Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF Pump: Smarter Pools, Simpler Service
When it comes to pool equipment, few innovations have reshaped the industry as much as variable speed pumps. They’ve cut energy costs, reduced strain on equipment, and helped pool owners embrace greener backyard living. Now, Pentair has taken things to the next level with the IntelliFlo3 VSF pump—a solution designed not only to move water efficiently but also to bring powerful automation and remote connectivity directly into the heart of the backyard.
To better understand what makes the IntelliFlo3 such a game-changer for both pool owners and service professionals, Pool Magazine sat down with Adam Key, Senior Product Manager for Pentair Pool Pumps. With more than 15 years at Pentair, much of it spent in new product development, Key has seen firsthand how pool technology has evolved—and why this latest generation pump is such a leap forward.
How IntelliFlo3 is Redefining Pool Automation
For decades, single-speed pumps controlled by mechanical time clocks were the industry standard. They kept water moving, but at a steep cost. “Those time clocks were the first and most primitive form of automation for pools,” Key explained. “Whenever that pump was on, it was running full blast, consuming a lot of electricity. That’s why we wanted time clocks—to cut costs and energy waste.”
Variable speed pumps introduced scheduling and energy savings, but they had one big flaw: the user interfaces were often clunky. “Usually that schedule’s not changed,” Key noted. “It’s really not much of an automation tool if you’re never updating it based on seasonal needs or bather load.”
That’s where IntelliFlo3 changes everything. By adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Pentair gave users an intuitive mobile app to set, adjust, and monitor pump schedules anytime, anywhere. “You could be on vacation, see a storm coming at home, and increase the filtration cycle to keep your pool clear—all from your phone,” Key said. The result: a pump that adapts to real-life conditions instead of being locked into a static program.
Built-In Relays for Smarter Control
One of the IntelliFlo3’s biggest innovations is its built-in relays, allowing homeowners to control more than just water circulation. “It’s a two-in-one automation system,” Key said. “It automates the filtration of the pool, but also gives you the ability to control other equipment.”
Lighting is the most common example. “Instead of flipping a switch on and off 10 times to find the right color, you just press red, green, blue, or party mode in the app,” he explained. Homeowners can also schedule lights to create nightly ambiance or coordinate them with backyard entertaining. “Most people want their pool to be enjoyed, but also want it to look great,” Key added. “Having your lights set up on a schedule makes it part of the whole backyard experience.”
Salt chlorine generators and heaters can also be tied in. “That salt cell is only operating when there’s water moving through it,” Key explained. “And with heaters, parents have oversight—kids can’t just flip it on and leave it running for hours, which can lead to sky-high gas bills.”
Beyond the Basics
The IntelliFlo3’s control isn’t limited to just those three essentials. “Really, you can control anything that just needs to be turned on or off—booster pumps, ozone systems, UV systems, landscape lights,” Key said. “For simple pools that only have a couple of items to control, this is the perfect solution.”
For more elaborate backyards with multiple features—waterfalls, fire bowls, or extensive lighting setups—Pentair’s IntelliCenter system offers deeper automation. But for the majority of pools, the IntelliFlo3 delivers surprising flexibility without requiring extra hardware.
Benefits for Homeowners and Service Pros
While automation is a big win for homeowners, service professionals may find IntelliFlo3 just as valuable. With remote connectivity built in, technicians can monitor performance, diagnose issues, and even resolve problems without ever rolling a truck.
“Because it’s an internet-connected device, servicers can see pump status, check if it’s running at the right speed, and fix problems on the fly,” Key explained. “You might get a notification that the pump lost prime—often because the water level dropped below the skimmer. Instead of sending someone out, you can call the homeowner and have them top it off. That saves time, fuel, and keeps your customers happier.”
For service companies, that means fewer emergency calls, better efficiency, and the ability to offer premium service packages. “It really is like a white-glove service you can now deliver with just this pump,” Key added.
Tracking Energy and Maintenance
The IntelliFlo line has long displayed instantaneous wattage, but IntelliFlo3 goes further with historical tracking in the Pentair Pool app. “Now you can see daily, weekly, and monthly energy consumption,” Key said.
This data empowers owners to tie maintenance directly to performance. “When energy usage climbs over time, that’s a sign the filter is loading up. Clean it, and you’ll see the usage drop right back down,” he explained. It’s a simple, visual way to keep energy costs down and prolong equipment life.
For eco-conscious homeowners, this visibility is especially appealing. For pros, it provides a teaching tool that reinforces the value of proper maintenance.
Staying Ahead of DOE Regulations
Another reason IntelliFlo3 is timely is the Department of Energy’s upcoming regulation on replacement motors. The DOE already pushed the industry toward variable speed pumps for new installations, but until now, replacement motors were exempt.
“That’s the piece they’re changing,” Key said. “Starting September 25, you can no longer buy or manufacture single-speed motors between 1.15 and 5 horsepower. All those replacement needs will have to go to a variable speed solution.”
