Programming pumps
Variable-speed pumps, arguably the newest technology on the market, integrate seamlessly with most controllers and are a great way to reduce energy consumption and pool ownership costs.
These pumps allow pool owners to adjust the speed at which the pump motor operates, to maximize energy saved relative to water moved through the system. In fact, one variable-speed pump can replace several pumps that have been installed to operate at different flow rates to run various equipment or water features.
Although these pumps may sound complex and difficult to operate, they are actually easy to use. When operated with an automation system, they become even simpler to operate and their features more beneficial, as multiple speeds and operating run times can be programmed and employed to run water features, spas, cleaning systems and filtration cycles in the most effective manner possible.
Two-speed pumps, which can offer similar savings to those seen with variable-speed pumps, can also be easily operated by most automation systems on the market.
Chemical control
Automated pH/oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sanitizer systems automatically keep pool water in balance, which in turn reduces chemical consumption. These chemical controllers, which are different from automation systems, have made their way into the residential market from the commercial swimming pool sector. Available as stand-alone units or integrated into an automation system, these devices lower pool operating costs and environmental impact by reducing chemical use and helping maintain proper water balance, thus extending equipment life and reducing service costs. These controls introduce sanitizer and a pH-adjusting chemical into the water a little at a time, rather than manually ‘dumping’ containers of product into the pool. This eliminates the possibility of overdosing the water, which wastes chemicals and increases costs.
