I'm looking at a new build and want to use a VS pump (Pentair intelliflow), IC60 salt cell, and possibly Suntouch solar controller. The builder will install these for a markup as expected but I can get them much cheaper myself. Any reason not to? I would have no problem with the plumbing or electric.
New build: has anyone ever taken the basic in equipment and then swapped it out with better right away?
- Thread starter blk94f150
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 58,750
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
If you are unconcerned about warranty, have the builder install the plumbing and pool and you install the surface equipment.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,750
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
So I'm new to this pool stuff. Is it common to have breakdowns during the regular warranty period?
- May 3, 2014
- 58,750
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Sometimes. Though to be honest, you can get the equipment for about 1/2 the cost a PB will charge, so even if you had to replace one of the items during the normal warranty period, you would still come out money ahead.
- May 3, 2014
- 58,750
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
No problem. Check with PolyTec Pools in Las Vegas. They have put together packages for members with good customer service and prices.
It would be a little cheeky, but you could get them to install a dummy cell so that you could switch out later... Could also ask them to put unions on the single speed pump they're installing if the port positions match the Intelliflo...
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- Nov 12, 2017
- 11,933
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Marty's logic is sound, though he left out one detail. Pentair gear carries a 60-day, or 1-year or 2-year warranty, depending on which product and who installed it. But if the PB installs three items, all purchased on the same invoice, you'll get a three-year warranty on everything. Those three items come from a specific list, not just any three items.
I'm coming up on three years. I've had two SWGs go out, and one 5G light. The second 5G is going out, too. So about $2400 or so? I haven't done the math to see if that has penciled out. And I would say pool gear is somewhat outside the scope of the normal warranty logic, the one where it's said "If it makes it through the first week, it'll last forever." Pool gear is in a harsh environment for electronics, and I believe it can go out at any point.
It's a role of the dice either way...
I'm coming up on three years. I've had two SWGs go out, and one 5G light. The second 5G is going out, too. So about $2400 or so? I haven't done the math to see if that has penciled out. And I would say pool gear is somewhat outside the scope of the normal warranty logic, the one where it's said "If it makes it through the first week, it'll last forever." Pool gear is in a harsh environment for electronics, and I believe it can go out at any point.
It's a role of the dice either way...
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Good point Dirk. Also note that a qualified installer doesn't necessarily mean a PB to get the extended warranty, meaning you could shop around.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 11,933
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Whatever you decide, you might price out the SWG and Suntouch against an IntelliCenter or EasyTouch bundle, one that comes with the SWG. Those automation controllers have the solar control built in, and can control a ton of other things, too, including your pump. Other things that you might someday want. I've read solar programming on the Suntouch is a bit of a bear. Very easy on my ET. And with ET, you can add on remote control (like iPad, smart phones, etc). I think the IntelliCenter has that built in. Now's the time to sort all this out. Maybe read some of the owner manuals on line. Get a feel of the capabilities. I skipped that step and ended up with a controller that is not adequate, but just expensive enough to keep me from throwing that money away by buying the one I should have...