For pros, that means educating homeowners on compliance and value. “There’s lots of energy savings, but also automation benefits,” Key emphasized. “It’s an investment that pays off quickly and enhances the pool experience.”
The Future of Smarter Pools
In many ways, the IntelliFlo3 is more than a pump—it’s a control hub, a monitoring system, and a service tool wrapped into one sleek package. “It brings convenience and efficiency for both homeowners and pool professionals,” Key said. “It’s the first of its kind with true Wi-Fi enabled relay control, energy tracking, and remote monitoring—all without additional hardware.”
For pool professionals, that means fewer truck rolls, improved efficiency, and happier clients. For homeowners, it means lower bills, simplified automation, and peace of mind that their pool is being looked after—even when they’re not around.
In an age where smart homes are standard, it only makes sense that pools keep pace. With the IntelliFlo3, Pentair has made that leap, creating a smarter, more efficient, and more enjoyable backyard experience.
The real takeaway? Smarter pools aren’t the future—they’re here now. And with IntelliFlo3, the pump that once only moved water is now moving the entire industry forward.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Horsepower Options | Available in 3.0 HP and 1.5 HP models to fit a variety of pool needs. |
| Easy Installation | Guided setup with the Pentair Pro app using step-by-step instructions; optional ongoing remote monitoring for simplified maintenance. |
| Flow Control | Patented flow technology automatically adjusts to pool conditions; as debris clogs the filter, the pump speeds up to maintain proper flow. |
| Automation | Built-in two-relay automation system lets you connect and control up to two additional devices (e.g., pool lighting, salt chlorine generator) via the Pentair Home app. |
| Connectivity | View real-time status, alerts, and notifications in the Pentair Home app or on the pump touchscreen. Wi-Fi enabled with OTA (over-the-air) software updates. |
| Proprietary Flow Tech | Maintains optimal water flow for peak performance and extended equipment life. |
| Energy Savings | Provides up to 90% energy savings compared to single-speed pumps by running at slower, regulated speeds. |
| Replacement Ready | Versatile upgrade or replacement option for existing pools, available in both 1.5 HP and 3.0 HP. |
| Quiet Design | Engineered for low-noise operation, delivering powerful performance without disruption. |
| Upgraded Motor & Design | Features an updated motor, drive, and hydraulics; ENERGY STAR® rated and DOE-compliant. |
| Mobile Monitoring & Control | Use the Pentair Home app to set schedules, adjust performance, and manage operations anytime, anywhere. |
Resources:
Ready to Take a Deeper Dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Adam Key on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Darlly Filtration Partners With The Grit Game on Private Label Pool Filters
DAVENPORT, Fla., Darlly Filtration, one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world and a private label supplier to well-known names in pool and spa, has partnered with The Grit Game (TGG) to represent its pool and spa filtration line across seven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
A filter program with the dealer’s name on it
For most pool stores, the replacement cartridge is the most shoppable item on the shelf. A customer brings in a dirty filter, the counter team identifies it, and the customer finds the same part number online before reaching the parking lot.
Darlly’s private label program is built to close that gap:
- Private label at no upcharge. The dealer’s logo goes on the cartridge label for the same price as a Darlly labeled filter.
- Custom part numbers. Dealers can assign their own part numbers, so the filter on their shelf is not a line-for-line price comparison online.
- No order minimums. No minimums on orders or on private label, so a dealer can start with their two or three highest-volume SKUs.
- Same ship timeline. Product is labeled when the order is picked, so private label ships as fast as stocked product.
“Every pool store we walk into has the same story. Their team does the work of identifying a filter, and the sale walks out the door to an online seller. Darlly gives dealers a real answer to that: their own name and their own part number on a cartridge built to the original spec, with no upcharge and no minimums. That is the kind of line we want to put in front of pool professionals, because it helps them run a better business,” Laci Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, The Grit Game.
Built to the spec of the original cartridge
Every Darlly pleated cartridge is built to the specification of the original equipment cartridge, with:
- Single-layer tri-lobal spun bonded polyester media that resists chlorine and bromine
- An ABS injection molded center core made with NSF certified material
- Reinforced end caps with screen mesh molded in during production
- Pleat bands for pleat stability
- A screw thread guaranteed for life
What the partnership means across the seven states
TGG’s reps will work with pool professionals market by market, starting with the filters each account moves most.
- Florida. A cartridge-heavy market where price pressure is constant. The focus is private label and custom part numbers that take the price comparison off the table.
- Texas and Louisiana. Larger filters are the norm. Reps will cross-reference the large Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Waterway cartridge sets that dominate the region.
- Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. Wide-open ground where D.E. filtration is still common, making universal grid kits a simple, single-line-item add alongside cartridges.
“Darlly Filtration is excited to partner with The Grit Game. The professionalism, integrity and high standards of The Grit Game Team embody what Darlly stands for,” Brad Schneider, Director of U.S. Sales Pool & Spa Division.
Pool builders, service route companies and retail store owners interested in a Darlly private label program can contact their The Grit Game rep here.
