New EQUIP and Plumbing for old pool

[sam2011]

Hi All,
First, i have to say i have admired everyone here and i have learnt a lot.

Our pool came with the house but it was not in use and with a small kid on the way, we ignored it. now i am getting ready (i know the season is done), but we will for sure open the pool next year. the liner is easy, but rest is where i need help. Pump Filter and plumbing .

Pool Shape: 18'x36' rectangle + Center steps. 3' on shallow end and 6' on the deep end.
Pool Size: 20k gallons.
Piping : i believe its 1.5 from the skimmer and the drain and 2 returns (one on the deep end and one on the shallow end).

for the controller i am deciding to go with Pentair Easytouch with IC40 (decent reviews and I have spent most time researching this, but enlighten me if i should change my decision).
1. for the filter i am thinking S244T Sand filter with Zeolyte
2. for the pump i am very confused as i am thinking of a VS pump. this is where the confusion starts as based on my needs i dont believe i need more than the1.5HP superflo VS pump, but zero integration with Easytouch (or using 3 circuits on it) makes me cringe. but the 3HP IntellFlo/IntelliPro i believe is an overkill (but then i only use one circuit on the baord)
3. I am thinking of adding 4 x LED Luminars to add pop
3.1 i am scared of using the 3HP pump as the piping is old black pipe (not sure what it is, but I am scared that a very strong pump might damage it in some way.
4. For future, i am thinking maybe i will add solar heating of some sorts. but this could be 2-3 years down the lane.
5. May add a small waterfall like feature in the future (another pet project if time allows).

So experts .... what is a good combination and would i ever need 3HP pump ?

then the actual plumbing, i am thinking:

[Drain + Skimmer] ---> Pump -----> filter ----> IC40 ----> [2 jets and Luminars]
Q: Should i put in a valve in [Dran+Skimmer] and Pump ? so i can control the flow if ever needed ?
Q: Do i need a valve to control the flow between the 2 jets and the luminars ?

 

[sam2011]

@jonpcar i was reading your thread and i see you have valves

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum! :handshake:

Skip the Zeolyte - sand is what the filter was designed for and works great. Lasts as long as you will.

Get the Intelliflo. You can limit the high rpm it can go to. So limit it to 2500 or 3000 rpm. Integrates well with ET and SWCG.

You do want a valve so that you can control from MD and skimmer. MD is really not needed, so if you are replacing liner(?), consider eliminating it.

You do need valves so that you can control returns and luminar. You will not want to run luminar all the time as it will drive up your pH.

I suggest you read Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Trouble Free Pool School book.

Please add a signature. Read Pool School - Read This BEFORE You Post
Information in your signature will show up each time you post and it makes advice more accurate as we know what equipment we are dealing with.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Sam,

If you plan to have an Easytouch, then your only option is to go with the 3 HP IntelliFlo... Keep in mind that the 3 HP is max, it does not mean you need to use it.

Variable Speed pumps should really be called Variable Horsepower pumps. You really can't go too big with a VS pump and there is no cause for you to be worried at all about your plumbing.

I run my IntelliFlo at about 1200 RPM most of the time, and my filter pressure is less than 2 PSI...

The Easytouch, Intelliflo, and IC40 are all designed to work together. Make sure you get a real ET and not a 'Lite' version. Just like with lite salad dressing, they do not taste right..

I suggest you get the ET with built in SWCG power supply.. (Assuming no spa) I suggest his one. https://sunplay.com/collections/pentair-easytouch-control-systems/products/pentair-easy-touch-control-system-520593

Makes sure any IntelliFlo you get does NOT have the SVRS option..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[sam2011]

Welcome to the forum! :handshake:

Skip the Zeolyte - sand is what the filter was designed for and works great. Lasts as long as you will.

Get the Intelliflo. You can limit the high rpm it can go to. So limit it to 2500 or 3000 rpm. Integrates well with ET and SWCG.

You do want a valve so that you can control from MD and skimmer. MD is really not needed, so if you are replacing liner(?), consider eliminating it.

You do need valves so that you can control returns and luminar. You will not want to run luminar all the time as it will drive up your pH.

I suggest you read Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Trouble Free Pool School book.

Please add a signature. Read Pool School - Read This BEFORE You Post
Information in your signature will show up each time you post and it makes advice more accurate as we know what equipment we are dealing with.

thanks for the great advice.

i am on the books.

agree with the MD delete... will talk to the liner company about it.

Do you know if the intellivalves take up a circuit on ET ?

- - - Updated - - -

Sam,

If you plan to have an Easytouch, then your only option is to go with the 3 HP IntelliFlo... Keep in mind that the 3 HP is max, it does not mean you need to use it.

Variable Speed pumps should really be called Variable Horsepower pumps. You really can't go too big with a VS pump and there is no cause for you to be worried at all about your plumbing.

I run my IntelliFlo at about 1200 RPM most of the time, and my filter pressure is less than 2 PSI...

The Easytouch, Intelliflo, and IC40 are all designed to work together. Make sure you get a real ET and not a 'Lite' version. Just like with lite salad dressing, they do not taste right..

I suggest you get the ET with built in SWCG power supply.. (Assuming no spa) I suggest his one. https://sunplay.com/collections/pen...ucts/pentair-easy-touch-control-system-520593

Makes sure any IntelliFlo you get does NOT have the SVRS option..

Thanks,

Jim R.

@Jimrahbe,
thank you for that lite salad dressing comparison. the you have suggested is the exact on i am looking at. and based on the recommendation you have and from what i have read on the TFP, i agree so SVRS.

i see you have the Calendra Spa. we have a similar one sitting next to the pool. is that connected to the ET in any way? or can it be?

 

[mknauss]

I do not have much information on the Intellivalves. The basic actuators are easy to adjust and set how you want them so do not know the advantage of the Intellivalves.

 

[Jimrahbe]

thanks for the great advice.

i am on the books.

agree with the MD delete... will talk to the liner company about it.

Do you know if the intellivalves take up a circuit on ET ?

- - - Updated - - -




@Jimrahbe,
thank you for that lite salad dressing comparison. the you have suggested is the exact on i am looking at. and based on the recommendation you have and from what i have read on the TFP, i agree so SVRS.

i see you have the Calendra Spa. we have a similar one sitting next to the pool. is that connected to the ET in any way? or can it be?

Sam,


I do not recommend the Intellivalves and they do not do what I suspect you think they do... They cost more for no real value. The still only have two positions.. they just allow you to electrically adjust the two stops vs. mechanically adjusting the two stops. Once the stops are adjusted 99% of the time they are not adjusted again. A waste of money..

Valves do not use a relay unless you want to use one of the front panel buttons.. they can also be driven by Features circuits, which have no relays. Keep in mind the ET only have two (user programmable) valve drivers... the other two drivers are fixed to control the Intake and Return valves for switching between the Pool and Spa modes.

The EasyTouch is not designed to control standalone spas... But I have never let that get in my way before... I use the ET to control the Spa the same way it controls a heater... I turn the Spa on full hot and then use the ET to control the actual temperature. To do this you also have to add a relay to switch between the pool water temperature probe that comes with the ET, and a separate temperature probe in the Spa.

Thanks,

Jim R.