What Pool Automation Controls
A pool automation system is a central control hub that connects to and manages every electrical component in your pool equipment pad. The foundation of most systems is variable-speed pump scheduling — programming the pump to run at low speed for filtration during off-peak hours, ramp up for cleaning cycles, and reduce to minimum speed overnight. This single function typically produces energy savings sufficient to recover the automation system's cost within two to three seasons, since variable-speed pumps consume dramatically less electricity at reduced speeds (power consumption scales with the cube of speed — running at half speed consumes roughly one-eighth the power).
Beyond pump control, automation systems manage heater setpoints and temperature scheduling, pool and spa switching for combination pools, water feature valves and pumps, pool lighting color and scene programming, and salt chlorine generator output percentage. Systems with chemical automation options can also integrate with liquid chlorine dosing pumps and pH control systems for near-fully automatic water chemistry management.