Pentair Automation Systems - Further Reading

Pentair Automation Systems

2025 PENTAIR POOL PRODUCT CATALOG

Pentair Automation System Comparison is a chart comparing the features and capabilities of the various Pentair automation systems.

Pentair 2025-2026 Automation catalog lists the various systems and accessories available.

Pentair Automation Parts Catalog lists the parts available.

Pentair Automation Programming

Aux Circuits and Feature Circuits do the same thing, except that Aux Circuits are connected to relays and Feature Circuits are not.

Aux Circuits are normally used to control external things that need 120 or 240 VAC power, such as single-speed pumps, lights, blower motors, etc.

Feature Circuits control Internal things, such as VS pump speeds, valve movements, and anything the main board controls.

You can use an Aux Circuit to do anything that a Feature Circuit does, but it would just be a waste of a relay.

Once you program one action, things start to fall into place.

Aux Circuits - such as Aux1, 2, 3, 4, etc., and Feature 1, 2, etc.- are fixed and can't be changed.

Circuit Names are what you call a Circuit so that you know what the circuit does. So you can Name Aux 1, "Pool Lights" or anything else you want.

Circuit Functions only need to be used for specific things. They are used when you want to tell the automation that this Circuit is special. A good example is if you have IntelliBrite lights. The system has to know these are special lights to control them using the right on/off cycle of the relay. I recommend that you never use a Function unless it is needed. You can always add it later. Functions can cause weird problems and are not required in most cases. a If you have an IntelliFlo VS pump, it is controlled by a serial cable and not a relay, so the IntelliFlo's AC power does not go through any relay. It is wired from the breaker directly to the pump.

IntelliCenter

IntelliCenter Quick Reference/Information Guide answers basic questions recently regarding IntelliCenter installation, configurations, and standard operation.

IntelliCenter is Pentair's newest automation system which was released in the fourth quarter of 2018. The IntelliCenter is based on automation logic like the EasyTouch and updated hardware. The IntelliCenter outdoor panel has color touchscreen controls, integrated WiFi and app communication (while the EasyTouch requires adding ScreenLogic), firmware updates to the panel by USB key or OTA (Over The Air), and other improved features in the software. Pentair's future development is going into the IntelliCenter and not EasyTouch.

The IntelliCenter has 100 schedules/programs.

The IntelliCenter has integrated remote control by a PC, phone, or tablet. IntelliCenter does not need the optional ScreenLogic that is used on the EasyTouch and IntelliTouch systems.

The screws holding the front panels are 8x32 threads 5/8 inch long.

Pentair IntelliCenter Review and Information covers user experiences with the system.

How Many Valve Actuators Can the IntelliCenter Have?

If you put three expansion enclosures on an IntelliCenter you can control 8 valves - A through H. Basically 2 additional valves for each panel beyond the POOL/SPA suction and return valves. Total of 10 valves.

According to this Pentair document you can also add valve module P/N 520285 to an expansion enclosure, and it gives you 3 additional valves.

IntelliValve Support

The 5-position feature of the IntelliValves will NOT function until Pentair releases the applicable firmware update.

That firmware update is now reported to occur in two phases (Phase I—adding RS-485 support on both the actuator side and IntelliCenter side and Phase II—adding more advanced valve controls to IntelliCenter features).

Pentair said completion of Phase I should occur sometime after this next IntelliCenter firmware update (coming soon) and Phase II completion around Q4 of 2023. It's reported that IntelliValve support is the next major project for the software dev team after this next update. There has been no updates or progress as of the end of 2024.

EasyTouch/IntelliTouch versus IntelliCenter

The IntelliCenter is easier to operate, you don't need add-ons to get remote access, and it is overall more responsive. Its control panels are better laid out, cheaper, and network-ready on the board. It is also much more capable, and the firmware can be upgraded in OTA. There is already equipment on the market that includes heaters, pumps, and chemistry controllers that will never fully support a Touch system, even with a firmware upgrade. Maybe the EasyTouch/IntelliTouch will be okay today, but that concrete pond will be there for a while.

We don't know whether Pentair is continuing full production for Touch systems, but we guess they are on the other side of the hill toward the end of life. It has had a good run, but the processes used to create the boards, processors, and supporting chips don't have the factory space they used to, and the writing is on the wall.

EasyTouch/IntelliTouch Upgrade to IntelliCenter

Pentair has the IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to IntelliCenter Upgrade Kit. This replaces the top panel with the IntelliCenter board.

This pool automation upgrade kit will bring your EasyTouch® or IntelliTouch® Control System up-to-date with all the features of the IntelliCenter Control System.

There are six different SKUs depending on whether your Load Center was built between 2003-2012 or 2012 or later. And if you need Pool only, Pool/Spa, or Dual System controls.

IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit SKUs

Load Center	i10P	i10PS	i10D
2003-2012	522045	522046	523218
2012 or later	522047	522048	523049

Each Upgrade Kit Includes the outdoor control panel; i10P/ i10PS/i10D personality board, shared equipment (board depends on P/N ordered); Transformer bracket assembly; and Wireless antenna kit. The 2012 or later kits also include 4-AMP and 5-AMP circuit breakers.

This thread described how to upgrade an EasyTouch to IntelliCenter. Even if you have an IntelliChlor SCG reset button bracket that the manual says cannot be done.

IntelliCenter App Support

The IntelliCenter apps have changed as Pentair improved their software. Before firmware 1.064, the app was Intellicenter. With firmware 1.064 and beyond, the Intellicenter2 apps and website were used.

In late 2023, Pentair began migrating groups of IntelliCenter2 users to the Pentair Home Mobile Application, now called the Pentair Pool app.

IntelliCenter2

With Firmware 1.064, the IntelliCenter IOS and Android app changed from IntelliCenter to IntelliCenter2, and the web services became www.intellicenter2.com as Pentair implemented a new cloud architecture.

Pentair Pool Mobile Application

In December 2024, Pentair announced they are rebranding the Pentair HOME app to the Pentair Pool app.

In late 2023, Pentair began migrating users from Intellicenter2 to the Pentair Home Mobile Application (PHA). Users need to wait until their account is selected for migration to PHA.

Suppose you go directly to the Pentair Home Mobile Application (PHA) without a migration notification. In that case, when you open the PHA app, you only see the "Local" option to connect since you have not started the process in the IntelliCenter2 application.

When a user's account has been selected for migration, and you follow the Pentair instructions starting in the IntelliCenter2 app, you will see both REMOTE and LOCAL access, just as you did in the IntelliCenter2 app.

Pentair is migrating users in groups from IntelliCenter2 to the Pentair Home app. So, if you're not selected yet, wait on the InteiiCenter2 app until you are.

Pentair says the web portal and remote access are core to IntelliCenter and will continue to be supported and improved upon

IntelliCenter Alternative Web Clients and Home Automation Integration

IntelliCenter Web Client and its Possible Alternatives and IntelliCenter Home Automation Integration and Control discuss member development in connecting to the IntelliCenter.

IntelliCenter Network Connectivity

For app control of the IntelliCenter, it needs to be connected to your home network. For remote access, the IntelliCenter OCP must be logged into the Pentair cloud server under your user account.

There are three ways the IntelliCenter OCP can be connected to your home network:

• direct Ethernet cable from the IntelliCenter board RJ45 jack to your switch or router
• Pentair High Power Wireless Link Kit
• EnGenius WiFi Link Kit or equivalent WiFi bridge

How To Connect Pentair IntelliCenter To a Wireless Network YouTube video explains the basic network setup if you are using the EnGenius WiFi Link Kit.

If you use the Pentair High Power Wireless Link or a direct Ethernet cable, DO NOT CONNECT TO A WIRELESS NETWORK. Make the physical network connections with your devices skip 0:46 to 1:30 in the video and do the INTERNET CONNECTION TEST. It should tell you that you are connected to the Internet.

Then go to the Pentair User Portal as shown in the Setting Up User Profile For The Pentair IntelliCenter YouTube Video. Skip to 2:00 in the video if you have already set up the physical network link. Go to the Pentair User Portal - Add New Account - You do not need to give them your address. They need your email, any name you want to give, your zip code, and your time zone. Keep the password simple and don't use any special characters. Only use letters and numbers.

This video shows an old app that Pentair has replaced with IntelliCenter2 or Pentair HOME. You should now have local and remote connectivity with one of the apps. If you only have a local app connection, check the USER PORTAL on the OCP that you are logged into the Pentair server.

IntelliCenter High Power Wireless Link Kit

A new “High Power Wireless Link Kit,” has replaced the EnGenius WiFi Link Kit (Primary Client Bridge) (P/N 522475Z). These new link kits (523557) began shipping with newer IntelliCenter bundled kits, on January 30, 2021. The new kits have two (2) transceivers. One transceiver connects to the user’s router, and the other connects to the IntelliCenter. The following is reported:

• Connection range is significantly better.
• Establishes a proprietary secure bridge between the two transceivers, automatically negotiating the connection.
• Allows for auto-configuration and formatting (plug and play).

Note: For any users that are experiencing Wi-Fi issues with the older wifi kit and if your unit is under warranty, contact Pentair Tech Support for assistance. The older wireless kits are “field-replaceable” with the newer kits.

Pentair kit 523557 (XCVR ASSY HPW 900MHZ INTELLICENTER) - includes 523434, 544425 and a blue ethernet patch cable:

• 523434 (LINK WIRELESS HIGHPOWER WETH) - includes indoor and outdoor transceivers, power adapter, and 4 conductor wire for RS-485.
• 544425 (CABLE POE/ETHERNET HIGH POWER WIRELESS BUNDLE) - includes gray ethernet cable, black PoE adapter, and cable restrainer.

HIGH POWER WIRELESS LINK KIT INSTALLATION GUIDE

IntelliCenter Alternative Wireless Link

A member successfully used the TPLink CPE210, in Client mode, placed inside a TICONN Enclosure and the the POE connector found in Pentair's High Power Wireless Link PoE/Ethernet Cable Bundle (Pentair 544425) to connect to his network with no issues.

IntelliCenter EnGenius WiFi Link Kit Does Not Find WiFi Network

The EnGenius WiFi Link Kit included in the early IntellCenter units seems to have a problem with WiFi networks where the SSID name has non-alphabetic characters. If the IntelliCenter is not showing your WiFi network make it a simple name with all letters.

Some people will configure their guest network name to work with the EnGenius WiFi Link Kit.

The EnGenius WiFi Link Kit uses the 2.4ghz WiFi band and it has to be enabled. The EnGenius WiFi Link Kit will not connect to a 5Ghz-only WiFi network.

IntelliCenter Network Communications

IntelliCenter stands up a server on the Outdoor Control Panel (OCP) that is truly local and on the local network. For its relay functions in the cloud, a socket is established to relay the information from the local server to the gateway proxy in the cloud. A TCP over Ethernet connection must be established to the OCP in both cases. This can be either Wifi or a direct hardwired Ethernet LAN connection. All the wireless bridge or the long-range adapter is doing is connecting the OCP to your LAN via Ethernet.

So there is no difference between a Wifi connection to IntelliCenter vs a hardwired LAN connection except that Wifi can have spotty connectivity. In the case of the original EnStupid adapter, it had issues renegotiating after a connection was interrupted. It is just a consumer device that can be used to connect a wired network device to a wireless network that is overpromised and underdelivered.

Remember that your pool equipment is typically installed in a location with little or no Wifi connectivity. The path from your Wifi antenna doesn't like it when you travel through walls embedded with chicken wire or through that SUV parked in the garage. These days a wired Ethernet connection should be standard on a pool pad. For that matter, it should be in garages as well. We are dealing with regulated consumer radio so the range and reliability are dramatically reduced when you try to travel through walls, refrigerators, cars, stucco, or metal siding.

