Looking to update our Automation system

[skygremlin]

I have an Aqua Link RS with a remote control panel pad in our house. I'd like to upgrade to a WiFi system and control everything thru an app and am hoping someone some experience.

Any more reviews / thoughts on the IAquaLink automation system? I see both Hayward and Pentair have App versions.. Anyone have thoughts on one over the other?

Below is what I have for equipment I’d also like to add in our landscaping lights so I don't have to run around our back yard turning our low voltage transformers on and off when we have guests.

Budget is a bit dodgy… I really don’t want to spend 1000 or higher... I talked with support for the IAqualink today and I'll have to get the IAQUALINK 2.0 UPGRADE KIT RS SYSTEMS IQ20-RS. Amazon has them for $588..

Equipment:

Pumps:

• 1 x Pentair Inteliflo Pump: Main pool pump
• 1 x Hayward Pump: Water Slide
• Spa
• 1 x Hayward Pump for the Jets
• 1 x Hayward Pump Water Feature (small waterfall)

Jandy Actuators:

• 2 x Jandy 2440 Actuators suction and return valves
• 1 Jandy Actuator to Solar Thermal on our roof. This is currently disconnected (was originally). The tubes had multiple leaks and were falling off the roof. I’d really like to reset this backup. Maybe I’ll start another post on if it’s really worth it, in Southern CA

Gold Line Salt Cell Generator
Hayward Heater

 

[Jimrahbe]

Sky,

I noticed that you have yet to receive an answer... I'll see if I can point one of our experts in your direction..

I did look up the upgrade kit and it appears to add a new front panel and circuit card, plus what you need to control things via a PC, Tablet or Phone.

If you are already controlling the items in your list above, the system should continue to do so.

As far as Landscape lighting, or any other external device, that would depend on if you have any open (unused relays).

Let's see if one of our Jandy experts can chime in...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[hubbard53]

I had the iAqualink system installed in my new pool and find it to be useful. My pool isnt complex - filter, SWG, cleaner, LEDs, spa, heater, bubbler - so not a lot of devices to control. But it would be a pain if I couldnt do it remotely. Just today the sitter called looking for the AquaLink remote so she could turn off the cleaner - I just used my app on my phone and did it from work. I like the ability to turn on the spa before leaving work and having it nice and hot when I get home - maybe not NOW but in the cooler months it will be nice

The Aqualink remote control is nice but it is slow. The iAqualink app makes it easier to use from ANYWHERE and makes scheduling easier too . . .

 

[jobybett]

I just upgraded my old Aqualink to the new iAquaLink wifi version, whilst the upgrade was easy, I really don't like the app. The actual app is very basic with 3 main panes, one showing temps and what main items are turned on, one for the 6 one touch modes that you have set up, and one for each Aux relay. To get to the main controls and programming plus all the VS pump data, and SWCG details (if you have the Jandy one) you have to use their web interface (loads in a frame on the app) its the same web interface that you can get to from any web browser, but it looks and feels like someone learning html for the first time coded it, its clunky, slow and not very intuitive. That said, it works, and it lets you do everything you want, eventually.

Bottom line, if I had my time again I'd probably look into other brands, but it works, and its much better than having to use the PDA or wall mount controller.

 

[skygremlin]

Sky,

I noticed that you have yet to receive an answer... I'll see if I can point one of our experts in your direction..

I did look up the upgrade kit and it appears to add a new front panel and circuit card, plus what you need to control things via a PC, Tablet or Phone.

If you are already controlling the items in your list above, the system should continue to do so.

As far as Landscape lighting, or any other external device, that would depend on if you have any open (unused relays).

Let's see if one of our Jandy experts can chime in...

Thanks,

Jim R.

OK - so I'm a bit hesitant to ask this, as it seems very basic... When you talk about open relays, are you talking about open connections on the Controller board, or openings in Breaker Box?

thanx

- - - Updated - - -

I just upgraded my old Aqualink to the new iAquaLink wifi version, whilst the upgrade was easy, I really don't like the app. The actual app is very basic with 3 main panes, one showing temps and what main items are turned on, one for the 6 one touch modes that you have set up, and one for each Aux relay. To get to the main controls and programming plus all the VS pump data, and SWCG details (if you have the Jandy one) you have to use their web interface (loads in a frame on the app) its the same web interface that you can get to from any web browser, but it looks and feels like someone learning html for the first time coded it, its clunky, slow and not very intuitive. That said, it works, and it lets you do everything you want, eventually.

Bottom line, if I had my time again I'd probably look into other brands, but it works, and its much better than having to use the PDA or wall mount controller.

Thanx any other suggestions on automation systems for a mixed environment (Hayward and Pentair pumps)? I keep finding the IAqualink..

 

[Jimrahbe]

OK - so I'm a bit hesitant to ask this, as it seems very basic... When you talk about open relays, are you talking about open connections on the Controller board, or openings in Breaker Box? thanx

On my Pentair system, I have an electronics unit at the top of the enclosure and then a number of Switches (Relays) that get turned on or off by the electronics in the bottom of the enclosure... These switches control things that use AC power, like pump motors, landscape lighting, Pool lights, pad lights, etc.

I "assumed" that your automation would be similar, but maybe not in your case...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[skygremlin]

On my Pentair system, I have an electronics unit at the top of the enclosure and then a number of Switches (Relays) that get turned on or off by the electronics in the bottom of the enclosure... These switches control things that use AC power, like pump motors, landscape lighting, Pool lights, pad lights, etc.

I "assumed" that your automation would be similar, but maybe not in your case...

Thanks,

Jim R.

Ahh ok - so we're talking about ports/connections on the AquaLink Controller board... Makes sense.. Thanx..

 

[missionman]

Sky,
I just replaced the board in my Aqualink RS firmware version I with the IQ20RS upgrade. It was quite simple and only took about 20 minutes. As others have said the app is not all that great but I just use the portal on their web site on it works pretty slick on my phone or iPad. I found it to be a better option for me than buying a whole different automation system.