Programming and Features of the Pentair Intelliflo VSF Pump

[@genebayless7950]

Thank you. Finally someone who can explain this pump in a way I can understand.

[@brianbogdanowicz7556]

Just spent first weekend as a homeowner and you helped keep this is check bro!! Well done , thank you for sharing this , all the best to you

[@1videorick]

Like most others that have posted, I want to thank you for providing this information. the manual supplied with the pump is great but a little overwhelming at the same time. Seeing it programmed via your instructions, helped make the supplied manual less daunting to get through. I am coming from an older single speed pump and am looking for more energy savings and a more consistently clean pool.

[@kimludlum5318]

Best tutorial for programming an Intelliflo VFS pump. Very thorough and easy to understand what the FLOW setting does.

[@TomWilson8003]

In speaking with a tech from Pentair, he said he doesn't like to run the pump below 50 GPM. Thanks for this excellent video.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

I could see the reasoning for your high speed/cleaning run time but Keep in mind he’s sitting in a call center and not out in the field. Every pool is different and you have to find what works best for your pool. Glad you found the video helpful!

[@theskoop9113]

Thank you!! Excellent video! Had this pool for 3 years just hitting the programmed setting of 3 according to a note on pump from previous owner. Been looking for a lower setting for all day use. We have pop-ups so need the 3450 but not all day.

[@cwsosby]

This is great info. Thanks for posting from a new pool owner!!!

[@hunglong6587]

Thanks for put time explain to everyone first time own the pool and know nothing about it. I learned something new. Thanks again.✌️

[@quicksilver2909]

LOL... Ants checking out the brand new residence. Great explanation. Well done.

[@CraigHighberger]

Great video, I learned more from this video about the capabilities of our pool pump and this really helped me make the best choices to program it for best filtering and energy savings! THANKS

[@sueseelie]

This video helps a little so thanks for that. I just got this pool pump and I’m not thrilled. Sorry for being old school but I feel like I need a college course in pool operation to understand how to operate this pump. I miss my old, non-digital, single speed pump 😩

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Yeah, the simplicity of the old style pumps is certainly something I miss but these variable speeds do amazing things. Trade offs I guess....

[@cwstewartjr1973]

Just wait till that head goes out and you have to replace it. That price won't be one of the amazing things about it.

[@chris]

I’ve got a similar Pentair variable speed pump (353114.E) and want to rotate the top panel as you demonstrated at the top of the panel, but they aren’t 4 Phillips screws. They’re like a hex screw with an added bump in the middle so I can’t use any of my hex drivers. Any idea what magical tool is required to remove these fasteners? I’d like to rotate mine 90 degrees. TIA!

[@jwhite4]

I looked at my Pentair pump after seeing that segment, and mine have the same screws! Sort of wonder since they are so-nonstandard, if the display isn't meant to be rotated anymore (at the least, by ordinary homeowners).

[@chris]

@@jwhite4 That’s exactly what I thought.

[@stevefife7598]

I wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make this video. You saved my butt, the guy installed my pump but didn't have the user guide and really didn't know the difference between AM & PM or 10 mins vs 01:00. So after watching this video 3 times I have my new Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump all setup almost a mirror image of your settings. Thank's again

[@winddealer1]

#390.... Great reference videos. Thanks for posting them and supporting your sub base.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Thank you Alt!

[@angiap6907]

Fantastic instruction video! Thanks for taking the time to put it together, tremendous help for Pentair VSF pump owners.

[@rossthuener6615]

Great video. Very informative and it's obvious you know your stuff. Thanks very much for your schooling. What if my display reads "Display not active"?

[@JuliusTWilliamsJr]

Great presentation!

[@77nikkel90]

Great video !!! exactly what i needed to know .

[@normadoes]

Very helpful, thanks so mucho for this video. We just completed our pool and the builder didn’t set it up for us 😣

[@IEraiderfan]

Cool video I saw your older video my pump was installed in April I think this video covers my pump better. Thanks for the tutorial I just subbed to your channel thanks again for the great videos.👍👍👍👍

[@rozalv7418]

How do I shut off without loosing the programming? I took out the four filter cartridges and won’t receive new ones for two days. Dome is unassembled.

