Solar Southwest Florida

The Pentair QuickTouch II Remote allows remote control of a Pentair SunTouch, EasyTouch, or IntelliTouch Pool Automation system. We have installed lots of these convenient remotes with SunTouch Solar Pool Heating controllers. Pairing the Pentair QuickTouch II Remote With The Receiver is easy!

Once in a while, the remote may lose connection with the receiver, which is located outside near your pool equipment. Opening the receiver requires a #2 Philips screwdriver. The screws are located on the bottom of the antenna housing. When sliding the cover off the receiver, be VERY CAREFUL that you do not break off the antenna, which is integrated with the circuit board.

The instructions (attached below) tell you to press the white button on the circuit board. Be aware that some QuickTouch units have shipped with blue or black buttons despite what the instructions read. The steps are as follows:

1. Open receiver case.
2. Press the White Receiver button (shown below).
3. An LED on the QuickTouch II receiver will flash three (3) times (once the Receiver button is pressed, you have 60 seconds to connect the QuickTouch II remote to the receiver).
4. Hold down button four (4) and button eight (8) simultaneously.
5. The QuickTouch II remote can now communicate with the receiver. Check all of the remote buttons to make sure they operate correctly.

QuickTouch II Remote and Receiver Pairing

If your remote is still not doing what is expected, but it is paired with the remote, you will need to check the programming on the SunTouch using menu 12/14. Check your SunTouch manual for more information.

Here is the QuickTouch Owners Manual available for download.

With so many people in Southwest Florida preparing to head north for the summer, Fafco Solar is getting lots of calls from people with solar panels. How do you get your solar pool heater ready for summer?

If you are not planning to use your solar pool heater in the summer, the most important thing you can do to protect your system is to drain and isolate it completely. Most of the systems Fafco Solar has installed, and all of the systems we have installed in recent years, have isolation valves that allow you to stop the flow of water into and out of the solar panels and roof plumbing. Just closing the 3-way solar bypass valve is not enough. There are two ways that water can continue to rise to the roof when the bypass valve is closed (through the return line if there is no check valve present and through a small hole in the 3-way valve that is present for daily draining purposes).

Solar Pool Heat Valves Closed (Isolated)

If you do not drain your system completely, water can stagnate in the panels and plumbing causing excessive temperatures. While usually not a problem, occasionally this leads to severely warped or swollen PVC pipe on the roof. Black pipe exhibits this problem more than white pipe, but extreme temperatures can also cause white pipe to discolor and warp. This phenomenon may be more pronounced in Southwest Florida due to our long, hot summer and numerous part-time residents. Roof plumbing issues due to improper operation of your system is not covered under warranty.

Your system is likely plumbed to drain automatically when the pool pump is turned off, or a manual drain may be installed. To isolate your system, first turn your pump off, let the system drain completely for a couple of hours (or drain panels manually if necessary). If you are able, opening the lower header end cap on the roof is a fail-safe way to make sure your panels are completely empty. Once the system is completely drained, close your isolation valves. Please keep reading, especially if you have automated valves!

It is critical that the 3-way solar bypass valve remains in the solar-off (bypass) position. If the 3-way valve is turned to the solar-on position and the isolation valves are closed, your pump will “dead head,” possibly causing catastrophic failure of your plumbing or pump.

Click here for additional information about how to identify open and closed valves.

If you have an automated controller, there are multiple ways to turn your solar pool heater off, but generally speaking you can turn the desired temperature down as far as it can go. Some controllers have manual off switches. The motorized actuator on the 3-way solar bypass valve has a switch that can be used to stop the valve from turning. Unless you are very comfortable with your automation system and/or pool valves, it is not recommended that you attempt to isolate your solar pool heater for the summer without professional assistance. For a nominal charge, Fafco Solar can come out to fully drain and isolate your system and return after summer to start, test, and optimize your system.

Variable speed pool pumps are all the rage. Fantastic energy savings an whisper quiet operation are the two most cited reasons for interest in the product. Comparing variable speed pumps is important because there are a wide range of prices and installation service levels available. All will save you money, but the features and capabilities vary widely. Selecting the right pump for your pool is critical.

