Get automated. Take the work out of pool ownership

Technology is helping pool owners streamline maintenance tasks, simplify complex chemistry and take back more time.

There’s no getting around it, owning a pool comes with a bit of responsibility…and a few odd jobs. Thankfully, advances in technology are delivering an increasing number of labour-saving devices designed to take the work out of pool ownership – and save you a dollar or two in the process.

As our homes and workplaces become smarter, so too do our pools, with everything from programmable cleaners and automatic dosers to fully integrated centrally controlled systems set to make life easier. The choice for pool owners has never been broader or more enticing.

Automated covers

Automated pool cover systems give you all the benefits of a pool cover – minimising evaporation of water and chemicals, keeping heat in and debris out – with the added benefit of being motorised. They can be located below or above ground and generally operate via a switch, key mechanism or remote control. They take the manual labour out of covering and uncovering your pool surface.

Automatic retractable covers are generally out of sight when not in use, so you don’t have to worry about tripping over a cover that’s been hastily removed and tossed aside. Some varieties can also provide an impenetrable barrier to the water, but you need to be aware that in Australia this does not remove the requirement for installation of a compliant fencing solution as dictated in your state or territory.

Robotic cleaners

Sometimes the simplest things really are the best. Today’s robotic cleaners are super simple to set up and use and they will not interrupt swimming time. Robotic cleaners operate independently of the pool’s pump and filter system, catching leaf litter, debris and other contaminants before they reach the skimmer box, lessening the load and freeing it up to do what it does best. Keeping debris – both fine and course particles – out of the main filtration system means you will need to backwash less often and will therefore reduce your water consumption. They really are the gift that keeps on giving.

Automatic dosing

If identifying issues with sanitiser levels and pH balance is a problem, you are not alone. And that is only half the issue – you also need to calculate the correct doses to rectify any imbalances, all of which can be time-consuming, frustrating and can be a bit hit-and-miss if you are not paying attention. Enter the automated chemical dosing system. 

Automated dosers use sensors to detect current levels and will automatically top up chemicals, reducing the need to intervene. You will still need to check the levels every now and then, but you can say goodbye to the guesswork and leave the calculator out of it.

Automating the process also saves in chemical use and has the run-on effect of lessening maintenance costs, thanks to a stabilised pH which will ensure your pool and equipment are safe from the potentially nasty effects of imbalance like scaling or corrosion.

Complete automation

If complete control is your thing, you will want to investigate a total automation solution. You can access and change the various elements of your pool, spa and other outdoor features including lighting, irrigation and water features. Having one central place to monitor and control water chemistry, variable speed pumps, heating systems, underwater lighting and even integrate with your smart home system is the pinnacle of pool automation solutions.

Generally accessed via an app on any smart device, you will have control over everything no matter where you are located. That means you can start the spa heating up and have it at the perfect temperature when you arrive home from the office. You can set up pre-set scenes that create the perfect ambience, no matter what the occasion. With a single touch you can set lighting levels, music and water features for a rowdy poolside get-together or a quiet midnight dip – the choice is yours.

Happening by degrees

We’re all a lot more familiar with smart devices and labour-saving automation technologies these days, thanks to the emergence of entry-level smart home devices like hubs and intelligent speakers. We have gotten pretty used to chatting with Siri and Alexa daily and prefacing all of our questions with ‘Hey Google’. It does not take long for the new to become the norm, which is why getting on board the automation bandwagon is inevitable, especially for pool owners who want to get the most from their investment and spend time enjoying rather than deploying it.

But that does not mean you need to go barrelling into a complete automation solution straight up.

Many local equipment suppliers have products and solutions on offer that deliver varying degrees of sophistication, and they will be happy to talk you through it and answer any questions. So, check out what is available and start your automation journey today…we promise you’ll never look back.

“We’re all a lot more familiar with smart devices and labour-saving automation technologies these days.”