The rise of the machines
Gone are the days when you had to spend all weekend tending your pool before you could enjoy a refreshing dip. These days just about everything around the pool can be automated so you can enjoy its benefits with the minimum of effort.
Everything from pool covers, cleaners, chlorination, shading and pool temperature can be controlled with the press of a button. These days families expect to have 24/7 digital connections. The kids chat online or on their smart phone to their friends, while mum and dad conference via Bluetooth. This has raised expectations across the board, including the humble pool - and the pool industry has responded accordingly.
The level of automation can be as simple or as sophisticated as you like, from basic timers for pool lights and regulating pumps, to systems that also manage heating, valves, cleaning components, and water treatment systems. In addition, both hard-wired and wireless automation is available.
On my command...
A case in point is Hayward's new OnCommand controller which allows you to automate the pool, spa and even ancillary backyard functions. Your pump, filter, heater, cleaner, pool, spa and landscape lighting, even water features can operate automatically, while you focus on fun.
The OnCommand controller is accompanied by a full range of optional wireless Aqua Pod™ waterproof remotes. These handy devices are totally programmable, fully rechargeable and completely waterproof. In fact, they are designed to float horizontally so you don't even need to leave the pool to use them.
OnCommand can control almost anything in the backyard:
Streamline your life
You can be inside the house preparing dinner, watching television or reading to the kids while a programmable control system turns equipment on and off as required. These sci-fi devices feature a control panel which displays the operational status of pool and spa equipment, and monitors and manages water temperature, spa jets, waterfalls, water features and lighting.
You can feel like James Bond with his latest toys from Q, as your cutting edge technology manages and reduces energy costs by running equipment in off-peak energy periods.
Remote control
Some automatic control systems actually allow you to operate pool and spa equipment from your office using a desktop or laptop computer, while other systems use colour touch screen devices such as PDAs and hand-held tablets for remote monitoring and control of pool and spa functions - perfect for avid entertainers or those wanting to quickly set the scene for unexpected guests.
The latest and greatest approach is to use your mobile phone to activate features. It's really simple: basically you can ring ahead on your mobile phone on the way home, dialling into your spa and pool with a special key-in code to set the controls the way you want. When you arrive home, voila! Everything is ready and waiting.
While some may believe automation is laziness, in such a fast-paced, time poor lifestyle as ours, it pays to pare back the chores so you have time to do the things you love... like languishing in your private pool oasis, with complete peace of mind, of course!
With pool owners increasingly looking for ways to save time, water and energy, the Enviro Pro Hydrostorm ECO pump offers to best of all worlds. It uses up to 70 per cent less electricity than a regular pump and you can switch to off peak electricity tariffs at night due to its quiet operation, (without upsetting the neighbours) whilst saving you even more on your energy bills.
Unlike conventional pumps that are limited to one set high flow rate speed, the Hydrostorm ECO is equipped with a three-speed motor which allows pool owners to set the pump at a low, energy-saving flow rate for every day filtration.
In fact, your pool's filtration efficiency improves at lower flow rates. As a pool's filtration cycle occupies 99% of the run time of a pool pump, you can operate the Hydrostorm ECO on its low speed setting for the majority of its running time, leading to significant energy savings. The pool water clarity is also improved due to the slow flow and better filtration.
Three-speed options
The Hydrostorm ECO three-speed options cater for all pool needs:
| High speed | Vacuuming and backwashing | Approx. 1% of the time |
| Medium speed | Running automatic pool cleaners | As and when required |
| Low speed | Filtration | Approx. 99% of the time |
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