Pentair Pool Reviews

by -Uninstalled-

Not sure how PentairPool is rated so high. It essentially turns lights on and off. PentairPool lags when you ask it to do something and this is especially annoying when something goes wrong.

I own 2 Pentair IntelleBrite lights, 3 MagicStream Laminars and a Color Sync Controller. Simple, but really expensive where I live.

As part of the set up (we’ve owned it two weeks) the pool company came out to make minor adjustments, turned the power off for whatever reason, and now the lights are out of sync. Also the Solenoid Thumper stays on for every program - and it is LOUD.

Here’s the problem, the only way to fix these problems requires toggling the power off and on, in rapid succession, multiple times within 30 seconds. This is impossible to do because both PentairPool and the controller lag when you try to turn the system off and on.

Why doesn’t PentairPool or controller take what you have into consideration and just have a Solenoid Thumper Off/On button?

Why doesn’t PentairPool have a Sync Lights button?

I find it hard to understand why a simple light switch that’s been around for decades or an old version of their own controller can solve these problems, but a brand new system - that was created by the same company, has no simple solution.

When you set up PentairPool , it asks you questions about your pool and your location. I now see this is done just to see you things in the future, not serve your needs. Super disappointing.

by Lar

Even after upgrading a few days ago the same problems exist. I have previously sent screen shots to support of the light still on after scheduling should have turned it off…………….&&&&&&&&&&&
Important note for ColorSync hardware. It does not fit in a standard wall switch. &&&&&&&&…………
In Florida most of our pool lights are controlled by an indoor switch. Issue: ColorSync is only working reliably for on and off functions. The scheduling leaves the lights on 4 out of 7 days a week. My WiFi is within 5 feet of switch. which had to be installed at the pool pump area due to its nonsensical designed switch width. Take a cue from Hayward it should have replaced a wall switch.

by Vbyer

We have used the intellicenter app for years with little to no issues. We had to update to the Pentair home app a few weeks ago. What a blessing that has been.
Our pool information has disappeared from PentairPool and we cannot access the pool remotely anymore. Under the remote area my personal information is there and it looks like a radio button should be able to be selected but I cannot.
In order to access without remote we are supposed to enter an IP address and a PIN for some reason. Under the menu there is an area for the intellicenter but it is grayed out and cannot be selected.
I guess since it was working fine the only logical plan of action was to make us migrate to a absolutely worthless update. Good job guys!

by Ryan847372847

The old app worked fine to login and do everything for the most part. PentairPool i cant even login to because it says my email is invalid. The developers for whatever reason only accept emails eith top level domain of .com, .net and some others but not mine. Said it would be fixed but have yet to see it fixed. So I now have nonfunctional equipment after 1 year of purchase.

Fix suggested from the vendor is for me to get a new email address, unacceptable. The form validation change should be an easy quick change in PentairPool as they've been notified about this months ago when the new app was released. Ive also seen at least 2 app updates since notifying them.

I will update the rating once the issue is fixed.

by RMAdmin22

Unfortunately the idea of this is great, but execution is very poor. I have had for nearly a year and can’t really rely on it. I have repeatedly asked for them to fix an alert of old deleted notifications on my dashboard for some time. Last I heard it was being worked on but two updates later and it is still there. I also have issues with having to delete pumps and lights in PentairPool to get them to work again. One would think it isn’t a big deal because it is somewhat fast but when you have to turn it off and go do something else it is a hassle playing tech fixer. I hate to knock anyone but it’s time for better developers to step in and clean up. I’m sure I’ll get a response about how this isn’t right and to send them an email but they mostly go unanswered or fixed.

by Gbultra

Your latest update royally messed up the interface of PentairPool. What I used to look at was 5 blue squares of each device I had and gave me a quick look at the status of each when when I click on the dashboard. Now I am looking at basically a list of each device and now what used to be the nick name I could see, it is Pentair's programmed name. For instance. What is listed in the list is booster pump and not water feature pump. What good is a nick name if you don’t use it. My pool guy added the intelliconnect to make my system smart. Nothing but problems since installing 2 months ago. Very laggy. When I look at the water temperature, it is not correct until I actually click on the water temperature, go back and then after up to 20 seconds it might update to the correct temperature. Not impressed at all with Pentair!

