Is the Pentair EasyTouch a good controller?

[mas985]

It seems like a good system but wanted to hear some feedback. My PB says they used Aqua Link and Goldline in the past but moved to the EasyTouch for cost and less problems. They said they would do the Aqua Link RS8 for the same price if I wanted it so I didn't question there response. There are a lot of decisions and I want to make sure I am making good ones. I don't mind spending a little more up front if it will make my pool better. I hate getting something that is just ok only to have problems later. Thanks!

Steve

I am surprised at the PBs comment. If you add the cost of the SWG, last I checked, the Goldline unit is much less in cost. The Aqualogic is an equipment controller with a SWG support included but the EasyTouch requires a separate SWG controller. Make sure the price of both units includes the SWG before doing a comparison. Also, I have had no problems with the Aqualogic.

[skamp]

I am surprised at the PBs comment. If you add the cost of the SWG, last I checked, the Goldline unit is much less in cost. The Aqualogic is an equipment controller with a SWG support included but the EasyTouch requires a separate SWG controller. Make sure the price of both units includes the SWG before doing a comparison. Also, I have had no problems with the Aqualogic.

They said they would allow me the Jandy RS8 PDA with SWG (PureLink). There is a Pentair EasyTouch model that includes the IntelliChlor SWG. I am waiting for a callback. Will all things equal would the Pentair EasyTouch or the Jandy AquaLink RS8 PDA be a better choice? Thanks!

Steve

[waterbear]

I know nothing of the Pentair unit but I have heard some negative feedback on the Jandy SWG last year. I don't know if Jandy has ironed out the bugs or not yet. I have a Goldline Aqualogic PS-8 myself and am more than happy with the unit. I have also been told by 2 different pool contractors that the Goldline valve acutators are more dependable than either the Jandy or Compool (Pentair) ones. (Conversations took place where I work and had nothing to do with my pool so I tend to believe them!) Since the actuators are interchangable as long as the voltages are the same (I believe Goldline only makes 24v ones) you can always change them out if you have problems with them and they are 24v.

[huskyrider]

I wouldn't hesitate for one second in picking the Jandy PDA PS8/Purelink over the Easy Touch/IC40. Just make sure that the electrician moves your antenna away from the equipments power center.

I disagree that the Aqualogic is more affordable, the last time (first of this year) I did a price comparison on controllers the Intellitouch and Aqualink One Touch controllers came in the highest. The Easy Touch, Jandy PDA, and Aqualogic came in very close to each other.

waterbear, the problem Jandy had with their salt system last year was on the stand alone Aquapure systems. The Purelink power centers didn't experience this problem. It was a bad batch of computer chips from an outside vendor that they purchase raw materials from.

See ya,
Kelly