Need new automation system.

[pkuprionas]

I am currently running an Intermatic RC2163BFE (https://www.intermatic.com/Product/RC2163BFE) that is failing. I've had to replace the heater control board and luckily was able to find one for a reasonable price (used) on eBay. I'm not even sure I could get the part new anywhere at this point.

I'm thinking the Pentair IntelliCenter System (Load Center with i5P Personality Kit) - Part number 523448 but I'm not really sure that is the correct one (very confused).

I basically want to have the ability to turn on the spa (currently a very simple rotary timer switch to activate the actuators), monitor the pump (remote/WiFi/app) and allow the heater to work. I don't think I need to do anything for the SWG as it just comes on with the pump currently (but again, I may be not understanding).

My equipment is as follows, any advice is welcome!

At some point I will also replace the gas heater with an electric heat pump - but not for a year or two.

Pool Pump	B+D 2HP variable speed pump	Black & Decker 2HP Energy Star Variable Speed Inground Swimming Pool Pump (Qualifies for Utility Rebates) Energy Star Certified and with an included 5-year warranty, the Black & Decker 2 horsepower variable-speed pool pump outperforms all other pumps on the market—and pays itself off with up to 80% of energy costs saved in all phases of operation. This truly versatile unit allows slower filtration... poolpartstogo.com
Power/Timer/Automation	Intermatic RC2163BFE	https://www.intermatic.com/Product/RC2163BFE
Heater	Jandy LRZE natural gas	Pool Water Heater: Jandy Legacy Pool Heater | Jandy Looking for a Pool Water Heater? This Jandy Legacy Pool Heater will bring the Perfect Pool Experience. Buy Now w/ a Pool Pro Near you! www.jandy.com
SWG	Circupool RJ45 Plus	CircuPool RJ-45 PLUS Saltwater Chlorinator for up to 45000 gallon salt water pools www.circupool.com
Spa valves (2) actuators	Intermatic PE24VA	https://www.intermatic.com/Product/PE24VA
Lighting (pool/spa and landscape)	Suraielec 300W Wi-Fi	Amazon.com
Filter	Jandy CJ200	Jandy Cartridge Filter CJ200 (CS200) - INYOPools.com Jandy Cartridge Filter www.inyopools.com

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Post pics of your equipment pad and let us see the type of valves you have.

 

[pkuprionas]

Thank you for the welcome.

See pool pad and values:

 

[ajw22]

You list a Superflo pump next to the B+D pump. Are you playing to replace your pump?

How old is your Circupool SWG cell?

 

[pkuprionas]

You list a Superflo pump next to the B+D pump. Are you playing to replace your pump?

How old is your Circupool SWG cell?

Oops, sorry - fixed it (I did just replace the pump and didn't update the link in my spreadsheet).

The SWG was installed about 1.5yrs ago.

 

[ajw22]

The i5P kit will not control your spa. You need the i5PS kit - 521907 at a minimum.

You really need a way to vary the speeds on your pump so you can run it at a lower speed when your heater is not on and have the IntelliCenter increase the pump speed when the heater is on.

You can control the B+D VS pump speeds with the IntelliCenter using the Smartflo Automation adapter which would require using three of the high voltage relays. If you plan to do that you should get an i8 system with 8 relays rather than 5. However that will not work with the heater control on the IntelliCenter.

Calimar/Circupool/BD/Blue Torrent Pump - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Really with the IntelliCenter you want a Pentair VS pump and the IntelliChlor SWG so the automation can control them. I don't know how far you want to go with this but the time to decide is now. If you want an IntelliChlor eventually then you should get the bundle with the Intellichlor as it is a good deal and discount from getting the Power Center and cell later.

Have you considered getting a Pentair VS pump and selling your B+D pump?

Pentair Automation Systems - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

You can control the B+D VS pump speeds with the IntelliCenter using the Smartflo Automation adapter

If you decide to go that route, the Calimar pump uses the same automation interface and it's less expensive...

CaliMar® Pump Interface Board | CMARVSPIB

Pool Supply Unlimited has some of the best prices when shopping for CaliMar® Pump Interface Board | CMARVSPIB

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