While not a solar product, per se, variable speed pool pumps compliment solar pool heaters and become an integral part of a solar pool heating system. It’s critical to understand the comparisons to ensure a variable speed pump will work with your solar pool heater (or heat pump or gas heater for that matter).

Variable speed pumps should not be confused with 2-speed pumps, which have far more limited features and far lower cost savings. My recommendation is to forget about 2-speed pumps and go for the variable speed pump. That’s a discussion for another day…

Here are the most popular variable speed pumps we are seeing on the market in Southwest Florida.

• Pentair IntelliFlo VS
• Hayward EcoStar
• Hayward Max-Flo VS
• Jandy ePump 1.5 and 2.0
• Waterways VSA

Pentair IntelliFlo VS

This is my favorite of the bunch. I have this pump, and have loved it from the day I installed it. It is whisper quiet at low speeds, energy efficient at all speeds, and has excellent connectivity for Pentair automation products. The Pentair IntelliFlo is a 3 HP motor coupled with a variable speed drive with fully programmable speeds and schedules. It has four speed buttons and eight programs. It communicates with Pentair automation products like the SunTouch, SolarTouch, EasyTouch, or IntelliTouch via an RS-485 digital interface. If connecting the pump to non-Pentair automation, it requires an Intellicom II digital interface. However, certain versions of the popular Aqualink system with newer firmware can natively control the Intellicom as long as you have a PDA remote (I should mention that this is not supported by Pentair). When controlling the IntelliFlo with a Pentair automation (excluding the SolarTouch or Intellicom II) or Aqualink PDA, the controller will take over control of the pump and all schedules and speeds are controlled externally. One disadvantage of external control is that the IntelliFlo no longer displays the operating speed or energy use on the integrated display. Fortunately you can get this information through the automation product, but it’s not as convenient when standing over the pump. With the SolarTouch controller and Intellicom II, the pump retains all of the scheduling, speed, and display functionality, and the SolarTouch simply overrides the currently selected speed when solar heating is active. The IntelliFlo also comes in a SVRS (suction vacuum release system) version to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and Florida Building Code for some pools.

Hayward EcoStar

The EcoStar is also a capable variable speed pump. It features a 2.5 HP motor with an onboard drive/controller with similar features to the IntelliFlo pump. There are four speed buttons and eight schedules. The Ecostar connects to automation products a little differently, with an analog interface. When connected to automation, the pump is capable of eight different speeds based on the analog input to the pump. In all cases the onboard controls are overridden and the external controller takes over. Unlike the Pentair pump, the Ecostar continues to display the pump running speed and energy use on the pump display when externally controlled. There are advantages and disadvantages to analog control. You gain flexibility because just about any automation product on the market can send the pump speed commands (even the basic GL-235 solar controller can change the pump speed). Unfortunately, the number of speeds is often limited by the number of available relays offered and available in the automation system. However, we can add additional speeds for pool service personnel or other needs with simple toggle switches. The Ecostar also comes in an SVRS model if needed. One nice feature is being able to mount the display remotely on a wall, or turn it to face any of four directions on the pump.

Hayward Max-Flo VS

The Max-Flo VS is a 1.5 HP pump, which Hayward claims to be “right sized” for most residential pools. Unfortunately, the speed setting on the pump would typically be higher to achieve the same flow rate. Do you want your pump motor running at a higher speed, making more noise and possibly not lasting as long? To me, this defeats the purpose of a variable speed pump. Nonetheless, the Max-Flo VS could be a good option for some people with smaller pools and no heaters and limited features. I do not recommend it because it has absolutely no external automation controls. If you have existing automation or plan to add it later, this pump is not for you. Speeds and schedules are handled only through the onboard control, which has a digital readout for programming, convenience, and monitoring.

Jandy ePump 1.5 and 2.0

The ePump 1.5 and 2.0 are named for their horsepower ratings. The Jandy products integrate well with Jandy automation (Aqualink), but can also operate independently. However, you need the Jandy ePump controller for independent operation, which adds substantially to the cost. In addition, you need the ePump contoller when using external automation, even though the functionality of the ePump controller is lost. The external automation is accomplished with analog controls, similar to the Ecostar, and speeds controllable through automation may be limited. I do not recommend these pumps due to the cost and lower horsepower rating compared to the Pentair and Hayward options. The ePump controller can be mounted remotely from the pump like the Ecostar’s display module.

