panic_button
I agree with
mknauss on both accounts.
It should be noted that no one here will try to coerce you into going one way or the other with regards to pool equipment selection. It's YOUR pool and YOUR wallet
. Rather, most will just try to make sure that you have all of the information necessary, so that you can make an
informed decision on pool equipment selection, features or build techniques.
Here is some info that may be helpful to you if you just want to explore all possibilites with regards to Pentair automation.
First, there is no such thing as to what you have referenced above in your equipment list: AUTOMATION/SALT SYSTEM:
Pentair EasyConnect 8 with IC20 Salt Cell.
Your builder has quoted a system that does not exist. He is probably actually referring to a
Pentair EasyTouch 8. Hopefully he (the builder) is not referring to the "IntelliConnect", given your list of pool equipment and features. The IntelliConnect is pretty cool but is designed for very simple systems. Not like yours.
The older Pentair EasyTouch and IntelliTouch automation systems are proven, "bullet proof" and "tried and true" automation systems that several hundred members here have, use and are very happy with.
However, Pentair released the new IntelliCenter automation system in about October 2018. So yes, you are right. It IS very new. I have been using the IntelliCenter since December 2018.
Are there some "bugs"? Yep (none that are significant). But most, if not all, are related to very advanced applications and uses. Is Pentair actively correcting those and introducing new features into their firmware?
Absolutely.
Here is the thing. When you get a EasyTouch or IntelliTouch, for the most part, you are pretty much relying on the firmware that it comes with. Pentair software developers are not really working on improving those systems anymore. They are putting all of their efforts now into the IntelliCenter. When Pentair releases an IntelliCenter firmware update, it is immediately sent directly to your IntelliCenter. That feature is called "Over-the-air (OTA) updates". The older systems do not have that capability. So when there is a new feature or capability that Pentair wants to release, "BAM", it is sent to your IntelliCenter automatically.
In addition, the IntelliCenter has several features and/or capabilties that the older systems do not posses or are limited in some way.
Here is just a short list and some comparisons.
1.
Newer technology and the capacity for further enhancements in the future.
2.
Web Based (no need for configurator type utilities and programs that the older systems require).
And no need for ScreenLogic.
3.
Automatic software and firmware update “pushes” versus the “flash-upgrade” style updates that requires an expensive Pentair Automation Flash Programming Kit.
4.
Future expandability, flexibility and upgradeability (i.e. future RS-485 support for IntelliValve and possibly IntellipH as well).
5.
USB port which allows for saving your latest system configuration file.
6. No real
cost difference between the IntelliCenter and ET8/IT8, when you factor in the cost for screenlogic for the older systems.
Screenlogic is not needed for the IntelliCenter. It is "Web-Based".
7. Built-in integration support for the new Pentair
IntelliValve (two come bundled with the personality kits).
8.
Larger capacitive type touch sensitive color screen at the control panel.
9.
32 “Feature Circuits” capability. Eight with the older systems.
10.
16 “Circuit Groups” (“
macros”) capability. EasyTouch does not support macros. IntelliTouch supports ten.
11.
100 available "Schedules". I believe that the older systems have a maximum of six or eight.
You can read more and gain some more insight about this newer Pentair automation system here. This thread is probably the largest depository of IntelliCenter information on TFP currently.
So, it’s been almost about a month now, since I received the Pentair IntelliCenter Control System automation equipment and “let the fun begin”. I thought that I might share my experiences and my opinions up to this point, in case others may be considering the purchase and use of this particular...
www.troublefreepool.com
Again, no one is trying to convince you one way or the other. But only attempt to provide you with all available information (good or bad).
I'm sure that no matter what Pentair automation system that you choose for your needs, that it will be the correct one based on your requirements and that you will be happy with it.
I hope you will share your pool build (with photos/videos) with us, as your build progresses.
Good luck with your new project and if you have any questions regarding the IntelliCenter, please feel free to ask.
Take care...
r.
