I have no experience with a turnkey Stenner solution. I do own an Intelliph and have experienced common failure issues you’ve likely read about. Here’s what I can tell you based on my experience.
The system is built around a Stenner Econ pump, mounted to a tank of unknown (to me) manufacturer, with a Pentair control board. I like the seamless integration with the IC40, but if you go this route your are committing to a long term relationship to Pentair as they are designed to be dependent upon each other.
Ease of installation is a plus as the IPh plugs right into your standalone power supply of the IC40. With a Stenner solution, you are going to need an additional available power source which may or may not be a hinderance.
Intelliph comes with inherent safeties built into the design. It won’t dose without the IC40 flow switch passing a flow test. It shuts down chlorine production while the acid dosing takes place. I’m not sure if Stenner solutions include any safeties (you would think there are some provided) but if not, you have to work through those issues.
The IPh integration adds additional precision to your ability monitor/adjust operational levels of an IC40 (please note I did not state improved accuracy as monitoring is still provided by onboard mechanical sensors within the cell.)
The split tank design on the IPh opens the potential for leaks. When your o-ring fails, Pentair will tell you the tank is not serviceable and you must buy a new one. If your Google fu works, you’ll find an online vendor (orings-online.com) with this spec 277 ORING 75 DURO BLACK FKM/VITON QTY 1 11-1/2" ID 11-3/4" OD 1/8" TH for $3. In 15 minutes you‘re back in business without spending $300.
The burned connector issue is a problem you won’t face with a Stenner solution. The fix after your warranty runs out is simple and effective, so I wouldn’t let that necessarily be a deterrent if you’re relatively mechanically inclined.
The Stenner solution for output adjustability relies on mechanical adjustment of the dial on the pump (this is standard) and I would presume feed tube size. The IPh provides electronic control through the controller without dial adjustment. I do not believe you can change tube feed size on the IPh, but have not needed to. Consequently I haven’t looked to see if it’s even possible.
In either solution you choose, I’d suggest adding a Stenner flow indicator into the dispensing line. For the little money it costs, it provides a simple visual verification that your system is injecting acid, if you have a clog, broken duckbill etc. and you can use the black UV rated line and still be certain you’re dosing.
In either install you’ll have to get an accessory kit to setup the injection port in your return line. You can also do this by sourcing the parts individually, whichever way your most comfortable with. The kit solution in the IPh is a saddle type of setup which works but isn’t my favorite. Not sure if the Stenner solution is more of a t style glue in injection port or not (that’s preferable to me).
Hopefully others will come along and provide you more information on the Stenner solution.
my stenner acid pump.