Improving the signal between the OCP and your network will likely alleviate the drops if you are losing connection consistently. Pentair began shipping a point-to-point wireless bridge with better reliability and greater range to improve this connection. The primary difference from EnStupid is that the transceiver radios are matched to communicate with each other. This both limits the traffic over the radio and improves the reliability because the frequency can be reduced, and the antenna power can be increased. Hence the improvement at the outer reaches of the network. Remember that this is not a proprietary tech device; any bridge will do. Heck, you can get versions of these that will reliably link to equipment that is miles away if you don't mind having to drive to your pool.

Pentair was also smart enough not to include a wireless connection on the motherboard. Imagine how effective that would be inside a metal box. Even with an external antenna, the chances of success would be terrible, given all the signal noise on the pad. And kudos to them for not foisting a proprietary comms device on its users this time around.

This differs from the ScreenLogic implementation for EasyTouch and IntelliTouch because the socket server is located on the bridge hardware (ScreenLogic Adapter) and connected to RS485 over the radio. This adapter then connects to the local LAN and relays to the cloud. With IntelliCenter, Pentair has eliminated the need for external proprietary hardware. The capabilities of the processor on the main board have been dramatically improved. It is also using some of the most current SoCs for Ethernet connectivity. The ScreenLogic Adapter is simply a wireless RS485 transceiver with a web socket server running on it. Unfortunately, its firmware makes it proprietary.

IntelliCenter Add New Account

As of November 2024, the Add New Account may be timing out and not letting you establish a new account to connect your panel to the Pentair servers. There are currently incompatibilities between the 1.064 firmware and the Pentair Server. To create a new account, try the following:

1. Download Pentair POOL app
2. Open Pentair POOL and insert your email and password into the app. Eight characters, such as Cap, lowercase, number, and at least one special character, are required for the password.
3. At the panel, Kill Intellicenter for >1 minute.
4. Check to see that the internet is present.
5. Go to the Portal and enter once again: Add New Account... even though you just established an account.
6. Enter the email and PW you established in the app.

IntelliCenter Firmware Updates

There have been the following major firmware releases for the IntelliCenter:

• 1.047 - Initial IntelliCenter firmware
• 1.064 - first release to support Over The Air (OTA) updates and IntelliCenter2 app and website
• 2.006 - released in January 2023 and then pulled back by Pentair due to any bugs.
• 2.017 - released in June 2023. FW Version 2.017 has all the enhancements of previous builds, including 2.006. Reported fixes are:
  • ICENTER-1492 The Opened/Closed state of covers on OCP does not reflect on the app. << critical fixed
  • ICENTER-1417 FW v2.010 Shared Body: A new Pool schedule (set for a future time) causes the running Spa schedule to turn off in subpanels << critical fixed
  • ICENTER-1407 FW v2: VSF pump does not run when the Speed/Flow circuit is set for a heater
  • ICENTER-1351 SPACMD button LED does not remain on for pool in single-body
  • ICENTER-1199 Solar cooling does not turn off upon solar temperature change
  • ICENTER-1226 No pool covers shown in a single-body
  • ICENTER-9732 THW getting stuck at "Loading Please Wait." window after reset (Press and Hold the Reset button for 10 seconds) - Reported by ******* (Field Testing).
• 2.026 - released in December 2024. Key feature updates are:
  • The solar relay output can now be repurposed to support heat pump operation
  • Heat/cool heat pump now supports a maximum temperature of 104 degrees
  • IntelliChlor® and iChlor® Salt Chlorine Generators now support the “Super Chlorinate” feature
  • Globe icon confirms connectivity to the internet
  • The Pentair fish icon indicates connectivity to the Pentair AWS® backend
  • Significant bug fixes in Logic and schedules, Freeze protection, Pool cover, Heaters, Pumps, Sanitizers, Lights, Setup wizard, Security, OTA, Login.
• 3.002 - released February 2025.

Updating IntelliCenter with USB Drive

Backup your system settings to a USB drive before initiating a firmware upgrade.

Settings --> Advanced System Configuration --> Import/Export --> Export System Configuration --> Export to USB

Then:

• Use a 4GB to 8GB USB drive.
• Do not have any other software installed on the USB stick.
• Shut down power to the load center, wait for half a minute, then re-power the load center, then try to access the stick.
• You must update to 1.047 before you can update to 1.064. Once you are on 1.064, the updates can be done over the network connection.
• Make sure you choose Update From USB and not try the other options first.
• Do not remove the USB adapter until you have the screen says to remove it.

In the worst-case scenario, you may need to reset the panel to factory settings. Before you do that, back up the current configuration so you can restore it later.

How to Revert IntelliCenter Firmware

Hold the reset button on the panel until the screen goes blank to go back to a previous firmware. Once it comes back on, you’ll see the Pentair on the screen. On the lower right corner of that page will be a cog/settings icon. If you tap on that, there is an option to revert to previously installed firmware versions.

1. Press RESET on the panel.

2. Once the OCP reboots, press the gears icon in the screen's lower right-hand corner.

3. In the Options Window, select the Switch Firmware Version

4. Find Firmware v1.064 and select it.

5. Press the checkmark.

6. Tap the "Back" Arrow.

7. The OCP should then revert back to v1.064

IntelliFlo Pump Out-of_Date Firmware Warning

If you have an Intelliflo 011056 pump, you will need to call Pentair to have someone update the pump firmware (3.03/3.04 were troublesome).

If you have an Intelliflo3 pump (011075, 011076, 011077), you should be able to initiate a firmware update through the Pentair POOL app with the IntelliCenter in service mode.

IntelliCenter RS-485 Connections

There are two RS-485 Comm connectors on the main PCB. You can insert two wires under each screw without problems.

If you have the IntelliChlor Power Center card it has three RS-485 COMM connectors on the bottom, left, and right sides.

For more comm connections Pentair has an RS-485 Serial COM Port Expansion board P/N 520818. Pentair Serial COM Port Expansion Board Installation describes the expansion board and its installation.

On the Intellicenter, comm A and comm B on the main PCB use two different comm chips - the data lines on the two Intellicenter ports are not in parallel. So there are effectively two comm channels or comm busses. Port A goes to U13 on the main board while port B goes to U12. This is different from the surge board, expansion board, or the Intellitouch i7/i9 each has multiple comm connectors that are tied in parallel to a single comm chip.

Pool Cover Card

Pentair has a Pool Cover Card P/N 522039Z that installs in the expansion slot of the IntelliCenter and tells the IntelliCenter if the cover is open or closed. The Pool Cover Card Installation Manual can be found attached to this post.

A member reported the following about the Pool Cover Card:

I did have a Pentair rep out to the house to help my PB set up my new Intellicenter (this is new for them, this is only the 2nd one they have done, use Easy Touch as standard), and I did talk with him about it. He told me I need a separate low voltage wire to the cover box, and that hooks up somewhere on the motor side of the cover. Luckily, we did run a separate conduit to the cover, as this new wire should not run in the same conduit as the high voltage wire.

Once hooked up, we can program the Intellicenter to know if the cover is open or closed. With that information, we can then control the SWCG to run at different percentages if the cover is closed or open, have the lights not turn on if the cover is closed, and even program the Intellivalves to not turn on if the cover is closed. Or, if the valves are on for a water feature, the cover cannot be closed until they are turned off. We have a slide, and will eventually be able to be controlled by the app. If the cover is closed, the water will not turn on. If the valve is on and the slide is running, we won't be able to close the cover from the keypad until the slide is turned off.

From talking to the Pentair rep, the installation of this board in the Intellicenter and the hooking up of the low voltage to the cover motor is pretty easy. The parts aren't that expensive. I would make sure your pool builder runs a low-voltage wire from the cover to the Intellicenter, and set up the board inside the panel for you. I haven't seen a different way to do it other than with this expansion board, and still not sure what gauge wire, or how many wires to run (18 gauge, 4 pair for example, or 16 gauge 2), but the PB should know, and the instructions that come with the expansion board should tell you. From what I could see, the instructions for installing the board and programming are not available online.

Adding IntelliChlor Power Center to IntelliCenter Cabinet

You'll need four parts to make this happen.

1. Pentair Load Center IntelliChlor SCG XFMR 521441.

2. The Circuit Breaker. That circuit breaker will be a 12 amp low voltage rocker-type breaker, gray in color.

3. Pentair PCBA# 521593 - This is the IntelliChlor Controller Circuit Board which mounts on the back wall of the Load Center Low-Voltage compartment just to the left of the low-voltage circuit breaker mounting bracket.

4. PENTAIR 520724 - INTELLICHLOR CELL/PCBA CONNECTION CABLE - Female cannon plug mounts at the bottom of the low-voltage raceway in the knock-out provided for that purpose (mounts with 4 small bolts). The 4-pin white/clear female connector runs up the raceway and into the low-voltage compartment and connects to the 4-pin white/clear plastic connector from the IntelliChlor Controller Circuit Board.

IntelliCenter Programming

VS Pumps

Pentair automation system needs several things to happen before the pump will run:

• The system has to be in AUTO mode
• The system must have at least one Circuit Scheduled to be on (Normally the Pool or Spa circuit, but does not have to be)
• The Circuit that is on has to have a speed assigned to it (Example Pool Circuit = 1500 RPM)
• The Pump Type should match the actual pump type VS or VF or VSF, etc (If you change the pump type, it will erase all your current speeds)
• The RS-485 cable needs to be connected to the pump
• The pump's display should show that the system is being controlled by the automation when the system is in AUTO mode (Usually, the pump's display will show "Display not Active..")

Valve Actuators

If you have a Pool/Spa board, you have two actuator sockets dedicated to the RETURN and INTAKE actuators. Then, Valve A and Valve B sockets are available for other uses.

The heater bypass actuator can be plugged into Valve A without a solar valve. However, the solar valve defaults to Valve A, and the heater bypass must be plugged into Valve B.

The Solar Valve actuator plugged into Valve A is automatically associated with the Solar circuit. The Heater Bypass actuator needs to be associated with the HEATER or MASTERTEMP circuit in Settings - Other Equipment.

Pentair Password

The Pentair password cannot have special characters like !

It will let you set a password with special characters and then the login will not work.

MasterTemp Heater

You have two choices in how you control a MasterTemp with the IntelliCenter:

1. From the 2 wire Fireman's switch in the heater to the J2 gas heater relay and define it as a Gas Heater.
2. From RS-485 block in the heater to one of the RS-485 connectors in the IntelliCnert and define it as MasterTemp.

The way things work:

• Using the Fireman's switch on the heater connected to the gas heater on the IntelliCenter:
  • The heater is powered off when no heat and the heater controls are not accessible
  • The IntelliCenter acts as the heater thermostat using its water temperature sensor
  • The MasterTemp temperature sensor is only used during heating as a safety device for maximum temperature shutoff
  • Heater status and error messages are displayed on the heater panel and not on the IntelliCenter
• Using RS-485 heater control between the heater and IntelliCenter
  • The heater is always powered on and the heater controls are accessible even when the heater is idle
  • The IntelliCenter tells the heater the desired setpoint
  • The IntelliCenter water temperature sensor is not used during heating
  • The heater operates independently of the IntelliCenter to run when it's temperature sensor says the water temperature is below the setpoint
  • Heater status and error messages are sent to the IntelliCenter for display on the control panel and app

The IntelliCenter configuration must be set to the correct control interface being used on the MasterTemp heater:

• If the MasterTemp is connected to the IntelliCenter using RS-485 then settings: system configuration: other equipment: heaters and set the heater type to "MasterTemp". When you save it the Heater Name will become MasterTemp and the Heater Type will become Connected Gas.
• If the MasterTemp is connected to the IntelliCenter using the 2-wire fireman’s switch at J2 then settings: system configuration: other equipment: heaters and set the heater type to "Heater".

If you have the incorrect configuration settings you need to delete the heater and then add it. You cannot edit the Heater Name or Heater Type.

The heater type will say Gas if configured for the Fireman's Switch...

The heater type will say Connected Gas if configured for RS-485 control...

