Equipment Advice

[mattdirks]

After several Covid years of not being able to hire a pool contractor, our pool remodel is under way!

Looking for advice on equipment for my indoor pool. I still have the existing Aqualogic system, which has a T-Cell and Stenner pump for chlorine generation. In the past three years I purchased a new Hayward VSP and a new Hayward sand filter.

The automation was nice, in that the system ran both my spa and pool. However, I want to upgrade to something that I can control via home automation (SmartThings or Google), or at the very least an app on my phone.

Any advice on if I should keep existing equipment or upgrade everything?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

If you have a Hayward VSP, T-CEll, and sand filter then the natural upgrade to your Aqualogic system is the Hawyard OmniPL.

OmniPL Smart Pool and Spa Control | Hayward Pool Products

OmniPL™ offers powerful pool and spa automation for mid-range builds and renovations. Designed to provide the same high-end capabilities as our OmniLogic® system, OmniPL brings smart control for variable-speed pumps, salt systems, lighting and more.

www.hayward-pool.com

The Hayward OmniPL Retrofit Kit is designed to convert your old ProLogic, AquaLogic or AquaPlus into a web enabled pool automation control with convenient touchscreen interface. The conversion offers the next generation of technology to manage pool/spa equipment, allowing communication to web connected computers and mobile devices. You can now conveniently monitor your pool/spa and change settings anytime and from anywhere.

• Mobile control: Full access from any smartphone via the OmniLogic app (W-models)
• Voice control: Compatible with Amazon® Alexa® and Google Home® (W-models)

HLPROUPG OmniPL™ Retrofit Kit | Hayward Pool Products

Update an existing Hayward 4 or 8 relay automation system to OmniPL Pool and Spa Control with a quick and easy upgrade. Keep the panel and electrical wiring - update the circuit board, external touchscreen display and dead front of the panel.

www.hayward-pool.com

 

[mattdirks]

Awesome... Now just need to find someone to do the install... The pool contractor I have deals with Pentair systems.

Thanks for the prompt response and advice!

 

[mattdirks]

Matt, if you want to list your planned equipment here folks can give you input. We've often lead buyers from making mistakes in purchases and shown them better options.

Maddie

Totally game for that.

I added some of the current equipment to my profile, so hopefully that helps. The big question now is whether or not I need to upgrade my Aqua Logic system (it was suggested in another discussion thread that I should upgrade to OmniPL). I definitely need to replace my Sense and Dispense unit and likely need to upgrade my HCl feeder.

But, the biggest question seems to be what lights to put in and how to control them. My contractor is a Pentair dealer, so only knows anything about Pentair lights. When I was researching lights, I thought I came across something that said Hayward’s software would control other manufacturer’s lights, but I cannot seem to locate where I read that.

My contractor is concerned about the installation of the Hayward ColorLogic lights needing more PVC than he currently has installed through the concrete walls of the pool…citing that what he currently has will support the Pentair MicroBrites.

So…a couple of things that would help…

1. If all I want to do is add smarthome integration (Google + Smartthings), is it worth the expense of upgrading to OmniPL?
2. Is there a configuration that allows for Hayward control of Pentair MicroBrite lights?
3. Is there a different solution for Sense and Dispense + HCl? Or do I just replace that with new equipment of the same ilk?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[mattdirks]

Totally game for that.

I added some of the current equipment to my profile, so hopefully that helps. The big question now is whether or not I need to upgrade my Aqua Logic system (it was suggested in another discussion thread that I should upgrade to OmniPL). I definitely need to replace my Sense and Dispense unit and likely need to upgrade my HCl feeder.

But, the biggest question seems to be what lights to put in and how to control them. My contractor is a Pentair dealer, so only knows anything about Pentair lights. When I was researching lights, I thought I came across something that said Hayward’s software would control other manufacturer’s lights, but I cannot seem to locate where I read that.

My contractor is concerned about the installation of the Hayward ColorLogic lights needing more PVC than he currently has installed through the concrete walls of the pool…citing that what he currently has will support the Pentair MicroBrites.

So…a couple of things that would help…

1. If all I want to do is add smarthome integration (Google + Smartthings), is it worth the expense of upgrading to OmniPL?
2. Is there a configuration that allows for Hayward control of Pentair MicroBrite lights?
3. Is there a different solution for Sense and Dispense + HCl? Or do I just replace that with new equipment of the same ilk?

Thanks,
Matt

Any advice?

 

[BC78]

I am very happy with my Hayward automation system. Got the voice control through alexa setup so now I just tell alexa what temp I want the water, what speed I want the pump or if I want the water features on. The lights can also be controlled but I think i'm gonna have to rename the pool lights to something else as it's pretty close to other lights I have on the automation through Alexa. I also have an ipad mounted flush in a wall in the outdoor kitchen that I can control the features with in case the music is on loud. Well worth the upcharge for the Omnipl. Plus you can control any of this stuff when away from home too on your phone.