Pentair IntelliFlo Pumps - Further Reading

Pentair IntelliFlo Pumps

IntelliFlo is Pentair's family of variable speed (VS) pumps that connect to Pentair Automation Systems using a RS-485 data communication cable. When connected to an automation system the pump is controlled by the automation system and the display on the pump display "DISPLAY NOT ACTIVE'. Otherwise the IntelliFlo pump is controlled by its control panel on the top rear of the pump.

The IntelliFlo and IntelliPro pumps are the only VS pump that can be fully controlled by Pentair Automation Systems. The IntelliPro pumps have Sta-Rite pump form factor and are drop in replacements for them.

The IntelliFlo control panel has 8 programmable speed settings and built-in timer. Four speed settings are accessible by buttons on the control panel and four speed settings are used for scheduled speeds.

Pentair Pump Catalog

The 2022 Pentair Pump Parts Catalog shows the parts commonality across the product line.

Models

• IntelliFlo VS - 011018 - Discontinued - is a basic VS pump
• IntelliFlo VS - 011028 - replaced the 011028 - It has a new rotatable keypad for easy access and has an optional wall mount kit that’s sold separately. It has has 2" plumbing
• IntelliFlo VST - 011055 - Discontinued - replaced by 011056
• IntelliFlo VSF - 011056 - allows the pump to be set to maintain a speed or a flow in GPM. The pump will automatically increase pump speed to maintain the set flow.
• IntelliFlo VS+SVRS - 011057 - The IntelliFlo VS+SVRS pump features a system that automatically shuts off when it detects drain blockage. This variable speed pool pump features a system that automatically shuts off when it detects drain blockage, providing an important layer of protection against entrapment. This pump is NOT RECOMMENDED unless required by local regulation. The SVRS feature is too sensitive to minor fluctuations and can find your pump shut off with no notice.
• IntelliFloXF VS - 022055 - this is a drop-in replacement for WhisperFlo® pump and optional riser base for easy Challenger® pump replacement with 2.5" plumbing. Pentair says the pump can accommodate high flow demands that are needed to power water features like waterfalls, slides, negative edges and more.
• IntelliFloXF VS - 022056 - same as 022055 with flow control

Pentair IntelliFlo versus Sta-Rite IntelliPro Pumps

The IntelliFlow and IntelliPro are different pumps.

• The Intelliflow is the oldest design (originally a Purex WhisperFlow) that has stood the test of time for at least 25+ years. The only real change is the the lid.
• The IntelliPro is based on the Max-E-Pro, a slightly improved on version (just the lid and connections) of a design (Max-E-Glass 2) that is about the same age.

Both are excellent, high-head, pumps that use the same motor (different color). While the Sta-Rite may seem more complicated, it is actually easier to service when the time comes. The band-clamp is easier to remove than 6 bolts. Also, for some reason, a seal leak seems to cause more problems with a WhisperFlow's sealplate than a Sta-Rite.

The IntelliFlo is Pentair almond color and the IntelliPro is Sta-Rite black color.

Pentair has owned Sta-Rite for almost 20 years.

Pentair PA220GF GFCI Circuit Breaker for VS Pumps

Harmonics from the variable frequency drive can cause false GFCI trips. Pentair PA220GF is a 20A 240V GFCI breaker that GFCI trips at 6ma. The PA220GF is supposed to be less sensitive to false GCFI trips from VS pumps.

The PA220GF is a relabeled Siemens CB (QF220AP) although some say Pentair may have additional quality control and selects breakers less susceptible to false GFCI trips.

IntelliFlo VS+SVRS to VSF Upgrade

A member bought a SVRS pump that never worked because the pump site elevation over the pool is higher than SVRS vacuum trigger can tolerate. Based on the parts catalog he removed SVRS drive # 356910Z and replaced with VSF drive #356880Z keeping the old keypad. Cost was $530 without the keypad.

Pump Drive

The pump drive (VFD) is the control panel and electronics that control the variable speed motor. The drive connects to the motor using 3 wires. The motor is a 3 phase motor. The VFD converts the incoming single phase 240V AC to DC and then it generates a "digital" AC 3-phase output with the correct frequency based on the motor speed setting.

The drive is not repairable and the motor cannot be hot wired to 240V AC without a functional drive.

The drive is an expensive component and based on the cost of the drive vs. the whole pump, you should consider buying a new pump versus the drive separately.

IntelliFlo Losing Clock when Power is Lost

The IntelliFlo should retain its clock settings if power is lost for up to 96 hours. If the capacitor that powers the clock fails the Intelliflo's clock resets to midnight if the power is lost for more than a few seconds.

Pentair customer service confirmed it should retain the time for 96 hours, and stated that if it wasn't, something was wrong with "the capacitor that holds the time." The only thing that could fix this is "replacing the drive," which they didn't recommend because "it's as expensive as the whole pump."

Members who have examined the drive say it is all potted and no components are accessible.

RS-485 Connection

The pump only uses two of the four wires...

• The Com port pin 2 green wire goes to the pump connector pin 6.
• The Com port pin 3 yellow wire goes to the pump connector pin 7.

IntelliFlo Bonding Lug

IntelliFlo pumps have a odd bonding lug with a longer arm since they connect to the pump screw under the rear cover. These lugs can rust out after a few years. Pentair does not have them in their parts catalog or sell them.

The replacement is Panduit CO35-36SL-QY. There are multiple sources for them online.

Pentair Intelliflo rebuild/restoration

A member documented his rebuilding of an Pentair IntelliFlo pump (PN: 011018) from 2014 here --> https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-intelliflo-rebuild-restoration.236845/post-2073191

He disassembled the motor, cleaned it and repainted it.

Pentair Intelliflo resets its clock when the power goes off

If within warranty then make a warranty claim.

Pentair customer service says it should retain the time for 96 hours, and if not, something is wrong with "the capacitor that holds the time." The only thing that can fix this is "replacing the drive," which is expensive. A new drive runs around $600.

Connecting Pentair IntelliFlo Pump to Jandy Aqualink

You need an Aqualink board with at least REV O to control VS pumps.

The pump should wired directly from the breaker. If you aren't confident in high voltage wiring use an electrician.

StaRite and Pentair will tell you to buy an Intellicom II Adapter (a mere $150 "translator") but YOU DON'T NEED it. Page 18 of the Aqualink RS Install Manual, Section 3.3.4 details the pin and wiring configuration needed to connect the Pentair/StaRite control wire to the RS-485 Connector. Connect the Yellow to Pin 2 and Green to Pin 3.

Follow the iAqualink directions to get it connected to your wifi network. Power up the control board only and allow iAqualink to connect to wifi. All three LED's should be lit. Using the iAqualink Inerface, after you have set up you user account and added your pool, proceed to Menu>System Setup>VSP Setup. Click Pump/Model (#1) and select Intelliflo VS (the flo and pro are the same). If you have a VF I assume this same wiring configuration will work; the difference is you should select Intelliflo VF at this time. Click application and select Filtration. Click Speed Setup>Select your pump>Next - you can now program 8 DIFFERENT speeds with custom labels. You can program to your heart's content. The Jandy Manual for iAqualink is very useful in setting up your system.