Pool Builder Screwed Up Please help with my options!

15 years ago

OK, I posted another message regarding this and Repair Guy was a big help on determining what the problems were. Now, I have now some options regarding my pool builder's screw up (my opinion) with some fixes.

I have:

- Pentair IntelliFlo VF (NOT A VS)

- Pentair IC40 SWG

- Easy Touch 4PS (Pool or Spa).

- One Hayward Goldline value control

- 3 Sheers Decents connected together with valve to move from sheers to SWG

- Suction side vac (Hayward Ultra Vac - PB choice NOT mine) separate from skimmer

- Pentair Quad DE 160

My main problem is the Easy Touch doesn't work with the Intelliflow VF (had 2 companies look at it). Also the repair guy found that the PCB is fried on the Intelliflo and replacement parts on the way (I bet the installer hooked it up wrong!).

I want to setup a specified FLOW/GPM based on what I have read seems to be the most effecient way to go. I don't think I just want RPM setup. I want to do a short cycle with valve moved to vacuum only for 2+- hours, then switch value over to skimmer only and run for remaining 2-6 hours (estimate) for the SWG.

PB is willing to help out and fix the mistakes on the pump/automation somewhat and here are my options:

Q1) Upgarde to Intellitouch 5S (PN 520506) with a Mobile Touch for an ADDITIONAL $1336, and will be put instead of my EasyTouch 4PS stuff.

Q2) Have the repair guys put another board on the VF and effectively neuter it and make it work like a VS. PB is NOT willing to give me a credit for changing this from a VF to a VS. Then the EasyTouch will operate the pump as a VS.

Regarding the vacuum. The Hayward Ultra Vac is awful in my opinion it seems to take at least 40GPM to get it moving reasonably and to get to climb parts of the wall. I have a 3.5 to 7.5 feet deep 34 ft long and 16 ft wide pool. The Hayward seems to stay in the deep end way too much.

Here are my options:

V1) Keep the Hayward

V2) Get the Polaris ATV I original was suppose to get for no up charge (I have heard this is a parts problem after 1 year)

V3) Get "The PoolCleaner" for no up charge (Is the 2x better than the 4x my pool vac line is almost in the center of the pool so both might work?)

I am just trying to have an effecient setup: Pentair Quad DE 160, Pentair Intelliflo VF, and some automation. No heaters, no spa, no solar, just pool+sheer decents+vacuum.

HELP PLEASE! I am a first time pool owner and is it really this tough to build this simple of a setup?

Also BTW my 2 main drains in the bottom of the pool do not suction under any configuration is this normal?

I welcome any opinions or comments from those great people out there.

Is Q1+V3(4wheel) the way to go?????? Better Options???

Thanks,

Arizona Guy

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Comments (3)

arizonaguy
Original Author
15 years ago
Just talked with my pool builder setup guy and recommended to stay with hayward, showed me the most frequent wear parts (the bearings on the suction mechanism - $40 part kit) and said at 1yr 9 months call in and say I need it rebuild (regardless if it did or not) so in theory it should last longer than the 2 years. He has worked with the PoolCleaner and he says is hard to fix and is really restrictive on the flow. I know everyone's got an opinion. He even said here is some extra feet, although he said mine would not wear due to having a smooth ultrapoz finish just to appease me I think.

I got a confirmation of my equipment options:
1) Upgrade to Intellitouch i5S+MobileTouch - $1337
2) Upgarde to Intellitouch i5S+TC15Kit/Screenlogic Wireless (PC interface) - $1206
3) Upgrade to Intellitouch i5S+Indoor Control Panel - $545

We are leaning toward option 3 - trying to get our costs down and not really needing a remote we think.

Any advice ...
ncrealestateguy
15 years ago
Arizona guy,
My PB did the same thing... I told him I wanted an Intelliflo VF, and he speced me an EasyTouch 8 to run it. Well, as we all know now, the EasyTouch will not run a VF. I bought it to their attention, and they swapped out an Intellitouch controller (7E) for no additional charge. I find it rediculous that if they knew from the beginning that they speced you a VF, then they should also know enough about their business to spec you the right controller. It is just rediculous that someone can spend 20 minutes on a pool forum and learn more about the cutting edge technology than most of the PBs out there.
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repair_guy
15 years ago
I will still disagree on your comments regarding The Pool Cleaner. It is not restrictive. I run mine on a VF at 30 gpm and the valve is not even open all of the way. I don't get these guys who say it is hard to fix. They are all BS'ing you guys. They say this because they have never touched one as they don't require it. That Hayward will cause you nothing but headaches.

If they are restoring your VF, the i5 #3 is a good option for you.

It is a fact the Hayward will require gpm in the 40-48 range on a VF. The Pool Cleaner is less and the Kreepy is the least at about 22.

Pool Builder Screwed Up Please help with my options!

Comments (3)

arizonaguy
Original Author

ncrealestateguy

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Pool Builder Screwed Up Please help with my options!

Comments (3)

arizonaguyOriginal Author

ncrealestateguy

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arizonaguy
Original Author