Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Troubleshooting Guide
The Pentair IntelliFlo VSF is a variable speed and flow pump that can be programmed to run at a constant speed or a constant flow rate over set time intervals. The pump operates on a 3-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor from 450 RPM to 3450 RPM, with four factory preset speeds of 750, 1500, 2350, and 3110 RPM. Programs 1–4 can be set in Manual, Egg Timer, or Schedule mode. Programs 5–8 are only available in Schedule mode and are Disabled by default.
The pump can also maintain a constant flow rate, adapting its own speed to applications between 20 and 140 GPM. Up to 8 customizable programs can be set for constant flow or speed.
Control Panel: Alarm and Warning LEDs
The control panel has three status LEDs:
- On (green): Lit when the pump is powered on.
- Warning (yellow): Lit when a warning condition is present. The pump continues to run.
- Alarm (red): Lit when an alarm condition occurs. All control panel buttons are disabled until the alarm is cleared.
How Alarms Work
When an alarm condition exists, the red alarm light illuminates and all control panel buttons are disabled until the alarm is cleared. Pressing the Reset button will clear the alarm once the fault condition has been resolved.
Note
The pump will not start if the impeller is rotating.
How Warnings Work
When a warning condition exists, the yellow warning light illuminates, but the pump will continue to run. The speed, flow, or pressure limit that is causing the warning must be adjusted in order to correct the warning condition.
Alarms
Priming Failure
If the pump is not defined as primed within the Max Priming Duration, it will stop and generate a Priming Alarm for 10 minutes, then attempt to prime again. If the pump cannot prime within five attempts, it will generate a permanent alarm that must be manually reset by pressing the Reset button. See Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Priming Failure for the full diagnostic guide.
Overheat
If the drive temperature exceeds 54.4°C (130°F), the pump will slowly reduce speed until the over-temperature condition clears. See Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Overheat Alarm.
Over Current
Indicates the drive is overloaded or the motor has an electrical problem. The drive will restart 20 seconds after the over current condition clears. See Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Over Current Alarm.
Over Voltage
Indicates excessive supply voltage or an external water source causing the pump and motor to rotate, generating excessive voltage on the drive's internal DC bus. The drive will restart 20 seconds after the over voltage condition clears. See Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Over Voltage Alarm.
Internal Error
Indicates the self-monitoring motor control software has encountered an error. Clear the alarm and restart the pump. If the alarm persists, contact Pentair Technical Service at 1-800-831-7133. See Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Internal Error Alarm.
Warnings
Speed Limit
The pump has detected it has met the maximum allowed speed set in the Min/Max menu. The pump will continue to run, but will not achieve the desired speed. See Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Speed Limit Warning.
Flow Limit
The pump has detected it has met the maximum flow rate set in the Min/Max menu. The pump will continue to run at the maximum flow rate, but is not achieving the desired speed. See Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Flow Limit Warning.
Pressure Limit
The pump has detected it has met the maximum system pressure set in the Min/Max menu. The pump will continue to run, but is not achieving the desired flow rate or speed. See Pentair IntelliFlo VSF Pressure Limit Warning.
Troubleshooting Chart
Pump Failure — Priming Problems
| Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|
| Pump will not prime — air leak in suction. PRIME ERROR may be displayed. | Check suction piping and valve glands on any suction gate valves. Secure lid on pump strainer pot and be sure lid gasket is in place. Check water level to be sure skimmer is not drawing air. |
| Pump will not prime — not enough water. | Be sure the suction lines, pump, strainer, and pump volute are full of water. |
| Pump does not come out of priming mode. | Adjust priming range to a higher setting (default setting is 5). |
| Pump completes priming mode too early, and/or there is still a large amount of air in the housing. | Adjust priming range to a lower setting (default setting is 5). |
| Pump strainer basket is clogged. | Clean pump strainer pot. |
| Pump strainer gasket is defective. | Replace gasket. |
Reduced Capacity and/or Head
| Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|
| Air pockets or leaks in suction line. PRIMING FAILURE may be displayed. | Check suction piping and valve glands on any suction gate valves. |
| Clogged impeller. PRIMING FAILURE may be displayed. | Turn off electrical power to the pump. Remove the 6 bolts that hold the housing (strainer pot/volute) to seal plate. Slide the motor and seal plate away from the volute. Clean debris from impeller. If debris cannot be removed: (1) Remove diffuser and o-ring. (2) Remove reverse-thread impeller screw and o-ring. (3) Remove, clean, and reinstall impeller. (4) Reinstall reverse-thread impeller screw and o-ring, diffuser, and o-ring. Reinstall motor and seal plate into volute. Reinstall seal plate nuts and volute and tighten securely. |
| Pump strainer pot clogged. PRIMING FAILURE may be displayed. | Clean pump strainer pot. |
Inadequate Circulation
| Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|
| Filter or pump basket dirty. | Check trap basket; if plugged, turn pump off and clean basket. Check and clean pool filter. |
| Suction/discharge piping is too small. | Increase piping size. |
| Speed is set too slow for proper filtration cycle. | Increase filtration run time. |
Electrical Problems
| Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
|---|---|
| Could appear as a "Low Voltage" alarm. | Check voltage at motor terminals and at panel while pump is running. If low, see wiring instructions or consult power company. Check for loose connections. Check line voltage; if less than 90% or more than 110% of rated voltage, consult a licensed electrician. |
| Could appear as "Over Heat" alert. | Increase ventilation. Reduce ambient temperature. Tighten any loose wiring connections. Motor runs too hot — turn power to motor off. Check for proper voltage. Check for proper impeller or impeller rubbing. |