one for you.
@Pool_Medic Do you have the VS Omni Hub and can you shed some light on this question? The documentation specifies that you pair it with one of the following pumps, but from the VS Omni Installation Manual it looks like it uses the normal RS485 connection and the pumps Hayward Unique Address (HUA). Not that you have the answer, but do you know if there is anything special about these pumps that gets them the omni moniker?
TriStar VS 950 Omni
TriStar VS 900 Omni
MaxFlo VS 500 Omni
Super Pump VS 700 Omni
TriStar VS 950 Omni
TriStar VS 900 Omni
MaxFlo VS 500 Omni
Super Pump VS 700 Omni
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It will control all the above. It is not just a relay control as previously mentioned above, it will control an aqua rite if a sister board is used on the aqua rite.
@rmundo21 You could try giving Polytec Pools a call about Hayward OmniHub Smart Pool and Spa Control and ask them about your pump. I've found them to be knowledgeable and helpful.
Thanks everyone for your help. I will give Polytec another call and ask about my pump. I spoke to them about purchasing the Omnihub controller and sister board for my AquaRite. I'll see what advice they have about the pump. I find it strange that this is touted as a retro fit yet it can't control a 3 year old Hayward vsp. I didn't know at the time when my pool builder installed that particular pump that the Hayward TriStar SP3200VSP could not be automated but the SP3200VSPND (no display) can, at lease according to the manual which says;
TriStar VS can be controlled in a wide variety of ways as described below:
1. TriStar VS (SP3200VSP) can operate by itself in Stand-Alone Mode using its built-in programmable timers.
2. TriStar VS (SP3200VSP) can also be controlled from third party controls (i.e. another manufacturer's control) and
Hayward controls that are not software compatible using relay contacts. See section 5.3 for more information
regarding connecting TriStar VS and third party/non-software compatible Hayward controls.
3. TriStar VS (SP3200VSPND) can communicate with and be controlled by Hayward Pro Logic. See section 5.4 for
more information regarding connecting TriStar VS and Hayward Pro Logic
what does Hayward controls that are not software compatible mean?
TriStar VS can be controlled in a wide variety of ways as described below:
1. TriStar VS (SP3200VSP) can operate by itself in Stand-Alone Mode using its built-in programmable timers.
2. TriStar VS (SP3200VSP) can also be controlled from third party controls (i.e. another manufacturer's control) and
Hayward controls that are not software compatible using relay contacts. See section 5.3 for more information
regarding connecting TriStar VS and third party/non-software compatible Hayward controls.
3. TriStar VS (SP3200VSPND) can communicate with and be controlled by Hayward Pro Logic. See section 5.4 for
more information regarding connecting TriStar VS and Hayward Pro Logic
what does Hayward controls that are not software compatible mean?
According to the owners manual it doesn't look like your pump has the RS485 interface, but only has the relays (in gray below) for "Hayward controls that are not software compatible".
You had mentioned earlier that the PCB looks identical to the one above, but you would have to assume that the RS485 connector is disabled - or is the the control panel wired into it?
You had mentioned earlier that the PCB looks identical to the one above, but you would have to assume that the RS485 connector is disabled - or is the the control panel wired into it?
I'll get out there Saturday and snap a pic, but looking at the manual for the TriStar SP3200VSP it shows the wall mount digital control interface connected to the RS485, which I am using. According to the manual, the digital input terminals on the right are used for external relay speed control wiring (for remote selection of pump speed) for third party controls and Hayward controls that are NOT software compatible, which get connected to a control system relay contacts, whatever that means.
If the wall mounted control panel is using the RS485 then it's enabled which is good. It could mean that the only difference between SP3200VSP and SP3200VSPND is the control panel (which might sound obvious). It does make me think that if it's disconnected it might then function as a SP3200VSPND. Of course you would lose the ability to use the control panel, but if the automation link was functioning that wouldn't be a problem. Maybe someone here more familiar with Hayward pumps might have some insight into that.