The Heat Mode button on the IntelliCenter will say MasterTemp if configured for RS-485 control and say Heater if configured for “fireman’s switch” control.

UltraTemp Heat Pump

The UltraTemp type must be UltraTemp and not Heat Pump for RS-485 control to work.

For the IntelliCenter the heat pump needs to be configured as UltraTemp, not Heat Pump, and the control screen should look like...

Under automation RS-485 remote control the UltraTemp display will show the * heartbeat in the upper right...

Solar Heat

The Start Temp. Delta should be at least 3 degrees greater than the Stop Temp. Delta.

If the deltas are too close together, the solar valve and pump can cycle rapidly on and off.

Intellichlor Cells

Even using a i10D system the IntelliCenter cannot control two Intellichlor cells independently. The same settings are applied to both cells.

The best you can currently do is not connect one cell by RS-485 to the IntelliCenter and control the cell using its control panel.

The issue with IntelliChlor is that it only knows one RS-485 address while the IntelliCenter config reserves slots for 4 chlorinators. Per the Automation / IoT department at Pentair - At present (September 2023), there is no immediate "workaround or solution to this issue". However, "Support for 2 addressable IntelliChlor ports is in fact on our roadmap. Based on priorities it could be Q2 – Q3 2024 before we’ll have the feature enabled."

IntelliChlor Plus cells, available Spring 2025, will likely support multiple RS-485 addresses.

njsPC supports dual IntelliChlor on separate ports natively. You run two rs-485 cables to the rasp-pi. One from IntelliCenter (which has one IntelliChlor) and the other directly from the other IntelliChlor.

Lights

Each set of lights is wired to a high-voltage AUX relay for control. When you configure the AUX circuits you select the Circuit Function.

If you have a standard incandescent pool light then the Circuit Function is LIGHT.

If you have a Pentair LED light then set the Circuit Function to IntelliBrite, GloBrite, or GloBrite White. For MicroBrite lights select GloBrite. If you set the Circuit function to LIGHT with color-changing LED lights you will not have the color selection controls.

Setting and Recalling Non-Standard LED Colors

See Pentair Color Hold Recall thread.

Cleaner Booster Pump

Setting the cleaner booster pump AUX circuit to Master Cleaner will:

• Force the filter pump on five (5) minutes before the cleaner.
• Turn the cleaner off when the spa is on.
• Turn the cleaner off for five (5) minutes when the solar heating begins.

If you have a cleaner booster pump AUX circuit designated the Master Cleaner, it will have a 5-minute delay between when you turn on the circuit and when the booster pump turns on. Initially, you will think the booster pump is not working. Give it a few minutes, and the booster pump will begin running.

Also, the automatic cleaner pump will turn off when the spa and/or solar is turned on.

Spillway

Create a Feature Circuit, name it Spillway, and select Spillway for the Circuit Function.

Then schedule the Spillway circuit to run for 20 minutes twice a day. Consider running the spillway at 9AM and 2PM.

Adjust your return actuator cam to fully close the spa return when in pool mode or close the valve on your spa makeup line if you have one.

Laminars

You will not find the thumper function in the Web App or Mobile App. It is only available in the Wireless Controller, Indoor Controller, and Outdoor Control Panel. If you have a valve that is part of the Laminar functionality, go to the Valves configuration and assign it to your laminar circuit.

Connecting AquaCal SQ166R Heat Pump to IntelliCenter

Reports are the RS-485 "enhancements" in 2.006 don't work with the AquaCal heat pump. After the HP spins up, there is an RS-485 glitch, the compressor coasts down, and the HP shows a comm fault. Reverting back to 1.064 gets the HP works perfectly again.

Your AquaCal HP needs to be a newer unit (with HP9 microprocessor and 5-button display) to be controlled by the RS-485 comm line. Older units with an HP7 microprocessor and either 3 or 4 button display can't and need to use the 2-wire dry contact connection for HEAT only.

This AquaCal video shows how an older HP can be upgraded to HP9 controls.

Connect green and yellow wires from the heat pump's "Port B" of the AquaCal HP control board to an available RS-485 comm port inside the IntelliCenter. The wire size connecting the heat pump to the IntelliCenter must be 22- gauge, 2-conductor, low-voltage wire.

You must connect a 10K resistor or temperature thermistor to the solar temp sensor to make the IntelliCenter happy with the heat pump. This is not used but is required for the IntelliCenter to properly control a HP.

Set up your AquaCal as "UltraTemp" when adding a heater in IntelliCenter. Turn "Cooling Enabled" on.

On the AquaCal HP, go to the installer's menu. The code is 17. Select "SET EXT. CTRL MODE" to "SMART". Exit the setup menu.

After a short wait, the main display should indicate "UNDER REMOTE CONTROL" on the bottom line.

At this point, you're connected. To turn the AquaCal HP on, go to IntelliCenter: Pool --> Heat Mode --> UltraTemp Only. Set your desired heat and cool setpoints. The AquaCal HP will turn on if there is a call for heat or cooling.

For more information, see page 20 in AquaCal Installation Manual.

IntelliCenter Guest User Account and Privilege Setup

See IntelliCenter Guest User Account and Privilege Setup thread.

IntelliCenter Calibrating Air/Solar/Water Sensor

You can adjust the displayed value of a temperature sensor by going to SETTINGS-GENERAL SETTINGS-ADVANCED SETTINGS and scrolling down to Calibration.

IntelliCenter Parts

The IntelliCenter PCB is 3 layers with two boards stacked and the display screen on plastic standoffs.

The "bottom" board (where the display is attached) is a little Linux-based computer - think of a slow Raspberry Pi - that runs all the firmware and controls the outputs on the top board and any attached personality boards

The "top" board (where all the connections are made) does a lot, including converting the 18vac input to 24vdc (for both the top/bottom boards), has the relay driver chips, the "160mA max" power supply for the wireless adapter, and also has another power supply that powers items connected to the comm port.

You can separate the boards by removing the 4 screws (with the blue painted heads), and get a plastic tool to gently pry the boards apart at each of the two 40 (or so) pin IDC connectors... they'll just pop apart.

The ribbon connector cable for the display pops off. Gently pry up either side of the reinforced end of the cable and it will pop off

You end up with three or four pieces (if you have a personality card) that make up the IntelliCenter PCB.

Circuit Breaker - IntelliChlor 12A

A replacement circuit breaker can be obtained from Digikey or Grainger It is a Carling Technologies CTB-B-B-12 Circuit Breaker Thermal 12A 250 V AC 50 V DC Push to Reset Panel Mount.

Relay Connector

Relay connectors are 2.5mm-pitch 2-pin female JST XH-style connector.

Terminal blocks

Metz part number 31007104, Digi-key part number 1849-1116-ND is the 4-pin block.

Metz part number 31007106 is the 6-pin block. Digi-Key Part Number 1849-1107-ND.

Metz part number 31007110 is the 10-pin block, Digi-Key Part Number 31007110-ND

Rubber O-Rings Holding Screws on Low Voltage Panel

Rubber o-rings are on the backside of the upper low-voltage front panel screws to prevent them from falling out when unscrewing.

A member used these from Harbor Freight:

• O-ring Rear. 397 pieces metric SKU: 67580
  • 006 / P3 (almost identical) - ID 2.8 OD 6.6
  • 007 / P4 (little larger but fits) - ID 3.8 OD 7.6
• O-ring Viton assort SKU: 67525
  • A006 - 2.90 x 1.78
  • A007 - 3.69 x 1.78

IntelliCenter Lite

In March 2023 Pentair released a LITE version of their flagship IntelliCenter automation.

Much like the Easytouch PL4/PSL4, this control system appears to be modeled primarily for pool owners who do not need the load center.

However, UNLIKE the prior EasyTouch Lite, the new IntelliCenter LITE system is not crippled in feature and function and operates the same as its IntelliCenter big-brother. They will also be upgradable for items such as future relays etc, just as the standard IntelliCenter. While it can be expanded, IntelliCenter Lite will only come with the i5P/S personality kit and 5 relays which is unsurprising, as most who would be interested in this product are not likely to have complex pool builds and would not need the i10.

There will be several versions available to purchase, and these versions will include various options such as Wireless Internet and actuator bundles. The SKUs are conflicting on the partner documents, so both versions are listed until we are sure which they will actually be.

What are the new IntelliCenter Lite SKUs and how are they different from IntelliCenter?

The new IntelliCenter Lite systems use a power center, rather than a load center. This will feature a 125AMP breaker bus. There are also versions that will forego the wireless connection kits, to allow additional savings for those with a hard-wired cat-5 Ethernet connection available at their equipment pad.

IntelliCenter Lite bundles do not currently include SWG cells or other chemistry management solutions. These will need to be purchased separately. It also appears that the IntelliCenter Lite is not provided in a "salt ready" setup in any version, as they all lack the transformer.

• 523623 IntelliCenter® Lite System (power center with i5P personality kit) (released 1/2023)
• 523624 IntelliCenter® Lite System (power center with i5PS personality kit and 2 standard valve actuators) (released 1/2023)
• 523625 IntelliCenter® Lite System (power center with i5PS personality kit and 2 IntelliValve® actuators) (released 1/2023)
• 523688/523669 IntelliCenter® Lite System (power center with i5P personality kit) without High Power Wireless Link (available 3/2023)
• 523699/523669 IntelliCenter® Lite System (power center with i5PS personality kit) without High Power Wireless Link (available 3/2023)

How does the IntelliCenter Lite compare to the Easytouch Lite?

Short version, they really don't. Arguably, the biggest drawback with the Pl4/PSL4 systems was the software limitations. Though a hack existed to change this, the general consensus is the ET Lite systems were a poor investment given the combination of the software and hardware limitations. Though several Easytouch models exists with the same physical limitations as the ET Lite, the standard ET included full featured software without having to violate warranty to get it.

In the case of the IntelliCenter Lite, it will also always feature one more relay (5) than the Easytouch Lite (4), and all previously mentioned standard IntelliCenter features and expansion.

The Intellicenter Lite can also come with built-in remote access via wifi, which always required the $500+ ScreenLogic bundle for the ETL.

Below is a brief comparison of the ET Light, standard ET, and the IntelliCenter/IntelliCenter Lite:

EasyTouch Lite	EasyTouch	IntelliCenter & IntelliCenter Lite
4 Relays (Filter pump + 3 pieces of equipment)	Up to 8 relays	Up to 40 relays (up to 3 expansion enclosures)
1 Filter Pump	Up to 2 IntelliFlo® pumps	Up to 16 IntelliFlo pumps
2 Feature Circuits	Up to 8 feature circuits	Up to 32 feature circuits, and 16 groups
4 Schedules	Up to 12 schedules/programs	Up to 100 multifunction schedules/programs
2 bodies of water	2 bodies of water	2 bodies of water (multiple bodies on product roadmap)

IntelliCenter upgrade kits available for all IntelliTouch, Easytouch and Easytouch Lite users

2003 - 2012 ONLY: Includes Outdoor control panel, i10P/i10PS/i10D personality board, shared equipment (board depends on P/N ordered); transformer bracket assembly; wireless antenna kit:

• 522045 IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit - i10P, for LC/PC
• 522046 IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit - i10PS, for LC/PC
• 523218 IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit - i10D, for LC/PC (was PN 52308)
• 523530 IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit - i10X, for LC/PC (was PN 52308)

2012 & Later: Includes Outdoor control panel: i10P/i10PS/i10D personality board, shared equipment (board depends on P/N ordered); 4-amp and 5-amp circuit breakers; system transformer; wireless antenna kit:

• 522047 IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit - i10P, for CLC/CPC
• 522048 IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit - i10PS, for CLC/CPC
• 522049 IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit - i10D, for CLC/CPC
• 523529 IntelliTouch/EasyTouch to Next Gen Upgrade Kit CLC/CPC

If your EasyTouch or IntelliTouch has the horizontal low circuit voltage breaker configuration then you use the Legacy Systems: 2003 to 2012 kit.

