IC60 Install Question

[sbcpool]

I probably know the answer, but I just thought I'd check.

The IC60 cell indicates water must flow from the bottom to the top. The only possible location on my plumbing is a vertical section where the water flow from top to bottom. That means the IC60 controls will be upside down and the cord will stick out the top. That will drive me bonkers forever. I looked through the manual but didn't see any way to handle that situation.

Am I stuck pulling my hair out every time I look at the cell or adjust it, or is there something I can do to allow me to install it right-side up aside from replumbing (which isn't even a possibility because of the configuration of my pad)?

 

[generessler]

Post a picture of plumbing so folks can suggest ideas?

 

[mknauss]

The reason the water must flow UP through IC is that the flow switch must be such that if it fails, it does not close the switch when the water is not running. It is for safety.

 

[sbcpool]

Just found this thread:

Help please! Intellichlor cell vertical orientation

Sorry, I tried to search but don't seems to be able to find an answer, and pentair lvl1 support wasn't much of a help neither. Due to the limited space between heater and return, i am sure i will need to re-plumb vertically to extend the distance and will have a "n" shape somewhere to get a 12"...

www.troublefreepool.com

Looks like my pool is not compatible with the IntelliChlor system. Pictures incoming.

 

[sbcpool]

As you can see there is no possibility anywhere but the vertical section in the back. The horizontal section does not have enough clearance in any of four directions for the cell to fit, or to replumb with clearance.

 

[Jimrahbe]

sbc,

It does not have to go into an existing pipe, you can simply replumb it to work.

Jim R.

 

[Lake Placid]

Cut on the red lines, install a new loop with the SWG oriented vertically where the arrow is. Follow minimum straight run clearances when installing the plumbing for the SWG.

 

[mknauss]

Where is the line going out of the picture?

 

[sbcpool]

Cut on the red lines, install a new loop with the SWG oriented vertically where the arrow is. Follow minimum straight run clearances when installing the plumbing for the SWG.

It could be done, but would be pretty unsightly as I'd have a tower of pipe about 5 feet tall. In that location the sun would shine directly on the IC60 controls for about 10 hours a day. Are they able to hold up under those conditions?

 

[sbcpool]

Where is the line going out of the picture?

That joint you see in the bottom right is the connection to the manifold that distributes to the pool or spa depending on how the valve is set. Those lines are set in concrete.

 

[sbcpool]

That joint you see in the bottom right is the connection to the manifold that distributes to the pool or spa depending on how the valve is set. Those lines are set in concrete.

Here it is from the other direction.

 

[Lake Placid]

It could be done, but would be pretty unsightly as I'd have a tower of pipe about 5 feet tall. In that location the sun would shine directly on the IC60 controls for about 10 hours a day. Are they able to hold up under those conditions?

Obviously you’ve got a differing climate than mine, but mine sits in direct sun for 6 months/year and is fine. The sliding cover over the control helps with UV I‘d suspect. In spite of some design flaws in specific pentair systems, I think Pentair would have considered this into the design and adjusted accordingly.

 

[mknauss]

You have a spa, but no heater?

 

[sbcpool]

Currently there is no heater because it's a 1970's unit that doesn't function and stains the pool. It is bypassed.

 

[sbcpool]

Obviously you’ve got a differing climate than mine, but mine sits in direct sun for 6 months/year and is fine. The sliding cover over the control helps with UV I‘d suspect. In spite of some design flaws in specific pentair systems, I think Pentair would have considered this into the design and adjusted accordingly.

You'd think, but it's not uncommon for manufacturers to exclude sun damage from their warranty. Things sitting in the direct sun here tend to get to about 140°F. I don't know if the electronics will like that. Plus, I'd really like to avoid a 5 ft. tower of pipe. I'm surprised Pentair didn't consider or care about making their design flexible.

 

[mknauss]

Do you have automation?

 

[sbcpool]

Do you have automation?

No.

 

[mknauss]

Then you are not tied to an Intellichlor. Hayward and Circupool SWCG have separate flow switch you put in a different place.
You do need a way to insure the SWCG is powered completely off when the pump is off.

 

[sbcpool]

Then you are not tied to an Intellichlor. Hayward and Circupool SWCG have separate flow switch you put in a different place.
You do need a way to insure the SWCG is powered completely off when the pump is off.

We'll see how much it's going to cost me to have found out that Intellichlor can't work with my pool. I still have a flow switch in the system from trying the Circupool that wouldn't perform as advertised a couple of years ago. Unfortunately I don't think Hayward makes a unit that outputs 2 lbs. per day, which means stiff electricity costs for me to run the pump 25-30% longer for the same output. We have to pay up to 55 cents per kWh depending on time of day.

Thanks for the help.

 

[sbcpool]

Looks like it's going to cost me about $450 to return the IC60. It sure would have been nice if Pentair made it more clear that their product has a design limitation that requires a specific orientation. The manual doesn't even have any indication this is the case. I thought I was doing my due diligence by checking the manual first.