For many Florida homeowners, an inground pool is the ultimate backyard addition and a key part of the Florida lifestyle. With nearly year-round swimming weather, pools get constant use. But keeping a pool properly maintained and optimized can be a headache. This is where pool automation systems come in – high-tech solutions that allow for intelligent monitoring and automation of almost every aspect of a pool.
Pool automation takes the work out of owning a pool and makes it far more enjoyable. By automatically controlling equipment like pumps, heaters, lights, cleaners and more, automation systems provide convenience, save energy, and optimize water usage. With smartphone app integration, homeowners can control their backyard paradise with the push of a button.
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of pool automation for homeowners, key system components to understand, and considerations for integrating automation into your Florida lifestyle.
Main Benefits of Pool Automation
Convenience
One of the biggest perks of pool automation is hands-off convenience. Instead of manually turning equipment on and off and adjusting settings, a full automation setup allows homeowners to control and schedule operation from anywhere. Want to preheat the pool before a weekend party? Turn up the heater and pumps from your phone at the office Friday afternoon.
With a robust automation system, you can have total control of every pump, filter, light, heater, cleaner and more from an easy-to-use app. This allows you to set customized schedules and change settings with a tap as needed. The overall convenience and freedom automation provides is a game-changer for pool owners.
Energy Efficiency
Pool equipment like pumps and heaters are notorious energy hogs, especially if run longer than necessary. Pool automation allows you to precisely control schedules to minimize equipment runtimes and optimize energy usage.
For example, integrating a variable speed pump with automation technology allows water circulation and filtration to happen at lower speeds, saving significantly on electricity costs. Smart integration of a pool heater and cover can also help cut back on heating needs. The overall efficiency gains of automation help your pool setup achieve a greener, more cost-effective operation.
Water Conservation
In many areas, including parts of Florida, water scarcity is a major issue. Pool automation provides optimization of water usage and chemistry through real-time monitoring and dosing of sanitizers and balancing of pH. This prevents water waste from your pool’s levels becoming unbalanced.
Automated chemical dosing, tracking of filter runtimes, and monitoring water replacement needs are more ways automation helps conserve and protect every drop in your pool. In a hot climate like Florida, this is a key consideration.
Safety
Safety should be top of mind for any pool owner, especially with kids and pets around. Here again, automation lends a hand. Automatic safety covers triggered by sensors, alarms for gates and doors, and even pool surface tracking help prevent accidents. Knowing your pool is monitored 24/7 provides peace of mind.
Key Automation System Components
Now that we’ve covered the main benefits, let’s look at some of the key components that make up a pool automation system:
Automation Controller
This smart hub is essentially the brains of your automation system, integrating and controlling all the various components. Automation controllers come in wired and wireless versions and may be installed indoors or outdoors. Selecting the right controller for your needs and setup is critical.
Pumps
Variable speed smart pumps optimized for automation are a great upgrade over traditional single-speed models. Connecting to the controller, automated pumps allow for maximum efficiency in circulation, filtration, heating and cleaning. Low RPM speeds save dramatically on energy costs.
Lights
LED lighting technology allows for brilliant illumination of your entire poolscape – interior pool, exterior landscapes, water features and more. Automated color-changing LEDs can be scheduled through an app, creating perfect ambience for any occasion.
Sensors
There are sensors available to monitor pretty much any aspect of your pool environment – water chemistry, temperature, level, motion, gate security, weather and more. Sensor data allows automation systems to respond and make adjustments automatically.
Cover and Cleaner Systems
Automatic safety pool covers and robotic cleaners are popular automation options. Connected to the controller, both provide added convenience, and safety covers also aid efficiency and conserve energy when closed.
Remote Access and Control
The ability to monitor and control your pool from anywhere via smartphone, tablet, or web app is a key advantage of automation. Whether across town or across the country for vacation, connectivity provides convenience and peace of mind.
Considerations for Florida Homeowners
When exploring pool automation for your home, keep the following considerations in mind:
- Upfront Costs – There is definitely an initial investment required for automation equipment, design, and professional installation. This will vary based on the scope of your system. However, automation offers long-term savings on energy and water.
- New Build vs Retrofit – Building automation capabilities into a new pool from the start is easier and more cost-effective than retrofitting an existing pool. But many automation components can be integrated into older pools.
- Professional Installation – Given the complexity involved, hiring a qualified pool builder/contractor who specializes in automation is strongly advised. They can properly design, install, integrate and program the system.
- Ongoing Management – While automated, pool systems still require periodic maintenance, testing and adjustments. Understand what type of monitoring and management will be required from you or a pool service after installation.
Conclusion
For Florida homeowners who want to get the most enjoyment out of their investment in a backyard pool and spa, integrating automation technology is worth considering. The convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind offered by today’s automation systems can truly elevate your pool and lifestyle. If you’re in the market for a new pool or looking to upgrade an existing one, contact us today to learn more about automation options for your Florida home!
We are expert pool builders servicing Palm Coast, St Augustine, and surrounding cities. If you have any questions about building your own dream pool, contact us.
