Switching to web or app based controls

[ron_jeremy]

Our home is located in Palm springs, CA but we're there only a few months per year. The pool system is always running & is maintained twice per week by a local service company.

Quite often we have family members staying at the house throughout the year (while we're away). During this time there is often lots of back n forth phone calls & text messages about how to heat the pool or turn on the spa, etc.

Are there web/app based controls available for our setup that I can use instead of our current system? The household Internet service is on all year, so I'd love to be able to control the pool functions remotely, pre-heat the pool for incoming family, etc.

Below are pics of our current setup (there's also a heater). What are my options?

 

[kadavis]

https://www.iaqualink.com/en, it would be the easiest upgrade for you. Just make sure you have a strong WiFi signal at the equipment area

 

[ron_jeremy]

Thanks! I will run ethernet cable for a better connection.

 

[ron_jeremy]

Just spent some time reading through the Jandy product/installation manuals for their iAquaLink system but have some questions:

Couldn't we simply replace the RS keypad that's in the house? My thinking is that the keypad is already hard wired to the pool control center box in the backyard, isn't it? So, why not replace the keypad with a different model that adds wifi/ethernet/app functionality instead of buying the entire iAquaLink system?

What am I not understanding here?

 

[kadavis]

The indoor controller only communicates with the board in the control panel. The chip that runs everything is on the board. There is no indoor panel from Jandy that is WiFi enabled. Part of the RS upgrade includes the Web connect device that connects to new board. Depending on the current version of your system will determine if you need the whole upgrade. I believe the Upgrade bundle is the most cost effective.

 

[kadavis]

You could install the web connect device indoors next to your panel and piggyback the wires to connect to control panel also

 

[ron_jeremy]

The indoor controller only communicates with the board in the control panel. The chip that runs everything is on the board. There is no indoor panel from Jandy that is WiFi enabled. Part of the RS upgrade includes the Web connect device that connects to new board. Depending on the current version of your system will determine if you need the whole upgrade. I believe the Upgrade bundle is the most cost effective.

Hi @kadavis , thx for the help. Are you aware of any 3rd party Jandy-compatible network capable keypads that I could use instead of the RS? The more I think about the iAqualink system the more non-sensical it becomes considering the keypad basically does nothing other than issue commands to the control box.

 

[PoolGate]

You have aqualink but need to upgrade to iaqualink. I suggest calling jandy and ask exactly what you need since the upgrade depends on how many control circuits you have. The upgrade I believe is around $800. There are no aftermarket makers for jandy products. I did this upgrade to mine it's fairly simple and something you should be able to do yourself if you're handy.

 

[PoolGate]

Btw that wall controller you have is like $600.

 

[PoolGate]

The kit you need is IQ20-RS.

 

[ron_jeremy]

Hi @PoolGate , thx for the info. I've been doing lots of research on thismatter. I went to our local pool supplies shop (Leslie's Pool) but they were not able to help me. However, they're sending a service tech over later this week to have a look at our system & give us a quote.

Considering there's a keypad already in the house that's wired to the main control box, I'm having a hard time seeing how this is nothing more than a keypad swap to a unit with wifi/ethernet capability. We'll see what the tech says.

 

[PoolGate]

There is a wireless version of that keypad but it's just the connection between the keypad and the main unit. It doesn't add wireless capability to your system. To do that, you change the main chip in your system and add a wireless antenna. This is what comes in that IQ20RS kit I mentioned. Calling Leslie's will cost you a fortune. This is something you can do yourself it's a 1 hour job.

I think you are thinking of home alarm systems where the keypad is what adds wireless capability.

 

[ron_jeremy]

Just watched the Jandy installation videos on Youtube. Wow! All I can say is wow! Jandy calls for the wifi antenna to be installed outside at the control box instead of being built-in to the keypad that's already in the house and within wifi coverage. Unless I'm totally missing something, I gotta say this is a totally messed up & stupid design.

 

[ron_jeremy]

Calling Leslie's will cost you a fortune. This is something you can do yourself it's a 1 hour job.

Agreed. I've already cancelled the appointment.

I do not like the overall design of this setup but it doesn't look like I have another option. Why Jandy just couldn't make a wifi version of the RS is beyond me.

 

[PoolGate]

Fyi: if your entire system is as old as your saltwater generator it may not be new enough to upgrade I think you need rev R or newer. If that is the case you're looking at $3k-$5k to upgrade if you have it done.

 

[PoolGate]

The controllers are just interfaces into the system. The system is where the system brains are located.

 

[ron_jeremy]

The controllers are just interfaces into the system. The system is where the system brains are located.

That's my point. I'm not looking to add extra controls, etc. All we want is to remotely control the RS keypad that's already connected to main system box.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to the state of the art of pool equipment vendors. You will notice none of them are located in a major tech center.

 

[PoolGate]

On the brighter side you will love it once you do the upgrade. You will be able to control the equipment from anywhere that has internet access both from your smartphone or any Internet browser. Better yet, if you ever have any issues Jandy tech support will be able to get into your system to see what is wrong.

 

[Shummel]

Try autelis.com