If your EasyTouch or IntelliTouch panel has the square circuit breaker configuration then you use the 2012 and later kit.

IntelliSynch

IntelliSync Pool Pump Control and Monitoring System is a new product released in 2021. IntelliSynch connects your pumps and water sensors through your WiFi network to Pentair servers. You then use the Pentair POOL app to connect to the Pentair servers to communicate with your equipment.

IntelliSync Control and Monitoring System communicates through your WiFi router using a 2.4GHz wireless connection. A 2.4GHz WiFi network is required, and 5GHz WiFi is not supported.

The Pentair POOL app can control and monitor two pumps and two temperature sensors - an ambient air sensor and a water sensor - through IntelliSync. Through the POOL app, you can:

• set schedules for the pump(s)
• set pump RPM
• set freeze protection
• get alerts
• display ambient temperature and water temperature

Intellisynch supports the following pumps:

• IntelliFlo® VS Pump
• IntelliPro® VS Pump
• IntelliPro® VSF Pump
• IntelliFlo® i1 Pump
• IntelliFlo® i2 Pump
• IntelliFlo® VSF Pump
• IntelliFloXF® Pump
• IntelliProXF® Pump
• IntelliFloXFVS® Pump
• IntelliProXFVS® Pump
• IntelliFlo® VS+SVRS Pump
• IntelliPro® VS+SVRS Pump
• IntelliFlo® 2VST Pump
• IntelliPro® 2VST Pump
• SuperFlo® VS Pump
• SuperFlo® VST Pump
• SuperMax® VS Pump
• WhisperFloXFVS Pump
• Max-E-ProXFVS® Pump

The IntelliSync supports the WhisperFlo VST with the RS-485 interface (green/yellow cables only). The firmware on the IntelliSync MUST be 1.22 for the Controller Software and 3.40 for the IoT Software. Pentair has to push this to your controller to make it compatible with this pump.

Pump Communication Cables are required and are sold separately.

• IntelliFlo Communication Cable P/N 350122.
• SuperFloVS Communication Cable P/N 353129Z.

The IntelliSync Control and Monitoring System supports pump speeds (RPM), not pump flows (GPM). However, pump speeds are supported for IntelliFlo VSF pumps.

Both the IntelliConnect and IntelliSync use similar hardware, and all scheduling appears to be done on the pump and not the controller.

Freeze protection requires that your wireless connection, Internet, and the AccuWeather weather service website all be working, or the freeze protection feature will not be operable.

Pentair Discontinues the IntelliTouch, EasyTouch, and EasyTouch PL4/PSL4 Pool Control Systems

Pentair announced the following in April 2023:

Pentair is discontinuing the IntelliTouch, EasyTouch, and EasyTouch PL4/PSL4 Pool Control Systems. These products will no longer be available to order starting:

• July 31, 2023 for all IntelliTouch Systems
• September 29, 2023 for all EasyTouch Systems

We recognize these products have been in high demand for many years. However, given advancements in Pentair innovation and evolving industry demands, we are transitioning focus to the latest technology standards included with the IntelliCenter Pool Control System.

Pentair FAQ:

What control system should I order? The recently updated IntelliCenter and IntelliCenter Lite Control Systems are the flagship automation products at Pentair, with both systems offering best-in-class technology and the most versatile control for most pool types.

Will warranties still be honored for my customers’ existing control system? Warranty and replacement parts will be honored as available per our standard warranty policy. For more information, please review the EasyTouch and IntelliTouch FAQs.

Will obsolete products continue to be supported? Products moved to obsolete status will continue to be supported under warranty. Pentair will replace legacy systems under warranty with comparable equipment while parts are available. If replacement parts are unavailable for existing systems under warranty, the IntelliCenter Upgrade Kit for EasyTouch, EasyTouch PL4/PSL4, and IntelliTouch systems may be required.

EasyTouch

There are two EasyTouch system configurations available; EasyTouch 8 (auxiliary circuits) and EasyTouch 4(auxiliary circuits). The EasyTouch system is factory configured to operate with a “shared” equipment systemor with a “single body” system. The EasyTouch system has 12 schedules/programs.

The basic EasyTouch system will not control anything using your PC or phone. You must add ScreenLogc, which costs about $500.

EasyTouch Lite

The EasyTouch Lite PL4/PSL4 is not recommended because only comes with 4 schedules/programs and only 1 or 2 feature circuits, no load center, etc. The PL4/PSL4 does not have a Load Center for circuit breakers and is a cheap imitation of the real thing.

With the EasyTouch Lite, you can only have 4 schedules/programs/egg-timers and run-once items, and that includes any egg-timer that is not set at the default of 12 hours. Unfortunately, ScreenLogic will allow you to enter a billion schedules, but EasyTouch can't use them.

None of the EasyTouch lite versions come with the built-in IntelliClor SWCG power center.

Lite boards come with a jumper wire on the J23/Modtelspa port. Snip that off, and provided you've got a later firmware it won't be a Lite anymore.

ScreenLogic

ScreenLogic is an optional component that enables remote control and programming of the EasyTouch from a PC, phone, or tablet.

With ScreenLogic EasyTouch talks to a "Protocol Adapter". The link between the ET and the Protocol adapter can be a 4-wire cable OR the wireless link included in the kit. The plus side to hardwired is no wireless to screw with. The downside is that a nearby lightning strike can come in on the hardwire and take out the protocol adapter, a router and several Ethernet units connected to the router, as happened to one member.

The Protocol Adapter speaks "Pentair" on one end and Ethernet on the other. It is a "translator."

The ScreenLogic kit is P/N 522104.

Pentair Screenlogic overview and $20 wireless fix! Troubleshooting wifi connection. The YouTube video explains how to connect Screenlogic2 without the Pentair Wireless Link if you have the Protocol Adapter.

ScreenLogic Remote Connection Error

If you get " ERROR Cannot connect” after replacing the router, you must reset the Protocol Adapter because you changed the router.

Push the reset button 3 times. It is inside the little hole in one end of the adapter.

The Screenlogic adapter must have a firmware version of 5.2.736 or above for the reset functionality to work. Previous firmware versions do NOT support resetting to clear its IP settings, so do not keep trying.

Pentair Support can tell you when your Screenlogic device last connected to them and what IP address it was.

ScreenLogic Not Connecting with Quickly Flashing Power Light

The rapidly flashing power light indicates that the inside transmitter tried to connect to the outside, but there was some interference. Move the transmitter around and at least one foot from the router to find a better location that it connects with.

When moving the wireless link, unplug it, move it, and power it back on. Just moving it around a little in your hand while watching the light does not work. The unit power needs to be recycled to try reconnecting.

You may need a longer wire to move the unit far enough from the interference.

Screenlogic2 Password Reset

Connect via Local into Config. You can then set up a new password for Remote access.

The PC software, if on the same network as the protocol adapter, should auto-populate the IP address of the adapter. No password is needed.

ScreenLogic Ports

The protocol adapter (PA, the box that plugs into your ethernet) does the following:

• Every 20 minutes -- or whenever communication is restored after having been lost:
  • PA performs a DNS lookup ( on UDP port 53) for screenlogicserver.pentair.com
  • PA contacts that host on TCP port 500 and sends a bunch of identification info: its MAC address , local IP address, pool's name, etc.
  • Server responds with a list of IP addresses: A Pentair weather server to be contacted on TCP port 1000, an RFC1918 address to be contacted on port 80 (not on the PA's subnet, no idea what this is), and a list of 15 Screenlogic-server IPs
  • If the PA doesn't already have an open TCP connection to a Screenlogic server, it selects one of them and opens a connection to it on TCP port 7575
• Every 5 minutes:
  • PA contacts the Pentair weather server on TCP port 1000 and sends its US ZIP code
  • Weather server is probably meant to respond with current weather for that ZIP code, but it currently responds with very out-of-date weather information (e.g., today it's reporting weather from 21 December 2021, 3 years ago)
• Every 10 seconds:
  • The Screenlogic server sends a status packet to the PA from TCP port 7575. The packet says, among other things, whether a Screenlogic Control app (or Elan control panel) is trying to connect to the pool through the server
• Every 11 minutes, 20 seconds -- or whenever the control packet from the Screenlogic server says that a Screenlogic Control app or panel is trying to connect:
  • PA opens a connection to the Screenlogic server on a random TCP port that's typically in the 32000-32767 range, and checks in with its ID
• Whenever the Screenlogic Control app or panel wants to send data to or receive data from the pool:
  • PA and Screenlogic server communicate through the previously opened connection on that random port

Sometimes a router or ISP has ports closed for network security that prevent ScreenLogic from communicating with the Pentair servers. A member monitored his network communication and reported the following port usage:

• Local connection is TCP 80
• Outbound Connection Ports:
• UDP 53 - DNS - required
• UDP 453 - unknown intermittent use - only to one observed IP listed below
• TCP 500 - Key Management/isakmp? - frequent and required - only to one observed IP listed below
• TCP 1000 - unknown - frequent and required
• TCP 7575 - unknown - frequent and required
• TCP range 32200 - 32600 (currently observed usage between 32269 - 32504) - dynamic and used when connecting to Screenlogic App

Observed connection IPs along with validated IPs from Pentair tech support troubleshooting (US/North America):

• Validated with Tech Support:
  • 104.130.244.134 - Texas USA - primary IP - observed most often - only observed port is TCP 1000
  • 104.130.253.134 - Georgia USA - secondary IP - observed as remote connection IP with UDP 453, TCP 7575, and TCP range
• Observed:
  • 166.78.45.67- Texas USA - appears to be the initial connection server - only observed port is TCP 500
• Additional Observed:
  • 104.130.124.122 - Germany
  • 104.130.126.90 - Germany
  • 104.130.135.220 - Washington USA
  • 104.130.136.29 - Washington USA
  • 104.130.138.186 - Texas USA
  • 104.130.243.250 - Germany - frequently contacted - only observed port is TCP 1000
  • 104.130.253.30 - Georgia USA
  • 104.130.253.97 - Georgia USA
  • 104.239.142.37 - Germany
  • 104.239.144.49 - Texas USA
  • 104.239.146.206 - France
  • 148.62.14.29 - Germany
  • 166.78.45.67 - Texas USA
  • 23.253.89.11 - Germany
  • 67.192.247.129 - Germany

Operating Modes

• Auto - is where the system should be set most of the time. This means that the system will automatically do what you have scheduled.
• Service is designed when you do NOT want the system to do anything automatically. For example, this mode is used when you want to clean your filter or open the pump lid. You don't want something coming on automatically when you are doing that. It is used by someone who is "Servicing" the pool.
• Time Out - is the same as Service, except it will time out after a period of time and go back to auto. I know of no one that uses Time-Out.

EasyTouch Schedules

If you have a full-up EasyTouch (almond-colored face panel), you can have a maximum of 12 schedules, including egg-timers that are not set to the default of 12 hours. The run-once is not used often, but it also counts as a schedule.

If you have an EasyTouch Lite PL4/PSL4 system (black face panel), you can have a maximum of 4 schedules, including egg timers that are not set to 12 hours.

Screenlogic app will let you enter many more schedules than what the system will run.

Check the schedules and egg timers using the panel LCD. Some people have found that their panel has more schedules than what the app is showing.

How to Setup Spillover Mode in EasyTouch

To set up your EasyTouch for a spillover function using Screenlogic on a PC you only need to do three things.

1. Use your PC and go into the ScreenLogic setup on page 2 of 5... Select an unused Feature Circuit, Name it "Spillway," and set the Function to "Spillway".

2. Go to set up page 4 of 5 and add "Spillway" to your IntelliFlo pump and a speed of say 1500 RPM. (You can use this to adjust the amount of spillover you have".

3. In your normal ScreenLogic page, go into schedules and add a schedule for "Spillway" for say 30 minutes a day. (You may want to do this twice a day. The idea is to keep the spa chlorinated.)

