Pentair IntelliFlo VS+ SVRS Anti-Freeze Protection
The Pentair IntelliFlo VS+ SVRS includes a built-in anti-freeze feature that can activate the pump motor when the drive senses cold temperatures. However, the interaction between this internal feature and external automation systems is a critical detail that is frequently misconfigured.
How Internal Anti-Freeze Works
When anti-freeze mode is active (in stand-alone operation), the motor runs at the preset anti-freeze RPM until the drive temperature increases above the minimum threshold. The pump will hold at the anti-freeze speed until the drive warms up, then resume normal operation.
Anti-freeze settings:
| Setting | Default | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Freeze Enable/Disable | Enabled | Enabled / Disabled |
| Set Speed | 1100 RPM | 1100–3450 RPM |
| Pump Temperature (activation threshold) | 40°F (4.4°C) | 40°F–50°F (4.4°C–10°C) |
Automation System: Internal Anti-Freeze is Disabled
The pump's internal anti-freeze protection is disabled when the pump is connected to an automation system (IntelliTouch or EasyTouch). This is stated directly in both the Alerts and Warnings section and the AntiFreeze menu section of the manual.
When connected to an automation system, freeze protection is provided by selecting YES at the "ON WITH FREEZE" portion of the IntelliTouch's (or EasyTouch's) appropriate circuit function menu. This setting causes the automation system to run the pump when freeze conditions are detected by the automation system's air temperature sensor.
Re-Enabling Internal Anti-Freeze After Disconnecting from Automation
If the pump was previously connected to an automation system and has now been disconnected, the internal anti-freeze protection does not automatically re-enable. To re-enable the pump's internal anti-freeze protection, the power to the drive must be cycled off then back on.
SVRS and Anti-Freeze Interaction
If the anti-freeze feature causes the pump to restart, priming mode may also be triggered depending on the pump's priming settings. During priming mode, the SVRS feature is disabled. Nobody should be in the pool during priming mode, as a suction blockage would go undetected during that time.
The Priming Delay setting controls how long the pump stays in priming mode. The manual states this number should be kept as low as possible because increasing it increases the amount of time the pump operates with SVRS off.
Speed Range for Anti-Freeze
The VS+ SVRS operates from 1100 RPM to 3450 RPM. The anti-freeze speed can be set anywhere in this range. The minimum speed limit (Set Min Speed) can be configured from 1100–1700 RPM, and the maximum speed limit (Set Max Speed) from 1900–3450 RPM. These limits apply to all operating modes including anti-freeze.
Programming Anti-Freeze
To access and configure the AntiFreeze menu:
- Check that the green power LED is on.
- Press the Menu button. "Settings" is displayed.
- Use the Down arrow button to scroll to "AntiFreeze."
- Press the Select button. The factory default is AntiFreeze "Enabled."
- To disable: press Select to highlight "Enabled," press the Up arrow to display "Disabled," then press Enter.
- Press the Down arrow button. "Set Speed" is displayed. Factory default is 1100 RPM.
- Press Select to change the speed setting, use Up/Down arrows to select 1100–3450 RPM, then press Enter to save.
- Press the Down arrow button. "Pump Temperature" is displayed. Factory default is 40°F (4.4°C).
- Press Select to change the setting from 40°F to 50°F (4.4°C–10°C), then press Enter to save.
- Press the Escape button to exit.