Pentair Intelliflo - $1500 Pool Pump
This one is simple. For the price of this pool pump, they promise an amazing pool pump. And, in theory, it is. But, in order to fully take advantage of it, you will need the IntelliTouch control system. This allows for automation of the motor speed control and best sets you up for energy efficiency. Yes, all the of the controls are available on top of the pump, the drive control unit. But, running out to your pool mechanical area several times a day to change the pump speed by hand does not seem very efficient. So, on top of the $1500 pump price, figure another $1200 or so for the wall mounted IntelliTouch box.
Now, for my gripe: I have one of these installed as part of a pool/spa filtration system. Or, should I say, "had" one. After about a year and three quarters, the drive unit failed. Guess what? ONE YEAR WARRANTEE!!! The motor will not operate with out the drive unit, so, the motor and the drive unit are now a paperweight. The good news is, I can and will be putting on a standard two horse motor, changing out the impeller and being done with it for less than 1/4 the price of the original unit. ONE YEAR WARRANTEE for a $1500 pump???? NOT WORTH IT!! If this pump/motor is so amazing, step up to the plate Pentair, and back it up... I'd like to send it back to Pentair for analysis, but, for that to happen, they would have to replace it and that is not in the cards according to the representative from Pentair. And by the time this is out and folks are reading it, it will be long too late for Pentair to fix this situtation.