About Darlly Filtration
Hangzhou Darlly Filtration has manufactured filter cartridges for more than 25 years and is one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world, producing more than 35 million filters a year for customers in over 100 countries. Beyond pool and spa, Darlly serves the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, food and beverage, petrochemical and drinking water industries. Darlly is an OEM and private label supplier to established brands in the pool and spa industry and offers more than 600 replacement cartridge part numbers, universal D.E. grids and filtration systems. US operations run from warehouses in Ontario, California and Loveland, Colorado. Learn more at darllyfilter.com.
About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is an award-winning manufacturer rep firm and marketing agency serving the pool, spa and backyard industry across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Laci Davis and Johnny Davis, TGG works on an “education before transaction” model, connecting a vetted line of manufacturer partners with the pool professionals who build, service and sell to backyard owners. TGG was named Pool Nation Sales Rep Group of the Year in 2024. Learn more at thegritgame.com.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
King Technology Opens $17M Manufacturing and Distribution Center
ST. PETERS, MO, September 29, 2026 – King Technology, a leading innovator in hot tub, swim spa and pool water care, and sanitization systems, has opened a new centralized manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution center in St. Peters, Missouri. The company is investing at least $17 million in the facility, which is expected to ultimately employ 40 workers in the next three years.
“King Technology’s investment of more than $17 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in St. Peters is another testament to Missouri’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and central location,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud to welcome King Technology and look forward to seeing this family-owned company grow, create jobs, and succeed in the Show-Me State for generations to come.”
The 208,000-square-foot facility – located in the Lakeside Logistics Center in St. Peters – will enable King Technology to provide efficient world-class service to hundreds of distributors and dealers across the United States.
“Our new facility in St. Charles County is a milestone for our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Michael Noer, President and CEO of King Technology. “The region’s commitment to growing businesses and its strong sense of faith, family, and community reflect the same values behind King Technology’s purpose to ‘Enrich Lives Daily.’”
King Technology is best known by thousands of hot tub and swimming pool owners for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use recreational water care products with patented mineral technology that keeps water crystal clear for in-ground and above-ground pools, swim spas, and hot tubs, while using significantly less chlorine. King Technology also introduced its New Water brand of products this year for mass retail across the U.S.
A third-generation, family-owned company for nearly half a century, King Technology will maintain its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. “King Technology’s decision to choose St. Peters for their new distribution center reflects our region’s clear strengths and our commitment to bringing new employers and new jobs to our region,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “Greater St. Louis, Inc. was proud to support King Technology’s first-ever expansion, and we look forward to watching them grow and thrive in St. Peters.”
King Technology worked alongside Missouri state and local partners to determine and invest in its second location, including Ameren, the City of St. Peters, the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, and Spire.
A ribbon cutting and celebration was held on September 29, 2026, with participation by St. Peters, Missouri Mayor Len Pagano and Missouri Governor Michael Kehoe (pictured).
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“For nearly half a century, this third-generation, family-owned company has built a legacy of innovation, growth, and commitment to its customers,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud King Technology has chosen Missouri for this significant investment and look forward to supporting its continued success as it creates new opportunities for Missourians to prosper in the St. Louis region.”
“We’re so excited to be welcoming King Technology to our FasTrac family,” said St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano. “I’m so proud of our FasTrac economic development team, working with our partners at the local and State of Missouri level to help King Technology expand to our region. We look forward to working with King Technology and watching them grow into the future!”
“King Technology’s expansion into St. Peters reflects the continued strength of St. Charles County as a place where manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive,” said Scott Drachnik, President & CEO of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County. “We are grateful for the trust they have shown in our community and look forward to their continued success.”
“King Technology’s investment in St. Peters reflects what companies continue to find across Missouri: a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a business climate that supports long-term growth,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This project strengthens Missouri’s advanced manufacturing footprint, creates new opportunities for Missourians, and reinforces the state’s position as a premier destination for companies serving customers across the nation.”
ABOUT KING TECHNOLOGY
King Technology, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned water care company founded in 1978 by Lloyd King and Joe King. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the company is a market leader in hot tub and swim spa water care and a leading innovator in pool water care. King Technology is best known for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use water care products, which use patented mineral technology to keep water clear while requiring significantly less chlorine. The company’s mission is to Enrich Lives Daily. For more information, visit kingtechnology.com.
JED Pool Tools, US manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool and spa maintenance equipment, offers a new Pro 14” Pool Vacuum with a swivel-plastic handle for cleaning both residential and commercial swimming pools. This vac head is heavy weight and designed to make it easy to clean corners and steps. Made to handle the cleaning of any size swimming pool with durable construction. Easily maneuverable vacuum head has 360-degree swivel connector that ends aggravating hose tangling. Adapted for both 1-1/2” and 1-1/4” hose sizes. Proudly made by JED in Pennsylvania, USA.
www.JEDPoolTools.com
570-344-4137
Old Forge, PA
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