You just went on the best dinner date of your life.
You’ve asked your date over for a drink after dinner, expecting to end up in the hot tub. But it will take a while to get home, and will they want to stick around if your water is cold?
With the ultimate pool automation system, you can start heating up your hot tub on the way home. Your connected landscape lights will set the mood as you take your date to the water.
No awkward waiting around for the mood to be right. Your date will be impressed, and you’ll be on your way to a fantastic jacuzzi date night.
Sounds pretty good right?
Pool automation systems let you operate and maintain your pool from a distance. The systems can be complicated, but don’t worry.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a fully automated pool that’s within your personal taste and budget.
How Does Pool Automation Work?
Pool owners without automation systems have to turn on each switch individually. This is a pain, considering systems such as the heater and pump may not be directly beside the pool.
With an automation system in place, you can control many features at once, from one place. The control panel doesn’t have to be anywhere near the pool – it can be wherever you are!
A control panel manages functions remotely using actuators and relays (usually the pump and heater), but can also control lights, spa systems, and water features.
While some automation systems are designed specifically for pools, others work for both spas (such as hot tubs) and pools.
If you’re not confident handling electrical work, you should hire a pro and stay a safe distance away as they work their magic.
What Does It Cost?
It sounds fancy, but pool automation isn’t as expensive as you may think. Most systems cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
The final cost depends on factors such as
- The pool size and complexity
- The presence of a spa
- The brand and model of the automation system
- Whether you will use a smartphone app or control panel
While the upfront cost may give you sticker shock, the right automation system will save you money spent on energy in the long run.
Tips for the Ultimate Pool Automation System
Looking to upgrade to a smart pool? We’ve put together 7 automation tips you should consider to help set up the ultimate pool automation system.
1. Save Now and Upgrade Later
Can you install a regular pool now and upgrade later?
Absolutely!
If you’re not convinced yet, save money on your initial purchase and hold off on automation until you’re ready.
Unlike underwater lights and waterfalls, pool automation isn’t built into your pool or spa. It’s a feature that can be added on later.
Spend a little more money now on designing the pool you love, then worry about automation when your budget allows for it.
2. Do Your Homework
Think about what parts of your pool’s system you’d like to automate.
Features such as bubblers, fountains, landscape lighting, automatic pool cleaners, chlorinators, and spa jets are just a few of the things that can be automated. Which of these features are most important to you? What exactly are you looking to achieve?
Whether it’s efficiency, wow-factor, or improved ambiance, there are plenty of options.
With that being said, there are also plenty of price points and levels of products. So do your research! Don’t trust the first website you land on. Read reviews and find real users of the automation systems you’re considering.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll thank yourself later.
3. Go Big with Full Intelligent Automation
Intelligent automation is a smart way to go if you’re adding on automation to an existing pool.
If you go this route, you don’t have to change your existing pool equipment to match a new system. Intelligent automation equipment features a sensor layer that converts your existing pool equipment into an entirely new, smart system.
With an intelligent automation system, you’ll reduce your energy cost and chemical use. The smartest systems also manage the chemistry of your water, ensuring that you have the best quality water circulating through your pool or spa.
You’ll also get to monitor your pool via a smartphone app, but keep in mind that this requires a constant internet connection.
Because intelligent automation is an add-on to your existing system, it’s the cheapest option available to you. You can convert your pool to a smart pool for a few hundred dollars.
The best part? This process is completed in as little as one hour!
4. Test the Waters with Medium Automation
You don’t have to go all out with pool automation. Try a medium automation approach and enjoy high-quality water while still maintaining the pool yourself.
Medium automation is installed similarly to intelligent or full automation but doesn’t have a central control unit. Most medium automation systems contain a sensor-based chlorinator and acid feeder.
5. Keep it Simple with Basic Automation
If you’re still not convinced you need all of these features, stick with basic automation. These systems only contain a time-clock and automatic chlorinator.
In this scenario, you will manually trim pH and other pool chemicals. Traditionally, this is done once a week.
6. Link Your Pump to Your Smartphone
One of the most impressive features a pool automation system offers is the ability to monitor your pool from anywhere with your smartphone.
Our smartphones are designed to make our lives easier, so why shouldn’t that extend to our pool maintenance?
Ensuring your system is running smoothly from your living room or the grocery store is convenience at the highest level.
Depending on the system and program you use, there are several options at your fingertips with a pool automation system controlled by your smartphone.
Also, who wants to worry about what state their pool is in while they’re away on vacation? Don’t pay a neighbor to watch your pool. A connection between your mobile device and pump can prevent any unwelcome surprises when you return home.
7. Work with a Professional You Trust
If you designed your pool with a pool builder, you would probably feel most comfortable having them service the upgrade.
However, if you inherited your pool through home purchase, you might have a closer relationship to your pool servicer, not the builder.
The most important thing is to go with a professional you trust for these types of installs. You should generally choose the provider you have the closest relationship with.
Design the Pool of Your Dreams
Your home is an important investment. If it features a pool, it should be one that you’re proud of.
Our mission is to leave you speechless with the quality and service we provide. We want to make the design and construction process as stress-free as possible for you and your family.
Ready to get started and design your pool automation system today? Request a free consultation and one of our team members will be in touch.
