Technology has evolved drastically in the past 10 years—so much so that you can control most things with the push of a few buttons.
Whether it be cell phones, tablets, remotes, control panels, or any other gadgets, so many aspects of our lives can be controlled by such devices. And in our case, swimming pools are no exception.
Inground pools can be controlled by something called swimming pool automation, which is essentially a control hub for many features included in a swimming pool. Depending on which features you include in your pool package upon purchase and installation, the control panel can accommodate MOST of those features.
This is a great feature as you can control your pool from afar and is the standard for most pool projects.
So, in this article, we’ll be giving you all of the information about what swimming pool automation is, what it does, and the advantages/disadvantages that it comes with!
What Does Swimming Pool Automation Look Like?
As we mentioned, swimming pool automation is essentially the term for controlling a swimming pool’s features from a control panel as pictured below.
The control panel is inside of a box that can be locked when not in use. It is also often located near the pump/filter system or attached to the side of a home.
If it is attached to the side of your home, you may be able to just step out of the back door and turn some of the pool features on/off. Therefore, the convenience factor may be a valuable aspect to you and make it worth the inclusion.
What Does Swimming Pool Automation Control?
What we first want to note is that swimming pool automation DOES NOT control water chemistry. Maintaining the proper pH levels requires the addition of chemicals on a regular basis, which cannot be done without manual labor from the pool owner.
However, the control panel will allow you to manage the following features:
- Pump
- Heater
- Filter
- Lighting
- Bubblers
- Deck Jets
- Waterfalls
- Spas
So, you can use the control panel to turn these features on/off, set them to operate for a specific amount of time, place the filter system on specific settings, and much more!
How Much Does Swimming Pool Automation Cost?
You probably know as well as we do that some swimming pool features can cost a pretty penny. However, automation is one of the less expensive features with some of the most convenience of them all.
An automation system can range between $1,500-$4,800; the cost is dependent on a few things such as:
- Pool type (concrete, vinyl liner, or fiberglass)
- Pool size
- Complexity of design
- Brand/model of automation system
- Compatibility of automation system with a smartphone app
Can You Install an Automation System on an Existing Inground Pool?
The quick answer is yes!
In fact, we actually recommend that you wait to install a pool automation system if you are looking to save money on the initial purchase of an inground pool.
So perhaps you have an older pool that was built during a time when swimming pool automation wasn’t as prominent as it is now. In that case, you can upgrade your pool to include an automation system and modernize your pool.
On the other hand, perhaps you’re looking to purchase a pool but your budget can’t quite cover an automation system. The good news is you can wait a few years to install an automation system—and who knows what the technology could look like then!
Do You Need a Swimming Pool Automation System?
The features of your pool will dictate if an automation system is a necessary addition. If you don’t have an assortment of equipment that can be operated from a control panel, an automation system may not be in the cards for you, and that’s great! It can save you both time and money!
We just want to accomplish our everyday goal of providing you with the most information possible so you can be educated about all things swimming pools.
If you have any further questions regarding pool automation systems, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (219)-322-2797 or visit our Learning Center for more articles like this!
