I'm strongly considering putting in an attic heat exchanger (Solar Attic) as we have high attic temperatures and by putting that heat in the pool we would also cool our house and reduce air conditioning cost. In theory it makes a lot of sense and our attic/pool stats seem to work well for the system. I'm trying to figure out an automation solution (it operates like solar heating) in conjunction with buying a new variable speed and/or flow pump and would appreciate some insights. I am interested in reliability and were thinking about a Pentair pump. We don't plan on adding a spa or other crazy features. There is an old paragon light that is busted and will need to be replaced at some point and I want it to be able to automate the pool cleaner as well. Phone control would be nice but not necessary. We are trying to keep costs down but want to do it right and future proof.
The cheapest pentair solution seems to be the Solar Touch which (on page 11 of manual linked) states that it is recommended for the Intelliflo VS 3050 (011018) but not for the VF. It doesn't mention anything about the newer VSF pump. Initially I thought that regulating the flow and having a slow constant flow rate through the heat exchanger would be best but after doing some research it looks like a faster rate causes more turbulence which increases heat transfer. Also, I found THIS article which suggests that variable flow pump can be problematic with with solar systems. Other Pentair automation options are the Suntouch (which I have been told to stay away from), Intelliconnect (but I do not believe it works with solar systems), Easytouch PL4 (522355, which should do all but is more expensive). I'm also open to non-pentair automation options.
Please help guide me as to recommendations for a pump and automation system. Should I just get the old VF (011018) pump or newer VSF (011056) pump? Which automation system would you recommend?
I'm excited to join the forum and thanks in advance for any responses.
The cheapest pentair solution seems to be the Solar Touch which (on page 11 of manual linked) states that it is recommended for the Intelliflo VS 3050 (011018) but not for the VF. It doesn't mention anything about the newer VSF pump. Initially I thought that regulating the flow and having a slow constant flow rate through the heat exchanger would be best but after doing some research it looks like a faster rate causes more turbulence which increases heat transfer. Also, I found THIS article which suggests that variable flow pump can be problematic with with solar systems. Other Pentair automation options are the Suntouch (which I have been told to stay away from), Intelliconnect (but I do not believe it works with solar systems), Easytouch PL4 (522355, which should do all but is more expensive). I'm also open to non-pentair automation options.
Please help guide me as to recommendations for a pump and automation system. Should I just get the old VF (011018) pump or newer VSF (011056) pump? Which automation system would you recommend?
I'm excited to join the forum and thanks in advance for any responses.
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