Pentair IntelliFlo VF User manual

IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow
Swimming Pool Pump
Quick-Start Guide
Step-by-step instructions
for easy set-up and operation

PAGE
1 Before You Get Started
2 The Performance Secret
3 Safety Warnings
4 Control Panel
7-8 Stand-Alone Set-Up
9 Priming
10 Filter Settings
11 Turnover/Cycles per Day
13 Start/Stop Cycles
14 Features Menu
15 Enabling Features
16 Modulated Output
17 Backwash Mode
18 Vacuum Mode
19-20 Alerts and Warnings
Table of Contents

Before you get started...
You’re about to discover just how simple it is to program the IntelliFlo®VF
Variable Flow Pump. Within minutes, the IntelliFlo pump will be ready to:
• Slash energy costs by 30% to 90% or more
• Reduce noise to half a human whisper
• Automatically adjust for voltage irregularities
• Automatically shut down after sensing loss of prime, overheating,
dead-head or maximum pressure or brown-outs
• Monitor filter pressure and alert when filter needs cleaning
• Shut down within one second of sensing suction blockage
A few simple commands enable the IntelliFlo VF pump to
deliver the exact flow needed for a variety of tasks,
automatically adjusting as needed.
You’ll be able to change or add equipment without having to change or add
pumps, because all you’ll need to do is program the new or added flow to
maintain peak system performance. The IntelliFlo pump is the one pump that can
serve almost every application, and do it more efficiently than ever before.
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide

How is this incredible performance possible?
While the IntelliFlo VF pump is incredibly advanced, it’s easy to install and
program.
This guide will lead you through the set-up process. Let’s get started!
The IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow Pump is the first pump to use
a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). But the real
secret is the IntelliFlo pump drive’s powerful microprocessor
that senses impeller load, and adjusts motor speed by
controlling current frequency and voltage. That’s how the
pump is always able to maintain the most efficient flow
possible.
IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide
2

Important Safety Warnings
Warnings
Before you begin programming, please read the important
safety warnings below.
•Never go inside the drive enclosure. The capacitor bank holds a 230 volt
charge, even if there is no power to the unit.
•Do not submerse the IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow Pump.
•The pump is capable of 130 GPM or 110 feet of head. Use caution when
installing and programming to limit pump performance when plumbed with
old or questionable equipment.
•Manual mode shuts off all sensors, including Suction Blockage. Use only
when metering the system, or in an emergency.
•The pump should be wired for constant power. The pump is designed to
turn itself on and off.
•Always stop the pump before performing maintenance.
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide

Control Panel
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10
11
15
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide
4

Filter/LED – Starts Filter mode.
The LED is on when Filter mode is active.
Vacuum/LED – Starts Vacuum mode.
The LED is on when Vacuum mode is active.
Backwash/LED – Starts Backwash mode.
The LED is on when Backwash mode is active.
Manual/LED – Starts Manual mode. The LED is
on when Manual mode is active.
Select – Displays menu items or enters edit mode
for changing a value on line two of display.
Escape – Go up to next menu level, or stop
editing the current setting.
Menu – Access menus if pump is stopped.
Enter – Saves current menu item setting,
acknowledges and clears alarms and warnings.
Arrows
Up – Move one level up in the menu tree or
increase a digit when editing a setting.
Down – Move one level down in the menu tree or
decrease a digit when editing a setting.
Left – Move cursor left one digit when editing a
setting.
Right – Move cursor right one digit when editing a
setting.
Feature 1 – Starts Feature 1 mode.
The LED is lit when mode is active.
Feature 2 – Starts Feature 2 mode.
The LED is lit when mode is active.
Start/Stop – Start or Stop the pump. When the
LED is lit it indicates the pump is currently
running or in a mode to start automatically.
Reset – Reset alarm or alert.
LEDs
On – This green LED is on when pump is
powered on.
Warning – This LED is on if a warning
condition is present.
Alarm – This LED is on if an alarm condition
has occurred.
Control Panel LCD Display
Line 1 – Mode and time.
Line 2 – Data.
Line 3 – Name of data in line 2.
Line 4 – Run status.
Operator Control Panel
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2
3
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5
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7
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide

IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide
6

Stand Alone Set-Up
Manual Mode Stand-Alone Set-Up
(no controller or appliance communicating with the IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow Pump)
Manual Mode is used for first-time programming, service and testing, or when
ever you need to quickly measure or set flow rates for equipment and features.
(Please refer to page 9 of the IntelliFlo VF Variable Flow Pump Installation and
User’s Guide.)
Note: Before initial IntelliFlo VF pump programming,
set system valves for your pool circulation mode.
Pool Data Mode Setting Pool Parameters in Pool Data mode
Pool Data mode is used to give the pump information about pool volume and
water temperature. You also set the time clock, adjust screen contrast, and
program the pump address (if needed for IntelliTouch®Control System) in Pool
Data mode.
Press to access Pool Data. Press to set parameters.
Pump Address
Only used when linked to control system – See IntelliFlo VF Pump Installation
and User’s Guide for installation with Pentair automated control systems. Skip to
Pool Volume if stand alone installation.
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide

Pool Volume Press to enter Pool Volume menu.
Press to scroll to Pool Volume.
Pool volume is expressed in 1000s of gallons. Enter volume as accurately as possible, as
IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow Pump uses this information to maximize operational efficiency.
Press to highlight value.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing
.
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Water Temperature Press to scroll to Water Temperature menu.
Measure pool water temperature. The closer your entry to the actual
water temperature, the more accurate the flow reading.
Press to highlight value. Press and to select digit to modify.
Enter water temperature – change values by pressing and .
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
(Note: If connected to IntelliTouch®Control System, the pump will retrieve water temp
automatically.)
Enter
Enter
IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide
8

Pool Volume – Water Temperature – Priming
Priming The Priming settings determine how long the IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow Pump will
try to prime before it reports an error. This is a critical setting for proper operation.
The lower the time setting, the quicker a priming error is reported if the system is
difficult to prime.
The Priming range can be set from 1 minute to 15 minutes. Note: An
IntelliFlo VF pump’s mechanical seal will withstand approximately 15 minutes of
attempted priming before damage occurs. If the pool is plumbed correctly, the
IntelliFlo VF pump should prime in less than 30 seconds without removing
the strainer. If the strainer has been removed for cleaning and a substantial
amount of air is in the system, the pump should prime in 60 to 90 seconds.
Important: The IntelliFlo VF pump will prime every time it starts. If the priming flow
is set too high, equipment damage could occur. If set too low, the pump will not
Setting Priming GPM prime. Establishing the correct priming flow may require some trial and error, but
always keep the flow as low as possible for cost savings and safety.
Press to scroll to Priming menu. Press Select to enter the Priming menu.
Press to access “Max Priming Flow” value. Value is expressed in gallons per
minute (GPM). The available range is from 30 to 130 GPM. The default is 55 GPM.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
.
When value is set, press to confirm value and program.
Priming time determines how long you want the pump to attempt to prime before
reporting an error. Time can be set from 1 to 15 minutes.
Enter
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide

Setting Priming Time Press to access Max Priming Time.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and .
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Note: The “System Priming Time” menu should only be used when excessive
amounts of air need to be evacuated from the system. The IntelliFlo®VF Variable
Flow Pump can prime in seconds, but additional time may be needed to fill other
devices – e.g., filters or solar heating systems.
Filter Settings Press to scroll to Filter menu.
The pump is constantly monitoring filter pressure, and when it detects that the
system needs cleaning, an “Alert – Service System Soon” message will appear on
the control panel display. This parameter can be set from 1 PSI to 50 PSI, and
establishes when the “Service System Soon” alert will activate. Average setting
should be between 10 PSI and 20 PSI for most pools and filters. Note: PSI
changes can come from anywhere in the system, e.g., clogged skimmers or pump
strainer baskets. Note: Initial start-up and installation of the IntelliFlo pump must
always be performed with a clean filter. If the filter has been in use, run the filter
backwash cycle before start-up.
Press to access Clean Filter Pressure setting.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Enter
Enter
Clean Filter Pressure
Setting
IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide
10

Setting Priming Time – Filter: Turnovers/Cycles
Turnovers Per Day Press to scroll to Turnovers.
This setting establishes number of times the entire volume of water will turn over per day.
One turn per day is recommended for energy conservation and for most common pool
requirements.This setting can also be modified to easily increase system flow if required
for more effective skimming.You can set up to eight turns per day.
Press to access Turnovers Per Day.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Cycles Per Day Press to scroll to Cycles.
IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow Pump uses the Cycles Per Day setting to calculate
how much time it has to complete turnovers/filtration. You can program up to four
start/stop cycles per day.
Press to access Cycle value.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Enter
Enter
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide

