Is IntelliChem Worth the Money? 

Maintaining proper pool water chemistry requires frequent monitoring and adjustments. The IntelliChem Water Chemistry Controller automates this process, but with its premium price tag, many homeowners and commercial pool operators question whether it is worth the investment.

This analysis breaks down IntelliChem's cost, features, benefits, and long-term value.

Understanding the Cost of IntelliChem

The IntelliChem system costs over $2,000 and will depend on whether you have a traditional chlorine or saltwater chlorine generator pool. IntelliChem works with both types of sanitation systems without issue, but if you have a standard chlorine system, the IntelliChem will require an additional tank to hold the liquid chlorine.

Compared to traditional pool chemical maintenance methods, the upfront cost is significant, but potential long-term savings should also be considered.

IntelliChem Automation Makes Pool Chemistry an Exact Science

Manually maintaining pool chemistry involves regular water testing, chemical handling, and adjustments. IntelliChem automates these tasks, providing:

• Consistent water balance without daily manual testing.
• Reduced chemical waste due to precise, exact dosing.
• Minimized fluctuations in pH and chlorine levels.
• A controlled swimming environment with balanced chemical levels at the correct readings.

This automation reduces human error and the need for constant monitoring. Since IntelliChem keeps your pH and Chlorine levels at the ideal range all the time, only a small amount of chemical is being added to maintain the micro adjustments that are needed. Adjusting your chemistry in real time is more efficient for the health of your pool water.
Since you aren’t adding a large amount of chemicals 1-2 times a day, you have less chance of adding the incorrect amount or measuring wrong.

IntelliChem Cost Savings Over Time

IntelliChem will reduce long-term expenses through:

• Lower chemical usage – Preventing overuse of chlorine and acid will reduce annual costs.
• Extended equipment lifespan – Balanced water reduces corrosion and scale buildup, protecting pool components. If you have a salt water chlorine generator, the unit is only turned on when needed vs. on a timer process; meaning your cell’s life will last longer as it is only running a fraction of the time.
• Avoidance of costly repairs – Preventing imbalanced water chemistry will save on premature liner failure & fading, fiberglass fading and etching, and equipment replacement.

Over time, these factors will offset some of the system’s initial cost. If you have constantly wrong chemical balancing in your pool water, it will start to damage other parts of your pool and the surroundings. 

Convenience and Automation

Automated pool chemistry management can benefit those who:

• Have limited time for frequent testing and adjustments.
• Own vacation homes that require consistent water balance in their absence.
• Maintain commercial pools where chemical management must meet regulatory standards.
• Prefer integration with home automation systems for remote monitoring and control.

Final Considerations

Determining whether IntelliChem is worth the money depends on your personal priorities. For those who value automation, chemical efficiency, and long-term savings, IntelliChem offers benefits that may justify the expense. A heater replacement due to poor pH balancing costs over $3,000, or replacing a liner that got bleached out due to poor chlorine management will cost more than $8,000.

For homeowners who are comfortable with manual maintenance and do not require automation, traditional methods may be sufficient. However, for those seeking a low-maintenance solution, IntelliChem provides a streamlined approach to pool care.
Pool chemistry is done by millions of people manually, so at the end of the day, this item isn’t 100% needed. The IntelliChem also only balances chlorine and pH, which are two of the main chemicals to keep balanced, but there are others that still need to be maintained. This unit isn’t a fix to never test your water, but it does about 75% of the heavy lifting for you.