Top 5 Pool Automation Features You Didn’t Know You Needed

Did you know that homeowners who upgrade to a full-blown pool automation system can realize up to 90% in energy savings in the first year? That startling figure isn’t just about skipping a few pool nights—it signals a major shift in how backyard pools are managed, powered and enjoyed. In a time when efficiency, ease and smart homes are more than trends, pool automation is stepping into the spotlight.

Whether you’re building a new pool, upgrading existing equipment, or simply curious about what the latest in pool technology offers, read on for five features that can drastically change how your pool works — and how much of your valuable time it frees up.

1. Smart Scheduling & Variable Speed Pump Control

One of the cornerstone advantages of a modern pool automation system is the ability to manage your pump and other equipment on a schedule rather than manually flipping switches. According to the reference material, pool automation allows you to set when and how long your pool system will run, which improves equipment efficiency and dramatically reduces operating costs.

Why it matters:

Running your filtration and circulation only when needed means you avoid wasted energy.
Pairing scheduling with a variable-speed pump means quieter operation, longer life, and less wear on system components.
You get more predictable maintenance and can avoid under- or overrunning your system.

Key takeaways:

Look for automation that allows you to program cycles for pump speed, run duration, and feature activation.
Consider pairing with a variable-speed pump if your system still uses a single-speed model.
Even basic scheduling yields real savings and improved pool health.

2. Remote Access & Alerts from Your Smartphone

Imagine arriving home and, before you’ve even parked your car, you tap an app and turn the pool spa to “swim-ready”. That’s the kind of convenience true pool automation offers. According to one source, advanced systems let you:

“Turn on your spa from the airport… Activate heaters, lights, or pumps with a tap.”

Why it matters:

You don’t need to be by the pool pad to adjust settings — you can do it remotely.
Alerts can notify you if something’s off (for example a pump fault or abnormal reading) giving you peace of mind.
Especially helpful for vacation homes, rental pools or any time you’re away.

Key takeaways:

Make sure your pool automation system supports mobile or cloud access.
Confirm that notifications or alerts are included (e.g., equipment fault, water chemistry out of range).
Verify your WiFi or network setup can reliably reach the pool equipment.

3. Integrated Control of Lights, Water Features & Ambience

When people think “pool automation,” they often envision the basics (pump + heater) — but you can go far beyond that. One major benefit: the ability to coordinate lighting, waterfalls, jets, fountains, even outdoor sound or hardscape features via the same automation backbone.

Why it matters:

You get one control interface, rather than many disparate systems.
It elevates the pool experience — for example, mood lighting + water jets activated together for parties.
You can schedule non essential features to run only when needed, further saving energy.

Key takeaways:

If your pool has or will have water features (laminars, jets, deck sprays), include those in the automation plan.
For lighting, make sure the automation platform can handle color/scene changes if you want that level of control.
Coordination of features means fewer manual switches, fewer mistakes, and a cleaner user experience.

4. Real-Time Monitoring & Water Chemistry (Beyond Just On/Off)

Here’s a feature many homeowners don’t anticipate: modern pool automation systems are increasingly offering real-time monitoring of water chemistry and equipment status—not just turning things on/off. According to one blog:

“Advanced systems can monitor your pool’s chemistry in real time. Receive alerts when your chlorine or pH levels are out of range…”
Another source emphasises that automation helps keep your water balanced, clean and safe.

Why it matters:

Balanced water means fewer issues, less chemical waste, fewer surprises.
You can be alerted to problems early (e.g., filtration not running, pump speed low) and act before damage or higher cost.
This level of control reduces the “maintenance burden” often associated with owning a pool.

Key takeaways:

Check if your automation platform has sensors for chemistry, flow rate, temperature, etc.
Ask about alert functionality and whether remote service is possible or recommended.
Be mindful of integration: older equipment might limit what monitoring you can add later.

5. Enhanced Energy Efficiency & Longevity of Equipment

Wrapping all these features together results in what might be the most compelling reason to invest in pool automation: saving money and prolonging the life of your pool system. The reference page states that with automation and variable-speed pumps you can “save money while you relax.” Other independent sources list savings on energy, chemicals and maintenance as core benefits.

Why it matters:

Pool pumps, heaters and lighting are major expenses; controlling their run time, speed and conditions makes a big difference.
Minimising unnecessary runtime extends equipment life, reducing replacement/repair costs.
Automation enables smarter use: heat only when needed, lights only when in use, jets only when desired.

Key takeaways:

Review your current pump/heater/lighting usage and calculate potential savings if each were run optimally.
Ask for energy usage/expenditure data if possible to estimate ROI of automation.
Consider that while automation has upfront cost, the long-term savings and reduced hassle can offset it.

Recapping Your Pool Automation Options

If you’re thinking about upgrading your pool setup or simply making your backyard more efficient, the keyword to remember is pool automation. By unlocking scheduling, remote access, integrated control, real-time monitoring and energy savings, you transform your pool from a manual chore into a smart amenity.

To recap, the top 5 features you might not have known you needed are: