Helpful Tips On How To Automate Your Pool
Almost everything in your home can be automated, your lights, security, heating and even your swimming pool. If you don’t have pool automation already but are considering it, you may be wondering what’s involved and how it works? We’ve compiled some tips to help you on your way.
What is pool automation?
You’ve probably heard of pool automation before but in case you aren’t exactly sure of what it is, we’ll quickly explain before diving into our pool automation tips. Pool automation is simply controlling your pool equipment and features from an automation device rather than having to manually do it. It can significantly minimise the amount of time and money you spend on looking after your pool.
Tip 1. Research
If you’re reading this, it’s a good chance that you’re already researching pool automation, if not, its the first thing you should do before purchasing a system to ensure it’s the best fit for you. First, you will need to establish how much you are willing to spend and decide which areas of your pool you would like to automate. Over the years, pool automation products have become increasingly popular and there are plenty of options out there to choose from. Check out online reviews, this will give you a good idea of which systems offer the best features and value for money.
Tip 2. Start small
If a full automation system is out of the budget, you can still automate one or two aspects of your pool to begin with. You can customise which things you want to automate, meaning you can schedule automation for the most time-consuming features and add the rest as you go. Another great thing about pool automation systems is that they don’t have to be integrated into the pool when you are building it so you can always add it later on. You just have to make sure that the pool equipment you choose has automation capabilities. If you already have a pool and your equipment doesn’t have automation capabilities, worry not, it can still be installed using intelligent automation.
What can I automate?
Here are some of the most popular features you can automate:
- Lights
- Heating
- Circulation system
- Water chemistry
- Automatic pool cleaner
- Retractable pool cover
Tip 3. Consider smart automation
Following on from above, those that have an existing pool and equipment can benefit from smart automation. So how does it work? Smart automation systems have a sensor layer integrated into them which can convert your existing equipment into a smart system. You can control every aspect of your pool from your smart device or voice assistant. By doing this you can drastically reduce the amount of energy your pool consumes and the level of commitment needed to keep the pool clean. Smart technology is quite simple to install and it may not be as expensive as you think with smart options starting at as little as a few hundred dollars.
Tip 4. Set up your automation system
Once you have decided on your system and which components you want to automate, the next thing you’ll need to do is set it up. Depending on whether you have an existing system or not you may need to hire a professional electrician to install it. If you are going to do it yourself, here is how:
- Automation systems operate using Wi-Fi so you will need to have this set up for it to work. If you have a poor connection this will affect how well your system works and it may not run your pool sufficiently.
You will need to check if your existing equipment is compatible with automation technology or not and purchase a system to match.
Some systems you can set up yourself relatively easily others are more complicated and you’ll need to hire a professional electrician to connect it safely and correctly.
For those with DIY automation systems, the process is as follows in most cases:
- Connect your new system to power, plug your pool equipment into the automation system.
- Following the instructions in your manual, search for your home Wi-Fi and connect to it.
- Download the app on your preferred smart device. This will be used to control the automated functions of your pool.
- Check to see if it is working via the interface of the system and through the app
Tip 5. For the ultimate convenience connect automation system to a voice assistant
It’s a good idea to connect your automation to all the smart devices you use regularly, it comes in handy if your phone battery is flat, you can still access it on another device if you need to. For the ultimate convenience, consider a voice assistant. This allows everyone in the home to adjust the pool settings, even the kids can help with simple things such as turning off the pool lights on turning the heating on – with the parent’s permission of course! It’s far easier to speak the actions to the voice assistant than doing it through the app.
Benefits of automating your pool
Cuts down on running costs and maintenance
Rather than having to manually dose your pool with chemicals and run your equipment, and automation system takes care of it for you. This not only ensures your equipment operates for the correct amount of time but it also distributes the perfect levels of chemicals to balance your pool water. This means no overdosing the pool or not running the equipment for long enough resulting in unsanitary water. If you automate your heating and lighting, you can turn them on and off when you need to which reduces your energy consumption.
Convenience
Most convert to automated pool systems because of the convenience they provide. People are busy and don’t want to be spending their spare time cleaning their pool. Automation can reduce maintenance to the bare minimum which is appealing. You can control your pool from anywhere and at any time, you don’t even have to be home to use it which can be helpful if you’ve forgotten to turn off one of the pools features. Automation is straightforward to use and simplifies pool care.
Can add value to your home
Having your pool automated can add to the value of your property. It simplifies pool care and if you ever decide to sell, this is a feature that is likely to attract buyers and not deter them. Those who are looking to buy are likely to pay more for a home with a pool in good condition than a home with an outdated pool that is going to need a lot of work and money spent on it.
Need help choosing an automation system for your home?
Pool automation has become increasingly popular over the years and it’s a trend that will continue to grow over time. The benefits that automation offers are hard to ignore. We hope this post has given you an insight into automation and how to how it works. If you have any questions about automation for your pool get in touch today, our friendly team here at Fibreglass Pools Melbourne specialise in technologically advanced swimming pools and are happy to help if we can.