by The Truth 1945

I must admit. I thought PentairPool was not going to work well, so I hesitated to even switch over; of course I would eventually not have an option.😂 Having said that, I am quite impressed with PentairPool . I had no problems with getting all my systems working. In fact, the new app’s responsive time to the equipment is far superior to the previous version. I personally think it’s a cleaner look and very intuitive. Like in everything, change can sometimes be frustrating, but in the end is always necessary to propel ideas, and to improve the functionality of future equipment. Just as I was hard on Pentair when they took me through their “first testing app” I will also be just as complementary with the success of this updated version. Thanks for all of your work to make these changes. I hope others out there that are having some issue will hang in there and try to be patient. 😌

by Angry-still

Totally unhappy with this horrible application! It was working just fine until I updated PentairPool ! Now I can connect to Bluetooth and my Bluetooth connection on the my cell says I’m connected BUT when I open PentairPool it says I’m disconnected!!!! Can’t control anything! When I try to connect Wi-Fi it says it can’t find my Wi-Fi but on my phone I can see PentairPool is connected!!
In settings when I try to click Wi-Fi the link is greyed and does nothing!
Totally piece of junk!!
Don’t buy this PUMP or if you do don’t plan on using this piece of garbage app!!
By the way, I have a background in app development and even asked another from with software experience to try! His opinion! Total piece of garbage!

by Tester7806

PentairPool is designed to add a home, then a pool and then a system like the intellicenter. In reality, none of these relate to each other. Add an address or home, and you could not delete it. Then you add a pool and it does not associate that pool to any home. As a pool builder or even an owner with more than one pool, you would have to have each system on a different user (email address), then log out and in for each system.
On top of that, it lets you add a user name and password to a system to find out after the fact, the password you already added has to met certain parameters. To fix some of the issues, tech support had me make a new email address to add a new password instead of fixing the existing password. I wish they kept the intellicenter app until they tested and fixed the issues with the home app.

by TBR Paul B

This is by far the worst app on my phone. Extremely complicated to figure out how to set it up. Occasionally, when I can get it to work, I’m not even sure how I do it. And then it’s hit or miss on whether it’s going to work after that. I’m sitting at my pool now and when I open PentairPool it shows my pool but then it says I need to connect a pool??? The old app a year ago worked much better than this junk. If you come out with a new app or do updates to the existing app, it should be better than the previous one. Do better Pentair. And to top it off, I’m not even sure how to contact anybody to fix this. I sent a message through PentairPool and it said they will contact me within 48 hours. Really? Two days? I guess I’ll just spend the next two days sitting by my pool investigating whether there are better companies other than Penter for this.

by Jmog06

Worked great for a year or so. Then software bugs set in. Pump currently runs when app says it should not be running, or starts to run 6 hours after it was scheduled to start. Customer support is terrible. Never answer phone. Consistently claim “due to unexpected call volume…you will receive a call back.” Hours later they call and I am at work. See latest e-mail message from support with warning to me the customer. Do not purchase Pentair pool automation.
“ Greetings of the day. Our technical team confirmed that if service team goes out for warranty service call, and finds that there is nothing wrong with products, then you would be charged. You need to speak to technical support if you are still having issues and has to wait on hold to speak to someone.”

by Rayj444

Lots of bugs that make it extremely difficult to set up. You must input device info numerous times to get it to save the data. It has errors in recognizing the pool address and will not operate properly without a recognized address. It defaults to central time zone so I am stuck using central times for the timers. Only good thing is that it does control the pumps by WiFi. Won’t control a heater properly though - sometimes it will allow you to turn it on, other times it won’t due to various bugs that make it think it is not in the right state for heating. So I set the heater manually. Could be a good unit if they would fix PentairPool .

by Sports Fan2w

PentairPool is just okay. They should start by simply getting the bugs fixed. For example, Calcium Hardness updates are not saved to Intellichem. And Intellichem update to Calcium Hardness is not displayed on PentairPool (or in the Intellicenter portal). Once the bugs are fixed, PentairPool needs to be built out to allow access to all Intellicenter, Intellichlor, and Intellichem settings. In addition, I can super chlorinate the pool via the Intellicenter with Intellichlor without the Intellichem, but not when the Intellichem and Intellichlor are both connected. Lots of work to do here in order for Pentair's customer commitments via marketing to match their actual product features.

by Phil622

PentairPool replaces prior apps developed for the vendors pool automation system. This new app is limited to some simple functions and no longer provides two important features: one is the ability to program multiple on/off time periods in a day, this new app only allows one period per relay. The other feature that was removed was the ability to specify that one relay controls a pool cleaner booster pump, which used to verify that the main pump was running before enabling the booster. In this “new” app you cannot do that, and it is your responsibility to make sure you never program the booster to run at a time the main pump may be switched off. This is pathetic, improved features are only available to pool professionals servicing clients, while us consumers are only offered a down-graded set of capabilities.

by SSWAG11

Here’s my list for the Pentair development team:

