Raypak Avia to replace Pentair?

[CaptainChaos]

Hi folks, looking to replace my Pentair and seriously considering the Raypak Avia. Raypak has a good reputation and Rheem has been around for a long time building furnaces. But, as with any newer technology, it is hard to get a gauge on if this particular heater, being a brand new model, is holding up for those who own it.

I'm also interested in adding actuators for the valves required to drive the hot tub (it waterfalls into the pool). Haven't gotten a firm read on whether the Raypak Avia can control those and, if so, which ones?

Appreciate any insight for Raypak owners primarily, but repair folks would be great as well! Thank you in advance.

 

[ajw22]

I'm also interested in adding actuators for the valves required to drive the hot tub (it waterfalls into the pool). Haven't gotten a firm read on whether the Raypak Avia can control those and, if so, which ones?

Page 64 in https://s3.amazonaws.com/AWSProd/sites/raypakcom/documents/241807.pdf describes the Auxiliary Control Output in the Avia heater. The manual gives an example of it controlling one actuator.

It does not look like it can control two actuators in a coordinated way that is needed to turn the suction and return actuators of a Pool/Spa setup.

 

[1poolman1]

The manual indicates the heater can control some pumps, lights, etc. with dry relays, but not two actuators.

 

[ajw22]

The manual indicates the heater can control some pumps, lights, etc. with dry relays.

I think Raypak marketing is playing fast and loose with what is really in the heater, their app , or in their Protege VSP (variable-speed pump),.

Because on this page...

AVIA HD with NiTek – Raypak

Raypak Pool & Spa, Residential and Commercial Hydronic Products -

www.raypak.com

they need to footnote in fine small print that it takes their pump to manage other devices.

Smart Ecosystem Manager ​

AVIA can monitor and control your pool ecosystem including, pumps, lights, or water features so there is no need for expensive, complex external control systems.1 AVIA pairs perfectly with our Protégé VSP (Variable Speed Pump) to create a uniquely Raypak pool heating experience – all controlled from the onboard control, or the Raymote App.

1With the Protege VSP (variable-speed pump), AVIA can manage heater, pump, and one additional pool system accessory (lights, water feature, etc). With single or two-speed pumps or variable speed pumps from other brands, AVIA can manage heater and one other pool system accessory.

 

[1poolman1]

I think Raypak marketing is playing fast and loose with what is really in the heater, their app , or in their Protege VSP (variable-speed pump),.

Because on this page...

AVIA HD with NiTek – Raypak

Raypak Pool & Spa, Residential and Commercial Hydronic Products -

www.raypak.com

they need to footnote in fine small print that it takes their pump to manage other devices.

Smart Ecosystem Manager ​

AVIA can monitor and control your pool ecosystem including, pumps, lights, or water features so there is no need for expensive, complex external control systems.1 AVIA pairs perfectly with our Protégé VSP (Variable Speed Pump) to create a uniquely Raypak pool heating experience – all controlled from the onboard control, or the Raymote App.

1With the Protege VSP (variable-speed pump), AVIA can manage heater, pump, and one additional pool system accessory (lights, water feature, etc). With single or two-speed pumps or variable speed pumps from other brands, AVIA can manage heater and one other pool system accessory.

Years ago, Jandy tried to integrate pool/spa control into their heaters with a very expensive upgrade. Sta-Rite, prior to being purchased by Pentair, did the same with the Max-E-Therm. Both failed miserably.

 

[Lalo Thames]

Years ago, Jandy tried to integrate pool/spa control into their heaters with a very expensive upgrade. Sta-Rite, prior to being purchased by Pentair, did the same with the Max-E-Therm. Both failed miserably.

What makes AVIA different is that once the actuator is connected, you can create various automations and on demand scenes on the app, scheduling is possible in combination with other actions such as heater set point, mode, even custom notifications.
Yes, the one auxiliar dry contact is a limitation, I am sure they will add more, I can see in the app that there is some additional future considerations.
The board looks like can talk natively with their VSP protégé pump, without using up the auxiliar page 32.