South Florida - New In-ground Large Build

@MyAZPool
Started to mess with the intellicenter and the expansion panel. I am having nothing but problems with it. At first, the displays kept freezing up. So I figured it was a firmware issue. So I tried to set up the wifi and it will not recognize ANY networks. So after being on the phone for HOURS and HOURS - while speaking to one of the techs - the main board fried........I mean up in smoke!!!! Melted the transformer wires and all!
After sending them detailed photos of the install and proved to them it was not even remotely my wiring. They decided to send me a new board.
Well they sent it to the wrong address!!! A week later I finally got my overnight board. Installed it and i still have issues...........
They expansion panel is not being recognized by the main board - for example - I have a 5G light on one of the relays for the expansion board. I also have my spa blower on another relay in the expansion board. They both turn on/off as directed. But - if you select all the lights (as a group) and turn them all to "party mode" - The one light in the expansion box will not sync. In fact - it will not do anything. It accepts no other commands but on/off.
And the light screen when brought up on the display will freeze up.
Main Board Accepted Firmware update via USB
Expansion Board will not accept Firmware update.
So now - they are overnight me a expansion board so I can swap that out too.

Pentair has acknowledged there is something definitely wrong and are working with me to get it right. As of now I have nothing hooked up to the panels except the lights and the blower. My pumps are being run manually for the time being. (I have had the main pump running 24/7 since water fill - I have to say - the pool never once looked cloudy, and has been crystal clear!!!! I have cleaned my filter about 3 times so far and for the first week, brushed 3x's a day - second week 2x's a day - now 1x a day.

So I am frustrated that the panels are not working properly.....
I also have a laminar that will not stop "thumping". No matter what you tell it!!!! - Hoping that is a firmware issue too
Hoping lack of networks being seen is firmware issue.
HOPE HOPE HOPE!!!!!
 
In the meantime - I ran my sprinkler lines and heads in preparation for sod.... 1.5" mainline with 1" laterals to 1/2" flex pipe to sprinkler heads. Running a 1.5hp Irrigator Well Pump. I also ran 1" line all the way around the perimeter of the property with 1/2" flex pipe stubbed up every 20' for drip irrigation and soaker hose in landscape beds....
20190530_201007.jpg20190530_195844.jpg20190530_195831.jpg
 
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Oh me, oh my that is SOOOOO pretty!! I Love, Love, LOVE the plaster color!!! That is SO rich looking!!!

What are those propane tank things? I am guessing a filter of some sort as there are hoses connected to them.

Gurrrrrrrrr on the boards not working!!! What a pain but at least they are trying to work with you! FRIED?? Where you there when it happened? SCARY stuff right there!

Do you like the sound of your jets?

Are you putting the sod down or working with your wallet?

I see my swim out bench! I can't wait to hear how you like it in action. Is it tall enough, wide enough ect.

Kim:kim:
 
@MyAZPool
Started to mess with the intellicenter and the expansion panel. I am having nothing but problems with it. At first, the displays kept freezing up. So I figured it was a firmware issue. So I tried to set up the wifi and it will not recognize ANY networks. So after being on the phone for HOURS and HOURS - while speaking to one of the techs - the main board fried........I mean up in smoke!!!! Melted the transformer wires and all!
After sending them detailed photos of the install and proved to them it was not even remotely my wiring. They decided to send me a new board.
Well they sent it to the wrong address!!! A week later I finally got my overnight board. Installed it and i still have issues...........
They expansion panel is not being recognized by the main board - for example - I have a 5G light on one of the relays for the expansion board. I also have my spa blower on another relay in the expansion board. They both turn on/off as directed. But - if you select all the lights (as a group) and turn them all to "party mode" - The one light in the expansion box will not sync. In fact - it will not do anything. It accepts no other commands but on/off.
And the light screen when brought up on the display will freeze up.
Main Board Accepted Firmware update via USB
Expansion Board will not accept Firmware update.
So now - they are overnight me a expansion board so I can swap that out too.

Pentair has acknowledged there is something definitely wrong and are working with me to get it right. As of now I have nothing hooked up to the panels except the lights and the blower. My pumps are being run manually for the time being. (I have had the main pump running 24/7 since water fill - I have to say - the pool never once looked cloudy, and has been crystal clear!!!! I have cleaned my filter about 3 times so far and for the first week, brushed 3x's a day - second week 2x's a day - now 1x a day.