The setup can also be done using the Outdoor Control Panel or the SLConfig app. The key is to create a Feature Circuit and set the Circut Type to SPILLWAY.

Keep in mind that you can only have a maximum of 4 schedules with a Lite system (PL4/PSL4) or 12 total schedules, and that includes any egg-timers.

You may also have to adjust the cam stop on your return valve actuator to fully close the return valve when in POOL mode.

EasyTouch Freeze Protection

If Freeze Protection is enabled for your Pool and Spa, the EasyTouch will cycle between POOL and SPA every 15 minutes, turning the Intake and Return actuators.

Any time the air temperature gets below about 35 degrees, freeze protection will come on. Then, the air temperature has to rise above 35 degrees by a degree or two before the freeze control will shut off.

You can set a VS pump's speed in Freeze Protection by selecting the 'freeze' circuit and adding the speed you want the pump to run. Like you set the pump's speed in POOL mode, you can do the same when in FREEZE mode.

Code 1 Error

Code 1 error means a self-test had been initiated from a human @ the ICP, or at the controller, and is reporting an LCD display light problem. If you are getting a CODE 1 without initiating a self-test, you may have a bigger problem with the controller i.e. a stuck button or worse, a short somewhere on the board.

EasyTouch Versions 1 and 2

There are two versions of the EasyTouch.

Version 1 is EasyTouch boards shipped prior to 5/5/2008. They cannot be programmed with version 2.010 or higher. The flash memory on the older board is an MC9S12A64 1x16x64k device and doesn't have enough flash memory for the new firmware.

Version 1 Easytouch will do basic VS control of an IntelliFlo pump. Version 1 Easytouch will not control using Flow Rate with Intelliflo VSF pumps.

Version 2 of EasyTouch uses an MC9S12A128 1x16x128k device with double the memory.

Wireless remotes are matched with the EasyTouch version. There are two styles of transceivers and the FCC IDs on the back of the wireless controller will be either P4HEASYTOUCH (old version) or P4HEASYTOUCH2A (new version). You can't run the new version of the wireless controller on the old version of the outdoor transceiver, and vice versa.

The firmware version on an Easytouch 1 board is frozen in time at 1.060, whereas the Easytouch 2 version is 2.180 as of January 2020. The latest firmware can be downloaded from the Pentair website if for no other reason than to check the release notes (in a "master readme.rtf" file) to see what fixes and enhancements have been added to each firmware revision.

Intelliflo VSF support was added to EasyTouch 2 in Feb 2011, and then Intelliflo 2 VSF support in Dec 2016.

Full details of EasyTouch firmware versions can be found here.

Performing Firmware Updates on Pentair Controllers

The thread How to perform firmware upgrade on Pentair* controllers has a discussion on the equipment needed to update firmware in the EasyTouch.

The Easytouch firmware added support for the new "VSF+SVRS Intelliflo Pump" in 2.090

Firmware 2.19 fixed problems communicating with the UltraTemp Heat Pump.

EasyTouch Board Conversions

Pentair uses the same exact hardware for all EasyTouch boards (ET4/8/Lite and pool/spa/both combinations) and relies on a "hardware ID" to enable/disable features.

They now have a single firmware file that gets uploaded to all of them, and they use the two resistors r41/r42 and the j23 jumpers to identify the board type. When the board boots up, the firmware checks these three parts (for six possible iterations of board types) and determines which features to allow.

The original Lite boards didn't share the firmware so cutting the jumper didn't do anything until you updated the firmware

Hardware-id schemes like this are common and manufacturers do it to save manufacturing costs. It makes sense when the cost difference for the parts needed for each type is negligible compared to the cost to design, build, test, and support six different versions of the board. Sometimes, as is the case with some of my Fluke test gear, they'll manufacture a single board for their entire model range but not populate expensive parts that aren't required for a particular model

Convert an EasyTouch 4 to an EasyTouch 8

All you have to do is add a resistor to R42 with the same resistor value that is on R41. those resistors are soldered right under the screen. Once you add the resistor the panel will automatically activate the rest of the relay ports.

It is a standard through-hole resistor. The most challenging part will be removing the old solder and the leads from the factory-installed (and then cut out) resistor. If you are familiar with solder braid or have a solder suction bulb it should be fairly simple. If not, get someone with soldering experience or spend a good amount of time practicing on an old radio.

You can then add additional relays that the firmware will control.

Your 4-button wireless remote will work, but only relays 1-4 will be controlled the additional 4 will not.

Earlier versions had separate firmware forks, which may have required a hardware AND firmware change, but at some point, they merged (We think as of 2.130?) so you can "upgrade" any board by just adding the right resistors. *Note that the earliest ET boards have a smaller chip that won't take the current firmware.

The firmware scans the pins that those resistors are connected to, and detects a high or a low to set the board type.

R41 and R42 are 1k 5% 1/4w resistors.

Convert a Single Body EasyTouch to a EasyTouch P&S

If you bought a single-body panel and want to activate for P&S you will be missing R41. Just add R41 and it will become a Pool & Spa panel.

When you look at a board and it has both resistors R41 and R42 then it is a pool & spa EasyTouch 8.

Convert an Easytouch Lite PSL4 Indoor Controller to an Easytouch 8

A hack to Convert an Easytouch Lite PSL4 Indoor Controller to an Easytouch 8

If you snip the J23 jumper on an EasyTouch Lite board and power it up it should no longer be a Lite. If that doesn't work, it's likely because you've got an old firmware version and you can update the firmware to make it an ET4 (and then add both resistors to make it an ET8). If the board won't run you can resolder the jumper to go back to a Lite.

The EasyTouch lite used to have its own firmware but now it's all the same binary as the EasyTouch 4/8.

Power cycle the Protocol Adapter if you have Screenlogic after sniping J23 for it to update to your new configuration. The Protocol Adapter takes up to 30 minutes to re-sync with the system - so if you don't power cycle the PA it'll eventually sort itself out.

Adding IntelliChlor Power to EasyTouch Load Center

When the EasyTouch Load Center is purchased as part of a Pentair bundle that includes the IntelliChlor IC40 cell the SWG electronics to power the cell are included in the Load Center cabinet.

If you want to add the IntelliChlor afterwards you either need to wire in the IntelliChlor Power Center or add components to the EasyTouch Load Center.

You would need the following parts to install in the Load Center:

• Pentair Load Center For Intellitouch, Intellichlor Scg Transformer, Easytouch And Easytouch Pl4/Psl4 Control System 521441 SWCG transformer
• Pentair Load Center IntelliChlor SCG Surge Board PCBA 521218
• Pentair Power Cable 520724 - Cable from Surge card to to connector at bottom of the cabinet where the cell would connect
• Fuse assembly and wiring
• RS-485 Cable from the main card to the surge card.

It is cheaper to just buy the external Power Center.

EasyTouch/IntelliTouch Repairs

The EasyTouch and IntelliTouch systems and PCBs share much in common and most repairs are the same for either system.

The IntelliCenter system has many commonalities with Pentairs earlier system but the PCB is an all-new design with no socketed chips and thus more difficult to repair.

Temperature Sensors

The temperature sensors (air, water, solar) for all Pentair automation systems (EasyTouch, IntelliTouch, IntelliCenter, SolarTouch) is 520272.

An inoperative water temperature sensor or an incorrect high reading will prevent the heater from turning on.

Calibrating a Temperature Sensor

You can calibrate the air and water temperature sensors if they're a little bit off. If it was only a degree or two, do the recalibration. If it's way off, replace the sensor with part number 520272.

Android SLConfig app does not calibrate sensors. The PC version does. The iPhone version may.

To calibrate the water, air, and solar temperature sensors: MENU>SETTING>CALIBRATION>CALIBRATION

1. Press the Mode button on the control panel to place the system in “Service” manual mode.
2. Press the Filter Pump (F) button to switch on the pool/spa filter pump.
3. Place the thermometer in the spa or pool water. Take an accurate temperature reading. When calibrating the air sensor, place the thermometer next to the air sensor. The air sensor is normally located near or under the EasyTouch PL4/PSL4 Control System Power Center enclosure, not inside the enclosure. Take an accurate temperature reading in the shade.
4. Use the Up or Down buttons to raise or lower the water temperature to match the corresponding thermometer temperature reading. You can only do about 5 degrees at a time. Let it sit for a minute and then do it again.
5. After calibrating the water sensor, use the Right button to move to the “AIR” setting, repeat step 4. and repeat the procedure for the solar sensor. Ensure that the solar sensor is in the sun for accurate readings.
6. After calibrating all the sensors, press the Menu button to save the settings and return to the Settings menu options. Press the button again to return to the main menu options or press again to return to the main screen.

The air and water temperature sensors can also be calibrated using Screenlogic on the General Settings page. You can change the "Sensor Calibration" in the SLConfig App or the ScreenLogic Desktop software. Android SLConfig app does not calibrate temperature sensors. PC version does. iPhone SLConfig appears to adjust the temperatures, but as soon as you leave that screen the app resets to where they were

Relay Drivers

24VDC high voltage Omron relays and miniature relays soldered to the PCB are used on Pentair automation boards to turn many things on and off including:

• High voltage AUX circuits
• Valve actuators
• Gas heaters

Often, it is not the relay that fails but the relay driver. The micro-controller cannot safely supply 24V, so it uses a relay driver, and the relay driver also protects the micro-controller against back emf when the coil is de-energized.

• Easytouch uses 2 socketed ULN2803 drivers, labeled U3 and U4
• Intellitouch uses 3 socketed ULN2803 drivers, labeled U11, U12 and U13
• Intellicenter uses 2 soldered, surface mount UNL2803 drivers, labeled U4 and U7
• Suntouch uses 1 socketed ULN2803 driver

The drivers can fail open or short, which means they can fail so that the relay coil won't turn on or won't turn off. Each driver chip controls 8 outputs, and any or all of these outputs could be "dead"—but it's typically not all. Also, if your relay or valve sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, the driver is not a likely culprit (in this case, you should test for a bad relay or micro-switches in the valve).

You can replace a socketed relay driver on an EasyTouch, IntelliTouch, or Suntouch PCB. The IntelliCenter boards with soldered relay drivers are more difficult to repair.

The chips are on the LCD side of the main card. When removing them, note how they are installed since they can be installed 180 degrees incorrectly.

To troubleshoot a non-working aux circuit or valve, swap it to another circuit and see if the problem persists. If the swap fixes it, undo it and plug in a fresh driver chip to see if that does the trick. If you don't have a spare driver chip, you can swap one of the other socketed chips—but label them first! Shut off the board power before swapping the chips!

These parts are available at any online electronics dealer, such as Mouser.com. You can also get an 8-pack of ULN2803A chips on Amazon.

YouTube:Replacing EasyTouch Relay Driver Chip

Carefully pry the chip out, working both ends using the lightest pressure you can manage. You can <gasp> use an adjacent chip for leverage. The pins on the replacement chip will likely be spread wider than the socket, so you'll have to bend the pins a little closer together. They sell $$$ pin straighteners for this task, or you can lie the chip on its side with the pins against a hard surface and give it the slightest bend. Then flip the chip over and repeat.

Now you can insert the chip, power the controller, and re-try your aux circuit or valve. Good luck!

Help! My aux circuits (or valves) stopped working!! contributed to this and has more details on how to replace the ULN2803A relay driver chip.

• 

  Two socketed UNL2803A relay driver chips

• 

  If you want to lever off another chip, be gentle!

• 

  The new chip pins are spread too far apart to fit in the socket as-is

• 

  Bending the pins slightly closer together

Replacing a High Voltage Relay

The newer relays Jandy, Hayward, and Pentair use are nominally 24v DC and are completely interchangeable. The one marketed for Hayward maybe half the price of the one from Pentair or Jandy.

The Omron brand was available at wholesale until the big three said they would pull their product if the wholesalers continued to offer them.

