Lighting schedules
Automation systems can also save energy on pool, spa and landscape lighting. Most systems offer a light-dimming relay option to vary lighting intensity in the pool or spa to suit the ambiance and mood in the backyard. This feature only works with high-voltage incandescent lighting. Controllers also allow the pool owner to easily select specific colours or light shows on coloured-light emitting diode (LED) fixtures.
Not only can users program on/off times, they can also activate all types of lighting fixtures to turn on for a specific period (e.g. a simple push of a button can turn a light on for an hour and then shut off automatically) or activate lighting systems for several hours every night at dusk. The system will automatically calculate the different times dusk occurs during the season and activate lighting or other features at that time. For example, the owner can set pool and landscape lighting to come on every Friday and Saturday night at dusk for three hours and turn off automatically.
Now is the time
Whether for a new pool installation or retrofit project, there is no better time for swimming pool retailers and builders to discuss the features and benefits of pool automation systems with their clients. In these challenging economic times, automation systems can make pool ownership more enjoyable and less costly for both the pocketbook and the environment.
Gary Scott is the distribution sales manager for Zodiac Pool Systems Canada Inc. He has extensive experience in the pool and spa industry, spending the last 20 years in sales for the predecessors of Zodiac pool products. He is also a certified pool operator (CPO) and licensed gas fitter. He can be reached at gary.scott@zmp-zodiac.com.
