OK to hook Pentair SolarTouch controller to Intermatic timer?

[DavidInLA]

I just installed a solar pool system with a Pentair SolarTouch controller. The SolarTouch is hooked up to an Intermatic timer that also controls a variable flow pump. That means when the timer hits the “ON” tripper, both the pump and the solar controller turn on, and the “OFF” tripper turns them both off.

Is this OK? I would’ve preferred for the SolarTouch to remain on all the time and the timer to just control the pump. I don’t know if the solar controller is meant to turn off and on daily, and I’m worried that can harm the unit or mess with the settings.

 

[DavidInLA]

Bump
I just want to make sure that it’s common or even acceptable practice to have the solar controller and get powered on and off on a daily basis like this. It’s essentially plugging and unplugging it every day without properly, turning it off from the controls

 

[Jimrahbe]

David,

I am puzzled??

VS pumps have their own internal timers and should get constant AC power.
I thought the SolarTouch also had an internal timer and could control the pump??

Please tell us what specific pump you have, and why you want to run using an external timer box?

Maybe I just don't fully understand what you are trying to do.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[DavidInLA]

David,

I am puzzled??

VS pumps have their own internal timers and should get constant AC power.
I thought the SolarTouch also had an internal timer and could control the pump??

Please tell us what specific pump you have, and why you want to run using an external timer box?

Maybe I just don't fully understand what you are trying to do.

Thanks,

Jim R.

My pump is a Hayward Max-Flo VS. It does not have an internal timer that I’m aware of.

The solar controller is a Pentair SolarTouch, which can be linked to a Pentair pump to coordinate the time, but it doesn’t do that with my existing pump.

I don’t like the idea of using an external timing box but that’s what the previous owner set up for the pump. I just added the solar controller and the installer hooked it up to the same box, also connected to the timer. It seems maybe not the best arrangement but I didn’t think about that until now.

So my options are to keep them both on the Intermatic with interrupted power to turn on and off, or just keep them both on all the time. The issue is that its tedious to turn the timer on and off manually.

 

[proavia]

As @Jimrahbe mentioned - the Hayward Max Flo VS has an integrated fully programmable touch pad control - a programmable timer with the ability to set variable speeds to run at programmed times. This pump should have continuous power and not be wired thru a separate timer.

No idea on the Pentair Solar Touch.

 

[1poolman1]

My pump is a Hayward Max-Flo VS. It does not have an internal timer that I’m aware of.

The solar controller is a Pentair SolarTouch, which can be linked to a Pentair pump to coordinate the time, but it doesn’t do that with my existing pump.

I don’t like the idea of using an external timing box but that’s what the previous owner set up for the pump. I just added the solar controller and the installer hooked it up to the same box, also connected to the timer. It seems maybe not the best arrangement but I didn’t think about that until now.

So my options are to keep them both on the Intermatic with interrupted power to turn on and off, or just keep them both on all the time. The issue is that its tedious to turn the timer on and off manually.

How old is the pump? The original Max-Flo VS did not have a time clock, only a timer that started when power was applied. If that is how yours is, the Intermatic is fine.
It looks like this:

The newer Max-Flo VS should have constant power as it has an internal clock and timer. Looks like this:

The Solar Touch can either be powered constantly or switched with an Intermatic.

 

[DavidInLA]

How old is the pump? The original Max-Flo VS did not have a time clock, only a timer that started when power was applied. If that is how yours is, the Intermatic is fine.
It looks like this:
View attachment 574971
The newer Max-Flo VS should have constant power as it has an internal clock and timer. Looks like this:
View attachment 574972
The Solar Touch can either be powered constantly or switched with an Intermatic.

I
have the older Max-Flo VS. the program allows a certain number of hours at X RPM, then it either turns off or runs at low speed indefinitely after that. There’s no timer to repeat the cycle the following day, which is what I want; and which is what the Intermatic does. I just was worried that then daily power on/off would be detrimental to the solar controller. I know most modern electronics advise against unplugging until they are first turned off properly.

 

[Jimrahbe]

David,

Thanks for the whole story...

I doubt that turning things on and off each day using the timer will hurt anything.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[1poolman1]

I
have the older Max-Flo VS. the program allows a certain number of hours at X RPM, then it either turns off or runs at low speed indefinitely after that. There’s no timer to repeat the cycle the following day, which is what I want; and which is what the Intermatic does. I just was worried that then daily power on/off would be detrimental to the solar controller. I know most modern electronics advise against unplugging until they are first turned off properly.

Won't hurt anything to use the Intermatic. When that pump first came out I installed several with similar setups as yours.