Episode 284: Pentair IntelliVibe™ Pool Lighting: Multi-Zone Control, 15 Million Colors & the Future of Pool Illumination with Jeff Zillmer
In this episode of the Pool Chasers Podcast, Greg Villafana and Justin Bowie sit down with Jeff Zillmer, Product Manager at Pentair, to dive deep into the newly released IntelliVibe™ Pool Lighting System.
Jeff breaks down why Pentair developed IntelliVibe, how it redefines flexibility in pool lighting, and what makes it different from legacy pool lights and competitors. The discussion covers multi-zone lighting with a single transformer, dimming across all modes, 15 million color options, scheduling, retrofitting existing pools, and real-world installation scenarios—from luxury residential pools to water features and landscape applications.
Whether you’re a pool builder, plumber, designer, or homeowner, this episode offers valuable insight into how lighting can transform the entire vibe of a backyard—not just illuminate it.
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Topics Discussed:
[00:00 – 01:00]
• Introduction of guest Jeff Zillmer (Pentair Product Manager)
• Overview of the newly released IntelliVibe™ light
[01:00 – 02:15]
• Why Pentair created IntelliVibe
• Voice-of-customer driven product development
[02:15 – 03:30]
• Key differentiators vs legacy and competitor lights
• Four independent lighting zones powered by one transformer
[03:30 – 05:10]
• Customizable zones: pool, spa, shelves, bubblers
• 12 built-in color shows (including legacy favorites)
[05:10 – 07:20]
• Full dimming capability (100% down to 10% in 1% increments)
• Control through the Pentair Pool App
[07:20 – 09:15]
• 15 million color options explained (RGB logic breakdown)
• Multi-zone color combinations
[09:15 – 10:45]
• White color temperature control (warm to cool)
• Matching indoor, outdoor, and landscape lighting
[10:45 – 12:40]
• Field testing across multiple states and pool types
• Indoor vs outdoor lighting advantages
[12:40 – 15:30]
• IntelliVibe light sizes explained: Nano, Micro, and Mezo
• Wattage, lumen output, and ideal applications
[15:30 – 17:45]
• How to determine the right number of lights per pool
• Surface finishes and spacing recommendations
[17:45 – 19:45]
• Maximum system capacity and multi-controller setups
• Zone limits, wattage limits, and scalability
[19:45 – 21:30]
• Retrofitting existing pools and GlobeBrite compatibility
[21:30 – 24:30]
• Advantages of LED pool lighting vs incandescent
• Heat, efficiency, lifespan, and safety
[24:30 – 26:20]
• Automation requirements (IntelliCENTER)
• Scheduling, timers, vacation mode
[26:20 – 28:45]
• Landscape and water-feature lighting applications
• Future roadmap ideas (landscape fixtures, strip lights)
[28:45 – 30:00]
• Why it’s called IntelliVibe
• Final thoughts and where to learn more
