IntelliCenter Service Mode-can't turn filter pump on

[TheRydad]

I put my IntelliCenter into Service Mode and went to the Manual Control page to try and turn the filter pump (IntelliFlo) on manually, but nothing happened when I clicked the button on the screen. Am I missing something simple?

(I ended up just putting the system back in Auto mode and controlled the pumps through the app.)

 

[proavia]

When in Service Mode, did you attempt to control the pump directly from the pump's control panel?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dad,

Yes, you missed the fact that your RS-485 to the pump is shut off when in the Service mode. The pump is no longer controlled by the automation, and you should run the pump from the pump's control panel.

Why do you want the pump on when in the Service mode?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[TheRydad]

Thanks for the replies @proavia and @Jimrahbe . And sorry for not stating that I tried to turn the pump on using the start/stop button on the filter pump itself to no avail. I thought that was the correct button, but I am willing to bet I'm wrong.

I am partially draining the pool through the backwash. When the pool was initially setup a year ago, the guy that did it apparently completely botched the volume calculation and put WAY too much salt in it. We will probably get anywhere from 3" to 6" of rain over the next couple of days here in NTX so I figured I'd take advantage of that and let the rain gods fill me up with fresh rainwater so I could drop the salt level.

On a related note, my "main drain" does not run through the backwash- it runs through an in-floor cleaning system. I turned the manual valve to the skimmer basket that feeds into the filter pump off, leaving only the in-floor cleaning canister providing water to the pump. That let me drop it about 4-5" before it started sucking air. I do have some other suction grills that are another 4-5" lower, but I am not sure how I would turn off the canister and still allow suction only from them. If anyone has any advice on that, I'd appreciate it.

 

[mknauss]

You should use a sump pump to drain water.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dad,

When in the Service mode, does your IntelliFlo pump's display show a display with RPM or similar info, or is the screen blank?

Like Marty, I never recommend using the pool pump to drain if you want to go lower than the skimmers.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[TheRydad]

Like Marty, I never recommend using the pool pump to drain if you want to go lower than the skimmers.

I’m curious about why this is? It seems ideal to me- the pump is already there and it pumps properly into the sewer. Around here, there are pretty decent potential fines for just sumping into the “wild”. I know I’m missing something in the equation here and am legitimately asking why.

Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

You lose suction on your $2k pump and it burns up.

A $80 sump pump is far better. And every home has a sewer clean out. Pump it to there.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dad,

Just because we don't recommend it does not mean you can't do it.

It may or may not work, depending on your equipment. The key is don't turn it on and walk off and leave it. You need to watch the pump like a hawk and make sure it does not lose its suction.

Thanks,

Jim R.