jamie-

YouÂll probably get a lot of different views on this one. Sharing my experienceÂI have all Jandy equipment on the pads:

Jandy Stealth pumps - two 2 speeds and two 1 speeds
Jandy Aquapure 1400 SWG
Jandy cartridge filter
Jandy 3-way valves with Jandy valve actuators
Jandy Levelor Water Level Control System
Jandy PDA P8 remote control computer system

Absolutely no problems with any of the equipment since we started our pool a year ago! Not one single problemÂ..knock on wood!

I think you will find Pentair customers talk highly of Pentair also on this forum. The only downside IÂve heard about Pentair equipment is their control systems. Their automation systems have logic that is cumbersome unless you install them for a living. On the other hand, the Jandy control system was a no brainer to install and program. My 8 year old daughter has already programmed it for different things she likes.

Regarding remote computersÂthis depends if you have a lot of pumps or water features that you want to control. If you just a have 1 pump for filtering and cleaning the pool and the equipment pad is close to the pool, then a manual on/off switch is all that is needed. If you want to save energy, a timer to automatically turn the pump on/off is recommended and if you really want to save energy, a 2 speed pump or variable speed pump is recommended. The computer system will offer more flexibility to control the 2 speed or the variable speed.

If you have multiple water features, such as a slide, waterfall, spa, overflow, etc. it is highly recommended to have a computer system to control these remotely. Nothing is more frustrating than having to get out of the pool to turn on the spa or overflowÂ.especially when the air temp is cool. Also the computer systems are nice to control some of the newer multi-color pool lights instead of manually switching them on/off to get the right color or color scheme. IÂm even using our computer system to control landscape lights, sprinkler valves and a firepit.

As you can see, the choice of a computer system all depends on how complex your pool is and what you want to be able to do with it.

Hope this helps!

I have tried to get an answer to this very question, and I believe you will get a different opinion from everyone.

It is my thought that each major company has strong suits and better and worse products in different areas.

I know that there is some benefit to buying all equipment from the same company, but it might be worth looking into a "best of breed" setup on the slab.

I have heard horror stories about just about every company and I think a lot of it has to do with warranty and service work in your area/region. Apparently, it can vary wildly from one place to the next and can shift in either direction depending on who is responsible for sales in the area at any given time.

Again, I think all of the major 3 have their strengths and you probably can't really go wrong with any of them. But as I stated, you might want to continue doing more research and see if it makes more sense for you to combine a variety of products that fit your particular need.

Hopefully, your pool builder will be willing to accommodate that.

list of equipment and this is our second pool
2-2hp northstar pump (hayward) one for the pool and spa and one for the waterfall grotto.
48 Square foot de filter (hayward)
rs8 control with spa side computer.
280 polaris with booster.
No problems if you use above

" The only downside IÂve heard about Pentair equipment is their control systems. Their automation systems have logic that is cumbersome unless you install them for a living. On the other hand, the Jandy control system was a no brainer to install and program. My 8 year old daughter has already programmed it for different things she likes."

I started installing the compool lx10/cp2000 systems which were relatively simple to operate, but somewhat difficult to program.

I did a few cp3000 systems which were flawed and very buggy.

I then installed a 36** and the 38** systems which were both easy to operate, and program.

The Jandy one touch system was my system of choice for about 3 months (6 systems) I never had so many complaints about how hard they were to operate. Navigating through menus to change temperature, and turn on single devices. The macros ( one touch) recieved ok results but my clients didnt seem to care.

The intellitouch recieved rave reviews with very few to no, complaints. They may be a little bit more difficult to set up initially (BARELY), but general operation is much easier. (hard buttons for each aux/macro instead of menu's

I find as an installer, that I can program them much faster due to all of the extra buttons.

Btw I would not use a Levelor Pool filler unless you absolutely have to.

The failure rate is very high, with sensors, circuit boards, and solenoid valves. Their only advantage would be the overflow protection.

A mechanical float valve if far more reliable. Not to mention far less expensive.

Sorry to hijack.....racket, are there any mechanical float systems you know that have overflow protection for negative edge pitsÂ..just curiousÂmy PB stands by Levelor for years and claims high reliability with over 100 installed every year. Want to keep my options open if my Levelor system gives me any problems down the roadÂ.thanks.

Regarding the Jandy automation system response time, you must have installed one of their original 900 MHz systems. The newer 2 GHz systems are fast and the PDA handheld remote has programmable hard buttons also.

Hope this helps!

>

Hey trhought (I mean Jandy employee), are you talking about the whopping 2 programmable buttons on the PDA??? That PDA is a scroll lover's dream.

Hope this helps!

landa mac -

yeah that's the one...speaking of scroll, I actually began my career as a scroll compressor engineer helping to launch the most successful HVAC scroll compressor design in the world with 2 patents....so, yes....I guess you can say I'm a scroll lover! (pun intended). I'm still in the HVAC industry by the way selling these same compressors as well as other HVAC components in our line...I'm amused by your fascination with the company I work for.......keep guessing.....you're not even close yet!

Sorry to hijack....

