The Benefits of Pool Automation: Control Your Pool from Your Phone

What is pool automation?

Pool automation connects your pump, heater, lights, water features and sometimes chemical equipment to one control system. Instead of adjusting each piece at the equipment pad, you use a panel inside the house or a phone app. It is one of the more practical upgrades for busy owners. EDX Pools installs and upgrades these systems as part of its pool equipment work.

What it can control

• Pump speed and schedules: Set a variable-speed pump to run at the right speed at the right times.
• Heater: Set pool and spa temperatures and schedules.
• LED lighting: Change colors, run light shows and set schedules.
• Water features: Run bubblers, deck jets, waterfalls and similar features.
• Valve actuators: Switch between pool and spa mode.
• Chemistry equipment: Some systems monitor or dose chlorine and pH.
• Covers: Open and close an automatic cover, where installed.

Popular systems

Pentair IntelliCenter

A full-color touchscreen with the ScreenLogic app for remote control. It supports voice assistants and flexible scheduling.

Hayward OmniLogic

A color touchscreen with the OmniLogic app. It shows a visual layout of your backyard equipment and works well with Hayward equipment.

Jandy iAqualink

Cloud-based control through the iAqualink app, known for straightforward setup. Smart-home compatibility varies by version, so confirm what works with your setup.

Features change from model to model. Ask your installer which system pairs best with the equipment you already own.

What does it cost?

Cost depends on the system, the number of devices you control and whether it is a new pool or a retrofit. Basic setups cost less than full systems that include valve actuators, water features and chemistry control. A retrofit needs new wiring and valve actuators, while a new pool can include wiring during construction, which is generally easier. EDX quotes free on site, with equipment itemized in the estimate.

Energy savings

Smart scheduling means equipment runs only when needed. Paired with a variable-speed pump, automation can lower running costs. Actual savings depend on your equipment, your rates and how you use the pool, so be skeptical of any single promised number.

• Runs the pump at a lower speed during filtration-only periods.
• Raises speed only for cleaning, spa jets or water features.
• Schedules heating to avoid expensive hours.
• Turns off lights and features automatically.

Convenience

• One-touch scenes: A "party" setting that turns on the lights, features and spa.
• Remote checks: See pool status from the office or while traveling.
• Alerts: Some systems notify you of equipment problems.
• Freeze protection: Rare in South Florida, but useful on a cold night.
• Service access: Some systems let your pool service company check settings remotely.

Smart home integration

Many systems work with voice assistants, so you can ask for a temperature or turn on the lights by voice. Compatibility depends on the model. See our equipment guide for the pumps and heaters that connect to automation, and our lighting guide for compatible lights. If you want to add automation in Delray Beach, Boca Raton or nearby, ask for a free estimate.