Salt Water Chlorine Generator for New Pool Build

[Toybuilder]

I have an 8-channel unit (meaning you can program up to 8 circuits with it). I use mine to run the Spa, Pool, High-Speed setting on VS pump, Waterfall pump, lights, etc. It's not fancy and I like it that way. It's a basic 4-line LCD display and it communicates with the IntelliTouch panel by RF link (no Blutetooth, WiFi, etc). So while it may not have all the gizmos and functionality that the more advanced interfaces have (like the ScreenLogic system), I'm very happy with the more solid, low tech approach (and it's water proof so I could drop it in the pool as opposed to my iPad...).

Downsides - the setup and programming of it is a little arcane but not impossible to understand. So if you're really geeked-out by doing automation and checking your pool parameter via iPhone apps, the EasyTouch is not for you. It has a limited range unless you buy the powered antenna for it (which I have) so if your electronics are far from the house, it won't work without the additional boost from the antenna.

All-in-all, I really like it and it saves me a trip out to the equipment pad if I want to turn on the pool lights or get the spa running.

It sounds a lot like the RS unit we had. I just looked at the bid and it doesn't say how many channels, but since we have more than 4 things to control I'm assuming it's 8. Will have to make sure, though. It also looks like we're getting the wall mounted controller AND the wireless. Will have to confirm that too. Do you happen to know the range of the wireless controller? I just looked thru the brochure and I didn't see anything.

[SunnyOptimism]

It sounds a lot like the RS unit we had. I just looked at the bid and it doesn't say how many channels, but since we have more than 4 things to control I'm assuming it's 8. Will have to make sure, though. It also looks like we're getting the wall mounted controller AND the wireless. Will have to confirm that too. Do you happen to know the range of the wireless controller? I just looked thru the brochure and I didn't see anything.

In attached photo I'm standing at my side door (kitchen) and I'm ~ 40ft or so to the wireless antenna (green circle/blue arrow). The equipment pad is around the corner (red arrow) behind the casita.

I think my PB said it can do 100ft easy but from inside the house it can get dodgy if you have walls with lots of pipes and wiring.

[Toybuilder]

In attached photo I'm standing at my side door (kitchen) and I'm ~ 40ft or so to the wireless antenna (green circle/blue arrow). The equipment pad is around the corner (red arrow) behind the casita.

I think my PB said it can do 100ft easy but from inside the house it can get dodgy if you have walls with lots of pipes and wiring.

I don't think we'll need the booster. The wireless controller will only be used when we're outside using the spa, and we'll be well within 100ft. But, good to know the antenna exists. It's not even listed on their brochure.

[SunnyOptimism]

I don't think we'll need the booster. The wireless controller will only be used when we're outside using the spa, and we'll be well within 100ft. But, good to know the antenna exists. It's not even listed on their brochure.

Yeah, like the IntelliWand and half a dozen other things that Pentair never tells you about. My PB is a Pentair reseller for this area and he knew all the inside scoop on the various Pentair gizmos. It's not hidden per se, it's just Pentair, like any major manufacturer, wants to steer the consumer as much as possible through their distribution channel. So for the casual buyer, you really have to dig to get the full picture.

[Toybuilder]

Yeah, like the IntelliWand and half a dozen other things that Pentair never tells you about. My PB is a Pentair reseller for this area and he knew all the inside scoop on the various Pentair gizmos. It's not hidden per se, it's just Pentair, like any major manufacturer, wants to steer the consumer as much as possible through their distribution channel. So for the casual buyer, you really have to dig to get the full picture.

Thanks for all your info on the EasyTouch. I feel a bit more at ease with it since it seems similar to the RS. May hit you up again once I get to programming.

[Toybuilder]

Well, I'm checking out until after dinner. You guys are killing me with all this talk about pizzas and hotdogs. Thank goodness dinner will be early tonight.

[CarlD]

Yeah, I was thinking about it too, watching the NYG/Dallas game. Then came a commercial for Papa John's pizza and I completely lost my appetite for pizza....

[SunnyOptimism]

Thanks for all your info on the EasyTouch. I feel a bit more at ease with it since it seems similar to the RS. May hit you up again once I get to programming.

Anytime. If the Pool Forum god (aka, @PoolDoc) decides to enable private messaging, then we could take a lot of the incidental questions off the thread. Until then, you'll just have to post. I think my profile allows for vCard access but I'm not sure....

[Toybuilder]

Ok, feel much better now. My belly is full. But those pizzas still sound good.

To update you, I emailed Poolsean privately and discussed the benefits of the AutoPilot vs the AquaRite. Wow, there's a lot to sort through. Obviously it leaned heavily on the AutoPilot. I'm going to review with the builder to help us decide which would be the best for our situation. However, my big concern is still the price.