Swimming pool builders
There are a number of benefits remote pool management systems can bring to a pool builder’s business. First, presenting an automation system to a customer during the sales presentation with mid- to high-end pool potentials establishes the builder as credible and tech savvy.
Automation can help protect the customer. Depending on the platform and accessories installed, many manufacturers allow builders to view historical information on their customer’s pool and/or hot tub chemistry. These configurations allow builders to receive alerts if the chemistry falls out of balance, which in turns helps them ensure their customers understand how to manage their pools and/or hot tubs properly. This can also help prevent damage to the equipment, pool finish, and other accessories—ultimately saving the customer money, while avoiding warranty issues.
Another advantage is the ability to remotely change settings on a pool and/or hot tub without having to be onsite. Logging into a customer’s pool management system from the store, or while on the road, to change a setting, create a schedule, or turn on a feature, makes the builder invaluable to customers without cutting into their profits.
Service/maintenance companies
When it comes to service/maintenance companies, remote pool management systems allow them to change their business model from not only the pool/hot tub cleaner and maintainer, but to innovators who can efficiently manage a customer’s swimming pool or hot tub remotely.
Being able to manage more than 100 different features on any given pool allows them to tailor their services to increase profitability and efficiency. Both by receiving alarms and remotely monitoring chemistry levels, they are able to better plan their routes, make sure they have the necessary chemicals and equipment on hand when dispatched, and proactively address issues to avoid serious chemical imbalances, thus saving their customers money.
Where is the automation market headed?
Advanced technology and remote pool management starts with the controller. It should provide remote management capabilities as a standard feature, or provide the ability to upgrade easily and cost-effectively in the future. As manufacturers innovate, more of these capabilities are built into the controller to make them more versatile for pool and hot tub owners at the onset of installation, as well as lower the need for any additional costly accessories down the road.
Today, most swimming pool and hot tub equipment manufacturers offer an antenna and gateway in order to send a translated signal from the controller to the pool owner’s home network (normally a home router). This feature enables homeowners to use their existing home network to manage their pools, hot tubs, and other backyard features.
In most cases, the pool controller is connected to the home router directly via Ethernet (coaxial cable) or wireless bridge, although some controllers require additional hardware to translate the communication protocol (language of the controller).
Technology is an ever-evolving beast. Once the latest and greatest devices have been released, they suddenly become obsolete as something bigger and better is just around the corner. Controls and remote pool management are now synonymous with technology. There have been more changes in the telemetry of remote pool management in the past three years than ever before, and the industry needs to understand these rapid changes are not slowing down any time soon.
Technology and the culture of instant gratification define today’s customers; therefore, it should also be the mindset of the industry. The future of swimming pool and hot tub automation is here and it is time to get onboard.
Greg Fournier is the senior product manager of controls and backyard synergy for Hayward Pool Products. He is responsible for developing products that maximize the homeowner’s backyard experience and build upon the company’s legacy of innovative controls and lighting. Fournier has extensive experience in designing, manufacturing, sourcing, and marketing innovative electronic products. He can be reached via e-mail at Gfournier@haywardnet.com.
