I am in the process of trying to decide on my pool build. It’s a pretty small pool (limited by my tiny backyard size) 75’ linear permitter, 3-5.5 Ft depth, only about 8k gallons. I think I am going to with a SWG. The proposed salt water generator the pool builder I am leaning towards put in my bid is an IC-30 Salt Chlorinator. I assume that is big enough given the number of gallons. When I posted options in another thread for pool builds I was considering someone pointed out that I didn’t have an Intellicenter and I was only quoted the SWG as a standalone. Do I need an intellicenter? I asked the pool builder and he said since I don’t have a heater or spa, he didn’t think I needed one. Thoughts?
SWG question
- Thread starter Redsurprise
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,674
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You likely do not need full on Intellicenter automation if you do not have any water features or spa. If you get an Intelliflo3 VS pump, you can get it with an I/O board that will work with your SWCG and you will have wifi control of your pump.
Please do not get the iChlor30. We have seen multiple issues with that SWCG. Get an intelliChlor 40. It will work great for you in your climate. It is what I have. See my signature.
Please do not get the iChlor30. We have seen multiple issues with that SWCG. Get an intelliChlor 40. It will work great for you in your climate. It is what I have. See my signature.
- Jan 3, 2023
- 344
- Pool Size
- 9500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You don't need it, but having allows you to make micro adjustment to the percentages of 1% increments as opposed to having to manage through the units panel itself (which are 10% increments I believe, not sure but someone will know). I have a slightly larger pool than your, and I installed the IC40 (Intellichlor not Ichlor) which is just over 4 times my volume. I am currently running it at 17% in full TX sun where it was 107 yesterday (according to my PWS, I'm not home) and it is maintaining my levels just fine. Hopefully buying such an oversized unit will help it last longer. Most around here will tell you to buy as much as you can afford.
The only reason I didn't go with the 60 is I got the 40 on sale and the 60 was also back ordered. I wasn't waiting any longer.
The only reason I didn't go with the 60 is I got the 40 on sale and the 60 was also back ordered. I wasn't waiting any longer.
I am possibly getting a small water feature, but was planning on turning it on and off at the pool
Equipment instead of through an app. If I decide to leave room on equipment pad for a possible heater In the future , the pool builder said it would make since to have the intellicenter.
I am going to try to maintain my pool myself , does the intellicenter help with that?
Also the pump quoted with the pool build is : VSF-3 IntelliFlo 1.5 HP Pump. Do I need a bigger HP pump?
- May 3, 2014
- 62,674
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Do not get the de-rated Intelliflo pump. No reason. Get a full Intelliflo3. It will be quieter, use less electricity, and be more flexible.
If you are going to get a heater, it is nice to have the Intellicenter. Same if you are getting a water feature and lights.
It does help me to have automation as we leave for up to a couple months in a stretch. I can adjust pump run time, SWCG settings, etc from anywhere in the world. I have cameras that I can see the pool, equipment, etc. I have a friend in town that will come over and add some acid or clean the skimmer basket, as needed.
If you are going to get a heater, it is nice to have the Intellicenter. Same if you are getting a water feature and lights.
It does help me to have automation as we leave for up to a couple months in a stretch. I can adjust pump run time, SWCG settings, etc from anywhere in the world. I have cameras that I can see the pool, equipment, etc. I have a friend in town that will come over and add some acid or clean the skimmer basket, as needed.
I know so little about pools I am almost debating not putting one in for fear of choosing the wrong options on it and having serious regrets. Budget is a concern. What do you mean by de-rated IntelliFlo pump? Is that what the PB has on my build? What is the full Intelliflo3? The 3HP pump?
- May 3, 2014
- 62,674
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Get from the pool builder what is being proposed (model numbers, etc) and post it here. We can advise.
The Intelliflo3 VS pump is the 011075. Full rated to 3.95 hp. That is what you want.
The Intelliflo3 VS pump is the 011075. Full rated to 3.95 hp. That is what you want.
I can ask the pool builder tomorrow for part numbers and post in the thread . The one he quoted me was an intellicenter 3 but it was 1.5HP.
The article on pool pumps in the pool school section of this site says this:
“Over time, a pump which is too large for the plumbing and equipment could not only cause damage to the filter and other components but will use more energy than a smaller pump and not deliver that much more performance for the extra cost in energy.”
My proposed pool is tiny, less than 8k gallons. Will an almost 4HP pump (the 011075) be too much?
The article on pool pumps in the pool school section of this site says this:
“Over time, a pump which is too large for the plumbing and equipment could not only cause damage to the filter and other components but will use more energy than a smaller pump and not deliver that much more performance for the extra cost in energy.”
My proposed pool is tiny, less than 8k gallons. Will an almost 4HP pump (the 011075) be too much?
- May 3, 2014
- 62,674
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
That statement was from the days of only Single Speed Pumps. A VS pump is a variable horsepower pump.
My pool is 6000 gallons. With an Intelliflo VS 3.95 hp pump. I never run it above 2500 rpm. I normally run it at 1500 rpm and it uses 200 watts.
The little pump will have to run 2000 rpm for the same flow. And will use more electricity.
www.troublefreepool.com
My pool is 6000 gallons. With an Intelliflo VS 3.95 hp pump. I never run it above 2500 rpm. I normally run it at 1500 rpm and it uses 200 watts.
The little pump will have to run 2000 rpm for the same flow. And will use more electricity.
How to select pool equipment - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,812
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
That reference is for a single speed pump.
With a VS pump, you dial down the RPM to what you need. With a VS pump, the lower the RPM, the less electricity it uses.
With a VS pump, you dial down the RPM to what you need. With a VS pump, the lower the RPM, the less electricity it uses.
I don't have automation and manage just fine with just a timer that controls the pump and SWG. Low budget, easily changed, low tech. Simplicity in pool management for me 
Maddie
Maddie