Pentair Easytouch & Valve Actuator - Can a delay be added?

[Flybriz]

Hello friends... I'm biting the bullet and getting a Glacier Pool Cooler because our pool already feels like bath water here in Oklahoma. I haven't received it yet, but I'm looking at the installation manual and am in a quandary. For automation, it requires two 3-way valves and valve actuators. In the instructions, it specifies that valve #1 (water in) needs to open first to allow the pool cooler to start filling up with water, and then valve #2 (water out) should open shortly after to prevent air entering the system and cavitation of the pump. I've Googled, checked the forums here, and looked at all the ScreenLogic settings and have not found a way to add a delay to a valve actuator when assigning it to a feature. Is this possible with the EasyTouch? If not, any potential workarounds?

Edit: I just found a relay with an adjustable delay. Maybe I can wire this in with the valve actuator? Macromatic TR-50228-10 $33.09 Time Delay Relay, 24VAC/DC, 10A, DPDT, 2VA | Zoro.com

 

[Jimrahbe]

Fly,

Are you using any automated valves right now???

The EasyTouch does not have any delays that I am aware of.

Is you plan to have the valve scheduled to come on or are you going to do it manually.. If scheduled, it would be pretty easy to just turn them on a few minutes apart..

If manually, you could turn on one, wait and then turn on the other..

Nothing built into the EasyTouch is going to do the delay for you.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Flybriz]

Fly,

Are you using any automated valves right now???

The EasyTouch does not have any delays that I am aware of.

Is you plan to have the valve scheduled to come on or are you going to do it manually.. If scheduled, it would be pretty easy to just turn them on a few minutes apart..

If manually, you could turn on one, wait and then turn on the other..

Nothing built into the EasyTouch is going to do the delay for you.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Hi Jim! Yes, I have an automated valve right now that controls a water feature. My plan was to run this on a schedule, with an option to turn it off/on at will. That's actually a good idea, separating the valve actuators as two features, and achieve the delay via scheduling. I hadn't thought of that! I appreciate the input.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Fly,

Keep in mind the ET can only drive two user programmable valves.. A and B.. The other two valve drivers can only be used for the Intake and Return valves...

But.. you can add an extra valve driver, and if you used your delay relay it could do what you want... See extra valve idea below..

img058.jpg

• Jimrahbe
• Nov 15, 2018

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Flybriz]

Thanks Jim - That's a great idea to drive the valve with a relay and aux port. I failed to mention that this chiller is a part of a slightly more robust upgrade, which includes an EasyTouch 8 circuit board (what was I thinking only getting a 4!) and a Pentair additional valve module.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Fly,

I don't think you can add an additional valve module to the EasyTouch. You can to the IntelliTouch, but not the EasyTouch..

I suggest that you talk with Tom about upgrading your current card... PM him at @ogdento

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Flybriz]

You are right, Jim. Rookie mistake on my part - I see know that it says IntelliTouch only. Well, I'm definitely going to use your method of putting it on an aux relay. Thanks for bringing that to my attention! I will also reach out to Tom.

 

[Flybriz]

Fly,

I don't think you can add an additional valve module to the EasyTouch. You can to the IntelliTouch, but not the EasyTouch..

I suggest that you talk with Tom about upgrading your current card... PM him at @ogdento

Thanks,

Jim R.

Fly,

Keep in mind the ET can only drive two user programmable valves.. A and B.. The other two valve drivers can only be used for the Intake and Return valves...

But.. you can add an extra valve driver, and if you used your delay relay it could do what you want... See extra valve idea below..

img058.jpg

• Jimrahbe
• Nov 15, 2018

Thanks,

Jim R.

Fly,

Keep in mind the ET can only drive two user programmable valves.. A and B.. The other two valve drivers can only be used for the Intake and Return valves...

But.. you can add an extra valve driver, and if you used your delay relay it could do what you want... See extra valve idea below..

img058.jpg

• Jimrahbe
• Nov 15, 2018

Thanks,

Jim R.

Hi Jim! Sorry to bug you again, but would you recommend that I add a Dedicated 120V to 24VAC transformer for this circuit design to power the actuator, or is it okay to tap into the existing one in the EasyTouch? I figure I could splice into the line just after the 24V breaker before it goes into the motherboard, but perhaps there is a better spot.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Fly,

I have a dedicated transformer, but just because my system was under warranty at the time, and I wanted to make sure I did not blown anything up..

If I had to do it again, I'd sure think about using the system 24 VAC.. I can't see it causing may problems.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Flybriz]

Brilliant, thanks! It’s getting just a touch crowded in there, so I think I’ll tap into the system power. I’m out of warranty anyway. I appreciate your sage advice. Oh, and I got the on delay relay yesterday and bench tested it. It’s going to work great to space out the opening of the two actuators without having to setup 2 schedules.

If anyone is interested in going this same route, get the 30 second or 1 minute max version. I bought the 3 minute max version and it’s a bit tricky to dial in the Glacier-recommended 30 second delay.