Pentair IntelliChem - Further Reading

Pentair IntelliChem

The IntelliChem Water Chemistry Controller automatically monitors the pool's pH and sanitizer levels and adjusted them with acid in an Acid Canister and chlorine in a Chlorine Canister.

We do not recommend using the IntelliChem, because the probes often go bad, need to be calibrated or provide bad inputs.

Flow Switch Placement

If you have a spa it is advisable to pull the incoming flow to the IntelliChem flow switch from the pool return side of the plumbing so when Spa mode is active there will be no flow to the switch.

Acid Canister

The acid canister has a 3-1/2 gallon capacity container and an internal piercing mechanism to puncture the muriatic acid bottle seal allowing easy filling without spills.

The siphon tube is inside the pump head. It runs on rollers to create suction to send acid to the pool return. They generally need to be replaced every year because they get eaten up by the acid.

Acid not Dosing

The pins that the nylon rollers are riding on inside the pump head can back out about 1/8”, so the rollers are crooked and not putting enough pressure on the tube. Put them back in place and it will work fine.

Tips

• keep a spare roller assembly handy as they corrode badly and stop working
• fill the acid tank 2/3 acid 1/3 water. It does require re-filling more often but the equipment lasts long due to the diluted acid.

Intellichlor

ORP Settings

See around Page 9 & 26 of the INTELLICHEM WATER CHEMISTRY CONTROLLER INSTALLATION AND USER’S GUIDE. It looks like it says ORP Sensitivity should be Off with a SWG.

CYA Level

Follow the * to page 27 in the INTELLICHEM WATER CHEMISTRY CONTROLLER INSTALLATION AND USER’S GUIDE.

Pentair guidelines take SWG CYA up to 50 which is the low end of TFP recommendations. TFP recommended levels are not based on using ORP sensors. CYA can interfere with ORP sensors. So the Intellichem is outside the scope of TFP recommended levels.

Problems

ORP readings are all over place

ORP readings are high at night (800), and low during daylight (600).

This is likely because the probe canister is getting hit by direct sunlight. You can try black neoprene around the canister. The instructions say to install it away from direct sunlight.

ph > 7.8 Lockout - Sanitizer feed locked

On page 48 of the INTELLICHEM WATER CHEMISTRY CONTROLLER INSTALLATION AND USER’S GUIDE it explains “LOCKOUT”. Essentially if the pH goes above 7.8, the assumption is the sanitizer (chlorine) becomes ineffective (it does not but that’s an argument for another day). So it basically shuts off the chlorination system (SWG). You need to manually get the pH below 7.8 and then reset the system.

This is why TFP dies not endorse using these probe-based automated chemical dosing systems. They are expensive, overly complicated and they manufacturers don’t understand the chemistry very well and so they put in silly lockout features like you’re seeing. They are simply more trouble than they are worth.

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