SunTouch Controller question

[RyHack]

I'm looking into using a Pentair SunTouch controller for a planned automation system for a pool/spa combo (shared pump, filter, etc.) with a solar system.

My question is how the SunTouch controller handles a situation where the solar panels have successfully heated up the spa to the Target Temperature by midday and there is still plenty of summer sun available. Does the SunTouch switch the valves such that the extra solar heat is directed to the pool? Or does it simply continue to heat the spa without regard to the Target Temperature being exceeded?

Or, after having spent some time reading the SunTouch's somewhat confusing manual, am I confused and it actually does it do something else?

Thanks for any insight into this issue from any experienced SunTouch users out there!

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

I have the Solartouch which is similar but with less functionality. +1 that the manual is a bit confusing and often takes a little trial and error along with the manual to get stuff figured out. I don't know if the Suntouch can heat two bodies of water with solar to two different temps. Is there a water temp for the spa and a water temp for pool? Does it switch from pool mode to spa mode on its own to heat the spa?

LOL! I'm asking you the questions here. Maybe we need to wait for a Suntouch person. But, there aren't a lot here. Or I might have to read the manual again, I've read it a few times. Also, calling the Pentair 1-800 number is often helpful.

I can answer the question that once the pool is heated to the set temp the solar valve closes, the panels drain and it puts the pump back to the speed before solar turned on.

 

[Jimrahbe]

ry,

Welcome to TFP... A Great resource for all pool owners that can't read "Pentair"...

I believe it would be easier to read ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics than to read a Pentair manual...

I took a quick look and I don't see any reference for the system to operate the way you would like it to operate.

There is only one water temperature probe. When you select "Pool" the valves move and it senses the pool water temperature.. When you select "Spa" the valves move and it then senses the Spa water temperature.

As long as the water in the pool (when in the Pool mode) or in the Spa (when in the Spa mode) is less than the set point you have entered, it will allow the solar system to direct solar heated water into the Pool or Spa, depending on which mode you are in..

As far as I can tell the system has no way to select back and forth between the Pool mode and Spa mode, based upon temperature.

It appears to me that if you were in the Spa mode and the Spa water reached temperature at say 10 am... and stayed above the set point until 10 pm, that during those 12 hours the solar system would be off.

I'll be glad to look deeper if you have any specifics that point to a different conclusion.

Thanks for posting an unusual question...

Jim R.

 

[RyHack]

Thanks for your insights pooldv and Jimrahbe!

I went ahead and called Pentair support this afternoon (and, hey, they speak English rather than pentairmanualconfusion!). The support representative was very helpful and worked through my questions as I do my due diligence on the SunTouch system. I think that it will be about the right size for the modest automation that I have in mind.

It turns out that the SunTouch will shut down the solar system as soon as the target temperature is reached for the targeted body of water (either pool or spa). This shut down is without regard to the availability of ongoing solar heat from the rooftop panels. Note that there are solar target temperatures for the pool and the spa...that can be addressed by the solar system.

However, in discussing my suggested scenario, the support representative confirmed that I could "skin the cat" using scheduling rather than sequencing of my solar target. In other words, if I schedule the filter/pump to circulate the pool water before noon and then to circulate the spa water from noon to dark, I can set the solar system to operate whenever solar heat is available from the rooftop panels.

When it is sunny before noon, the pool will receive solar heat and when it is sunny after noon, the spa will receive solar heat. The solar system will kick in whenever the rooftop panels are 6F (or 4F) warmer than the target body of water. The solar system isn't limited to serve a single discrete body of water designated by me in the programming, but rather it operates on whatever body of water happens to be receiving the circulation as determined by my scheduling.

And an additional Thank You to you two gents. I've enjoyed your respective posts on pool builds, equipment options, automation systems, etc. Indeed, it was pooldv's build thread that opened my eyes to the availability of relatively-simple pool automation systems...with your use of SolarTouch. I'm going to end up with its big brother SunTouch since I need 3 valve actuators, but its still simple enough (and affordable) given that I'm only looking to automate a solar system.

Best to you both, RyHack

 

[Jimrahbe]

Ry,

Sounds like a Win-Win to me...

Thanks for the feedback,

Jim R.