[@m.c.lippsss]

Super helpful! Stupid question - How do I turn it on / off???

[@jimwebber7451]

I have this VSF pump and a 10,000 gal pool I'm wondering what type of settings I should use for my pool and how many hours for each setting etc. Any advice?

[@tribum]

How do I factory reset the schedules or clear them permanently? A Pentair rep came out a few years back and put in a schedule that I cannot the in the Pentair app. The schedule circulates my inground spa too much. Thanks

[@jackhu5746]

Hello, I try to change some speed, but all buttons don't work, so does the Pentair pump have any buttons locked?

[@eddiekings7027]

Super helpful video ! Any tips in how can I make this pump run for 48hours without stopping when the next program is scheduled? I need to add a treatment to my pool and run the system for 48hours.. Thank you very much

[@michaellim2744]

Great video and tutorial.

[@sanmiller3599]

**I have been trying to set my Pentair Intelliflo VSF for a few days now and have not been successful? When I'm following along with the instructions provided above and after I choose Program 6, save; choose Schedule, save; it doesn't give me an option for Flow? It starts with speed? When I run through the setup, Flow does not appear on my screen. No matter if I'm in program or features it never shows a Flow? Why would that be? Otherwise, all the instructions are very straight forward and helpful. Can you provide where I need to look to find the Flow option? I'm lost. Thanks.

[@larryconover3925]

what kind of paint/color do you use to help block UV rays??

[@raulmiranda3124]

Super helpful to me. I'm a subscriber now!

[@jtmcclay]

This is a great video!

[@ruthlessluder]

Does this come with a built-in timer? If I upgrade to this pump can I just bypass the old mechanical timer I'm currently using?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Yup, everything is timed through the pump drive.

[@prince6969]

I just moved into a new house with this system and I have to tell you that I’ve been struggling with it. After watching your intro on the programming of the pump I feel much more prepared so thank you for that! I’m still a bit perplexed on why I don’t see any movement in the pool as far as debris and such moving into the filter on the side of the pool. Am I missing something? Also I’m running the system off the Pentair - EC-520540 EasyTouch 8 Function Control for Pool and Spa - it’s very confusing about which trumps which. I feel like the easy touch is messing everything up. Which one am I supposed to be programming? Another thing is the heat setting. I feel like the pool heat is set for 84 but it never gets there. Too many questions I’m sure. I will watch the rest of your videos to see if you touch in these things. Thank you again for the great instruction.

[@pierrekitts7089]

We are blessed with some really cheap electricity here in Quebec. Its 7.3 cents CAD a KW/HR on average or 5.2 cents USD. I can run my new Intelliflo at 1250 RPM to turn 9770 Gallons once a day. Its consuming 88 watts an hour or $4.63 cents CAD a month (30days). It used to costs us $ 150 a month with a 1.5 hp running 24 hours a day full speed. The unit will pay for its self in 1.5 seasons. And you can't even hear the thing at 1250 rpm. What a great pump. Thanks for the tip on hitting the left-right arrow key to see Watts RPM ect. Now to figure out how to see flow and not just RPM.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

C’est Genial Pierre! Il y a quel que places ici aux etats-unis ou l’ectricite est assez cher. Anyways, if you have a VSF pump, the arrows should scroll you to GPM on the display as well. If not, then it won’t show. Thanks for watching!

[@stirchronic]

I’m can’t get my program to run I program a program 1 then press 1 and it says running speed 1? I can’t even edit speeds ?

