Wifi vs Non-Wifi Pump choice

[NicoleIvy2004]

My old pool pump probably won't last too much longer. So I got a quote on replacement as well as converting to salt system (from liquid chlorine). Which do you recommend? I live in central FL in a block home, but I think wifi should still reach the location of the pool pump.

Pentair Intelliflo3 (1.5HP) $1792
or
Jandy Plus (1.85HP) $1928

I worry about not being able to manually control the pool and potential wifi drops that I read about online with the Pentair. Is this a concern or not really?

What is the difference between the system and the cell? Is this upfront cost really going to change my life? I'm not sure yet if this cost is worth me not pouring liquid chlorine because that task takes maybe 3 minutes.

Pentair Intellichlor 40K salt system
$2528
or
Jandy Aquapure 40K salt system
$2498

Is this not same Pentair Intellichlor for much less?

Amazon.com

 

[reggiehammond]

Do you currently have any automation today? Post a photo of your existing equipment pad.

You're certainly seeing some inflated pricing from a pool builder/installer.

 

[Mdragger88]

Before buying anything that relies on WiFi use your phone to do some speed tests at the pad.

Speedtest by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test

Use Speedtest on all your devices with our free desktop and mobile apps.

www.speedtest.net

 

[NicoleIvy2004]

Do you currently have any automation today? Post a photo of your existing equipment pad.

You're certainly seeing some inflated pricing from a pool builder/installer.

I do not currently have any pool automation. It's currently an old single-speed pump. I'm at work now or I'd post a pic. It is located near the room that has the wifi router. I'll do the test that @Mdragger88 suggested.

 

[pjt]

Which do you recommend?

Get a 3 HP pump regardless of whether you choose Pentair or Jandy. The 011078 IntelliFlo3 VSF 3.0HP with touchscreen and I/O board and an IC40/IC60 would be a good option.

Is this upfront cost really going to change my life?

Yes. Once it's up and running, you'll ask yourself why you didn't do it earlier. SWCG is by far the cheapest, easiest, and most convenient way to chlorinate your pool.

 

[reggiehammond]

I do not currently have any pool automation. It's currently an old single-speed pump. I'm at work now or I'd post a pic. It is located near the room that has the wifi router. I'll do the test that @Mdragger88 suggested.

There are pumps and SWCG you can buy yourself quite a bit cheaper if you aren't concerned with automation.

My pool is simple; no automation. Pump runs a schedule 24/7 of the lowest RPMs to keep SWCG happy (about 190 watts only) and I adjust the SWCG production % a few times a year. There's no need to automate and go full Pentair if you desire something less expensive, but just as capable.

 

[NicoleIvy2004]

Get a 3 HP pump regardless of whether you choose Pentair or Jandy. The 011078 IntelliFlo3 VSF 3.0HP with touchscreen and I/O board and an IC40/IC60 would be a good option.

Why 3HP? The pump basics page seems to advise against going too big.

 

[reggiehammond]

Larger pump can push more water at lower RPMs. Lower RPMs equal lower electrical costs which will easily pay for the small $$ increase for the larger pump.
I'll report to the team (@Newdude) that pump basics page needs updating. It's out of date re: VSP technology and ever-increasing utility costs.

 

[NicoleIvy2004]

There are pumps and SWCG you can buy yourself quite a bit cheaper if you aren't concerned with automation.

My pool is simple; no automation. Pump runs a schedule 24/7 of the lowest RPMs to keep SWCG happy (about 190 watts only) and I adjust the SWCG production % a few times a year. There's no need to automate and go full Pentair if you desire something less expensive, but just as capable.

It's definitely looking like I can get the salt systems cheaper myself than the prices my pool repair guy quoted. I don't know if I'll love life with automation or not. The pumps are priced closer to what I find on my own.

I just worry about not being able to control the pool if the wifi connection is lost or the pool all-out turning off randomly because of connection errors. I don't know if this worry is even founded or not.

 

[ajw22]

Why 3HP? The pump basics page seems to advise against going too big.

The Pump Basics page has not been updated for VS pumps. It discussed single speed and two speed pumps. Once you get a VS pump the pump is a variable HP pump and basically you run it at the speed and HP that works best for your pool.

If you get the Intelliflo3 pump get the 011077 model with the optional touchscreen. Then you are not dependent on WiFi or having your phone app to control the pump.

I would get a Pentair pump and SWG over Jandy every day. Pentair total cost of ownership is lower and Pentair equipment is easier to maintain.

There are other good pumps like the Circupool/B+D VS pumps for less cost...

Circupool SWG - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[pjt]

I just worry about not being able to control the pool if the wifi connection is lost or the pool all-out turning off randomly because of connection errors. I don't know if this worry is even founded or not.

The pump I suggested has a built in touchscreen display that can be used if you're having Wi-Fi problems.

