Faster winterizing
Simpkins explains the induction technology is extremely beneficial for winterizing in his area.
“It has simplified the entire process,” says Simpkins. “They are so easy to change and replace. You just twist to remove and install the lights.”
Smarter wireless communication integration
Consumers have become accustomed to operating their pools and spas using wireless communication. Lighting is one of the more common features pool owners like to control. The induction socket is also equipped with a serial link, which connects the device to the socket and the power source to the base. The transmission of information between the base and the plug is wireless. Due to the proximity of the transmitter and receiver (plug and base), the plug uses low-power radiowaves—such as the type used in radio-frequency identification (RFID) or Near-Field Communication (NFC) contactless devices. Thus, the socket and the base are each equipped with a transmitter and a receiver.
Energy efficiency
Induction lamps are environmentally friendly as they use less energy and mercury per hour of operation as compared to conventional lighting. Cost savings are estimated from 35 to 55 per cent in energy and maintenance for induction lamps versus other types of commercial lamps.
Conclusion
The use of electromagnetic induction to power underwater devices is here to stay and will continue to expand in the near future. Pool professionals are beginning to see the concept of an underwater plug as the next big step for this technology. The goal is to be able to power any device underwater—much like the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection that powers a majority of devices. Soon, the norm could be to have a universal underwater plug, which powers lights, pool vacuums, cleaners, speakers, or any other electrical device used by consumers in their pool or spa.
Pierre-Yves Flattot is the president of CCEI USA Inc. After graduating with a master’s degree in international business, he joined CCEI in Marseille, France, and shortly thereafter was appointed to expand the company into North America. In 2014, he started CCEI Inc., in Montreal with a focus on the Canadian market. In 2018, Flattot set up a second North American location of the company, with the opening of CCEI USA facility in Los Angeles, Calif.
