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Pool automation. a.k.a., your on-demand oasis
If you could control any parts of your pool, which parts would you pick? Whatever comes to mind, enter the world of pool automation. Nothing simplifies and enhances a pool owner’s life more than having remote, confident control of their pool.
Simply put, automation is defined as the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services. And that’s exactly what pool automation does: gives you the ability to monitor and control select products on your pool, giving you total control over your pool ownership experience. Traditional interfaces include pool/spa side remotes and indoor control panels, but recent technology has allowed pool automation to become even better…giving you complete control from a mobile app, web app or web portal.
Easy, peasy, summer breezy: The benefits of pool automation
Imagine receiving proactive alerts on your smart device like “your pool pump/heater is not connected” or “your pH is low.” Or having a snapshot view of the health of your pool that helps you monitor its water chemistry when you’re away from your home. Now picture yourself being able to remotely manage and control your pool’s every feature and function. From anywhere. At any time. No questions. All answers. It’s these types of convenient comforts, controls, and peace of mind that pool automation brings.
If you are more of a practical person, this one’s for you: a pool automation solution can even help reduce high energy costs often associated with pool ownership. You see, the job of a pool automation system is to do just that, ‘automate’ the control of your pool equipment. This means controlling your variable speed pump and setting pre-programmed schedules to run your pump at different speeds for different needs. For example, your pump will run at one low speed for filtration and then when it’s time, it will ramp up to supply the right flow for other equipment - like a booster pump or heater - to operate without needing you - pool owner extraordinaire – to intervene. That means more money in your pocket, and more time splashin’ and relaxin’. We’d say that’s a win-win.
What exactly can I control?
Different pool automation solutions will allow you to control different things, so it’s important that you identify what exactly you are hoping to achieve with your automation system before you shop. But, in general, pool automation can be as simple as one body of water and one product - or as complex – multiple bodies of water with all of the bells and whistles, features and functions.
Yeah, but how does it work?
The automation system brings all of your equipment under one control. When you are setting up your automation device, you will tell your automation solution which pool equipment is connected and what speed(s) to run at when it’s time for those product(s) to turn on. From there, your automation system takes care of the rest. Want your pool heater to kick on one hour before you get home from work so you can get some evening laps in? No problem. Hosting a little backyard bonanza and you want to wow your guests with a dazzling light show at dusk? Consider it done! And, when you are away from home, you can even check on your pool for additional peace of mind.
So how do I choose the right automation solution for me?
Identify Your Fav Automation Feature First. Pool automation solutions can range from just the basics to every bell & whistle. So it’s important to first know which feature you put at the top of the pool automation pecking order. Scheduling? Remote control of your heater, pumps, lights? Water quality management? Perhaps a utility sponsored energy efficiency program is driving your decision. Whatever the case, Pentair has a pool automation solution that will put you in the driver’s seat...and a lounge chair.
Where does Pentair play in the pool automation game?
A suite so sweet. Pentair has a pool automation solution for your every desire. Pump-only control? Check. Water chemistry monitor? Check. Heater? Check. Lights, waterfalls, laminars? Check. Check. Check.
Speaking of checks, check out the table below for a framework of what Pentair automation solutions can do for you.
Where does Pentair play in the pool automation game?
A suite so sweet. Pentair has a pool automation solution for your every desire. Pump-only control? Check. Water chemistry monitor? Check. Heater? Check. Lights, waterfalls, laminars? Check. Check. Check.
Speaking of checks, check out the table below for a framework of what Pentair automation solutions can do for you.
| IntelliCenter | IntelliTouch | EasyTouch | EasyTouch Lite | IntelliConnect | IntelliSync | |
| App/Platform | Intellicenter App |
ScreenLogic App |
ScreenLogic App |
ScreenLogic App |
Pentair Home App | Pentair Home App |
| # of Relays |
40 | 38 | 4, 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Pool/Spa Combo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| OTA | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Color Lights | 20 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Water Features (via valves) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| # of Heaters | 2+ | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Voice Control | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Glossary
- Relays – refer to the number of peripheral devices that can be supported via pool automation (i.e. pool pumps, pool heaters, pool lights, booster pump, and more)
- Bodies of Water
- Pool only – refers to a home with a stand-alone pool.
- Spa only – refers to a home with a stand-alone spa.
- Pool/Spa Combo – refers to a home that has both a pool and spa.
- Multiple bodies of water – refers to a home that has more than one body of water. This could be a pool/spa combination, two or more pools, or two or more spas.
- OTA – refers to an Over the Air update. This means you can update your pool automation app via your smart device. Pool automation products that do not have OTA updates require a user to visit the download center on Pentair.com and follow the corresponding instructions necessary to update the system.
- Freeze Protection – switches on a circuit if the air temperature drops below 35° F.
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