Choosing to install pool automation can streamline and simplify pool ownership. Think of pool automation as the brain of the pool, allowing you to control and monitor multiple products — such as lights, heaters, water features, pumps and more — from one place. Before you get started, it is important to understand the pool automation basics and questions to ask when talking with your Pools & Spas Services Inc. pool professional.

How does pool automation work?

Pool automation allows you control all the features and accessories for your pool and beyond from one central system. Typically, pool automation connects to your pool equipment from a control center through a WiFi, Bluetooth® wireless enabled device like your smart phone.

After choosing your pool automation system, a pool professional can connect the pool equipment to the control center to set up speeds, schedules, and timers to automatically configure various parts of the pool equipment pad.

What are the advantages of pool automation?

There are many advantages to using pool automation, like saving time on pool management, improved energy efficiency and peace of mind.

  1. Automate More Than Your Pool Equipment
    You can automate equipment beyond your pool pad using the IntelliCenter® Pool Control System. This top-of-the-line product allows you to connect and automate your landscape lights, outdoor firepit and more from one central location.

    With the IntelliCenter System, you can connect five to 40 relays… meaning you can connect up to 40 supported devices for simple control from one easy, user-friendly control system.

    Looking for spa cooling for a cold dip? This is just one of the many features offered with the most versatile Pentair automation system, and you can give your pool professional access to use remote monitoring to monitor and control your pool equipment so they can help solve problems before you even know about them.

    Pentair has pool automation solutions for almost any pool.

  2. What’s a Relay?
    A relay provides a physical connection to automation-supported equipment and accessories like lights, water features, pumps and more to turn them on or off.
  3. Control Your Pool Equipment From the Palm of Your Hand
    Another advantage of using pool automation is that you can control your equipment from your smart device. For instance, the IntelliConnect® Pool Control System allows you to control five pool products from the Pentair Home app. The Pentair Home app makes it easy to monitor your pool in the palm of your hand from one easy-to-use dashboard on your smart device.
  4. Save Time Managing Your Pool Equipment
    Connecting your pool equipment to an automation system can reduce the amount of time spent managing your pool. You can set and change timers and schedules based on your lifestyle from anywhere. Oftentimes, you can set-it-and-forget-it and let the schedules keep your pool dive-in ready. For example, have a pool party in five hours and need to run errands? You can set schedules for equipment like your pool pump, cleaner, heater, and light displays, so your pool is ready for the party at five.

What factors should I consider before choosing a pool automation solution?

  1. How many bodies of water does your pool have?
    Most pool owners want their pool to be as automated as possible. One way to consider what pool automation product best suits your lifestyle is by determining how long you want your daily or weekly pool checklist.
  2. How many accessories and features do you have?
    The next thing to consider is how many accessories and features you want to control. Check with your pool professional to ensure the product you want can meet your pool control needs.
  3. Questions your pool professional will want to know:
    1. How many bodies of water do you have?
    2. Do you want to set schedules manually?
    3. How many features and accessories do you want to control?
    4. Do you want your pool professional to be able to monitor your equipment while you’re away?