 

[pjt]

If you get the Intelliflo3 pump get the 011077 model with the optional touchscreen.

Would the 011078 be a better option since it also has the I/O board?

 

[ajw22]

Would the 011078 be a better option since it also has the I/O board?

Yes, if the IO Board relay will be used to control the SWG power.

 

[NicoleIvy2004]

More questions based on recent replies:

• What is an IO board or what does that do?
• Why would it not be used to control the salt-water generator (SWG) power? (from @ajw22 last comment)
• I have Googled and looked on Amazon for 011077 and 011078 Intelliflo3 and can't find it. Is this something I can buy on my own? Where?
• Are you guys telling me that 1.5HP is too small for my roughly 15,000 gallon pool with spill-over spa?

 

[ajw22]

• What is an IO board or what does that do?

The Intelliflo3 optional IO board gives you two high voltage relays - one high current and one low current. The relays can be controlled by the pump or the Pentair HOME appl.

How To Install An I/O Board for Pentair's IntelliFlo3 VSF

Pentair IntelliFlo VSF is the first pump to combine true set it and forget it flow technology paired with the smart connectivity of Pentair's app. This pump sets a new bar for performance with built-in sensorless flow control for effortless optimum flow and aids in keeping the pool crystal clear...

www.epoolsupply.com

• Why would it not be used to control the salt-water generator (SWG) power? (from @ajw22 last comment)

Your SWG must be controlled by a relay or timer so that it is not powered when the pump is OFF.

• I have Googled and looked on Amazon for 011077 and 011078 Intelliflo3 and can't find it. Is this something I can buy on my own? Where?

Neither Pentair or Jandy sells those pumps through eCommerce. They are only sold through authorized dealers.

If you find them on the grey market you will probably not get any warranty from Pentair or Jandy.

• Are you guys telling me that 1.5HP is too small for my roughly 15,000 gallon pool with spill-over spa?

1.5HP will work fine.

A 3HP running at a lower speed then a 1.5HP will use less electricity and can save you money depending on your electrical costs.

 

[pjt]

I have Googled and looked on Amazon for 011077 and 011078 Intelliflo3 and can't find it.

IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed & Flow Pool Pump

The award-winning, energy-efficient IntelliFlo3 VSF Pool Pump has a quiet design with sensorless flow control, app connectivity, and automation capability.

www.pentair.com

Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF Variable Speed Pool Pump 011078 | Pool Supply 4 Less

Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF Variable Speed Pool Pump 011078 is programmable with a touchscreen and relay board, variable speed technology pump and provides typical energy saving of 30 percent annually. Buy now and save.

www.poolsupply4less.com

 

[NicoleIvy2004]

So...an IO board lets you add automation such as lighting, and I assume the SWG you guys mentioned. That definition leaves me just as confused as before. I read the link provided and even watched the 9-minute video and it didn't really explain *what* it is or does other than adds automation.

If I understand, you guys are saying that I need the IO board if I want my SWG to be on a schedule, right? So, the IO board would link the SWG and the pump together in an app?

How will the SWG work if I do not buy an IO board for the pump?

Please be patient as I simply pour liquid chlorine in my pool currently, and all these new acronyms and terms are a bit overwhelming right now. Hopefully the hardest part of going to salt is just picking these new parts, because all this technical talk doesn't make it sound easier than dumping liquid chlorine once a week.

 

[ajw22]

So...an IO board lets you add automation such as lighting, and I assume the SWG you guys mentioned. That definition leaves me just as confused as before. I read the link provided and even watched the 9-minute video and it didn't really explain *what* it is or does other than adds automation.

It is a poor woman's automation that gives basic ON/OFF control of two devices.

If I understand, you guys are saying that I need the IO board if I want my SWG to be on a schedule, right? So, the IO board would link the SWG and the pump together in an app?

How will the SWG work if I do not buy an IO board for the pump?

Without the IO Board you need to put your SWG on a timer and synch the timer ON/OFF with the VS pump control panel times.

All SWG's have a flow switch that is a secondary safety device. Almost all SWG Installation Manuals say that the SWG power must be off when the pump is off. That requries a timer or some form of automation.

If a SWG cell is powered with the pump off and the flow switch has failed, which they do, the cell can explode from the hydrogen gas the cell generated. We have had reports here of exploding SWG cells. It does happen.

Please be patient as I simply pour liquid chlorine in my pool currently, and all these new acronyms and terms are a bit overwhelming right now. Hopefully the hardest part of going to salt is just picking these new parts, because all this technical talk doesn't make it sound easier than dumping liquid chlorine once a week.

Depends whether you find dumping or typing less work.

 

[reggiehammond]

• Are you guys telling me that 1.5HP is too small for my roughly 15,000 gallon pool with spill-over spa?

No; but to get similar results, the 1.5hp will use considerably more electricity for the same flow.