Matching equipment for Pentair IntelliCenter?

[lvrpl]

We're getting going on a new build for a 26,000 gallon in ground gunite pool. Our builder has recommended all Jandy equipment. We'll be doing a VSP pump, SWG, spa bubbler, some LEDs, a natural gas heater, and provisioning for possibly adding a heat pump in the future. As part of this, of course, they specified a Jandy Aqualink for the automation. I'm new to automation and have a couple things I was hoping for advice on:

1. From reading several threads here, it seems like most people prefer the Pentair IntelliCenter due to greater capability and customization potential, software upgradability, support outside of a strictly controlled dealer network, and a more modern overall system. This all sounds good to me - any reason I shouldn't instead switch to the IntelliCenter?

2. If I switch to the IntelliCenter, what equipment also needs to be Pentair matched? I've gotten a little confused trying to search for this and would appreciate any thoughts. I imagine my builder gets better pricing on Jandy and may just be more familiar with that equipment - I actually don't care if we use Jandy for some of the other equipment unless there's a compatibility or performance drawback, and I'm sure he won't love that I'm going to switch to the IntelliCenter, so if it's all the same to use the Jandy heater (for example), I'd be fine with that.

Thanks for any help!

 

[lvrpl]

We're getting started on a new build that will be a 26,000 gallon, in ground, gunite pool. Our builder prefers Jandy equipment and, as part of that, has specified the Jandy PLC1400 (Aquapure 40,000 gallon SWG).

I've seen the recommendation to select a SWG that is rated for double the size of your pool - should I get something larger than the 40k gallon SWG from Jandy? It seems that 40k is the largest rated one Jandy makes, but Pentair does a 60k one. Should I switch to that? Note that I'm also considering switching the automation system from the Jandy Aqualink to the Pentair IntelliCenter, but I imagine my builder will want to use as much Jandy equipment s possible.

Thanks for any help!

 

[TinFoilHat]

Most folks here don't prefer Jandy and I concur with that. Jandy must offer the best dealer pricing on sales than the other manufacturers do or it's primarily a regional thing. I would opt for the Pentair environment and get the larger cell from them. I would also recommend a cartridge filter rather than a sand filter they may be suggesting.

 

[Newdude]

A 40k unit will do just fine with friendlier UV demand in CT if it makes sense to go Jandy.

I'd go Pentair if it was a choice but it's mostly personal preference. Jandy parts are dealer only, and dealer installed only or they aren't warrantied. If you're planning on hiring the PB (etc) for anything that arises, it's a non issue.

A smaller cell needs a longer runtime to produce the same FC, so a large VS pump is even more important. The PB won't be paying your electric bill for the next 15 years that the pump lasts and they often skimp on the pump and stick it to the pool owner.

 

[ajw22]

Over a period of years I replaced all my Jandy equipment with Pentair and eventually replaced an Auqalink with an IntelliCenter. Could not be happier with the switch.

How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

I would go IntelliCenter automation bundle with Intellichlor IC40 SWG, Intelliflo3 pump, MasterTemp heater, UltraTemp heat pump, CCP 420 cartridge filter, MicroBrite LED lights. This will be more expensive then the equivalent Jandy equipment. You can mix and match equipment and lose some of the communication and integration.

Pentair gives you a 3 year warranty when you buy a minimum of a pump and filter, and one or more of the following: heaters, heat pumps, control systems, automatic cleaners, lighting, salt chlorine generators or UV sterilizer together on one invoice and installed at the same time.

Pool Product Warranty Information

Whether you are planning a pool party for friends and family or prefer the serene sensation of a calm pool, Pentair has the pool and spa solutions just for you.

www.pentair.com

 

[lvrpl]

A 40k unit will do just fine with friendlier UV demand in CT if it makes sense to go Jandy.

I'd go Pentair if it was a choice but it's mostly personal preference. Jandy parts are dealer only, and dealer installed only or they aren't warrantied. If you're planning on hiring the PB (etc) for anything that arises, it's a non issue.

A smaller cell needs a longer runtime to produce the same FC, so a large VS pump is even more important. The PB won't be paying your electric bill for the next 15 years that the pump lasts and they often skimp on the pump and stick it to the pool owner.

Thanks, much appreciated. If I switch to Pentair for the SWG, would you suggest going to the 60k or staying with the 40k?

 

[Newdude]

60k for ROI. The IC60 is about 20% more for 50% more lifespan. I would have gone 3X in a heartbeat for said ROI but was limited by the 60k unit being the largest residential one.

The 40 will work fine, but the bulk of the cost is to get into the game. The install parts and labor for either is the same.

 

[DaveTheAccountant]

Owning an undersized cell myself I’d say bigger is better unless cost is a factor.

And I doubt it is in an overall build

 

[Newdude]

And I doubt it is in an overall build

It's a rounding error, no doubt.

 

[ajw22]

I've seen the recommendation to select a SWG that is rated for double the size of your pool - should I get something larger than the 40k gallon SWG from Jandy? It seems that 40k is the largest rated one Jandy makes, but Pentair does a 60k one. Should I switch to that? Note that I'm also considering switching the automation system from the Jandy Aqualink to the Pentair IntelliCenter, but I imagine my builder will want to use as much Jandy equipment s possible.

As we discussed above Pentair bundles an IC40 with the IntelliCenter at a significant discount.

Get the bundle and use the IC40 you get. When the IC40 gets used up you can replace it with an IC60.

Don't let your builder push you into Jandy equipment you don't want. It will just cost you more later. It is your pool he is being hired to build, not his.

 

[Newdude]

For example, when it's time to replace the SWG. If the PB is the only one who sells it, and only if he installs it, you'll pay a couple hundred extra for a 10 min untwist / retwist job. I'm all for businesses recovering their overhead and travel time, but that charge is ridiculous in regards to how simple the job is.

My PB installed it 'for free' but it was worked into the purchase price. With Pentair I was free to shop online and decide if I wanted to pay the premium.

 

[lvrpl]

One more followup - my pool builder isn't giving me any guff about switching to Pentair equipment and the Intellicenter, which I'm pleasantly surprised by. But he does say that he strongly recommends the Jandy 400k BTU heater over the Pentair because they've found it to be less susceptible to mice.

Is there any disadvantage or functionality loss by going with the Jandy heater and Pentair everything else (Intellicenter, VSP, SWG, valves, etc)?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[ajw22]

The latest MasterTemp model improved the vents to make it more difficult for mice to get it.

Add MK Rat Proofing to it regardless.

Rat Proof 201

mkratproofing.com

The new model MasterTemp connects to the IntelliCenter using RS-485 and the IntelliCenter will display heater status and errors if the RS-485 control is used instead of the firemans switch.

I would get the MasterTemp 400 with the MK Rat Proofing over the Jandy heater.

And with whatever heater you get have a Heater Bypass - Further Reading installed.