So I am frustrated that the panels are not working properly.....
I also have a laminar that will not stop "thumping". No matter what you tell it!!!! - Hoping that is a firmware issue too
Hoping lack of networks being seen is firmware issue.
HOPE HOPE HOPE!!!!!
John_and_Val
John,
First, I just want to say just how awesome your pool looks absolutely awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
Now on to the "electrons". Wow, I can't believe how many issues but then you do have "the mother of all IntelliCenter installs", so maybe those minor issues that we all encounter at first are just multiplied exponentially due to such a mega install.
I think if I were at the junction that you are at, I would get that local Pentair Rep out there "mosh skosh"!!!
All of my dealings with Pentair have exceeded my expectations but I have heard that others have had less than satisfactory results. I'm sending you a PM.
Will try to get you some additional info there.
r.
 
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I have a link I NEED you to go to! This is where we have been sharing plaster colors! Your pool is SO pretty it NEEDS to be there. Please take a pic looking down at the steps and also looking down at the deep end. This shows how the color looks at different depths.

Kim:kim:
 
So, as I mentioned before - MyAZPool and I have been in long, very technical (which most would find boring) conversation in how to wire my pool. I wanted complete control of anything and everything lighting....so i ended up with 2 intellicenters (one main board and one expansion board). This gave me enough circuit breakers for everything pool related, including landscape lighting and it gave me enough circuits to individualize everthing..... all low voltage runs into a BIG J Box as MyAZPool recommended.View attachment 104249
Wow! Awesome! Wonder why Pentair doesn’t come up with a panel dedicated for transformers to compartmentalize
 
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Yes....lights and bubblers are independent. As all lights will have dimming capability and independently controllable from the easy touch system. I will get the easy touch eight since I have a lot of "functions" (3 fire/water bowls, 2 deck jets, 2 bubblers, 6 lights, spa jets, etc)
Hi Jon! Nice Pool. Which fire+water bowls do you have or recommend. I'm in the construction phase of my pool and deciding to go with the auto igniter. Hopefully not a pain in the butt to set up and works.
 

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Here is the 2 psi regulator for the fire bowls............
I still think it is too much - but we will see!View attachment 104269
Nice! I think this is what I was looking for for my Fire/Water bowl igniter. I noticed you put this out away from the columns that the firebowls sit at. Does the fire bowl kit come with this regulator + the igniter.
@MyAZPool . I better start getting my ducks in a row before shooting my gunite since my gas line is/will be embedded in the bond beam of the pool.
 

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chemillion
Please note the outstanding job that John did with his Line and Low Voltage conduits here. Recommend the same type of layout for your pad build. I think he has set the standard for others to emulate when it comes to large/complex automation builds.
r.
 
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@chemillion @MyAZPool

In regards to fire bowls......couple different routes - I would recommend finding something local. As shipping charges get hefty. You need to figure out placement. If you are running the gas line in the bond beam walls, then YOU MUST SLEEVE IT. Go with as big a pipe size you can fit (no less than 1 1/2"). This way it can always be accessed.
My 2 psi regulator (like you mentioned) is set in the landscaping. I have a 1 1/4" main gas line going around the property to different risers for appliances. The fire bowl pedestals have conduit from the inside of the hollow pedestal to the sprinkler box housing the regulator.
Be Aware........the 2 psi regulator is not the norm. Since I am going to have the gas percolating out of the water in the bowl - it requires more psi.
Most bowls only require a 1/2 psi reg or so....
 
@chemillion @MyAZPool

In regards to fire bowls......couple different routes - I would recommend finding something local. As shipping charges get hefty. You need to figure out placement. If you are running the gas line in the bond beam walls, then YOU MUST SLEEVE IT. Go with as big a pipe size you can fit (no less than 1 1/2"). This way it can always be accessed.
My 2 psi regulator (like you mentioned) is set in the landscaping. I have a 1 1/4" main gas line going around the property to different risers for appliances. The fire bowl pedestals have conduit from the inside of the hollow pedestal to the sprinkler box housing the regulator.
Be Aware........the 2 psi regulator is not the norm. Since I am going to have the gas percolating out of the water in the bowl - it requires more psi.
Most bowls only require a 1/2 psi reg or so....
John, what do you mean by “sleeve it”? Encase the PE gas pipe in a pvc pipe? What about the black steel risers, you recommend encasing those too?
 
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