Hayward App automation alternatives

pwa2003

Gold Supporter
Oct 29, 2022
57
Tulsa, OK
Pool Size
23163
Surface
Plaster
We had the Hayward Automation system installed original to the pool build in 2021. It looks like Hayward "OmniPL" panel (see photo). The one we have is installed at the pool equipment pad outside. I can see the benefit of having the Omni Panel controller at the equipment pad, and don't really want to move it from there. We've relied on the Hayward App, which is somewhat of a frustration. Not 100% sure if it's Hayward App issue or a weak wi-fi signal to the pad. Now, this Omni unit does look to have an RJ-45 Ethernet port on the underside... and I did plant a conduit underground at the time of original build in case I wanted lo-voltage wiring, lighting or ethernet out there. I'm also planning an "internet & wi-fi" system upgrade to the entire house anyways, so I'm thinking about leveraging the underground conduit I planted to run ethernet directly to the OmniPL.

Does anyone have experience with direct ethernet connection to their Omni touch pad controllers? Will it be worth the effort? And did it enhance the connection performance overall.. or at least to the app?

Also, I'd like to get away from the app, and was condidering a 2nd controller-- for inside the house. Ideally it would be a tablet with the Hayward Omni programming and mobile/wi-fi so I can bring it poolside. I would use this pad in ADDITION to the OmniPL controller I have at the equipment pad. I came across this wireless Hayward unit on the internet (it has two awful reviews on Amazon), so I'm hesitant. See photos. Anyone with real-life experience for this wireless controller? Would there be a conflict with this wireless unit & the Omni touchpad I have at the Equipment pad? Or will it work like a 3-way light switch?

Thank you.
 

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The phone app is laggy sometimes. Haywards Wi-Fi chip in the controller does not like 5g so running a wired connection would be great. As far as the inside Wi-Fi controller I have had no experience with them.