Waterways VSA

Waterway, based in California, is located where some of the highest daytime residential electricity rates cause pool pumps to be a major household cost. The Waterway VSA uses a Champion motor and an AO Smith onboard controller. Like the Max-Flo VS, the Waterways VS cannot be controlled externally, severely limiting the functionality and potential savings for pools with features or heating systems. The control module may be mounted remotely. One nice feature is being able to control external equipment like a heat pump with a relay. However, this functionality is a bit backward to me – the pump tells the heater if it is running fast enough for the heater to start. External automation systems do it right, telling the pump to increase speed when heating is required. Like the Max-Flo VS, this pump is not for you if you want to operate a solar pool heater or heat pump effectively. This is a value priced pump with a seemingly good warranty.

Conclusion

The Pentair VS and Hayward Ecostar are close competitors at the top. Both are powerful pumps with great external control options that depend on the existing or future automation system needs. The digital interface on the Pentair adds some nice capability at the cost of flexibility with non-Pentair automation. The Ecostar’s display mounting flexibility and ability to be controlled out of the box with just about any existing automation is great, although sometimes the number of speeds that can be controlled is limited. I cannot recommend the Jandy ePump due to cost and lower horsepower, but it has many of the Ecostar control features and works well with Jandy automation. The Hayward Max-Flo VS and Waterways VSA are only suitable for pool-only situations with no features or heat sources, and you will experience far less functionality and future flexibility. If you have a solar pool heater, and want optimum pool heating with external controls, forget about these last two pumps.

Beyond the Pump Itself: Installation and Programming

A word of caution about installation and programming of variable speed pumps… You may see amazingly low advertised prices for variable speed pumps through discount retailers. Unfortunately, the initial programming of variable speed pumps can be daunting for the average homeowner, and properly setting up the pump to operate for various features and heat sources is not for beginners. In fact, it’s beyond the current capabilities of many pool professionals who are just coming up to speed (pun intended). Connecting variable speed pumps to existing or new automation products just further complicates the installation and programming. But most importantly when having a variable speed pump installed, ask your installer if they are going to install a flow meter! If they don’t, they are doing you a disservice. Installing a flow meter allows the installer to calculate the minimum speed possible to get the desired turnover, an also meet the flow rate requirements for optimum operation of solar pool heaters, heat pumps, cleaners, in-floor cleaners, and other pool features. The idea is to meet the flow requirements of all features of your pool and spa, and balance that with the amazing energy savings offered by any of the above variable speed pumps.

If you see a price that is too good to be true, it is. You will be calling your pool service company (or me) to properly set up your pump. If a capable installer charges more that the competition, there is probably a very good reason. I can’t stress enough that you should not go for the cheapest variable speed pump and installer. That said, once the pump is set up and operating to your satisfaction, the system is simple, reliable, and will pay for itself in no time!

With new building codes in effect in Florida, I’ve been asked quite a lot about variable speed vs. variable flow pumps, especially with solar pool heating systems. The answer turns out to be a bit complex. The simple answer is that a variable speed pump will give you better trouble-free performance while still resulting in significant energy savings. The whole story is more complex.

At first glance, the features of a Variable Flow pump like the Pentair Intelliflo VF seem perfectly suited for a solar pool heating system. The pump would operate at a constant flow rate that is optimal for solar pool heating, adjusting the pump speed as necessary to meet changing pressures from water features or dirty filters. An automatic controller could further optimize performance by adjusting flow rates depending on the heating source and features being used. Unfortunately, there are two problems with this approach:

1. Variable Flow pumps are designed to shut off when there is a significant flow rate change. In some cases the enabling or disabling of a solar pool heating system will result in a fault that shuts the pump off.
2. Variable Flow pumps on the market do no meet the Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) requirements for the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and incorporated in the Florida Building Code 2010 that went into effect March 15, 2012.

