Good day all, I am in the process of having a 16x40 FB pool put in ( I did my best to include everything in my sig). I also did search for this question and didn't find it specifically. The installer gave me two options with my VS pump. Hook it into the Easy Touch panel and get 2 modes, or don't and be able to use 3 modes on the Pump interface and save a panel relay. I am brand new to pools but I like the idea, especially at first, of running the pump 24/7. To me there doesn't seem to be much different in using the panel or pump and I like the idea of the extra relay. Any thoughts on that, I would appreciate it.
Installation question about VS pump
- Thread starter Jracka
- Start date
J,
Go look at the pump and find the sticker that says when the pump was manufactured.
This makes a huge difference because SuperFlo VS pumps that were made since the end of 2020, can all be controlled by the EasyTouch via an RS-485 cable. If your pump has that ability, then you should use it.
Your salt cell is way too small for your pool. Cell's should be at last 2 x the volume of the pool. With a 20K pool you need a 40K cell. It will work, you will just have to run it at almost full output.
Show us a pic of your EasyTouch showing the front panel.
Thanks,
Jim R.
Go look at the pump and find the sticker that says when the pump was manufactured.
This makes a huge difference because SuperFlo VS pumps that were made since the end of 2020, can all be controlled by the EasyTouch via an RS-485 cable. If your pump has that ability, then you should use it.
Your salt cell is way too small for your pool. Cell's should be at last 2 x the volume of the pool. With a 20K pool you need a 40K cell. It will work, you will just have to run it at almost full output.
Show us a pic of your EasyTouch showing the front panel.
Thanks,
Jim R.
I added the pics of the panel, it was dark outside, so didn't see the date on the pump but I suspect it was after 2020 because they asked if I wanted it connected to the Touch panel, they just mentioned it has 2 settings vs 3 from panel. (this wasn't from the project lead though) Thanks for taking time to help
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J,
Your pool builder thinks that you have an old pump, which can only be controlled by external relay inputs. If this is a new pump it just needs a cable and no relay.
That said, if you have an EasyTouch 4, you really only have 3 user programable relays, the 4th one can only be used as the Pump/Filter relay, even if is not used. Looks like you have a saltwater system. It must be wired to the Pump/Filter relay, so it won't go to waste.
You can have a number of pump speeds.. Here is a list of mine.
I get the feeling that your pool guy does not actually understand how this stuff works..
Thanks,
Jim R.
Your pool builder thinks that you have an old pump, which can only be controlled by external relay inputs. If this is a new pump it just needs a cable and no relay.
That said, if you have an EasyTouch 4, you really only have 3 user programable relays, the 4th one can only be used as the Pump/Filter relay, even if is not used. Looks like you have a saltwater system. It must be wired to the Pump/Filter relay, so it won't go to waste.
You can have a number of pump speeds.. Here is a list of mine.
I get the feeling that your pool guy does not actually understand how this stuff works..
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,316
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Maybe he has the SuperFlo VS 342001 as opposed to the SuperFlo VST 342002. The VS 342001 does not support RS-485 connectivity.
Hey all, I appreciate the comments. A few things, I looked at my pump this morning and it does have the COM port as shown in the attached diagram, which means it should be able to use the RS 485 right? Also, it looks like I have the Easy Touch 8 panel. Jim, as for the pool guys knowledge I agree with you, hopefully because I wasn't talking to the person who hooks up the equipment that person will be more knowledgeable. Lord knows I spent so much time selecting the pool builder because of their past projects and longevity.
J,
They all have the connector.. Old ones do not have the RS-485 electronics inside the pump. So we need the date...
To know if you have an ET-4 or ET-8, you need to open the panel and see if it comes with 4 or 8 relays. The both have the same 8 button front panel. Or you can get the Pentair P/N off the shipping box.
Thanks,
Jim R.
They all have the connector.. Old ones do not have the RS-485 electronics inside the pump. So we need the date...
To know if you have an ET-4 or ET-8, you need to open the panel and see if it comes with 4 or 8 relays. The both have the same 8 button front panel. Or you can get the Pentair P/N off the shipping box.
