Pentair 521357 IntelliChem Water Chemistry Controller Without Pumps

The product under review demonstrates a mix of functionality and design flaws that have garnered a polarized response from customers. Users have highlighted its effective operation and praised the proportional feed function as one of the best in the market, making it particularly suitable for whirlpools. However, this praise is overshadowed by significant drawbacks related to the proprietary components that the device requires. One of the most prominent criticisms revolves around the use of non-standard Pentair branded ORP and pH probes, which incur a substantial cost of approximately $200 for replacements, compared to the industry standard probes that generally retail for about $40. This costly maintenance extends to the calibration capability, which customers find lacking compared to its competitors, leading to the need for more frequent replacements of the expensive probes. Moreover, the device’s non-standard flow sensor, which replaces a traditional pressure switch, adds another layer of complexity that customers are not fond of. The sheer annoyance of installation also detracts from the user experience, with customers noting that competitor products offer more straightforward installation and service options. A concerning safety issue has also been raised regarding the flow switches potentially getting stuck, resulting in hazardous situations where chlorine gas could inadvertently be dispensed into the pool due to improper flow detection. This, coupled with the company's often opaque customer notifications of known issues, creates frustration and mistrust among users. While the product does boast a nice user interface, it appears that many believe this is not enough to compensate for the overarching design shortcomings. The general sentiment is one of disappointment, as users feel the product seems to prioritize proprietary functions over practicality and user safety. **