• Omron Electronics Inc-EMC Div RELAY GEN PURPOSE DPST 25A 24V.
• General Purpose Relay DPST-NO (2 Form A) 24VDC Coil Chassis Mount Omron G7L Power Relay
• G7L-2A-BUBJ-CB DC24

The screws to mount the relays are 8-32 x 3/8". They are available from mcmastercarr.com

EasyTouch/IntelliTouch Transformer

Transformers do not often fail. To determine if one has failed, you should test the voltages on the transformer input, which should be 120V or 240V AC, and the transformer output using a multimeter.

The transformer provides three low-voltage AC inputs to the card:

• Between Blue/White and Blue for 12 volts AC
• Between Org/White and Org for 18 volts AC
• Between Red/White and Red for 24 volts AC

Each pair of wires (blue and blue/white, orange and orange/white, red and red/white) has a circuit breaker in one leg. Test the board around the circuit breaker if it is not getting voltage.

To test the voltage before the breaker, put one test lead on the board power connector after you disconnect it from the PCB - to whichever wire is not interrupted by the breaker - and the other lead on the side of the breaker that connects to the transformer secondary (rather than the side that goes to the board power connector). If you don't get 12-15 volts but know the primary is getting 120v, your transformer is bad. If you get a good voltage output, something's up with the breaker.

Low Voltage Breakers Tripping

The first thing to test is disconnecting the board power connector from the board and seeing if the breaker stays closed. If it does and the voltages on the transformer test correctly, then the transformer is good, and the breaker trip is likely caused by a device connected to the board.

Understanding the usage of the voltages in the system tells us where to begin diagnostics:

• 12VAC (converted to DC on-board) powers the outdoor board, indoor control panels, and RS-485 red/black power lines. The 12VAC is converted to about 15VDC by an on-board rectifier and routed to the RS-485 comm port red/black screws.
• 18VAC (converted to DC on-board) energizes the relay coils
• 24VAC (left as AC) powers the valves.

12V Breaker Tripping

As described above, the 12V services multiple areas of the system, and diagnostics will involve elimination.

If you have any RS-485 comm blocks with black/red wires connected, lift them off the comm blocks, power up the system, and see if the breaker stays closed. If so, one of the devices connected to the comm block is causing the breaker to trip.

If you only have one cable with a black/red connection, that is the problem device. If you have multiple RS-485 cables with black/red connections, you must connect each individually until you find the one tripping the breaker.

The problem could be in the device or the RS-485 cable. The cable could have been nicked and shorted, or a critter chewed on it. The system may misbehave or shut down altogether if there's a short between the black/red wires - from a cable or device issue. Replacing the RS-485 cable is inexpensive before replacing the device.

Devices that are powered by the RS-485 red/black wires include:

• radio transceivers for wireless devices
• Screenlogic protocol adapters
• indoor panels for the Easytouch, Intellitouch, and Intellicenter

Installers often do not understand which RS-485 devices do not require the red/black power connection and connect all four wires to all devices. VS pumps and Intellichlor have their own power and should not have the black/red wires connected. If they are connected, then disconnect them to prevent problems.

If you remove the RS-485 comm blocks and the 12V breaker is still opening, it points to a problem on the PCB. It could be a bad comm chip, relay driver, CPU, or other support part. Before declaring the PCB defective, disconnect all other wires after labeling them except for the PCB power connector and see if the 12VAC breaker opens. If it does, the PCB needs repair or replacement.

18V Breaker Tripping

If the 18VAC breaker opens, one of the high voltage relay coils is likely shorted.

Label each relay coil wire and unplug all the relays from their sockets. Reconnect them one at a time to identify the bad relay.

If you remove all the relay plugs and the 18V breaker still does not reset, it could be a shorted relay driver. If the common pin 10 (where the 18vac—converted to 24vdc—connects to control the relay) has internally shorted to pin 9 (ground), it'll trip the breaker.

To determine if the relay driver chips are the problem - power down the EasyTouch/IntelliTouch, pop out the two socketed driver chips, power it up again, and see if the 18vac still trips.

24V Breaker Tripping

If the 24VAC breaker opens, something is wrong with one of the valve actuators.

Label each wire and unplug all the actuator plugs from their sockets. Reconnect them one at a time to identify the bad actuator.

SCG Breaker Tripping

You only have the SCG breaker if your system includes the IntelliChlor transformer and surge card in the cabinet.

Disconnect the cell from the connector at the bottom left of the cabinet.

If the CB opens with the cell disconnected, the surge card is bad.

If the CB opens only with the cell connected, the cell is bad and needs to be replaced.

RS-485 Connected Devices are Not Working Properly

EasyTouch and other Pentair automation panels use the RS-485 data communication protocol to communicate between the panel and the device. RS485 reads the differential voltage between that green and yellow wire. Any connection problem, corrosion, or unbalance between the wires can cause communication errors.

RS-485 problems have been fixed by using the RS-485 expansion board so each device gets its own connection. Connecting multiple devices to one set of screws can cause problems.

Splicing RS-485 wires can cause problems. If a comm wire is too short a new wire should be run.

Devices that communicate with the EasyTouch using RS-485 include:

• Screenlogic
• VS pumps
• Intellichlor
• IntellipH
• Indoor Control Panels
• Radio transceivers for wireless connections

RS-485 Comm Link Not Working

The RS-485 comm link can stop working due to a failure of the RS-485 chip or the circuit in the processor. The chip can be replaced, but a failed processor is not repairable.

How to Determine if your Easytouch Com (RS485) can be repaired explains how to troubleshoot the RS-485 chip on an EasyTouch.

The Easytouch motherboards DO NOT have any RS485 surge protection circuits. So after you install a new motherboard (Or repair a repairable board), you can install a RS485 surge protector inline with the "Green" and "Yellow" com wires to your Easytouch.

Gas Heater Does Not Turn Off

A 2-wire cable connects the gas heater Fireman's switch to the heater relay on the PCB. The heater relay contacts can be welded shut from overcurrent and not open to turn the heater off.

You can check the relay using a multimeter with the wires disconnected and the heater off. The relay is bad if you have continuity with the heat off.

Also, check the relay driver as described in the section above.

Gas Heater Does Not Turn On

Pressing the heater button on the outdoor control panel or on the app does not turn on the heater LED then check the water temperature.

An inoperative water temperature sensor or an incorrect high reading will prevent the heater from turning on.

Also, check the relay driver as described in the section above.

EasyTouch Wireless Remote NO COMM Error

If you do not have the 6-flash death sequence then the controller may have lost the wireless address.

Try this:

At the outdoor control:

1. press menu
2. press down button, scroll to settings.
3. Press the right button to select.
4. Press the up button, scroll to "Wireless Address"
5. Press the right button to select - "Address Wireless scanning" will display, Then "Sending Address" will display.

On the handheld wireless controller:

1. Now repeat steps 1-5 with the handheld wireless controller, "Address Found" will display

Then back at the outdoor panel:

1. Press the menu button on the control panel 3 times to return to the main screen.

Replacing EasyTouch Load Center Bus Bar

The plastic tabs that hold circuit breakers in place can break off from the bus bar and require its replacement. The Pentair 520281 Breaker Base costs between $150-$225. It looks like Pentair uses Siemens components and you can find Siemens Load Centers with that bus bar in the big box stores.

Replacing EasyTouch LCD Screen

The Winstar WH1604A-TMI-JT has been used but seems to be unavailable.

These displays seem to be the exact same pinout and form factor as the Winstar ones. You can compare it to the Winstar data sheet here.

• 3.3V or 5V Blue LCD 16x4 Arduino Library Character Display Module
• 1604 16x4 Character LCD Display Module Blue Backlight for Arduino 5V

You will find tips on desoldering the board at this thread.

You solder each pin, one at a time. Then clean, inspect for a possible short, and use desoldering braid to clean between any two pins that appear bridged.

Inoperative Buttons

The MODE button cycles the EasyTouch and IntelliTouch panels between AUTO, SERVICE, and TIME OUT modes. The button can wear out and no longer respond and you can be stuck in a mode.

If the button is broken you can short the button with a small piece of wire. You may have to note which button it is and do it from the backside of the board.

The tactile buttons on the boards have 2 pairs of legs (4 legs total). The top two legs are a continuous piece of metal, as are the bottom 2 legs. So if you connect either of the top 2 legs to the bottom 2 you will "press" the button.

The image below is an Intellitouch indoor and the buttons are the same on an EasyTouch. The yellow lines show the internal connection of the button, and the red loop is the jumper you would use to momentarily close the button.

The switch can be replaced by a 9mm surface mount C&K switch from Mouser. The datasheet shows through-hole switches, but just scroll down to decode the surface mount part number and find the dimensions.

A few tips:

• You can hand solder the replacements, which isn't what they recommend unless you have a reflow oven.
• If you're using a hot air gun to remove the old one, be sure to shield the other parts so you don't melt the other button actuators (the blue "stems" in the above photo).
• Clean off the pads with some solder wick before fixing the new button or it will be mis-aligned (think leaning tower of Pisa)
• The actuator length you want is 9.5mm

Lo-T/Hi-T

Changing the name from Pool to Lo-Temp or Spa to High-Temp designates the system as a single body of water instead of a dual body with shared equipment.

This changes the logic (for example, freeze protection and switching from Spa to Pool).

Changing the name from Lo-Temp back to Pool designates the system as dual-body with shared equipment and the valves for Pool and Spa should work again.

From the EasyTouch Installation Manual:

SPA (Hi-T) or POOL (LO-T) : Displays when the Spa/HI-T or Pool/LO-T button is pressed to rotate valve actuators and activate the filter pump and heater. This line on the screen is blank when no spa or pool function is active.

Note: Depending on the configuration of the PL4/PLS4 Control System, the screen displays SPA (shared equipment - EasyTouch PSL4 Control System), HI-T (single body of water - EasyTouch PL4 Control System), POOL (shared equipment), LO-T (single body of water system).

Indoor control panel.

Hi-Temp/Lo-Temp Controls for Single Body System For an EasyTouch PL4 Control System single body system, you have the option to control your pool and spa temperature settings using the Valves (V) button or the Spa (Hi-Temp) and Pool (Lo-Temp) button on the optional Indoor Control Panel.

Change the circuit name SPA to HI-TEMP and POOL to LO-TEMP so that the display shows the correct temperature controls for your single body system.

IntelliTouch

An IntelliTouch control system can include five (5) to 40 high-voltage relays circuits that can be used to control any combination of pumps, lights, and water features. A maximum of ten (10) relays can be housed in an IntelliTouch control system Load Center or Power Center.

Up to three (3) Load Centers or Power Centers can be connected to a main Load Center for a maximum of 40 relays. User-configurable circuits can be used to control equipment.

The “Feature Macro” circuits feature allows any number of circuits to be combined and controlled by a single button.

An optional IntelliTouch control system Dimmer Module (P/N 520406) can be installed for use to dim any high voltage incandescent light such as Pentair Amerlite® and Pentair SpaBrite® Lights. The dimmer module supports multiple lights from 100 watts up to 1,000 watts and is installed in a standard relay location. Any number of dimmers (up to 10 maximum) may be used with a maximum combined load of 4,000 watts in a single Load Center.

ScreenLogic is an optional accessory that adds remote access by PC, phone, or tablet to the IntelliTouch.

Intelliflo3 pump is Incompatiable with IntelliTouch

A member installed the IntelliFlo3 pump on his IntelliTouch i7, and the pump would randomly shut down and restart 20 seconds later.

Pentair rep came to his house and verified the IntelliFlo3 Baud rate is too fast for the old Intellitouch system. The fix is to roll back the pump to an earlier version or upgrade to the Intellicenter panel.

IntelliTouch Firmware

• Version 1.160 2/14/11 - Added support for the new VSF+SVRS IntelliFlo Pump
• Version 1.180 12/15/16 - Added support for New IntelliFlo II VSF and Alarm tables

Full details of IntelliTouch firmware versions can be found here.