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,316
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
It is pentair model 356290, it also says PN 356352.B. I need to look for the date but did not see it on the labels, but I can check later today after work and see if I can find it.
Last edited:
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,316
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Is the pump a branded as a Pentair SuperFlo VS/T or a Sta-Rite SuperMax VS? Is it black or almond?
The first number looks like a part number for the motor/drive assembly. Pentair Catalog shows: 356290S Motor/Drive Assembly (RS-485), Black
From the Pentair SUPERFLO® VST SUPERFLO® VS STA-RITE® SUPERMAX® VS Manual
The first number looks like a part number for the motor/drive assembly. Pentair Catalog shows: 356290S Motor/Drive Assembly (RS-485), Black
From the Pentair SUPERFLO® VST SUPERFLO® VS STA-RITE® SUPERMAX® VS Manual
It is named Sta-Rite Supermax VS and it's black. BTW I appreciate all the help.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,316
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
That clears things up. The SuperMax features RS-485 connectivity. When you have a few moments, check out page five of the owner's manual linked above.
Jim will have to assist you in the actual connection and configuration to the Easy Touch.
Jim will have to assist you in the actual connection and configuration to the Easy Touch.
Well that's good to know! I will talk to the installer tomorrow and ask about this specifically. So according @Jimrahbe they should be able to use the RS-485 to give me full functionality without using a relay. Great information from everyone, thanks so much!
J,
You will need an RS-485 cable for your specific pump. Pentair P/N 356324Z
See this manual.. https://www.pentair.com/content/dam...-pumps/superflovs/supervs-install-english.pdf
Thanks,
Jim R.
You will need an RS-485 cable for your specific pump. Pentair P/N 356324Z
See this manual.. https://www.pentair.com/content/dam...-pumps/superflovs/supervs-install-english.pdf
Thanks,
Jim R.
@Jimrahbe @Rancho Cost-a-Lotta Hey, I hate when people don't give a follow-up so here is mine. I talked to the actual technician and he knew about the RS-485 and plans to install it that way. The reason for the disconnect with the other pool guy is the part is on BO so the technician asked me my choice and I said don't hook up the pump until the part gets in, and that's the plan now. I called all my local pool stores and they can't get them either. If either of you know a place that might have them let me know and I could tell my pool people. It made me feel much better when the techinition knew all about the 2020 dates, RS-485 etc.
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J
That makes me feel better also, and it is not my pool!!
Thanks,
Jim R.
That makes me feel better also, and it is not my pool!!
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,316
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
If it affects your decision at all, it looks like the Pentair 356324Z cable has been on BO for quite some time. No telling when/if they'll become available. You might try posting a new thread here and asking if anyone has or is able to source the cable. With over 300,000 members, you might get lucky.
Good luck!
Good luck!
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,316
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Here's a possible substitute for the Pentair cable...
www.troublefreepool.com
The New Pentair SuperFlo VS or VST??
Alright, so. The M12 (12mm) "aviation plug" was too small. So I ordered this "GX16" - 16mm "aviation plug": https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D3CKL8F/ It's unfortunately too big! =| DREMEL TO THE RESCUE!! I was able to take a dremel to it & I've got it "fitting" well enough, at least...
www.troublefreepool.com
Direct link to the wiringHere's a possible substitute for the Pentair cable...
The New Pentair SuperFlo VS or VST??
Alright, so. The M12 (12mm) "aviation plug" was too small. So I ordered this "GX16" - 16mm "aviation plug": https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D3CKL8F/ It's unfortunately too big! =| DREMEL TO THE RESCUE!! I was able to take a dremel to it & I've got it "fitting" well enough, at least...
The New Pentair SuperFlo VS or VST??
The Pentair brand cable is out of stock just about everywhere. I bought the Switchcraft one recently to automate my Supermax VS pump. Are you connecting via RS-485? Let us know how it works out. I posted the info in the link below and DM'd the OP...
www.troublefreepool.com