Intelliflo3 reviews?

djdonte

Well-known member
Mar 25, 2019
690
Houston, TX
Pool Size
11300
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
CircuPool RJ-30 Plus
I am toying with getting a VS upgrade for my pump but now I am intrigued by this Pentair model. It seems from the literature that I can control both the pump and turn on/off my SWG from a wifi app, without standalone automation. Do I have this right? I also see an optional relay board, but it looks like that is for something else.

Those of you using this pump or similar, what do you think about the app? Will I be able to control pump speed and SWG power without automation? I currently have a single speed motor and SWG hooked to a wifi timer. My motor is very old and noisy. I'd like to replace it proactively and save some energy consumption as well.

EDIT- Reading back thru the manual again, it looks like I would need the optional relay to control my SWG. I'm confused.
 
Last edited:
Reading back thru the manual again, it looks like I would need the optional relay to control my SWG.
dj,

Well, it looks like you answered your own question... :mrgreen:

I have only seen positive comments about the IntelliFlo3

Besides the optional relay card, you can also get an optional display..

You can get a 1.5 HP option or the 3.0 HP option.. I never, ever recommend the smaller 1.5 HP model.. I just beleive that bigger is better when talking about a VS pumps.

Here is a good link to the different options...


Thanks,

Jim R.
 
So you don't think I should replace my 1.5hp single speed with a 1.5VS?

I see I need the relay board, but I would be able to control my pump and my SWG from the app without automation correct?
 
I see I need the relay board, but I would be able to control my pump and my SWG from the app without automation correct?
Yes, but…

When you say control your SWG the app will just turn the SWG on or off using the relay. It will not change the %.
 
dj,

Well, it looks like you answered your own question... :mrgreen:

I have only seen positive comments about the IntelliFlo3

Besides the optional relay card, you can also get an optional display..

You can get a 1.5 HP option or the 3.0 HP option.. I never, ever recommend the smaller 1.5 HP model.. I just beleive that bigger is better when talking about a VS pumps.

Here is a good link to the different options...


Thanks,

Jim R.
Thanks for the link. Those prices are good and the relay is already installed. Why do you say I should spring for the 3hp?
 
Why do you say I should spring for the 3hp?
dj,

The bigger the pump the slower you can run it and still move a lot of water.

The slower you can run it the less it costs to run.

The slower you can run it the quieter it will be..

I have a older 3 HP IntelliFlo and run it 24/7, most of the time at 1200 rpm.. this costs me less than $20 bucks a month.. And.. the newer IntelliFlo3 pumps are much more energy efficient, then my old pump..

At that speed, you almost have to touch the pump to make sure it is actually running... :mrgreen:

VS pump are really variable HP pumps... you just adjust the HP of the pump to match what you are wanting to do.

I am assuming that your current pump is being run from 240 VAC.. If you do not have 240 VAC at your equipment pad, then obviously, you should get the 1.5 HP pump.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
I understand. I have 220 at my pad so I will go with a 3hp. Will running extended hours at a lower speed cause more wear and tear on my salt cell?
 
dj,

Just to make sure...

The IntelliFlo3 does not have the same form factor as the standard WhisperFlo pumps.. This means that you will have to do a little plumbing work to connect the new pump.

If your old pump was not installed with pump unions, you will have to replumb anyway, but if you do have unions, the IntelliFlo3 is not a drop in replacement..

Thanks,

Jim R.
 

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Will running extended hours at a lower speed cause more wear and tear on my salt cell?
dj,

It will have no effect on your salt cell...

Without any 'proof' I personally believe that running the pump 24/7 is much better for the pump than turning it on and off each day.. Until this year, I had three pools that all have 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps.. all three have been running 24/7 for at least 12 years. All three pumps run today, just like they did when installed. I like making a little chlorine all the time, and I like skimming all the time.. I also like the look if my pool when there is a little action to the water... I never have to worry about freeze control as the pump is already running..

I run 24/7 because that works best for me.. You should run whatever works best for you. :mrgreen:

As a side note... When running at a low rpm, you will initially swear that your skimmers are not working... They just 'look' different, but they are working just fine.. It is the weir door that makes your skimmers work, not the speed of the pump.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
The Pentair 011075 is the basic 3hp model. I bought one last week, and will install it in a week or two. You can control it via wifi / home app. I guess by a video or two, you can also do some very basic controls on the unit itself.

The Pentair 011076 is exactly the same, but it includes the relay board. The relay board allows for two items to be attached (and controlled) by wifi. As previously mentioned, the controlled is just power. So, lights on one, and a booster pump on the other, maybe.

Youtube search for pentair intelliflo relay board programming and you'll see a few good videos.

For me, since I bought the pump already, and am also buying an SWCG, I'm going to buy the relay board separately. It'll be worth it.
 
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I do not have unions, but I see Pentair sells a riser stand to convert from the whisperflo. This made me think it was drop in replacement, save for a height adjustment on the pump. I thought I would be cutting threaded adapters off and gluing pipe/unions only, but I guess not.
 
I saw that. The manual says it comes with adapter bushings, but I think there are elevation changes for the suction and discharge ports.
 
Looking at diagrams, the elevation of the suction is the same, but the pump will have to be moved back 1.38 inches.