[@taylorvancleave-fn3jy]

I appreciate this video very much, however, Im not sure of the speed (or flow), that I should have? I do have a diving board, if that says anything about the depth of this pool. But when I tried to program it, For the min/max, am I doing that for the different times? Because I saw a time to do the 12 to 3 am, but for the min, i never saw a place to do the time of say, 5 am, to 7 pm? All the different areas (1-8), Im confused, do you do these all different for different things? And then would you have to pick which one you wanted to use all the time, such as the 3 hours at a higher speed and then the lower speed for the large amount of time? Im sorry for the question

[@LovedByJade]

Why does my pump say error every time I try to change something? Says key error and it jumps back and forth to what Im doing and key error again. Its only 2 year old

[@LooktheOceanSD]

Are you pressing enter or select

[@jrichter5026]

Dude, great video so thanks for that. 29000 gallon pool with this pump. Suggestions on where to set the programming?

[@davidcasebere1664]

This was really helpful. I just had a pentair intelliflow vsf pump installed along with a matching pentair 420 clean & clear plus 420 cartridge filter and an Aqua cal pool heater. I have 2 questions: 1) my pool is about 13,500 gallons. How can I find out what flow rates I should use? 2) how do l set the pump for the heater and when I turn the heater on do I need to turn the pump on separately?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Set your programs to flow instead of RPM. Most likely your heater needs 40 Gallons Per Minute of flow minimum to activate. You can set a program to say, 43 GPM that runs from 3 pm till 11 am and only activate that program when you want to warm things up. As far as daily schedules, you know your pool is 13.5K gallons start with a program that runs from 8am to 5 pm at 25 GPM. That will get you a full turnover during the day. Set a high speed program to run at night to run your cleaning system from 10PM to 1 AM (when your power is cheapest). Try 45 GPMs and adjust from there. Use this as a starting point you may need more or be able to get away with a bit less depending on the season, swim demand, landscaping, and weather.

[@mike14mu]

Great video, thanks so much for posting. I am installing the VSF pump this weekend. My pool is about 20,000 gallons, any recommendations for GPM for the high and low speeds?

[@mike14mu]

Also, my filter is a Pentair FNS Plus 48sqft DE filter. I just bought new filters and swapped out the old ones that had some small tears and hadn't been properly cleaned by the previous homeowner in years.

[@shepherdguy]

I just came across your channel and find it very helpful. Since yesterday, I have watched about 10 of your videos and especially like the one about the boric acid...fascinating! I have subscribed to watch for future videos. I do have a question about the settings on my pump. This video covers the newer Pentair, but I have an older Pentair Superflo VS. The factory default settings for the pump are SPEED 1 starting at 8am for two hours at 3000 RPMs, then SPEED 2 immediately after for 10 hours at 1400 RPMs, the SPEED 3 for 2 hours at 2200 RPMs. My pool size is approximately 19,200 gallons and our seasonal temperatures here in Fresno California are probably not too terribly different than there in Arizona. Our Summer temperatures hit 100+ degrees and peak about 110. Winter temperatures hit 55+ with peak lows about 29-32 degrees at the absolute coldest middle of night/early morning during January. Pool remains filled all year and was newly filled just slightly over one year ago. What would be your recommendation on the three SPEED settings for speed and duration? Thank you - awesome channel!

[@jbwaterman]

If you use Flow instead of Speed and your system gets clogged will the pump shut off at some point to prevent damage? Is that what the Hi/Low setting prevents? Thanks.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Yes. There’s some great fail safes written into the software of most all the name brand vs pumps. High and low settings allow you to further tailor the pump so you’re not moving too little or too much water through a system. 2” pvc can only handle about 98 gpm and 1.5” 62 before you start to damage the pipes themselves. The Intelliflo VSF will self limit through it’s pressure sensor to prevent this.

[@menmypan]

Ran across your video and had a quick question if you would answer. I purchased this home w/pool & Pentair vs, I have a 12,000 gal inground in LHC and asking your advice for rpm settings for it to get started? Thank you for the video helped allot and I will check out the rest this summer.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Glad you’re finding the channel handy. That’s what it’s all about. My brain is foggy at the moment. Where’s LHC? How much are you guys using the pool? What kind of landscaping is around the pool? What kind of filter does it have? How far is the pump & filter from the pool? Get me those answers and we can get you on a starting point for programming that you can fine tune and adjust to meet the needs of the pool.