The best solution is to install a variable speed pump like the Pentair Intelliflo VS. This pump varies in speed, which loosely translates into varying flow rates. Because in any given configuration a pool circulation system has a relatively stable pressure, we can set up a variable speed pump to act essentially like a variable flow pump. We “dial in” speeds for pool heating, features, and cleaners with a flow meter at the time of installation. Optimal flow rates are selected to optimize the performance of heaters and pool features with energy savings. Flow rates decrease when filters become clogged, but this is easily remedied by proper maintenance practices.

However, we need to again consider the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and SVRS systems. If your pool does not meet certain guidelines for safety, a SVRS system is now required when replacing a pool pump or pump motor. Fortunately, variable speed pumps come in SVRS models like the Pentair Intelliflo VS+SVRS. The downside is that nuisance tripping of the SVRS system can still occur with the solar pool heating system, particularly at low flow rates. In our experience, the corrective measure is to run the speed at slightly higher speeds than otherwise required to not trigger the SVRS. Unfortunately, you will not be able to take full advantage of the energy savings of the variable speed pump, but the savings will still be spectacular. The best capability is the ability to run the pump at optimal speeds based on heating source and pool features with an automatic controller. We can successfully integrate a variable speed pump, SVRS, and solar pool heating this way.

To recap, the ideal energy saving pool pump for solar pool heating systems is a variable speed pump without SVRS if your pool plumbing allows it, or a VS+SVRS pump if you must upgrade due to new codes. A Variable Flow pump may work, particularly at higher flow rates, but it is not advised with solar pool heating systems. If you don’t know whether a SVRS is required on your pool, your friendly Fafco Solar representative can tell you!

Fafco Solar Video on Pentair Variable Speed Pump

Fafco Solar just released a short promotional video on the Pentair Variable Speed pool pump.

The variable speed pump is a perfect match for solar pool heating systems, especially when an automatic controller is used. Without a controller the pump can be scheduled to run at optimum solar circulation speed when solar energy is most likely to be available. Adding a controller adds the capability of changing the pump speed based on the availability and demand for solar heating.

With or without solar energy, the variable speed pump will pay for itself with energy savings. You can cut pumping costs up to 90% with this great technology while getting a far quieter and longer lasting pool pump.

Pentair SolarTouch Solar Controller

Pentair has released a new solar pool heating controller called the SolarTouch. This great controller fills a gap between a simple analog solar controller and the Pentair SunTouch pool automation system.

A simple analog solar controller uses a dial and an on-off-auto switch to control the operation of a solar pool heating system. The SunTouch is a digital controller that has advance pool heating control for a pool/spa combination and with multiple heating sources (solar and auxiliary heater). It can also control additional relays for features and lighting and has an optional remote control.

The SolarTouch does everything that the analog controller does except it has precise control with a digital readout. It can also control Pentair’s Variable Speed and Variable Flow IntelliPro pumps. That means you can increase the pump speed when solar pool heating is required and drop the speed back down to normal filtration speed when no solar heating is required or available.

Our first SolarTouch controllers will be installed soon and I will report back with the verdict. I am quite certain that this will become our “go-to” controller, particularly because of the attractive price, digital control, and ability to control a variable speed pump.

Here is the marketing information from Pentair and a SolarTouch Brochure:

Announcing the new SolarTouch™ swimming pool solar controller, which offers full digital control for the most precise, efficient swimming pool heating possible!

Now pool owners can control their pool temperature with the touch of a button. Just set the digital thermostat and SolarTouch will monitor the temperature of the pool water and solar collectors. SolarTouch also integrates with IntelliFlo® and IntelliPro® Variable Speed Pumps, so customers can enjoy unparalleled efficiency, unbeatable digital precision and ease of use. SolarTouch is the smart, easy, efficient way to go solar.