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Setting: Start/Stop Cycle – Clock/Screen Contrast
Cycle Start and Stop Each Cycle has two screens, one for Start Cycle and one for Stop Cycle.
Press to access Start Cycle and set starting time. Press
again to access Stop Cycle and set stop time. Repeat this procedure for every
Cycle.
Press to scroll to Time/Contr.
You can program up to four start and stop cycles per day.
The more time the IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow Pump is given to operate, the
less power and flow will be needed for turning over the pool.
Time and Contrast Setting Clock
Press to access Set Time.
Make sure to set AM/PM correctly.
The pump can store the correct time for up to 96 hours after power is shut
off. After 96 hours, the IntelliFlo VF pump’s clock must be reset.
Adjusting Screen Contrast
Press to scroll to Contrast.
Screen contrast levels can be set from 0-9.
Avoid setting at 0 unless you are unable to read the screen due to bright sunlight.
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide

Features 1 and 2 Press to scroll to Features menu
(Features are found in the Time/Cont menu).
Features 1 and 2 allow manual operation of assigned water features with a range
of 0-600 minutes each. For example, Feature 1 can be assigned to Spa operation,
and Feature 2 to the Automatic Cleaner. Features 1 and 2 need to be programmed
for Flow and Duration. They are manually activated by pressing the Feature Button,
and then Start/Stop. The Feature’s LED light will come on, and the screen will start
to subtract time in minutes from your programmed duration time. You can also
scroll with the buttons to monitor power, speed, or flow.
Setting Flow Rate Press to access Feature 1 or Feature 2 Set Flow.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Setting Duration Press to access Feature 1 or Feature 2 Duration.
Change values by pressing and .
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Enter
Enter
IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide
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Features – Flow Duration/Rate/Start–Stop Time
Features 3 – 9 Features 3 through 9 enable you to assign additional water features for timed
operation. These features are fully controlled by IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow
Pump’s internal clock. You will need to program a flow rate and start/stop time for
each feature.
Note: Feature 3 through 9 program times cannot overlap.
When a feature is running, the pump will monitor GPM and subtract time from the
filter cycle. All sensors are active during any Feature 3 – 9 cycle.
Enabling Features 3 – 9 Features must be enabled before they will operate.
To enable, press , and to save the setting.
Setting Flow Rate Flow Rate for Features 3 – 9
Press to access Set Flow. Press to access the Flow setting.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Setting Start/Stop Times for Features 3 – 9
Press to select Start Time or Stop Time Setting. Press to access the
setting.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Enter
Enter
Enter
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide

The Modulated Output feature automatically increases pump flow to allow the
system heater to check the water temp and switch on if necessary. This feature also
allows flow control flexibility if filter cycle flow is less than needed for certain devices.
M.O. Flo also allows you to program flow intervals that can be used for water effects.
You will need to enable M.O. Flo, and set the flow rate, run times, and intervals
between run times. M.O. Flo will operate only during the “Filter Mode” time cycles.
Enabling M.O. Flo Press or to select M.O. Flo. Press to access M.O. Flo menu
settings.
Press and to enable. Press to save.
Setting M.O. Flo Press to access Set Flow setting. Press to access setting.
Flow Rate
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Setting M.O. Flo Press to access Set Run Time or Set Interval Time.
Run Time and
Interval Settings Press to access setting. Press and to select digit to modify.
Change values by pressing and .
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Enter
Enter
Enter
Modulated Output
(M.O. Flo)
IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide
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Features – Modulated Output and Backwash 17
Backwash The Backwash mode is initiated by pressing the Backwash button.
(The Backwash button doubles for rinse during operation.) A Rinse cycle is
automatically executed after the Backwash cycle. The IntelliFlo®VF Variable Flow
Pump will display a “Filter Warning” or “Service System Soon” message when the
filter needs to be cleaned. Before operating, you need to set the Backwash Flow
and Duration, and Rinse Duration.
Note: When using cartridge filters, the backwash cycle must be performed when
cleaning or replacing filters. When charging a D.E. system, charge the system first
during a normal running cycle. After the filter is charged, run backwash mode with
the filter valve in the filter position to reset the % clean filter status. Then run the
pump in filter mode.
Always perform Backwash before initial start-up and installation to ensure most
efficient system performance.
Setting Backwash Press and or to select Backwash menu.
Flow
Press to display Backwash Flow. Press to access setting.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide
Enter

Setting Backwash Press or to select Backwash Duration.
Press to access setting.
Duration
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Setting Rinse Press or to select Rinse Duration.
Duration
Press to access setting.
Press and to select digit to modify. Change values by pressing and
When value is set, press to confirm value and save changes.
Vacuum The Vacuum Mode quick launch button allows the pool owner or
pool professional to manually vacuum the pool. Vacuum Mode operates only in
flow control. Vacuum mode shuts off all sensors. CAUTION: Since vacuuming is
manual and the user will be at the pool, the “Blocked System” will be switched off.
It is important not to use any kind of automatic cleaner with Vacuum mode.
Enter
Enter
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IntelliFlo®VF Pump Quick-Start Guide