[@loisfaruolo6932]

I have a old 1 speed 3 hp 1996 challenger and the motor need replacement . Is it wise to buy a 2 speed motor to replace the one speed motor for energy saving when I just want to circulate my chemicals in the water???? BTW. I have an 8 jet spa and when valved off the spa has one separate jet that acts as a pool a overflow water fall while the pool is in valved for circulation and skimming. I also have a return separately valved for my polaris pressure side cleaner that i run as needed . In this 15000 gallon pool with a 10 person spa.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

You want the pump in this video. You won’t be disappointed.

[@StaticVandall]

Great video. Being fairly new to Arizona and a first time pool owner, and have the same pump and filter combo as this video thanks. My pool is 11,000 gallons and pump and filter are about 8ft from pool. At 20 GPM my suction side cleaner doesn't seem to have enough juice to work right. Any recommendations for setting with the cleaners?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Keep in mind, you wouldn’t vacuum your living room floor for 8 hours a day and there’s no need to do the same for your pool. Set a high speed program to run around 40-50 GPM for 2-4 hours when the power is cheap at night. That’ll get your vac everywhere around the pool it’s going to get. The low speed is to keep your water circulating for consistently balance water chemistry and light filtering. It won’t be enough to run the cleaner and that’s totally fine.

[@StaticVandall]

@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS thank you.

[@aadamzahoor4683]

hey i have the same pump , i wanted to know how to check what times it’s on already set too from out last pool guy

[@weightsnut]

Question.. If we add liquid chlorine, each evening g after sunset, in place of tabs, what cycle settings would you recommend. We are in Arizona.😊

[@tlrmd4you]

Id love to know the answer to this question as well.

[@weightsnut]

@taylor vancleave I'm currently running about 20gpm from 8am till 2:30pm. Then I run 60gpm from 8 -10 pm for the vacuum to run and chlorine to cycle through. Pool looks great!

[@johnc8618]

Thanks for the video. Well done. I'm troubleshooting the flow option. I've ordered new filters because even after cleaning I'm not getting the pressure reduction I expect with clean filters. The last cleaning I used ZEP degreaser and flow seems better. Also I noticed the intelliflo vsf pump install manual says there should be 10 inches of straight pipe between the pump and first bend. I wonder how important this is to provide optimal efficiency?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

It’s possible your cartridges are calcified a bit which a light acid soak in a plastic garbage can will help alleviate. You can’t go wrong with new cartridges though. Yeah, you want 5 pipe diameters ideally between the inlet of the pump and any fitting or valve where things turn. It allows the turbulence in the water to calm down before it enters the pump. The faster you run your pump, the more important this is. Sometimes space constraints don’t allow for it though. Just know that the closer a fitting is to the pump inlet, the less your threshold is before cavitation.

[@johnc8618]

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful and timely advice.

[@brandim7813]

If i want to only run my water features or pool heater every once in a while, would i set the egg timer for that ??? And would that mean i would just set it for say program 1 and when i want to use the features i would just hit the 1 button and when i want to turn them off just hit the button again or how would that work ???

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Egg timer works just like quick clean so yes.

[@luissabillon3596]

Hey, thanks for this very helpful video you posted. I live in Glendale by 75Ave and Deer Valley. I just got a Pantair Intelliflo Pump installed. I was wondering, does the old dialog timer needs to be connected to this new pump? it seems redundant to me but I don't know. Also, I've noticed you didn't like using programs 1-5, does this mean the pump will run on the default times on those programs? Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@coleevans1556]

Can you help with a passcode reset???

[@matteobateman7393]

I have the VF with a different control panel did you do a video for the VF? I shut it down cut power, for a few months now I have a pump without a program and have no idea how to reset it!!!