I was with Jandy for 4 years or so and have been with Pentair for about 2yrs.
My experience with both was positive overall, however, Jandy's warranty process and local warranty company actually drove me to change. I had numerous client complaints regarding Jandy service techs etc.
I guess I also felt that it seemed as though Pentair was ahead of the curve in terms of technology as well. That's a personal opinion...
Between he 2 companies, Id say not to worry at all as you have narrowed it down to the best 2 in the industry.

I don't know much about Pentair, but I'm currently very anti-Jandy. I have all Jandy pumps, actuators, RS control system and pool lights. Everything works great with the following caveats....

The jandy aquatouch remote is very slow to startup and respond to commands. I called Jandy and they advised that there is a new software version available, but the system is not updatable and I would have to buy a whole new control system. Its only 3 yrs old. That's ludicrous!!!

2. I recently had a bulb blow out on my multi-color Jandy spa light. The bulbs are next to impossible to find (have to order from Canada). Jandy only sells them as part of a "replacement kit" that comes with 2 bulbs and a gasket. Only problem is the light uses 8 bulbs. Jandy's solution.....buy 4 replacement kits @ $40 each.

Horrible customer service. Will never buy their products again!!!

ianmd86,

I'd talk with your pool builder and his local Jandy rep. Often times, the PB's local Jandy rep can help out where going directly to Jandy wont.

I ran into the same issue with bulbs but I was able to source them locally. If you've got a "bulb shop" and lighting wholesaler in your area, they'll be able to get them for you. That said, the Jandy kit is pretty ridiculous given that they "suggest" replacing all bulbs at the same time.

Last but not least, if your PB was a Jandy Pro builder, all the Jandy gear will have an automatic extended warranty. Given you mention it's only been 3 years, chances are that they'll come service the light for free.

afnajs,

Thanks for the advice. My pool builder was willing to sell me the replacement kit for $80! Thanks but no thanks. I'll check on the Jandy Pro builder angle, but I'm not too hopeful. I'll check with some of the bigger lighting shops in the area.

Im not super impressed with My Jandy system,nor the raft of new pentair components I upgraded with this past spring either.

The Jandy RS-8 has been reliable and its remote is very nice and one ups all your buddies for sure.

Its easy program to do basic things, but when it comes to sophisticated variable flow pumps, and temperature based switching it falls short.

I have solar as well, and the for the most part the valving is accurate and well timed, but its lacks flexibility or flatly put its just not really advanced at all.

It CANNOT BELIEVE it cant do temperature based switching!

For example I cant seem to find a way to get the system to regulate the solar output to the spa until it hits 104 then switch to the pool till 85 and bounce back and forth and maintain 2 temps.

Sure I can control this manually or set up to 2 clock timers on each point of control, and the solar can deliver it, but the point is I was told this was an "automation system." - maybe in 1993 it would be but for what you should get- its just not.

The documentation isnt really descriptive about certain behavior - Does turning off solar priority with a heater on allow solar preheating of the water going into the heater?? I cant seem to tell. As with solar priority off I see the solar marked as "on" in addition to the heater being "on"- is this normal.

I cant get anybody to actually come out and try an Intelliflow with it (so I can regulate GPM to the panels) and I live in southern California!

The things well built though and the panel is sturdy and Im sure with a little software coding could be awesome, but "2.0" (I hear rev O will drive an intelliflow but nobody seems to know) doesnt seem to be coming out anytime soon.

My pentair quad de60 filter is leaking after the first lid pop.

My pentair minimax 400 has needed 2 service calls in 6 months with weeks of non use between them.

My whisperflows have been awesome, as is my goldline chlorinator.

Good luck Bro,

Dave

"My pentair quad de60 filter is leaking after the first lid pop"

This tank requires a removal of the tank o-ring, wipe of the o-ring and the tank channels in order not to leak. You can't just hose over it when cleaning. Did you do that? A new o-ring won't leak in most cases.

Yes I did.
I took the lid off cleaned both ends & channel, wiped the o ring, put sealer on it and re-attached.

Leaked-

Took off top pulled o-ring cleaned again flipped o-ring upside down put sealer on re attached

Leaks.

Had 2 different guys look at it one being an authorized Pentair field tech - Leaks.

Not impressed.

Clarification on heater- Master temp 400 NOT MiniMax

Dave

I have all Pentair, and they will not stand behind their warranty on my spa side remote. Within my 2.5 years of ownership, I have had my heater go out, and my spa side remote go out.

They sent a service man who fixed the heater after 2 tries, but said my spa side remote was underwater, when it is typically not, and denied warranty when it went out, and refused to respond to my emails and pictures. Not a reliable company, but I do not know if any others are better. Good Luck

Recently bought a home with a 2 year old pool with Pentair lights. All 4 lights in pool malfunctioned. Pentair does not cover warranty since the home changed hands!! The most ridiculous policy by any company. Cost to replace - $1500. Buyer beware. Value to next customer is basically zero from this company. Chose another company that will stand behind their prodcucts

Pentair stands behind their products with a 1 year warranty and does not cover lightening strikes.