PentairPool still has connection issues! It sometimes takes several attempts to connect PentairPool to the IntelliCenter system.
Periodically, PentairPool asks me to enter the IP address when I log in. I can tell you that 99.9% of your users will have no idea what the IP address is, so why are you asking for this?
If a user doesn’t set a passcode for PentairPool , then please do not prompt for it.
PentairPool should not lose its connection while it is active (i.e. no connection timeouts). Please take notice as to how Control4 designed their home automation app. It’s great and stays connected online unless you close PentairPool . And even when you re-open PentairPool , it connects automatically.
After PentairPool connects, it is very slow reacting when you press buttons.
PentairPool ’s screen orientation still hasn’t changed. I have my iPad mounted on a wall in a landscape format, so I have to turn my head to read the screen. PentairPool needs to be visible in landscape and portrait format.

by K P 2007

I was forced to switch over my pool system from the Intellicenter2 app to Pentair Home app. I have had nothing but problems ever since. While it worked initially, the remote features no longer do. I can’t even remove the pool and reinstall it. There is not option to delete a pool system. The bottom line is I am super frustrated with something that is supposed to reduce frustration and hassle. Not good.

*Update* Pentair reached out to me and I was able to find a solution for my problem. Overall PentairPool has nice features after you get past setting up your system. Hopefully, it will continue to work moving forward without any further frustration.

by Stephieeeeeesteph

Had some issue with setup but was resolved on phone with support (which is very responsive). Commands transmit via wifi just fine. App would be 5-stars if API were available so I could export my data into other programs (ie Home Assistant) or even a spreadsheet for robust logs.

Edit: I wrote them and provided a video about a buggy iPhone 14 Pro menu interface a week or two ago and today they rolled out a fix. Thank you!

by Ktgmalon

Pentair was quick to get back to me and fixed my problem. You literally have to reset the whole system (just flip the breaker) if this happens to you. Not a big deal.

I started using this PIN with the renovation of my pool in May 2023. I turn on and off my lights and can run the pumps and change times using PentairPool. It’s been great. Until I login to show off my beautiful new pool the other night, and they say I need a PIN number. Never once have I put in a PIN. For DAYS I have not been able to get into my app to make any changes. And I’ve been on the phone waiting for hours. No one is available to help me with the TI of this issue. And it can’t be fixed online as I’ve tried to login there too. Please take off this PIN number!

by R.P.2048

Still days later after starting the “process” of changing over to the crap, I mean app from Link2o we are still struggling to get the connection to happen (So much for 10 min set up). Now we can’t even get the old app to work. Following the written and video instructions we are still dead in the water. So are we just screwed and having to pay the price because the apps have such a poor transition leaving the whole intelliconnect virtually useless.

by TimrFromWI

I installed the intelliconnect last week and was able to get it set up fairly quickly. I have a solid WiFi signal, so had no issues with getting it connected to WiFi and PentairPool . I made a mistake in PentairPool in setting up my single speed pump up correctly that caused the it to not recognize it as the main filter pump so the heater would never turn on. I worked with the support group over a couple of calls to figure out what was wrong and they were eventually able to find my mistake. Appreciate their dedication to getting it up and running. As far as PentairPool it seems stable and usability is good. Since PentairPool collects the BTU info in the furnace it would be great to get some furnace run time and estimated usage details. Also I noticed whenever I click on the air temp it asks me to do an address update. Not sure why it keeps forgetting my address. This is the reason for 4 stars vs 5. Overall a good product.

Also please add Apple Watch support for just Intelliconnect - would be useful.

by TheYardleys

New post:
Update; all is good now and Pentair as usual rectified the issues and replaced the warranty item!!
They still are the best though it was frustrating! All good!!
Thank you all at Pentair!!

Old post:
Houston we have a Pentair;
Pentair is having quite the issues with their technology and apps. They’ve had quite the growing pains in the mobile app department. Unfortunately awoke today and my whole dashboard was erased accept Auto-VSP. Lights gone and extra pump gone, no way of reconnecting. Hopefully they update and brings it back
***On a separate note it appears that Pentair isn’t making their parts in America and are using subpar processors from China for their LED lights, mine last just south of 2 years. This is atrocious as LEDS should last much longer!! Cmon PENTAIR, you were the gold standard in pool equipment for years! What happened?

by JSOLO2k14

PentairPool is much better than the old one which I believe was discontinued about 2 years ago. I had to upgrade the firmware on my intelliconnect for the migration to PentairPool and when I did so, the update bricked my intelliconnect. I called pentair and they sent out a couple guys to look at it and at first they said they didn’t believe they could replace it for free because I installed it myself. I told them it was working just fine prior to the update. They got me a new unit and PentairPool has gotten much better with every update.

by Scotts Place

Finally. I’ve been waiting for a Wi-Fi controlled variable speed pump forever.

So far so good. It’s very easy to program schedules, check my pump status, change the speed, All from my phone anywhere I’m at. I never have to physically mess with the pump outside any longer.

