Pentair IntelliBrite Color Sync and Show Modes
The IntelliBrite 5G stores its color mode selection in memory and advances through modes each time power is cycled. This architecture makes wall-switch cycling the fundamental control method when no automation system is present — and understanding it is essential for programming, syncing multiple lights, and troubleshooting color issues.
How Wall Switch Color Mode Selection Works
The IntelliBrite 5G color light is controlled by cycling the wall switch on and off a specific number of times. Each number (1–14) corresponds to the number of times to power-cycle the switch to activate a color light show or fixed color. When power is switched on, a momentarily white light will illuminate, followed by the previously selected color.
⚠ Pool Dark During Switching
During the off/on switching process, before the selected color is displayed, no illumination will occur for a brief second. This is normal operating behavior. During this period the pool and spa will be dark — take precautions to avoid unforeseen accidents. Failure to observe this warning may result in serious injury or death to pool and spa users.
To select a mode, turn the wall switch on, then turn it off and on the number of times shown. Example: to select California Sunset Mode, turn the light on, then turn it off and on six times.
IntelliBrite 5G Mode Sequence (from Manual)
| Number of Power Cycles | Mode Name | Description (from Manual) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAm Mode | Cycles through white, magenta, blue, and green colors (emulates the Pentair SAm® color changing light) |
| 2 | Party Mode | Rapid color changing building energy and excitement |
| 3 | Romance Mode | Slow color transitions creating a mesmerizing and calming effect |
| 4 | Caribbean Mode | Transitions between a variety of blues and greens |
| 5 | American Mode | Patriotic red, white and blue transition |
| 6 | California Sunset Mode | Dramatic transitions of orange, red and magenta tones |
| 7 | Royal Mode | Richer, deeper color tones |
| 8 | Blue | Fixed color |
| 9 | Green | Fixed color |
| 10 | Red | Fixed color |
| 11 | White | Fixed color |
| 12 | Magenta | Fixed color |
| 13 | Hold | Save the current color effect during a color light show |
| 14 | Recall | Activate the last saved color effect |
Saving a Color Mode or Fixed Color
When power is switched off to the IntelliBrite color lights, the last color show mode or fixed color will be saved. The next time the light is powered on, the previously saved color show mode or fixed color will be displayed.
Example: While in Party Mode, switch the light off. Wait more than 10 seconds, then switch the light back on to resume Party Mode.
If power to the light is off for more than five seconds, the last color show mode or fixed color that was saved will be displayed when power is restored.
Hold and Recall Feature
The Hold and Recall feature is available when using an IntelliBrite Controller (sold separately, P/N 600054).
- Hold: Power-cycle to position 13, or press the Hold button on the controller (LED on) to capture and save a color effect while displaying one of the light show modes
- Recall: Power-cycle to position 14, or press the Recall button on the controller (LED on) to activate the last saved color effect
Using the IntelliBrite Color Light Controller
The IntelliBrite Controller (P/N 600054, sold separately) allows multiple IntelliBrite 5G color pool and spa lights to be synchronized so that all lights can be switched on and off together. To select a color light show mode or fixed color mode, rotate the dial so that it points to the desired selection.
Syncing Multiple IntelliBrite Lights
Multiple IntelliBrite 5G lights can be controlled using the IntelliBrite Controller. Multiple IntelliBrite lights can also be connected via a junction box to a single switch so that all lights can be switched on and off together. The manual also notes that IntelliBrite lights can be automatically controlled via Pentair IntelliTouch®, EasyTouch®, and SunTouch® Control Systems.
To synchronize multiple lights that have fallen out of sync:
- Switch all lights off simultaneously using the same wall switch or control circuit
- Wait more than 10 seconds so all lights save and clear to the same baseline
- Switch all lights on simultaneously — all lights will display the previously saved mode
- Cycle to the desired mode — all lights will advance together since they started from the same saved state
Key requirement: All lights must be on the same power switch or the same relay/circuit. If lights are on separate circuits and controlled independently at any point, they can fall out of sync. Use the controller or automation system to always switch all IntelliBrite circuits together.
IntelliTouch / EasyTouch / SunTouch Integration
When an IntelliBrite circuit is connected to an IntelliTouch®, EasyTouch®, or SunTouch® Control System load center, the automation system can control color modes directly. The ScreenLogic2 Interface (when paired with IntelliTouch or EasyTouch) provides a Color Lights tab with individual color light show and fixed color buttons, plus Save and Recall buttons — see the ScreenLogic2 manual for details.
Using a 300-Watt Transformer for Multiple 12 VAC Lights
The IntelliBrite 5G is available in both 12 VAC and 120 VAC versions. When using multiple 12 VAC IntelliBrite lights on a 300-watt transformer, it is recommended that no more than three pool lights and one spa light be used. Total cable run from transformer to light should not exceed:
| Light Type | Maximum Cable Run |
|---|---|
| Multiple Pool Lights | 100 ft (30.5 m) |
| Spa Light | 150 ft (45.8 m) |
| Single Pool Light | 200 ft (61 m) |
For long cable lengths, set the transformer to 14 VAC.