What Automation Controls
Pool and spa pumps, heaters, lighting, water features, valve actuators, chemical feeders, and salt systems. Advanced systems also monitor water chemistry and send alerts.
Major Systems Compared
Pentair IntelliCenter ($2,000-$4,000): most feature-rich, best app. Hayward OmniLogic ($1,800-$3,500): great touchscreen interface, reliable Wi-Fi. Jandy iAquaLink ($1,500-$3,000): excellent value, good app, wide compatibility.
Installation Costs
Basic automation: $2,000-$4,000 (pump + lights). Full automation: $4,000-$8,000 (pump + heater + lights + water features + chemical monitoring). Retrofit costs 20-40% more than new construction installation.
Is Automation Worth It?
For pools with multiple features (spa, water features, lighting), automation pays for itself in convenience and energy savings. For simple pools with just a pump and filter, a basic timer may be sufficient.
Pro Tip
If you're building a new pool, install automation conduit and wiring even if you're not ready to buy the system - it's much cheaper than retrofitting later.