SolarTouch features include:

• Digital calibration of water and solar temperature sensors allow more precise measuring. Temperature control can be set in one degree increments.
• Digital touch controls eliminate the imprecise settings and moving parts of mechanical dials.
• Customers can set their pool temperature and solar temperature differentials with the touch of a button.
• Solar valve automatically drains the solar collectors when the pump shuts off. Durable PTFE seal is maintenance-free for years of dependable service.
• Savings up to $1,500 on your energy bills when you combine SolarTouch with an IntelliFlo® or IntelliPro® Variable Speed Pump.
• LCD display gives sharp, clear readings of air and solar collector temperatures.
• LED indicator lights confirm that SolarTouch automation is working. Service indicator LED indicates when attention is needed.
• Motorized valve actuator is built to last with sturdy steel gears, a highly efficient low-voltage motor, service switch for flow direction and a weatherproof composite enclosure.
• Includes nocturnal cooling and recirculation freeze protection, with filter-pump timer override. 3-year warranty.

Solar pool heaters work better with variable speed pumps because the optimum flow rate can be achieved to maximize solar performance. A single speed pump is typically fine to use with solar pool heating, but if you want maximum pool heating, a variable speed pump can both save you a tremendous amount of money and provide the proper flow rate.

Typical efficiency vs. flow curve for solar pool heating panels (FAFCO Sunsaver shown).

Most solar pool heating panel manufacturers recommend a flow rate of 4 gallons per minute per panel. If you have seven panels, you need a flow rate of 28 gallons per minute. Anything less and the efficiency drops off quite rapidly. Anything more and you are wasting money on  your pumping costs, pumping water at a rate higher than required for solar pool heating to be efficient.

When we have a solar pool heater installed, we insist that every job gets a flow meter installed (at least temporarily).  The pump can be programmed to operate at the proper speed when solar pool heating is likely to be required. With an automatic controller, the pump can be set to go to optimum speed whenever solar pool heating is required, but reduce the speed when heating is not active.

There are lots of other variable speed pump resources on my Solar Southwest Florida blog. I have also assembled some Pentair variable speed pump marketing videos below. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcZfjpk_eeA

As inefficient electric pool heat pumps and gas pool heaters are, they have their place in heating Southwest Florida pools. It’s no problem to have both solar pool heat and a heat pump or auxiliary gas heater. In fact, the whole system can be automated with fairly simple controls and automatic valves.

A system of valves and actuators control solar pool heat and a heat pump for a pool/spa combination.

Many thousands of heat pumps are installed in Florida, the result of aggressive advertising campaigns and irresponsible claims by manufacturers about how efficient heat pumps are. The fact of the matter is that heat pumps cost an arm-and-a-leg to operate. Heat pumps are important when the desired temperature is critical to attain and maintain at all times. For example, hotels, condos, and individuals with medical hydrotherapy needs often require a constant and elevated pool temperature. In these cases, the holy grail is a solar pool heater in conjunction with a heat pump.

Because gas prices are relatively high in Florida, the only reasonable application for a gas heater is in situations where raising the pool temperature quickly is required or where swimming is anticipated during cold ambient temperatures. Long-term constant heating with gas heaters is outrageously expensive.

If you choose to have a heat pump or gas heater, or you already have one installed, integrating solar pool heat is easy. An automatic controller can set the solar pool heater as the primary heat source and revert to auxiliary heating. In most cases, a solar pool heater is installed, and the auxiliary heater is only operated on-demand by the homeowner manually switching on the heater. This can be as easy as pushing a button on a controller or even using a remote control to switch on the auxiliary heater.

SunTouch Controller

The AquaLink RS, Aqua Logic, and other high-end pool controllers are very capable at controlling multiple heat sources. If you already have a pool automation system, it is likely that solar pool heat and a heat pump can already be controlled from it. If not, I have been recommending the affordable Pentair SunTouch with the optional Quicktouch II Remote. Once programmed, operating the pool equipment is as simple as pressing buttons on a remote. It can work with any combination of heat sources and can even control your spa and a variable speed pump. In some cases, pool lighting and landscape lighting control can also be integrated.

Fafco Solar installed a solar pool heat system this week at a home that already had a heat pump. Adding a SunTouch controller allowed the homeowner to optimize the operation of their solar pool heater, while providing the option of supplemental heat at the press of a button if desired. This time of year, solar pool heating alone typically gets a covered pool to around 85 degrees. The grandkids were coming in town this week, and he wanted the pool to be 88 degrees. The controller allows the pool to be heated by solar if possible, then switches on the heat pump to get the last couple of degrees needed at a reasonable operating cost.

