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=Pool Automation= | =Pool Automation= | ||
| − | Automation helps you with pool maintenance, but it will not replace the need for you to test your water, understand what you are looking at, and then | + | Automation helps you with pool maintenance, but it will not replace the need for you to test your water, understand what you are looking at, and then make sure your water is balanced.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/automation.179649/post-1588112</ref> |
| − | The main downside to automation is cost. Before going too far down this path, you | + | The main downside to automation is cost. Before going too far down this path, you should ask your PB what it will cost. That said, the best time to install automation is when the pool is being built because all the connections to the system can be made without having to figure out how you are to get power across 50' of the new deck. Also, the additional cost, when compared to the price of the pool, will be minuscule. |
| − | Automation systems work best when the same brand is used because | + | Automation systems work best when the same brand is used because the pieces can "talk" together. |
==Advantages of Having a Pool Automation System== | ==Advantages of Having a Pool Automation System== | ||
===Appearance=== | ===Appearance=== | ||
| − | Instead of having a bunch of different boxes hanging on your wall you have one | + | Instead of having a bunch of different boxes hanging on your wall, you have one professional-looking enclosure. |
===Circuit Breaker Panel=== | ===Circuit Breaker Panel=== | ||
The bottom half of the enclosure is a circuit-breaker panel where the breakers for your pool equipment (Pumps, Heater, etc.) are located. | The bottom half of the enclosure is a circuit-breaker panel where the breakers for your pool equipment (Pumps, Heater, etc.) are located. | ||
| − | This panel is also an excellent place to add surge protector, which is an absolute must if you have the IntelliFlo or other variable speed pumps. Even if you do not get the automation, | + | This panel is also an excellent place to add a surge protector, which is an absolute must if you have the IntelliFlo or other variable-speed pumps. Even if you do not get the automation, ensure your PB includes a surge protector for the pump. |
===SWG Control=== | ===SWG Control=== | ||
| − | Without automation, your SWG | + | Without automation, your SWG must have a timer synced to the pump timer, or other method, to prevent it from running when the pump is off. This function is built into most Automation panels, but you need to confirm that the SWG you select can be controlled by the Automation panels you choose. |
===Spa mode and SWG output=== | ===Spa mode and SWG output=== | ||
| − | + | Usually, all the water flows through the SWG. When in Spa mode, an Automation panel can reduce the amount of chlorine the SWG produces so that the Spa users are not subjected to high chlorine levels. | |
===Pool Lighting=== | ===Pool Lighting=== | ||
| − | Automation panels | + | Automation panels allow you to control pool lighting from your PC and/or schedule. This is another reason to add the automation during the pool build. Once your pool light is wired to switches inside your house, getting the wiring to any automation system might be very difficult. |
| − | ===Control of Spill-over and | + | ===Control of Spill-over and Bubblers=== |
| − | Right now I'm sure you | + | Right now, I'm sure you think you want that spillover to run 24 hours a day because it is so beautiful. After a few weeks of having your pH go through the roof, you'll appreciate the ability to turn it on only when you want it on—the same with the bubblers. With most Automation panels, you can program them to run on a schedule for a few minutes a day to keep everything adequately chlorinated or when you want to "show off" to your guests. |
===Relay Control=== | ===Relay Control=== | ||
| − | + | The automation panels have four (really three) or more relays that can be used to control other things, such as Booster pumps, Spa blowers, landscape lights, etc…. Some Automation panels can be expanded later, while others are fixed with what you initially get. | |
===Built in Valve controls=== | ===Built in Valve controls=== | ||
| − | + | The automation panels can control four valves or more. Two work for switching between the Pool and Spa modes, while two others can be programmed to do whatever you might want, like bubbler control. Many bubblers are controlled by manual valves that cannot be automated. You must tell your PB you want diverter valves for your bubbler control. | |
===Heater Control=== | ===Heater Control=== | ||
| − | Automation panels can control your heater. So, you can be inside and tell your PC what temperature you want the Spa to be and it will tell you when it is ready. | + | Automation panels can control your heater. So, you can be inside and tell your PC what temperature you want the Spa to be, and it will tell you when it is ready. |
===Solar System=== | ===Solar System=== | ||
| − | Some Automation panels have a built-in solar controller. | + | Some Automation panels have a built-in solar controller. However, it does use one of the valve outputs to run. |
===PC/App Controls=== | ===PC/App Controls=== | ||
| − | Most Automation panels have some form of PC and/or app controls. Some are bundled with the panel and some are additional cost add-ons. Programming the system is usually easier on a PC or | + | Most Automation panels have some form of PC and/or app controls. Some are bundled with the panel, and some are additional cost add-ons. Programming the system is usually easier on a PC or app than using the panel controls on the equipment pad. |
| − | Pentair ScreenLogic allows you to program the EasyTouch with various schedules. It lets you see most | + | Pentair ScreenLogic allows you to program the EasyTouch with various schedules. It lets you see most of the inputs and outputs to the EasyTouch, decide what you want on/off, and adjust the percentage of output on the fly in the case of your SWG. |
===Variable Speed pumps=== | ===Variable Speed pumps=== | ||
| − | Automation panels can be programmed to adjust your pump’s speed. So when running just the pool, it can run slow, but when running your waterfall, | + | Automation panels can be programmed to adjust your pump’s speed. So, when running just the pool, it can run slow, but when running your waterfall, the automation will automatically increase the speed to make your waterfall or other water features look precisely how you want them to look. |