[@ruthlessluder]

I notice when running in flow mode, the system has a default pressure limit of 30 PSI. I have in-floor pop-up heads so I'd like at least 50 GPM going into the pop-ups. However, it's hitting the 30 PSI pressure limit. I see you can increase it all the way up to 50 PSI. Is it dangerous to set it higher to say, 35 PSI?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Man, every system is different. The plumbing can handle it. I’d inch up slowly and also double check your infloor system to make sure there’s no debris or a worn out mechanism that causing the need for extra pressure. Most in floor systems need about 45 gpm to work optimally.

[@blakebeyett6471]

How accurate is that gpm on the pump if you compared it to a dedicated flow meter attached to the plumbing?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

It’s normally within a few gpm of what a flow meter would be.

[@sylvialoven1132]

Model where

[@captcompaq]

Omg this is so helpful! ..like many ..suggestions for settings? I have a roughly 40k in ground in Maryland...DE filter...Hayward heater...used daily by 4 family members...plus you know occ family visits lol. Surrounded by concrete apron...some trees...seem to be getting pressure limits alerts on pump at full speed...says limit aand 130 gpm...at full speed 32400 rpm hitting DE filter pressures of 30+..in fact rarely under 25 psi even after backflushing..just open ed pool last week with new pump so still feeling. Things out

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Yeah, the pump just won’t move that much water unless you have like 4” plumbing and a 96 square foot DE filter (which would be commercial grade) Dial your GPMs back to a max of 60 on high speed and run the low speed at 20 GPM. Set speed 1 up as an egg timer for 5 hours at 50 GPMs. You can use that while everyone’s splashing around. anything Beyond that to really fine tune it and I’d have to come see the pool in person!

[@captcompaq]

Swimming Pool Science so programming it now....but....you mentioned doing a video where you get into flow rafters and TDH? The pool nerd in me is interested...did you ever make it?

[@prestonclarke727]

is the vsf 3hp and 420 cartridge filter too big for a 12k gallon pool? would you recommend a downgrade prior to buying? i live in Gilbert AZ

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Not at all.....the great thing about the VSF is you can just lower the rpms/GPMs to match your needs. Don’t get rid of that 420! It’s a hair oversized for that pool if you want to get technical about it but that means you have more wiggle room and won’t be over taxing the filter if the pool gets bombed from a storm

[@robertmunoz8039]

That 2” pipe going into the suction side of the pump needs to be at least 5x the pipe diameter long. Looks short.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

We were close but Like many equipment areas we were limited by space constraints and the customer not willing to pay for us to dig up the plumbing underground and move it back to allow a 10” run into the pump. Fortunately we aren’t running this at full power so we’re still below the limits of plumbing hydraulics.

[@ArmandoRodriguezJr]

Do you service the Buckeye Area? I just bought my home and it has this pump but it has a bunch of features on the pool so I dont know how to make sure the systems at its optimum performance.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

We don’t do weekly pool service in your area but we can certainly come out and help you dial things in. Give us a call or text!

[@jorgechavarria6450]

Wait, is hitting reset required at the end to get the pool running on a scheduled program?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

You can also hit Start/stop twice

[@TheJaybee61]

Hello and thanks for the info. I just installed the 011028 and there is no way to set for GPM mode, which I was pretty stoked about being able to do. The instructions that came with it were dated 2018 and the control panel is just as described, it just won't scroll into a gpm option, just speed 1-8. In the video you said something about the older models being like this, I assumed it was the one with different panel? Did Pentair change the programming? Do you have an answer? Thanks in advance.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

011056 is the only one that can operate by flow. Older models like the 011 and 028 are on sale below cost on the Internet. You can get an 056 drive and install it but that’s all you can do short of trying to return the one you bought and purchasing the 056 model.

[@TheJaybee61]

oooh i was mistaken. Thanks for the info

[@foridlehands44]

A super basic video recommending programming would be great. I find this key pad menu extremely unintuitive and have to constantly stop and rewind video to understand which keys you are pressing. I've had this pump 5 years now and can never figure it out.