The best way to control a solar pool heat system is with an automatic controller. If you do not have one, you are missing out on great convenience, and not maximizing your solar pool heating investment. Most people who do not have a controller just leave their solar pool heating system all the time. That means any time the pump is running, water is flowing through the solar panels.

Unfortunately, solar panels can also act like a radiator, giving pool heat back to the atmosphere. On very cloudy days or during rain, you may actually be cooling your pool if you solar pool heater is running. Usually this is not a huge problem, but it is definitely less than optimal.

One thing you can do is set your pump timer with ideal times to run the pump when you are most likely to get good performance from your solar panels. If your panels are mounted on the south roof, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm are the prime hours, and you pump should be run during this time. If your panels are mounted on the east roof, you will want to start you pump a bit earlier, and definitely don’t run it too late. The biggest mistake I see is when panels are mounted on a southwest or west roof, and the homeowner has the pump set to start at 8:00 am. On a cool morning with no sun hitting the panels, some cooling is highly likely. I recommend no earlier than 10:00 am for a pump start time, but the stop time depends on the time of year.

The best thing to do is observe your panels and make sure you pump is running when the sun is hitting them. Shading and time of day are important to evaluate.

Again, an automatic controller is your best option for controlling your solar pool heat, but if you aren’t willing to make that investment, take some simple steps to maximize your system’s performance!

SunTouch Controller Installation

I finally got around to installing my Pentair SunTouch Solar Controller at my Fort Myers home. I don’t have solar pool heat (yet), so I have been procrastinating. Why install a SunTouch without a solar pool heating system? Because it does so much more than just control a solar valve!

The SunTouch is made to work with an actuator to automatically turn solar pool heating on and off based on the desired temperature and the available heat on the roof.

Here are several great reasons to install a SunTouch Controller:

• It’s a great compliment to my Pentair Variable Speed Pump (VS-3050). The SunTouch takes over the control of the pump functions and speeds, allowing you to program various speeds for things like water features, automatic cleaners, solar, and auxiliary heaters.
• It will control a heat pump or gas heater with or without solar pool heat. I happen to have a heat pump (I know, not good, but it came with the house).
• I can control my landscape lighting (LED, of course) with one of the auxiliary relays and put the transformer on a timer.
• I can control the pool lights and program run times.
• With the QuickTouch remote, I can activate features from the handy remote control. While I have the landscape lighting and pool lights on programmed schedules, I can manually turn them on from the remote. I can also manually force the pump on at various speeds.

QuickTouch Remote and Receiver

Because my pool and landscape lighting were on the same circuit, and because I still have old energy-hog incandescent pool lights (2 x 300W), I am excited to be able to run the landscape lighting independently now. For added security, and because they use virtually no energy, I set my landscape lights to run all night – something I wasn’t able to afford with the pool lights. One day I’ll spring for the LED pool light upgrade.

I set out to do this project yesterday and it took a little longer than expected with all of the auxiliary features I wanted to control. I also had to rewire the lighting transformers because the pool and landscape lighting were on the same circuit. I went ahead and installed the water and solar sensors so I’ll be ready to go when I add solar pool heat this spring. Finally, I took the opportunity to wire a GFCI outlet next to the SunTouch for extra convenience when running my electric trimmer.

The initial programming of the SunTouch is a bit complex, but fortunately my experience at Fafco Solar had me prepared for this challenge. The menu operation is not very intuitive, but once you understand it the button functions, it all makes sense. The SunTouch documentation on the variable speed pump programming is a bit confusing, but once you read the pump manual itself, it all comes together. I was able to easily configure my remote control to control my pump and lights. The QuickTouch remote connection is also

I didn’t connect the heat pump relay, partly because I ran out of time, but after thinking about it I would rather not have it on a controller. I want to feel the pain every time I manually turn it on, and remember how much that thing costs to run! I can see the benefit of connecting it for people who have pool/spa combinations to fully automate spa heating.

Overall, I am very impressed with the system, and I look forward to installing my solar pool heating system soon!

My Pool Equipment with SunTouch Solar Controller Installed