Hi
Spdif48
Thanks very much for your positive comments.
To answer your questions. I do feel that in my opinion, the Pentair IntelliCenter is the best overall "commercially available" pool automation system. The reason that I make that caveat, is due to the fact, that there are a few very talented folks out there, who have gone down the "home-brew" road and if I did not make that distinction, they would beat up on me.
![Stick out tongue :p :p](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Some of them have some very impressive systems and I'm a bit jealous of them.
Now then, for some who already have earlier versions of Pentair automation systems, it may or may not make much sense to upgrade, especially if their pools are not too complex (water features, extreme lighting etc.). In these situations, it just wouldn't be worth the expense and trouble I feel.
I would recommend the IntelliCenter to anyone that is building a new pool, is looking to automate and prefers to use Pentair pool equipment. Especially those, who are planning on pool/spa combos, complex water features, and lots of cool lighting features.
If the Pentair servers hiccuped (I don't see that lasting for long however), the only restrictions that I would run in to, is that I could not use my computer, iPhone or Amazon Alexa, to make configuration changes or command the system to do something. The IntelliCenter automation would continue to run all Schedules, Feature Circuits, Lighting etc. I can do anything at the touchscreen panel (and a bit more) that I can do remotely.
I hope I have been able to address your questions and please feel free to contact me if you have any others.
Thanks for the good questions.
Take care.
r.