Pool automation controllers

[richardmac64]

When looking to have a controller to manage the pump (on/off/speed), heater , lights... will any controller be able to manage any equipment (different brands).
Example: Pentair easytouch, with a Hayward pump and heater, pentair lighting ....
Also can any pump / heater be controlled?

For instance, Hayward pool pump Tristar VS comes in 2 models (SP3200VSP - stand alone) and (SP3200VSPND - controlled by Hayward Automation).
Would the stand alone be able to be connected to a controller in the future?

Thanks

 

[JasonLion]

There are significant advantages to matching the brand of variable speed pump to the brand of automation. There are ways to get things to work even if the brands don't match, but they tend to use up several relays in the automation system and give you much less flexibility in what you can program the system to do.

The SP3200VSP in particular does support external control via external relays. To be useful you would probably want to assign three relays in the automation system to controlling the pump. In contrast, the SP3200VSPND connected to a Hayward automation system is controlled through a data cable and doesn't have to use up any relays (though one relay is often left assigned to the pump for various reasons).

 

[Hayward Pool]

Much better to match the systems.