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.[1]
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.[2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
Tips
- keep a spare roller assembly handy as they corrode badly and stop working[5]
- 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.[6]
Intellichlor
ORP Settings
See around Page 9 & 26 of the INTELLICHEM WATER CHEMISTRY CONTROLLER INSTALLATION AND USER’S GUIDE[7]. 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[8].
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.[9]
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.[10]
ph > 7.8 Lockout - Sanitizer feed locked
On page 48 of the INTELLICHEM WATER CHEMISTRY CONTROLLER INSTALLATION AND USER’S GUIDE[11] 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.[12] 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.
Injector valve failure
There was a bad batch of plastic that was in circulation, melted and dumped acid everywhere. They only melted at the top and not inside.[13]
From Pentair:
If you have purchased the following Pentair Intellichem items since March 1st, 2019, we are contacting you to because they may contain a faulty injection check valve prone to melting.[14]
- 522621 - Controller and Acid Tank with Tank Mounted Pump
- 522622 - Controller and Acid and Chlorine Tanks with Tank Mounted Pump
- 522577 - IntelliChem Commercial System 1 Pump
- 522578 - IntelliChem Commercial System - 2 pumps
A replacement check valve, part number 522513Z, is now available for these items, which we can send to you at no charge.
How To Disassociate Intellichlor & Intellichem
If you have the IntelliChem and want to separately take control of the acid and chlorine then:[15]
Step one: Set the ORP hardware setting in the Intelllichem configuration menu to NONE. (Important, must be done on the device)
Step two: Deselect the Intellichem from the ScreenLodgic configuration menu (page 3/5).
Now you have direct control over the IntelliChlor from ScreenLodgic, but you can't view or control the IntelliChem.
If you set the Chlorinator to the % value you like, lets say 60% and then return to the ScreenLodgic configuration menu and recheck the box for 'IntelliChem present', you can now control the IntelliChem via ScreenLodgic, and while you loose control of the chlorinator, the chlorinator retains its previous setting no matter what the Intellichem thinks the ORP is, the SWCG stays at the 60% you set directly.
Now when you want to control the SWCG, you deselect the 'Intellichem present' from the ScreenLodgic configuration menu, make any adjustments you like to the SWCG, and then recheck the box for IntelliChem present to view the probe values and manipulate the IntelliChem.
ScreenLodgic will still show "IntellliChem in Control" on your Chlorinator page when its check box is selected, but no commands are sent to the cell, and you'r chlorine production is not affected.
.
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/intellichem-system.179121/post-1583555
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/intellichem-in-spa-mode.176005/post-1553413
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-acid-pump-not-dosing.195093/post-1719487
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-acid-pump-not-dosing.195093/post-1719761
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-acid-pump-not-dosing.195093/post-1720120
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-acid-pump-not-dosing.195093/post-1720150
- ↑ https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/aquatics/residential-pool/owners-manuals/automation/intellichem-water-chemistry-controller-manual-english.pdf
- ↑ https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/aquatics/residential-pool/owners-manuals/automation/intellichem-water-chemistry-controller-manual-english.pdf
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/cya-level.193551/post-1705844
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-intellichlor-ic60-hours.191506/post-1717747
- ↑ https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/aquatics/residential-pool/owners-manuals/automation/intellichem-water-chemistry-controller-manual-english.pdf
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-intellichem.186869/post-1647714
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/intellichem-injector-valve-failure.193485/post-1705378
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/intellichem-injector-valve-failure.193485/post-1705945
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/how-to-disassociate-intellichlor-intellichem.174989/post-1543935