Modern Pool Automation

[physicsrob]

Hi all,
When I purchased my house about 5 years ago, it had a pool with an aqualink system. I installed an iaqualink 1.0 interface, which was a step in the right direction, but it still had a horrible user interface. A few years ago I upgraded to an iaqualink 2.0 interface, which was a step in the right direction, at least the interface was reliable. But the user interface is still horrible. I've dealt with the iaqualink user interface for a few years now, and I'm getting fed up. I hate it more every day.

Here are my problems:
1. The interface is super slow. You click on an icon and sometimes it doesn't register the click. It feels very clumsy.
2. There is an inadequate degree of automation. For instance, I live in California where the cost of electricity is very pricey. I have a solar heater, but it is too expensive to waste electricity on pumping water through the solar panels on a cold day. The aqualink has no way of conditionally running the solar/filter/etc. It's all based on a fixed schedule.
3. Changing the schedule is a huge pain. Lots of clicks on a very slow and clunky user interface. This discourages me from changing the schedule.
4. This is a bit on the extreme techy side, but I'd really like an API for interacting with my pool. For instance I'd like to be able to link the pool with IFTTT.

I think the thing that frustrates me most is that a pool controller is a fairly simple thing. I'm almost tempted to build my own pool controller (raspberry pi, some relays, a web interface, etc), but alas I don't have the spare time. I was hoping that the iAqualink user interface would be improved over time, but it's completely stagnant. It looks like a technology relic at this point.

I'm writing all of this to solicit advice. I'd really like a modern pool automation system. Something that is flexible. Something that can link with other products through an API (e.g. Alexa, IFTTT, etc). Something with a clean, modern user interface. I'm willing to pay money for this, but I don't want to spend over a thousand bucks for a system that is just a marginal improvement on what I have (although for my dream system, I would gladly hand over the cash).

Do any of the major pool controllers fit the bill? Can I be happy, or am I destined for frustration? Thanks in advance.

Equipment I'm controlling:
- Pentair VSP
- Solar Heater
- Hayward Gas Heater
- Pool/Spa valves
- Lighting
- Peristaltic Chlorine Pump (just an AUX circuit on a schedule)

 

[Jimrahbe]

Rob,

Good luck with that, most pool automation is stuck in the 70's...

You might look at the new Pentair IntelliCenter and check it out.. Search for posts by MyAZPool.. @MyAZPool ...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

2. There is an inadequate degree of automation. For instance, I live in California where the cost of electricity is very pricey. I have a solar heater, but it is too expensive to waste electricity on pumping water through the solar panels on a cold day. The aqualink has no way of conditionally running the solar/filter/etc. It's all based on a fixed schedule.
3. Changing the schedule is a huge pain. Lots of clicks on a very slow and clunky user interface. This discourages me from changing the schedule.

2. Even the 1980s-appearing Pentair EasyTouch can automate solar. You need a temperature probe at the solar panels as well as one in the pool flow. You set the target pool temperature, the temperature differences when to switch solar on and off, and the pump speeds when solar is engaged vs disengaged.

3. With proper automation (at least better than your iaqualink), you don't need to change schedules often, because most cases are handled when you initially set it up. I change my schedules twice a year, at the beginning and end of swim season.

 

[chiefwej]

Pool automation systems are overpriced, antiquated technology.

My pump (an Intelliflo) is programmed to come on in the a.m. at preselected speed to run the infloor heads. Then switch speeds to the minimum required for the SWG, which is controled by a simple Intermatic timer.

If heat is called for and available at the solar panel a ($250) SolarTouch controller ramps up the pump and opens the valve. When done it closes the valve and returns control to the pump.

After the pool is chlorinated for the day the pump slows to 1,000 rpm for some extra filtration. Late in evening it shuts down, then repeats the program the next day.

So, what I have a system which is programmed to clean, chlorinate, and heat the pool all automatically with no effort on my part. This is done with NO AUTOMATION SYSTEM, just using the onboard pump timer, a basic Intermatic timer, SolarTouch controller and one valve actuator. I never need touch the system except to adjust desired water temperature or SWG output.

An additional $200 investment in some smart switches has now added both remote and voice control of my spa pump, heater, pool and spa lights as well as my patio and barbecue lights.

Alexa pool control on a shoestring budget

I just spent the last few days completing my Alexa controlled pool and patio system. I can now turn on or off all of the following devices, either by voice command using Alexa, or via an iPhone app from any location: Spa pump Heater Spa light Pool light Patio light Barbecue light. The total...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[santacruzpool]

I completely agree with the original poster, current pool automation is very clumsy - especially the iAqualink 2.

I have posted in the past about what I would like to have in a good automation setup, but I don't think it will exist anytime soon.

Things like IFTT, Google Home, Alexa, activity logs, notification of errors, and automatic seasonal adjustments among other things would be great.

What I would love to see is some learning like Nest has, some better programming like Rachio and Rain Machine irrigation controllers have, and automatic weather based adjustments.

Finally, it would be great to have TFP logging built-in so that when you put in all of your test results it could suggest adjustments to filter run times, SWG %, PH additions, and other parameters. For jug users it could help track when and how much bleach to add based on test results, and actually learn how a pool behaves throughout a year.

I have a few other ideas as well. For now it is just something to imagine.