Pentair IntelliCenter Firmware Update
Keeping IntelliCenter firmware up to date ensures compatibility with new equipment and resolves known issues. Pentair provides three firmware update methods accessible directly from the IntelliCenter touchscreen: Check for Update (over-the-air), Update from USB, and Update from Panel.
Checking Your Current Firmware Version
Before updating, check the currently installed firmware version:
- From the Home screen, tap Settings.
- Tap Advanced System Configuration.
- Tap System.
- Tap System Information.
The System Information screen displays the MAC Address, Serial Number, Manufacturer Date, Firmware Version, IP Address, and Release Notes. Note the firmware version number before proceeding with an update.
Firmware Update Menu
All firmware update options are located at Settings > Advanced System Configuration > System > Firmware Update. The Firmware Update screen displays the current firmware version and provides three update options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Check for Update | Checks for the latest available firmware version over the internet. Requires the IntelliCenter to be connected to a wireless network. |
| Update from USB | Installs a firmware file (.pfw) from a USB device inserted into the Outdoor Control Panel, Indoor Control Panel, or Wireless Remote. |
| Update from Panel | Updates the current panel firmware from a USB device installed in the Outdoor Control Panel, Indoor Control Panel, or Wireless Remote. Use this to update a sub-panel to match the master panel version. |
Update Method 1: Check for Update (Over-the-Air)
Systems running software version 1.047 or later support Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates. When connected to a wireless network, IntelliCenter will automatically download available firmware updates in the background while the system continues operating normally. Once the download is complete, a dialog is displayed on the panels asking if you want to install the update:
- Yes: Accept and start the firmware update for all configured panels.
- No: Decline the update. The update will not occur again until the next new firmware version becomes available.
During the OTA download process, a download firmware version icon and completion percentage are displayed in the upper right of the Outdoor Control Panel screen.
Note: All Panels Reboot After Update
After a firmware update completes, all panels will reboot. Pumps and other equipment operating on schedules will momentarily reset. Plan firmware updates for a time when the pool equipment is not actively needed.
To manually check for an OTA update at any time, go to Settings > Advanced System Configuration > System > Firmware Update > Check for Update.
Update Method 2: Update from USB
For systems without Wi-Fi, or to install a specific firmware version, use the USB update method.
Step 1: Download the Firmware File
- Go to www.pentair.com/poolsoftwaredownloads.
- Download the latest IntelliCenter firmware file. The firmware file uses the .pfw format.
- Copy the .pfw file to a USB device.
Step 2: Install the Update
- Insert the USB device into the USB port on the IntelliCenter Outdoor Control Panel, Indoor Control Panel, or Wireless Remote.
- Go to Settings > Advanced System Configuration > System > Firmware Update > Update from USB.
- The Select Firmware File for Update screen appears. Use the Up/Down arrows to locate the .pfw file on the USB device.
- Tap the file name to begin the update.
Step 3: Complete the Update
The system will install the firmware and all configured panels will reboot when complete. Do not remove the USB device or cut power during the update process.
Update Method 3: Update from Panel
The Update from Panel option is used to update a sub-panel (expansion panel, indoor control panel, or wireless remote) to match the firmware version running on the master Outdoor Control Panel. This option is useful when a panel firmware mismatch is detected.
Firmware Version Mismatch
If a panel (such as a wireless remote or expansion enclosure) was not updated at the same time as the master panel — for example, because the remote was asleep during an OTA update — the system will display a "Version Mismatch Detected" message on the mismatched panel. The mismatch dialog provides the following options:
- Update from Outdoor Control Panel: Updates the mismatched sub-panel to match the master panel version.
- Update from USB: Installs the correct firmware version from a USB device. Download the latest firmware from www.pentair.com/poolsoftwaredownloads and copy the .pfw file to a USB device.
- Configure Expansion Panel: Configures a sub-panel that is not yet set up to receive OTA firmware updates.
System Information Screen
The System Information screen (at Settings > Advanced System Configuration > System > System Information) displays the following details about the installed system:
- MAC Address
- Serial Number
- Manufacturer Date
- Firmware Version
- IP Address
- OS Release
- Release Notes
The Detected Hardware screen (also under System) shows the installed Panel Type and Personality Card information for each OCP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file format is the IntelliCenter firmware update file?
IntelliCenter firmware update files use the .pfw format. When using Update from USB, navigate to the .pfw file on the USB device from the Select Firmware File for Update screen.
Does the system need Wi-Fi for over-the-air updates?
Yes. OTA updates require the IntelliCenter to be connected to a wireless network. OTA update capability is available on systems running software version 1.047 or later. For systems without Wi-Fi or running earlier software versions, use the Update from USB method.
Where do I download the latest IntelliCenter firmware?
Firmware files can be downloaded from www.pentair.com/poolsoftwaredownloads. Copy the .pfw file to a USB device and use the Update from USB option in the Firmware Update menu.
Why does the wireless remote show "Version Mismatch Detected"?
A mismatch occurs when the wireless remote was not updated at the same time as the master Outdoor Control Panel — for example, if the remote was asleep during an OTA update. Use the Update from Outdoor Control Panel option on the mismatched panel's mismatch dialog to resolve this.