Should I bother considering automation?

[IceShadow]

Looking ahead to pool equipment updates over the next year or two, and wondering if it's worth it.

I do like having an app or something so I could turn up the heater remotely, or change the pump settings remotely, but that might be a lot of expense for what I can get.

I currently have a Pentair SuperFlo VS pump and a Raypak 206a heater. Before I add automation I'll likely add a SWCG, but I imagine any thought toward automation would also likely drive which SWCG I'd look at.

No spa, the only valve on the system controls input between skimmer and side port and is rarely moved. I do have a WaterGuru, which I know doesn't plug into anything for automation, but does give me some chem readings (that I confirm periodically with the Taylor testing). Is there any benefit automation would give me aside from potentially remotely controlling heat and pump speed?

 

[Newdude]

You aren't allowed to spend a dime to make things easier, before you have a SWG. I'm sorry, I don't make the rules.

 

[IceShadow]

You aren't allowed to spend a dime to make things easier, before you have a SWG. I'm sorry, I don't make the rules.

SWCG is the first step, but I want to look down the road when it comes time to get the SWCG to ensure compatibility if I do want automation later.

 

[Newdude]

SWCG is the first step

Ok, PHEW. Carry on then.

People be all spending $5 a gallon to go get bleach for $5+ a gallon.

 

[jark87]

I’ve never really understood the remote access thing for pools. I guess if I could see diagnostic info, like error codes or pump failure, I’d appreciate being able to monitor things while away, but if I’m home using the pool, I don’t need remote access. We have a panel mounted on the wall just outside of our master bedroom and I also have physical switches at the spa that let me turn the spa off and on (but no heat control) and that’s all I need. We’ve never heated the pool - only the spa, and when we use the heated spa, it’s no big deal to set the temp from inside the house. We know the temp we want, so we set it for that and don’t alter the setting. I set my programs for the summer and rarely touch the controls until it’s time to change settings for the fall/winter.

 

[IceShadow]

I’ve never really understood the remote access thing for pools. I guess if I could see diagnostic info, like error codes or pump failure, I’d appreciate being able to monitor things while away, but if I’m home using the pool, I don’t need remote access. We have a panel mounted on the wall just outside of our master bedroom and I also have physical switches at the spa that let me turn the spa off and on (but no heat control) and that’s all I need. We’ve never heated the pool - only the spa, and when we use the heated spa, it’s no big deal to set the temp from inside the house. We know the temp we want, so we set it for that and don’t alter the setting. I set my programs for the summer and rarely touch the controls until it’s time to change settings for the fall/winter.

Texas has a very different climate from Wisconsin. ;D If we didn't heat the pool we'd have about 2 weeks worth of swimming in 80 degree + water in mid-August and otherwise would be trying to enjoy our 70-75 degree pool for 3 months.

That said the way you're handling it now is the way I am handling it now, too. Set the pool for 85, set the pump to run 24/7 at a very low speed except for 6 hours or so from 11am-5pm at a high enough level that the heater kicks in and then near full speed for 1-2 hours to increase skimming action. Means my pool is 85 in the late afternoon / evening when I would want to swim, and pretty dang clean. Robot is set to clean the floor each day at 3pm so the floor is cleaned off too.

Ok, PHEW. Carry on then.

People be all spending $5 a gallon to go get bleach for $5+ a gallon.

Bleach near me is $4/gal at Menards where it is minty fresh (usually only 2-3 weeks old) and it's right down the street, so that's less of a concern for me. Still, I won't be considering automation before eliminating the need to haul chlorine jugs.

 

[1poolman1]

Looking ahead to pool equipment updates over the next year or two, and wondering if it's worth it.

I do like having an app or something so I could turn up the heater remotely, or change the pump settings remotely, but that might be a lot of expense for what I can get.

I currently have a Pentair SuperFlo VS pump and a Raypak 206a heater. Before I add automation I'll likely add a SWCG, but I imagine any thought toward automation would also likely drive which SWCG I'd look at.

No spa, the only valve on the system controls input between skimmer and side port and is rarely moved. I do have a WaterGuru, which I know doesn't plug into anything for automation, but does give me some chem readings (that I confirm periodically with the Taylor testing). Is there any benefit automation would give me aside from potentially remotely controlling heat and pump speed?

It really depends on how important it is and how much control YOU want in your hand.
Both Pentair and Jandy make single-body of water systems. So, people must buy them. I've installed a few. You need to ask yourself, "After the newness wears off, will I still use it?"

 

[IceShadow]

On one hand, the setup I have now works.

On the other hand, I do use the online start feature of our Dolphin pretty often.

On the other other hand, my wife hates home automation because she works tech support for AT&T internet service and deals with people whining all day that because their internet is down they can’t change their thermostat/turn off their lights/flush their toilet.

Probably will come down to projected costs and confidence of self-install.

 

[guinness]

Based on your setup a basic automation system like the Pentair IntelliConnect would be an option. Off the bat you would be able to control your heater remotely. You can also add an IntelliChlor (w/ power center) later. Unfortunately the only supported VS pump is the Intelliflo, so your SuperFlo can't be controlled unless you use the External Control Wiring Kit and use the two available relays for speed control.