==Things to Discuss with a Pool Builder about Pool Automation== | ==Things to Discuss with a Pool Builder about Pool Automation== | ||
| − | Will the system allow for control by your PC, phone or tablet?<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/automation-upgrade-cost.194209/post-1711901</ref> | + | *Will the system allow for control by your PC, phone, or tablet?<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/automation-upgrade-cost.194209/post-1711901</ref> |
| + | *What will the system control vs. what you want it to control? | ||
| + | *Will it switch between the pool and spa mode? (Most do) | ||
| + | *Will it turn any water features on/off? | ||
| + | *Are any actuators included? Did the pool builder use ball valves that actuators can't control? | ||
| + | *Will it control your lights? If so, how many are there, and can you control the color of each light independently? | ||
| + | *Will you have a SWCG? Will the automation control it? | ||
| + | *Now would be the time to go with a VS pump... Will your new automation system control a VS pump? | ||
| + | *What kind of remote controls come with the system? | ||
| − | + | The key here is to tell your pool builder what you envision happening when you press a button and then let the pool builder tell you what that system will cost. | |
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Latest revision as of 23:29, 20 November 2024
Pool Automation
Automation helps you with pool maintenance, but it will not replace the need for you to test your water, understand what you are looking at, and then make sure your water is balanced.[1]
The main downside to automation is cost. Before going too far down this path, you should ask your PB what it will cost. That said, the best time to install automation is when the pool is being built because all the connections to the system can be made without having to figure out how you are to get power across 50' of the new deck. Also, the additional cost, when compared to the price of the pool, will be minuscule.
Automation systems work best when the same brand is used because the pieces can "talk" together.
Advantages of Having a Pool Automation System
Appearance
Instead of having a bunch of different boxes hanging on your wall, you have one professional-looking enclosure.
Circuit Breaker Panel
The bottom half of the enclosure is a circuit-breaker panel where the breakers for your pool equipment (Pumps, Heater, etc.) are located.
This panel is also an excellent place to add a surge protector, which is an absolute must if you have the IntelliFlo or other variable-speed pumps. Even if you do not get the automation, ensure your PB includes a surge protector for the pump.
SWG Control
Without automation, your SWG must have a timer synced to the pump timer, or other method, to prevent it from running when the pump is off. This function is built into most Automation panels, but you need to confirm that the SWG you select can be controlled by the Automation panels you choose.
Spa mode and SWG output
Usually, all the water flows through the SWG. When in Spa mode, an Automation panel can reduce the amount of chlorine the SWG produces so that the Spa users are not subjected to high chlorine levels.
Pool Lighting
Automation panels allow you to control pool lighting from your PC and/or schedule. This is another reason to add the automation during the pool build. Once your pool light is wired to switches inside your house, getting the wiring to any automation system might be very difficult.
Control of Spill-over and Bubblers
Right now, I'm sure you think you want that spillover to run 24 hours a day because it is so beautiful. After a few weeks of having your pH go through the roof, you'll appreciate the ability to turn it on only when you want it on—the same with the bubblers. With most Automation panels, you can program them to run on a schedule for a few minutes a day to keep everything adequately chlorinated or when you want to "show off" to your guests.
Relay Control
The automation panels have four (really three) or more relays that can be used to control other things, such as Booster pumps, Spa blowers, landscape lights, etc…. Some Automation panels can be expanded later, while others are fixed with what you initially get.
Built in Valve controls
The automation panels can control four valves or more. Two work for switching between the Pool and Spa modes, while two others can be programmed to do whatever you might want, like bubbler control. Many bubblers are controlled by manual valves that cannot be automated. You must tell your PB you want diverter valves for your bubbler control.
Heater Control
Automation panels can control your heater. So, you can be inside and tell your PC what temperature you want the Spa to be, and it will tell you when it is ready.
Solar System
Some Automation panels have a built-in solar controller. However, it does use one of the valve outputs to run.
PC/App Controls
Most Automation panels have some form of PC and/or app controls. Some are bundled with the panel, and some are additional cost add-ons. Programming the system is usually easier on a PC or app than using the panel controls on the equipment pad.
Pentair ScreenLogic allows you to program the EasyTouch with various schedules. It lets you see most of the inputs and outputs to the EasyTouch, decide what you want on/off, and adjust the percentage of output on the fly in the case of your SWG.
Variable Speed pumps
Automation panels can be programmed to adjust your pump’s speed. So, when running just the pool, it can run slow, but when running your waterfall, the automation will automatically increase the speed to make your waterfall or other water features look precisely how you want them to look.
Things to Discuss with a Pool Builder about Pool Automation
- Will the system allow for control by your PC, phone, or tablet?[2]
- What will the system control vs. what you want it to control?
- Will it switch between the pool and spa mode? (Most do)
- Will it turn any water features on/off?
- Are any actuators included? Did the pool builder use ball valves that actuators can't control?
- Will it control your lights? If so, how many are there, and can you control the color of each light independently?
- Will you have a SWCG? Will the automation control it?
- Now would be the time to go with a VS pump... Will your new automation system control a VS pump?
- What kind of remote controls come with the system?
The key here is to tell your pool builder what you envision happening when you press a button and then let the pool builder tell you what that system will cost.
.