Freeze Protection

There is a report in April 2020 by a member that Pentair changed the behavior of freeze protection in a recent version of his IntelliTouch.

Freeze protect mode worked fine for him for 2 years, then wasn’t working this spring. It would previously move the valve between the waterfall and the pool circulation every 15 minutes when the air temperature was below 36. After much troubleshooting and having the pool guys come to look at it, they finally spoke to a Pentair rep who explained that the recent firmware update would no longer allow for the valve to be controlled by freeze protect mode. It had to be switched to assign the waterfall to the spa circuit (He did not have a spa).

If you have freeze protect mode set up you may need to confirm that it is still working after this firmware update.

Relay Drivers

Relay driver socketed chips are on the mainboard, which is the "lower" board that's under the personality card. You have to unscrew the personality card from the plastic frame/bezel, pull it off (you don't have to unplug any wires - the whole personality card comes off), and then remove the remaining screws holding down the mainboard.

Then flip it over and you'll see the socketed chips.

MobileTouch Wireless Controller

The MobileTouch wireless controller provides the same functionality as the IntelliTouch Indoor Control Panel. It has an operating range of up to 300 ft. from the MobileTouch transceiver antenna (line of sight) which is typically located near the IntelliTouch load center.

The MobileTouch 2A is the current MobileTouch version P/N 520906 and it comes with the required transceiver.

The previous model of the MobileTouch wireless controller and Transceiver antenna cannot be used with the latest model of the MobileTouch wireless controller and Transceiver antenna. Both models cannot coexist in the same IntelliTouch system.

If you're buying one used, be aware that the transceivers have changed over time. The only way to tell what transceiver a remote uses is to look at the FCC ID on the remote:

• The current MobileTouch 2A (FCC ID P4HMOBILETOUCH2A) uses the newest transceiver that has a big chip labeled "Laird", and the actual antenna is integrated into the board.
• The MobileTouch 1 (FCC ID P4HMOBILETOUCH) and MobileTouch 2 (FCC ID P4HMOBILETOUCH2) use the same, older transceiver (there's a big chip on it labeled "Linx", and these have a removable, screw-in antenna)

If you found a cheap used MobileTouch 1, you can use it - it's an actual indoor controller stuffed in a box with a battery, charging board, and transceiver.

MobileTouch 2A Battery Replacement

If you have a Mobiletouch2 remote with a dead battery, instead of buying the ridiculously priced Pentair replacement, you can use this < $30 replacement, manufactured by Cameron Sino. Search for "Replacement Pentair 520815Z Alarm System Battery (7.4V, 2.2Ah, Li-Poly)"

Other batteries are discussed in Pentair MobileTouch 2 battery replacement

IntelliTouch iLink

iLink connects to the IntelliTouch RS-485 comm bus and provides an RS-232 interface to third-party automation systems including Crestron, AMX, Control4, Vantage, and Lutron.

Blown Intellitouch iLink describes how an iLink board was repaired after taking a lightning strike which took out both the RS-485 comm chip AND the RS-232 serial chip.

IntelliTouch AUTO light is Dim or Off

The red LED for the auto light is prone to dimming over time, so it may appear to be off. Check at night if you can see the slightest bit of red from it.

The LED can be replaced if you know how to solder.

IntelliConnect

IntelliConnect is an entry-level automation system for simple pools. IntelliConnect can control Pentair IntelliFlo VS pumps, an Intellichlor or iChlor SWG, up to five pool devices, operates almost any two on/off items through two 20-Amp, 2 HP relays, and works through an app for smart devices.

The IntelliConnect does not have a Load Center for circuit breakers like the EasyTouch and IntelliCenter can have. It also does not have valve control drivers to control actuators for valves or water features. The IntelliConnect has separate high-voltage and low-voltage wiring compartments with 1/2-inch conduit knockouts: one knockout for incoming power to power the unit, one knockout for each relay, and a webbed low-voltage cable snap bushing.

The IntelliConnect can be powered by 120V or 240V AC.

The IntelliConnect only has a control panel on the box at the equipment pad. It is controlled only by the e "app," which is just a web browser that needs to go through the Link2O website to communicate with the control box by the pool. If the Pentair servers are down, you lose the ability to communicate with your pool system.

The only way to change settings and run devices manually is with the Pentair POOL app, which, unlike the previous Link2O, is only available for iOS or Android devices--not a Windows web browser. However, it will run with the Bluestacks 5 Android emulator for Windows, as will many other "phone" apps.

Users are reporting that the Pentair POOL app is working better than Link20. Pentair POOL can be downloaded. You have to re-sign up with a login and password, and then it will ask you to connect your Link2o account.

The Intelliconnect reports the air temperature but via Accuweather, not a sensor.

IntelliConnect Software

IntelliConnect software information is under Product Overview in the Intelliconnect settings on the app.

Intelliconnect needs firmware version 1.6.1.5 or greater to work with Superflo VST or Whisperflo VST pumps.

You cannot update the IntelliConnect software yourself. Pentair Support needs to push the update to your box.

Pentair does not list IntelliConnect software versions or the changes and fixes they contain.

IntelliConnect and Pumps

With a single-speed pump, you can run only one schedule per day. A workaround is pigtailing the pump to relay 2 to run two schedules per day.

With the IntelliFlo pump, only four programs are accessible from the app, even though the pump supports up to 8 programs.

If you have the IntelliFlo3 pump and it shows as "Pump is disabled" or OFFLINE, your IntelliConnect may need a firmware update. Contact Pentair Support, and they can push firmware updates to your IntelliConnect.

IntelliConnect is not compatible with IntelliFlo VF (P/N 011012), IntelliFlo VS (P/N 011013) and IntelliPro VS (P/N P6E6T4H-209L) pumps.

The Superflo VST and the Whisperflo VST pump manuals state that they are incompatible with the IntelliConnect, which some may question since they both have an RS-485 interface. It was deduced from Pentair documentation that instead of IntelliConnect controlling the pump speeds/times directly, the pump relies on its built-in scheduler. Whereas the Intelliflo can be programmed with up to 4 schedules at different times and durations, the Superflo only has one scheduled start time with up to 3 different speeds of varying duration (running after one another).

Pentair changed the IntelliConnect firmware in late 2023 to make it compatible with SuperFlo VST, SuperMAX VS, and WhisperFlo VST pumps manufactured after 10/15/20.

IntelliConnect Controlling Heaters

If the IntelliConnect will control a gas heater or heat pump, a water temperature sensor, which is sold separately, must be installed between the filter pump and filter.

Also, your pump needs to be under control of the IntelliConnect and the Pentair POOL App.

IntelliConnect RS-485

The IntelliConnect has two RS-485 data green/yellow wire connections. The red/black wires are not connected and should be individually terminated with wire nuts.

Two wires can be put under one screw if necessary.

The connector block pulls off for easy attachment of the wires under the screws.

IntelliConnect Modes

IntelliConnect has a MODE button that selects the following modes:

• AUTO: Control via mobile devices or computer is allowed
• SERVICE: Control via mobile devices or computer is prevented
• TIMEOUT: Control via mobile devices or computer is prevented for 3 hours

When the RELAY1 or RELAY2 buttons on the control panel are pressed, the equipment connected to that relay is powered, and the system enters SERVICE mode.

While IntelliConnect is in SERVICE Mode, simultaneously pressing and holding the RELAY1 and RELAY2 buttons for 3 seconds will activate the heater. The Demand Response LED will illuminate amber.

After operating in Service Mode for 3 minutes, IntelliConnect will maintain the chlorine output adjustments made at the SCG when placed back into AUTO Mode.

Freeze Protection on the IntelliConnect System

This Pentair document says the IntelliConnect uses Accuweather through the Internet to get the air temperature, which controls freeze protection. The correct zip code must be entered to get the correct air temperature for freeze protection to work correctly.

When freeze protection is in the OFF position in the app, the temperature does not update. It also does not update when the unit is in service mode.

IntelliConnect with Intelloflo3 Pump

A member had this Software Combination that was causing constant issues:

• IntelliFlo3:
  • Controller Software Version: 1.05.000
  • IoT Software Version: 0.98
• IntelliConnect:
  • Controller Software Version: 1.6.2.5
  • IoT Software Version: 5.72

Pentair Support updated his software over the internet to:

• IntelliFlo3:
  • Controller Software Version: 1.02.000
  • IoT Software Version: 1.2
• IntelliConnect:
  • Controller Software Version: 1.6.3.3
  • IoT Software Version: 5.72

IntelliConnect may Not Control Superflo VS or VST or WhisperFlo VS Pumps Using RS-485

Intelliconnect needs firmware version 1.6.1.5 or greater to work with Superflo VST or Whisperflo VST pumps. Pentair Support can push a firmware update to IntelliConnect systems connected to the internet.

Otherwise, you can set up a Superflo VS or VST pump as a single-speed pump on Relay 1 and control the speeds using the pump control panel.

The Superflo manuals used to say:

External Control via RS-485 The following instructions only apply to SuperFlo® VST and SuperMax® VS pumps manufactured after 10/15/20. For all other pumps, refer to External Control via Digital Inputs on page 6.

These pumps can be controlled from certain Pentair control systems, via an RS-485 signal, when paired with the RS-485 Automation Wiring Kit (P/N 356324Z - Black).

Note: IntelliConnect® Control and Monitoring Systems can NOT externally control this pump via RS-485. The pump will need to be connected via digital inputs. Refer to External Control via Digital Inputs on page 6.

A member reported in February 2024 that Pentair is working on a firmware update to IntelliConnect to work with the Superflo VST and Whisperflo VST pumps. He received the following from a contact at Pentair: "342002 pumps made after 2020 are capable of connecting to our automation via RS-485, IntelliConnects with host firmware 1.6.2.5 and above now have the ability to control these pumps wired as such. Any newly manufactured IntelliConnect will have this firmware from the factory so the only thing that would be needed to make it work is the external control cable for the pump which is 356324Z. The only wires you would use off the cable are green/yellow for RS-485 comm. FYI WhisperFlo VST also has the same capabilities as the SuperFlo VST when it comes to these features."

IntelliConnect control of IntelliChlor or iChlor SWG

When an IntelliChlor or iChlor SCG is wired to IntelliConnect via an RS-485 cable, a power connection to the load side of the pump relay is not required. Digital commands sent from the IntelliConnect to the SCG will not allow chlorine production when the filter pump relay has low/no power or when the IntelliFlo is not running.

For the Intelliconnect to control the Intellichlor or iChlor settings, you must also have a separate temperature sensor installed. It is surprising to learn this since the Intellichlor has its temperature sensor.

DISPLAY NOT ACTIVE flashes on and off on VS pumps

It's normal for the IntelliConnect to cause the pump to flash between "display not active" and the standard screen.

Intelliconnect restarts Intelliflo VSF every 15 minutes

Pentair IntelliConnect devices have two different board versions in distribution, denoted by PIF or PNR. This problem is with the PNRA1 firmware. If you have a problem with the PNR version, exchange it for the PIF version.

Pentair support said in September 2021 it's a firmware issue they're working on and currently testing a beta fix. In 2023 we have heard Pentair now has PNRA boards with updated firmware that fixed this problem.

Compool

Compool systems are from the mid-1990's. Compool was bought by Pentair. Compool systems consist of the LX3800 outdoor panel and the CP3800 indoor control panel.

Cp3400 POOL-SPA CONTROL SYSTEM Installation & Operating Instructions

How to Upgrade Compool LX3800 to EasyTouch

Compool Upgrade to EasyTouch by Pentair Model 521107 will change a Compool system into an EasyTouch.

The Compool EasyTouch upgrade board is different than the boards in the EasyTouch systems. One difference is the Compool upgrade boards have the drivers soldered to the board vs in sockets.