[@jamiesbreed]

Thank you for the video. I am now trying to program this thing and now I’m stuck at the GPM RPM and watts. Our pool is 8600 gallons and we live in Vegas. Do u have any suggestions for this. We are at the end week two of filling the pool after plaster. Someone suggested we run the pump for at least 8 hours 8am-4pm at 2400 rpm

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

What size filter do you have? What size is your plumbing? Set it to run on GPM.

[@jamiesbreed]

I sent an email. My name is the same.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

jamiesbreed didn’t see it in the inbox...you sent it to [e-mail]?

[@oscarmuniz367]

Would you recommend this pump or the newer 011028?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

The 011056 gives you the ability to run in flow mode where the 028 doesn’t. Go with the 056

[@elenaflores8586]

What i can do if the button of SELECT not working?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Oh man. You may have to replace the keypad.

[@elenaflores8586]

Swimming Pool Science oh god thanks everything works good just the button of select is not working

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

If the programing is good and you don’t need to change and the pump is running fine then you should be fine.

[@elenaflores8586]

Swimming Pool Science yeah but the pump is on schedule and is on all day and all night

[@TomWilson8003]

Can you program this from an app?

[@CarlosRuiz-sz7hm]

😊

[@davidsilcock682]

can this programming device heat up the pool?

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

No, you need a heat pump, heater, or solar heat exchanger for that. They do have an inexpensive automation system Called the intelliconnect that will run a heater, light, and one other motor or feature though.

[@mesquivel1]

Hey man would you be willing for a fee come to my house to set this up based on my pool size... I feel like my pool is struggling also my pool guy resorted to running at full speed for 24 hours a day for 3 weeks... my light bill jumped by $275 bucks. I feel that if my pump was programmed properly according to my gallons it would solve a lot of issue... if you don't do this ...do you know someone that can? Thanks again for the great information

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

If you’re in the Phoenix area we can certainly get you on the schedule to come out and work the bugs out. Call or text us at 602-456-5545. We also do phone/video consults if you’re not in the phoenix area.

[@hempisnotpot4112]

Lol at V F the speed of the rpm sets the gpm so there's no need to have a gpm option duh

[@JudgeDredd_]

Dang none of the buttons are active on mine. Frustrating. Can’t press anything

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Is the display reading “display not active” if so, it’s because it’s plugged into an automation system and you have to program the pump through there.

[@JudgeDredd_]

Swimming Pool Science Thanks for the response. Upon installation, it was connected to the automation system with an easy touch remote. The remote controls the system and is connected to the pump. How do I control the speed because I cannot change it through the buttons on the pump (they won’t work). Also, Happy Memorial Day and thanks for your reply I truly wasn’t expecting anything. Thank you I appreciate it.

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Judge Dredd on the remote, menu, settings, intelliflo, speeds should get you there

[@kimmccracken7551]

You’re moving your finger all the time and it’s difficult to follow

[@effy8513]

😂

[@moves3297]

Sadly I don't install pentair intelliflo pumps as stand-alone pumps too hard for the customer to figure out how to program too high of a failure rate if it's going to be stand alone I generally use Hayward EcoStar they seem to have the longest life and easiest program which is funny to say because I'm a Jandy vendor

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Here in AZ I’ve had the opposite experience. I’d say about 60% of our eco stars have had drive failures in years 3-4 of life. I know the Pentair software so well I can talk people who have never seen one through programming. What types of failures have you experienced with the intelliflos?

[@moves3297]

@@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS Drive failures the motor seems pretty solid I wonder if the humidity is the issue here for the pentair pumps and maybe the heat is the issue in Arizona for the ecostars I sell a more Jandy vs e pumps then anyting else

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

I’m actually talking to the Hayward reps about it (for my next video) to find out what the deal is. I’ll ask the Pentair people about the humidity issues too. Interesting!

[@TroutvilleTed]

aaaarg!!!! purple primer

[@SwimmingPoolAZ-SPS]

Yeah I know......it was all distribution had that day....