The first time I had to link my Wi-Fi network and phone to the pump, I had issues with the Bluetooth pairing. Luckily, the pump installation technician was able to figure out how to get my phone connected to the pump.

Almost immediately after I had the pump installed, I found a software bug in the phone app. I reported this, and pentair had the software patch downloaded and installed automatically in my pump within a couple days!

The pump and wireless app on my phone have been working flawlessly ever since.

Being an engineer, I can say that I am very happy with the Pentair pump and it’s design team, both hardware and software.

by Naples Wildlife

The intelliconnect system came new with our brand new pool. Since the minute it was powered up, it did not work.

The pool installer made every effort to get it connected and it did not work. In that same evening we called tech support for Pentair and the extremely knowledgeable individual who was able to get us connected opened a casa for an authorized technician to come out and flash the faulty hardware with new software. Five weeks later we have never heard from Pentair.

After calling the pool builder for a follow up, they are again scheduled to come out for this software flash.

They admitted to having faulty units that needed software flashes. They should have recalled them and not exposed clients to their internal problems.

I realize that is not a perfect world and nothing ever goes as planned, but to have dropped the case completely and not communicate with their clients is not good business.

by Pool Disappointment

Ok first of all I had to go back and change my review from a 1 to a 5 to even be allowed to post this. After sitting on hold for several minutes someone came onto the phone line and asked me for all my information. After answering everything he need he put me on hold to transfer me to another department. After waiting for 1 hour I finally just hung up. My pool and last app worked great. If you have to have customers waiting on hold for over an hour so they can ask a question you obviously have an issue with your product. Get more employees in your customer service department. Very dissatisfied at this point.

by Got Nick22

I am just following up on a review I posted several days ago in which I was stuck in limbo between IntelliCenter2 and the new Pentair Home App. Pentair must have resolved the bug in their contact form. Several days after being unable to submit my contact information due to a bug in PentairPool , I again attempted to access the Pentair Home App and this time I was successful in getting all the way into PentairPool ! I must say Pentair Home is a vast improvement over IntelliCenter2!

by Tigerman_747

I love PentairPool and how easy it is to control and monitor my pool equipment, especially when I am traveling. The dashboard is clear and easy to navigate and the functions are exactly what I need. I also contacted Pentair about an issue I had with my light not retaining the color setting and they responded very quickly with tech support to guide me through removing and re-adding the light in PentairPool , and it resolved the problem. Overall, I am very happy with my Pentair products, PentairPool, and the support. Great job guys!

by Mckarrie$

I have a Pentair Intelliconnect that we have had for almost 4 years, PentairPool is easier to maneuver and change settings than the original app that came with it. Also I was having some owner error technical difficulties (GFI had tripped) I checked the breaker but not the GFI, unit was not getting power. I emailed Pentair and they responded within 24 hours. I had since found my problem but I appreciate their response time and willingness to help me solve my issue. Highly recommend!

by Pool 1!

Had an issue where the Prowler was not responding as it should. Sent Pentair an email, they answered immediately and sent me to their tech support. Tech support reached out to me and sent me suggestions to try. The problem was immediately resolved. They also have reached out after this to ensure the issue was resolved and let me know that if we had any further issues to contact them directly. Couldn’t ask for better.

by RolandGuns

While the rollout was a little glitchy, this new app is a tremendous upgrade over the old one. Like some others, I had some issues getting PentairPool to recognize all of my equipment, but it’s now working perfectly, and I am very pleased. I also appreciate the responsiveness of the development team. I sent them an email expressing my dissatisfaction and had multiple people reach out to me to get everything online. Thanks!

by Jim W Reviewer

Pentair connected salt level sensor can no longer take readings since the latest update. Spoke with support after several attempts but no ETA on a fix. As of now my less than a year old device is useless and it’s too late to return it. Update: Support followed up on my review and worked with me to manually push an updated firmware to the device and resolved my issue. Works as advertised again.

by PapaRu4Jesus

The examples shown for app is not what you get unless you have all the horns and whistles. If you have the intellicenter and one pump and lights PentairPool is generic. PentairPool functions and you can see all your options so far happy with app. I would like to see the round temperature gauge used when you have a heater be also available to see when you do not but show pool temp for the day. Pentair reached out and helped with temp location, thank you.

by Sha_sha27

At first I was livid that they kept pushing the new app only for it to completely take my system offline. For a few days we had no ability to use our spa. I finally went into our pool shed where the main box is housed and did it manually. That was still crappy but at least we could go in. I text my pool install guy but no response. I’m assuming because everyone was messaging him. I emailed Pentair about the issue and they did respond in a timely manner. I had to close out PentairPool completely and reload it. The system was live again and working!!! The new app is different but all the features I had on the last one I have now. I’m happy everything is working now !