Why are you using the most expensive company in town to change your equipment?

Because they built it and should understand what every pipe and valve and feature is for. And because I just inherited it and don't have any other first-hand experience with other companies. On the other hand they came out a week and a half ago and still haven't provided a bid yet.

Do you have any recommendations?

In addition to an equipment/plumbing redo I'm also needing some (fake) boulder repair, fix a surface crack in the pebbletec, patch a spot where the rebar is exposed, and redo the decking on the patio because the kooldeck is flaking off (probably go with travertine pavers).

My top priority is the equipment swap. The above ground PVC is old now and developing leaks and the SWG doesn't seem to work. The pumps are fine but I'd like to start fresh and get a new efficient system.

Dave,
What part of town are you in?
Feel free to shoot me an email and I will get you some info.

You could certainly go with Pentair's ScreenLogic PC kit (PN 520500). This would give you full access to all IntelliTouch features as well as setup and programming. Then you could use your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad with the ScreenLogic interface (free download on the Apple app store) for every day control of your pool. The iPhone interface doesn't do everything that the MobileTouch, or PC app does, but it is more than enough for the day in, day out operation of the pool.

I am in the process of finalizing a new pool contract. The entire automation package with the Intellitouch is just under $3400 with installation.

Intellitouch Load Center
Intellitouch i9+3
Indoor Control Panel
Mobile Touch w/Transceiver

With the Intellitouch the Intelliclhor is not included so that is an extra cost.

I did have some builders try to sell me the MobileTouch for $1600. I had one tell me that its because of the receiver but the new version MobileTouch w/Receiver is available online for ~$810 from multiple suppliers. Honestly, for most I think they really didn't know the overall costs for the unit since between versions Pentair seemed to discontinue it and re-release with a reduced price.

The folks we are going with did the research and priced out the components separately for us then added some markup for their handling. They didn't however double it. I'm not sure whether they do that for every customer since we are a culture with Nordstrom tastes that actually buy from Wal-Mart, but that's the way I wanted it. If they weren't willing to break it down then we didn't want the bid.

In the end they were more expensive overall but I didn't feel like I had to pull teeth just to see what my money was buying. They trusted me to recognize their honesty and value so now I trust them.

Interesting point though about the ScreenLogic and IPad.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

I was just comparing the quote from the electrician to the prices I can get on the Internet. Based on what I can buy this stuff for myself, the IT I9+3 is marked up $500, the MobileTouch $775, and the power center $175. That's $1450! I understand they need to make a profit but that's just too much since they also have labor and trip charges too plus a few other miscellaneous items (new spa light etc).

Please remember that the net is a great option for shopping some things, especially for the Do It Yourself (DIY) person but when it comes to getting it from your local tradesman, they will be there on site if and when you need help and the vendor from the net won't.

That has a significant value. Sometimes I can match, sometimes I can't, often times I won't. I don't normally install items I didn't sell. My pricing is competitive but not always the cheapest. I do try to bring value to a customer and count on that being evidence enough to justify any extra cost over the net pricing.

I realize not all dealers maintain this philosophy.

Scott