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Save Water With Smart Pool Automation in Australia

With drought and water restrictions a recurring part of life in Australia, pool owners face challenges maintaining their backyard oases while conserving water. Fortunately, pool automation technology offers solutions, delivering convenience plus significant water savings. This article explores how Aussies can create an eco-friendly pool paradise using smart systems.

Why Automate Your Pool?

Pool automation provides multiple benefits compared to traditional manual operation:

  • Convenience – Control all functions from your smartphone, tablet or using voice commands.
  • Water efficiency – Automation ensures optimal filtration and minimises water loss.
  • Energy efficiency – Systems ensure pumps and heaters only run as needed.
  • Chemical optimisation – Maintain perfect sanitiser levels with less effort.
  • Enhanced enjoyment – Automate lighting, jets, waterfalls and more for ambiance.
  • Remote monitoring – Get alerts if water chemistry goes off balance.
  • Peace of mind – Take the guesswork out of proper maintenance.

A quality system makes pool ownership easier and more pleasurable while maximising sustainability.

Key Components of Pool Automation

A typical pool automation system consists of:

  • Smart controller – The central hub for automation and app connectivity.
  • Pump – Variable speed for optimal water circulation at lowest energy use.
  • Filtration – Effective multi-stage filtration ensures water clarity.
  • Sensors – Monitor water chemistry levels like pH and chlorine.
  • Valves and actuators – Automate system valves and components.
  • Lighting and accessory control – For landscape, pool, spa and water features lighting.
  • App connectivity – Control all functions from home network or remotely.
  • Voice control integration – Use Alexa or Google Assistant for voice commands.

These elements work together to make pool maintenance easy while conserving resources.

Water Savings from Efficient Pumps & Filters

High efficiency pumps and filtration are key to water conservation. Here’s how they help:

  • Variable speed pumps – Vary pump speed based on needs, using less electricity and water flow.
  • Multi-stage filtration – Achieve crystal clear water with less backwashing of filters.
  • Automatic cleaning – Robotic cleaners keep water clean without needing to lower level for manual vacuuming.
  • Accurate water testing – Automated chemical sensors maintain perfect pH and sanitiser levels.
  • Precise water replenishment – System tells you exactly how much water to add after testing.
  • Leak detection – Alerts if unexpected water loss occurs.

Together these capabilities minimise unnecessary water loss while keeping water in pristine condition.

Enhanced Savings from Smart Scheduling

Pool automation allows creating custom schedules that enhance efficiency:

  • Set filtration duration and pump speeds based on factors like season and pool size. Avoid excessive filtration.
  • Create an optimal filtration schedule tailored to your pool’s needs for cleaning not just runtime.
  • Schedule automatic cleaner and robotic vacuum run times for maximum cleaning efficiency.
  • Automate chemical dosing to maintain perfect pH and sanitiser levels.
  • Only run water features like fountains during pool use hours.
  • Sync lighting with sunrise/sunset for automatic daily activation.

Take the guesswork out of scheduling. Automate only what’s required when needed for minimal water and energy waste.

Added Water Savings from Home Automation Integration

Connecting your pool system to your broader smart home allows expanded water savings:

  • Notify leaks detected by smart home water sensors to prevent loss.
  • Automatically top up pool from mains via a smart valve when water level drops.
  • When on vacation, reduce or pause automation features to minimise use in absence.
  • Monitor and control pool from anywhere via the home automation app.

Your automation pro can seamlessly connect your pool equipment to systems like HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home for whole home visibility and control.

Choosing the Right Pool Automation System

With many options available, here are key considerations when selecting a system:

1. Comprehensive Control

Look for systems that offer complete monitoring and control of filtration, chemicals, heating, cleaning, lighting, accessories and more. Avoid piecemeal solutions.

2. Water Testing and Dosing

Automated testing of water chemistry and dosing of chemicals saves water by ensuring ideal conditions.

3. Variable Speed Pump Optimisation

Linking automation to variable speed pumps enhances energy efficiency and water use.

4. Simple App and Voice Control

An easy-to-use app interface and integration with voice assistants like Alexa makes management a breeze.

5. Smart Home Connectivity

Choose a system compatible with smart home platforms like HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home for expanded utility.

6. Professional Installation

Consider having automation professionally installed and set up for optimal configuration and hassle-free operation.

Doing research to find the automation system best suited to your pool needs and lifestyle will pay dividends for years through water savings and peace of mind.

While several quality providers exist in Australia, these brands are well regarded by pool owners:

  • Pentair – Industry leader with comprehensive solutions and IoT connected options.
  • Hayward – Top rated for ease of use and smart home integration.
  • Jandy – Offers advanced touchscreen pool controllers.
  • Zodiac – Budget friendly systems with app connectivity.
  • Davey – Trusted Aussie brand with simple controls.
  • Aqualink – Integrates well with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Shop around to find the ideal smart pool gear to meet your water efficiency goals. Your local pool shop can also provide tailored advice.

Costs and Payback Period

Upgrading to a fully automated system represents an investment, but provides lasting value through water savings and lifestyle enhancement. Costs for typical installations may range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

The payback period depends heavily on local water costs. With water prices around $2/kilolitre in Southeast Queensland, an automated pool could pay for itself in 5-10 years through enhanced efficiency. Maintenance savings and convenience also boost value.

Consulting an experienced pool automation company will provide accurate estimates tailored to your existing equipment and needs.

Given the electrical and equipment complexity involved, having your automation system professionally installed is highly recommended.

Benefits of professional installation include:

  • Optimised integration of new gear with existing pool equipment.
  • Licensed electricians ensure safe, compliant wiring of all components.
  • Correct technical configuration and programming for your pool.
  • Ongoing service and support from the installer.
  • Warranties on equipment and workmanship.

While DIY automation is technically possible for basic functions, most homeowners will benefit greatly from the expertise of professional pool techs.

Start Simple and Scale Up

It’s okay to take a phased approach by starting with core functionality like app-connected pumps and filters. Over time, continue adding capabilities:

  • Year 1 – Smart variable speed pump and high efficiency filter
  • Year 2 – Automated chemical sensing and dosing
  • Year 3 – Integrated in-floor cleaning system
  • Year 4 – Comprehensive water feature and landscape lighting integration

As your budget allows, your pro can seamlessly expand your system. Like any home upgrade, smart pools develop gradually. Start with foundation elements that save you time and water straight away.

Make a Splash with A Smarter Pool

A full-featured pool automation system provides convenience while maximising water efficiency through smart technology like variable speed pumps, precision filtration and chemical management, remote control and automation scheduling.

With the smarter pool operations made possible by automation systems, Australian pool owners join the movement towards greater sustainability while avoiding yard work hassles. Your backyard resort can be an oasis of fun, convenience and water responsibility.