This is one members experience upgrading his Compool LX3800 to the EasyTouch system:

The kit arrived Saturday. I prepped by shutting off power to the equipment pad at the main breaker. I was replacing an LX3800 controller board that stopped working well with my remote station with the new Pentair upgrade board. I was able to reuse my existing transformer (YMMV). 1 screw is all it takes to open the old panel. Opened it up, cleaned out the spiders, and was surprised it looked in pretty good shape...brand new even. Took a photo of the panel while it was still wired. Took some tape and a Sharpie and labeled all of the wires. Referenced the new board schematic to see where the wires would go. Noticed that the heater wire was going to be a bit short as the location for those wires on the new board is nearer the top. Started carefully disconnecting. Once everything was disconnected, I removed the LX3800. Slid the new panel onto the hinge and started re-wiring. Most of the wires can be reused and just snapped back into place. I did have to splice an extension onto the heater wire and you'll have to replace the temp sensors...not a big deal. For me, this also required widening the hole in the PVC for the water temp sensor. Once everything was hooked back up, I turned on the juice and to my surprise, everything just 'worked'. When does that ever happen with a DIY?

Start to finish, about 45 minutes. The hardest part was sliding the new panel onto the hinge as I had to temporarily take the transformer out to create a bit more clearance. I take that back... the hardest part was figuring out the programming because the manual is terrible. But still, that's not bad if you have experience with automation.

CP3800 Display is Intermittent

If the CP3800 panel display is intermittent then check the cable from the LX3800 to the CP3800.

How to Replace the CP3800 Battery

Turn the power off and open the door in the picture, the screw is under the handle. Carefully open and you will see the board. The battery is circular under a small clip.

Compool Relay Replacement

Replacement relays are available on Amazon. It is listed as Pentair Compool RLYLX, 20 Amp DPST (Midtex 187-26C2L1).

If you are adding a relay to an open AUX you need both the relay and the connector harness - Pentair Compool Relay Kit 20 AMP DPST | RLYLX.

Programming Compool to run 24 Hours a Day without Stopping

Set a second program (layer) to run during the time that the first program has it turned off.

Follow instructions on your right hand door. After you finish programming first layer by hitting the program button, hit it again, then hit the same aux you just programmed. Your new program should be displayed.

Now hit the same aux one more time. Now display should read PROG2. Go ahead and now program the aux to run in the time that the first program has the pump shut off, (start time and run time) . And of course, when you are done, hit the program button to exit programming.

ERR1 Error

ERR1 is a Compool error and is the water temp sensor which should be located somewhere between the filter pump and the filter. ERR1 indicates that the system cannot "make sense" of the resistance the temp sensor is giving, OR the wire has become disconnected from the board (rats/mice).

Compool temp sensor is Compool: TS5L

Calibrating Compool Temperature Sensor

The Compool temperature display can be calibrated by:

1. Press the Program key.
2. Press the Spa Heat Source key.
3. Enter the correct pool temperature (using the up and down arrow keys) and press the Spa Heat Source key.

At this point, you can just hit the Program key and exit calibration.

1. Enter the correct solar temperature and press the Spa Heat Source key.
2. Enter the correct air temperature and press the Spa Heat Source key.
3. Enter the number of days between backwash and press the Spa Heat Source key.
4. Enter the number of minutes to backwash and press the Spa Heat Source key.
5. Enter floor cleaner valve cycle time and press the Spa Heat Source key.
6. Press the Program key to end.

Compool Outdoor Panel to Indoor Control Panel Connection

When the CP3800 indoor control panel buzzes or blinks on and off it could be a problem with the 6-wire telephone cable between the indoor panel and the outdoor cabinet. A critter could have chewed on the cable or a weed wacker could have nicked it.

There is a diagram on the inside door of the outside control box down near the bottom, on the sticker. The sticker is a picture of the pc board. it is there to show where things plug into the board.

If you put both ends of the cable (the plugs) next to each other, the colored wire on the left of the plug should be in the same spot on both plugs. In other words, if there is a blue wire on the left of the plug, then the other plug should look identical.

Those units used to come from the factory with a "patch" cable (3 to 4 feet) attached inside the outdoor control box. If yours is still there you can remove your indoor panel from inside the house, bring it to the outdoor controller and plug in your inside unit directly to the outdoor panel at the bottom of the PCB. Some boards had two plugs, others had only one. If you only have one, disconnect the cable from it and plug in your patch cable. If your controller works, then you know your cable between the indoor and the outdoor has been damaged.

This system will work without the indoor unit as long as it has been set up with run times first. The programming resides in the outdoor unit.

4 Button Remote Not Working

The Compool 3000 series controllers have the ability to detect a problem with the 4-button remote, and disable it. However, this only applies to a button that is shorting one or more buttons to the ground (not an open condition).

If the system receives a signal (contact) from the button(s) with a high frequency for 30 seconds (considered abnormal use), the system will disable the button and display the Error 5 fault.

When a repair is made (replacement) to the button, you need to also clear the lockout. In the lower corner of the indoor panel, there is a button labeled disable spa side remote, or something to that effect.

This has a red LED above the button that illuminates when the remote is disabled. Make sure that your LED is NOT illuminated. If after this is done and the button is still not functioning, the board is the issue. This could be something as simple as a solider connection, to something more involved like a component on the board that has failed.

The remote reset button is on the internal remote under the programming buttons shield on the bottom right.

Accessories

iS4 Spa-Side Remote Control

The iS4 Spa-Side Control can be used with the Pentair® IntelliTouch®, EasyTouch® Control Systems, and the Compool® CP series Control Systems to provide remote switching of four control circuits from the spa location. It is typically used for activating spa circulation and three auxiliary pieces of equipment (such as lights, jet pump, air blower, etc.). One iS4 spa-side control can be installed per control system. It is possible to install two iS4 remotes on a single control system, however, the two iS4 remotes will mirror each other in functionality.

Most of the time, the remotes are the problem, but the main board can also be a problem. The remote is nothing more than a few momentary buttons that pass a ground or +5 VDC through one of the buttons to an IC chip that responds. If the chip is bad, the buttons will not work. You can just use a jumper wire to see if the problem is the remote or the board. Another possible problem could be that you have lost the program/memory that tells the system what each button is supposed to do.

Here is the schematic for the Pentair remote.

Controlling Jandy SWG or Hayward Aquarite SWG with Pentair Automation

Pentair Release Notes says "Salt Chlorine Generators such as GoldLine, Autopilot, and others are supported.... Any SCG that uses protocol from the Goldline/Jandy combo will work."

The Pentair EasyTouch, and probably any of the Pentair automation systems. can control a Jandy Aquapure, Hayward Aquarite, or Autopilot SWG. This allows the cell's output percentage to be adjusted, turns the cell on and off with the pump, and if you have a spa you can set the cell to a much lower percentage automatically when in SPA mode.

The wiring diagram is to the right. Note that the colors do not match between other SWGs and Pentair wiring blocks.

Other SWG	Pentair
GREEN	BLK/GRD
YELLOW	GRN/-DT
BLACK	YELLOW/+DT
RED	RED/+15

SolarTouch Solar Controller

The SolarTouch solar controller uses two temperature sensors, for water and solar, to decide when heat is available from the solar collectors and automatically divert water to them. When a cloud passes over and the collectors cool, the water flow to the water collectors is turned off. That cycle repeats to maximize the solar heat efficiency.

The SolarTouch system has a four-button controller, a valve actuator, a diverter valve, and two temperature sensors. The controller's Less and More buttons allow users to set the target water temperature.

The solar roof sensor must be 6F higher than the water temperature, and the pump running for the water to be diverted to the solar collectors. When the roof and water temperature sensors are within 3F of each other, solar heat switches off. These differential settings are adjustable in the Advanced Menu Settings.

The solar controller can control selected Pentair Variable-Speed pumps. When the solar heat is on, the controller ramps up the pump speed, and when the solar heat is off, the pump reverts to a lower speed.

IntelliFlo and IntelliPro Pumps recommended for use with SolarTouch Controller:

• IntelliFlo/IntelliPro 4x160 (Mfg. 2005 -2011- P/N 011013).
• IntelliFlo/IntelliPro Variable Speed (8 programmable time clocks - P/N 011018 VS 3050.
• IntelliPro Variable Speed (8 programmable time clocks, P/N P6E6VS4H-209L).

IntelliFlo and IntelliPro Pumps are not recommended for use with the SolarTouch Control System

• IntelliFlo/IntelliPro VF 3.2 Kilowatts (P/N 011012)
• IntelliPro VS+SVRS (P/N P6E6XS4H-209L)
• IntelliFlo VS+SVRS (P/N 011017)

The IntelliFlo3 and IntelliPro3 pump are incompatible with the SolarTouch controller unless they have the correct firmware update. Also the SolarTouch also needs to be on latest firmware version 2.3 to be compatible with the IntelliFlo3/IntelliPro3.

The Intellipro3 pump needs Firmware 1.04 or higher.

The temperature sensors can be calibrated with a +/- 10 degrees offset.

The SolarTouch can be powered by 120 VAC at 0.4 amp or 240 VAC at 0.2 amp.

The SolarTouch freeze protection function is active when the water and solar sensors are installed. Freeze protection is enabled whenever the outside temperature is 40° F (4° C) lower (this method is not recommended where temperature levels may drop severely). Freeze Protect will continue until both temperatures (solar collectors and water) reach at least 42°F (6°C).

Details of SolarTouch firmware versions can be found here.

Disabling SolarTouch Controller

For service purposes, disabling the SolarTouch controller will disable heating, cooling, and freeze protection, and a VS pump with automation control will be released so that the pump controls can be adjusted through its control panel.

• Press and hold the Enter button (3 secs.) to disable the system. The display shows “SolarTouch Disabled.”

• Press and Hold Enter To Re-Enable”. Press and hold the Enter button again to enable the SolarTouch controller.

Connecting a non-Pentair Heat Pump to Pentair Automation

We recommend you get the variable speed pump and SWG from the same manufacturer as your automation system so they all communicate together. Any brand pool gas heater can be controlled by any automation using the "Firemans Switch." Having automation control for another brand of heat pump can be more difficult.

Below is a way to connect control of Pentair automation - Easy Touch, IntelliTouch, IntelliConnect, IntelliCenter - with a Hayward Heat Pump. Similar techniques should work between other brands of automation and Heat Pumps.

1. Run AC power to the heater without any relays. Circuit breaker direct to heater AC input.
2. Inside your EasyTouch, take an unused Aux relay and connect its two-pin coil plug to the Electric heater output on the main circuit card. It has a two-pin plug, just like all the Aux relays do.
3. At this point, you should be able to turn the set point for the temperature you want up and down (on the EasyTouch) and turn the relay on and off.
4. You may have to turn on the heat function in your EasyTouch first.
5. Assuming you can turn the relay on and off, then open up your heater and find the wiring that goes to the flow switch (Marked FS D102 and Gnd... See your heater manual)
6. Wire your EasyTouch relay, now controlled by the electric heater output, in series with the flow switch inside your heater.
7. If you turn on your heater and set it to maximum temperature, then "in theory," the heater should run until the EasyTouch sees the desired temperature. When that happens, the relay opens, and the heater stops due to a low flow interrupt.
8. Once the temperature drops below the set point, the relay closes again, and "in theory," the heater will turn on.

Double Priming with VS Pumps and Automation

VS pumps, like the Pentair IntelliFlo, have an internal priming cycle. The pump can sense when it is primed and stop the priming cycle. The pump control panel has priming settings.

Pentair automation like EasyTouch and IntelliCenter also have priming settings.

The Pentair IntelliFlo VS pump has priming settings, and the ET or IntelliCenter has priming settings; neither overrides the other. They run the pump's internal prime routine first, then the ETs or IntelliCenter. Unless the user is smart enough to change that.

The shortest time the ET or IntelliCenter prime can run is 1 minute, and it doesn't matter whether the pump is primed or not; it just runs for the specified time. On the other hand, the pump itself can realize it's primed in 3 seconds. You can set the prime time on the ET to 0 minutes, and the pump will no longer noisily and unnecessarily prime for a minute.