Real-world IC40 Reliability

[DB2]

We are moving into a new house that has nice pool but some "ancient" pool equipment, with no automation or SWG.

I have been scoping out all new equipment (DIY install) and am leaning towards Pentair with Intellitouch controls, intelliflo pumps, intellichem acid dispenser...and an IC40 SWG.

In our previous house I installed an Aquarite (T-CELL 15) SWG which worked great...11 years of life out of the first cell (!) and 4 years so far out of the second. (I have had to replace the thermistor on the Aquarite pcb twice.)

I am concerned though as the IC40 just seems to have terrible reviews, on Amazon and other sites, with most reviews (or IC40s purchased in the last few years) noting failure within a year. The Aquarite appears to have much better reviews.

Is the reliability of the IC40 really as bad as the reviews make out? I really would like to keep the controls/pumps/swg/chem dispenser all within the same "family" to make the automation set-up simple.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum! :handshake:

The weak link of the ICXX SWCG's is the flow switch. They will be replaced by Pentair while under warranty. They can be purchased on line for under $100.

The replacement of the cell is also more as the electronics are built into the cell and not a control box.

But, if you are getting Pentair automation, it is nearly imperative to have an Intellichlor. Be aware that Pentair equipment that is installed DIY gets a 60 day warranty.

Just be sure you size your SWCG for at least 2X your pool volume.

Take care.

 

[Jimrahbe]

db,

Not sure why you are going with the IntelliTouch instead of the EasyTouch.. IntelliTouch is for very complex pools systems.. the EasyTouch will work for about 95% of pool owners.

As Marty says... if going with Pentair automation you have little choice but to go with the Intellichlor SWCG.. You did not say how big the pool is, but your cell needs to be at least 2 x the volume of your pool...

From my experience, SWCG "failures" are about 70% actual user failures... Most people have no clue how the work and they just think you turn it on and you are done... The SWCG just generates chlorine, it has no brain... You are the SWCG's brain, so you still need to test and adjust your chemicals like always. Expecting the SWCG to do something it can't do is not a failure...

I have three pool with IC40 cells.. Two have been running 24/7 for almost 6 years and during that time I have had one bad flow switch... The cell at my house had to be replaced, but I'm pretty sure it was related to a lighting strike that we had. On the original cell, I went through three flow switches in three years... But, to be honest, I doubt most users would have noticed the problems with the salt readings.. "Working" here has made me more sensitive to the issue..

If you are buying the IntelliChem to dispense acid and plan to use the pH probe, you might want to look through our old posts about the problems with that idea.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[DB2]

Thanks for the responses. I suspected most of the failures I've read about are self-inflicted, but was certainly surprised to read so many about the IC40s.

My "new" pool is 16,000 gallons thus the choice of the IC40.

Also, to clarify as I was a bit loose with the product names, I will go with EasyTouch (fairly simple pool), and for the acid system the IntellipH - the fixed % dosing system, not the Intellichem with the probe. From what I can gather, most folks have had good luck with the IntellipH, as long as it is serviced properly.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Thanks for the responses. I suspected most of the failures I've read about are self-inflicted, but was certainly surprised to read so many about the IC40s.

My "new" pool is 16,000 gallons thus the choice of the IC40.

Also, to clarify as I was a bit loose with the product names, I will go with EasyTouch (fairly simple pool), and for the acid system the IntellipH - the fixed % dosing system, not the Intellichem with the probe. From what I can gather, most folks have had good luck with the IntellipH, as long as it is serviced properly.

DB,

Sounds like a good plan to me...

I would suggest that you get the EasyTouch with built-in SWCG power supply, which comes with the cell...

I have the ET4 at my house, and looking back, wish I had gotten the ET8..

Make sure you do NOT buy one of the "lite" versions of the ET.. they have a model number with an 'L' in it like, PL4 or PSL4... Just like lite salad dressing they do not taste right..

On the IntelliFlo pump, make sure you do NOT buy one with the SVRS safety option...

Do buy ScreenLogic... Makes using and programing the ET about 10 x easier and much more fun.

Thanks,

Jim R.