Surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased demand for pool services and products. Consequently, the majority of pool companies have been hectic from the start of the last summer. Mark Bauckman, vice president of Fluidra product development, says, “We always see the number of sales made. Last summer, a lot of people were investing on pools and pool products.” Pool and Spa Automation manufacturers report that there was a significant increase in sales last year. Think about it. The majority of homeowners are now revamping their backyard spaces to create the ideal staycation in their homes.

The innovation of smart pools

With the expansion of the pool industry, there have been numerous innovations over the years. Swimming pools are now easier to control more than ever. Some pools have voice-activated systems compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Moreover, there have been several apps that show how to balance water chemistry and maintain your pool. “Such innovations have been well received by customers and are now gaining a lot of popularity,” says Greg Fournier, senior product manager for Hayward Pool Products.

Currently, almost everything is technology-driven. Therefore, we plan to come up with a smart pool.

group category leader for Pentair automation, KEVAN COOPER

The smart pool is uniquely designed to function as per the needs of the customer. As a result, pool owners will spend less time operating and maintaining their pools. Smart pools work like home appliances. For example, if they sense the pool owner opening the front door, the pump would automatically go on. Such pools rely on day temperatures and time to function. Gauckman says, “One of the main advantages of having a smart pool is that you save a lot of energy.”

Automatic and robotic pool cleaners

Fournier says, “Robotic cleaners are also growing in popularity. You can operate this equipment using a simple app or remote control.” On the other hand, Bauckman is expecting to see more advanced versions of automatic pool cleaners. Robotic pool cleaners with additional sensors will indisputably function more efficiently and make it easier for you to clean even the most unreachable areas. Tim Murphy, President of Blue Square, reports an increased demand for their products. Even so, he is expecting to see more growth.”

The benefits extend to pool experts too

Bauckman says that smart pool appliances will benefit not only the user but also the pool professional. “Fixing a smart pool is easier since you can easily find the primary source of the problem. Also, there are usually some sections in the pool equipment that you wouldn’t want the pool owner to reach. Smart pools make this possible.” Bauckman anticipates that these pool and spa automation products will get combined with business management systems.”

Addition of new technology features

At present, most pool manufacturers are doing their best to make pool and spa automation products available to many people, Fournier says. Consequently, there is a wide range of products and services offered in the market. Unlike before, portable and smaller equipment are in the market.

“A good example is the Bluetooth pool pump. You can easily switch on and switch off the pump using an app.” says Mike Tuttobene, Waterway sales vice president. You can also control the speed of the pump using the app.

Controlled systems

Chemtrolnational sales manager, Dave Button, says, “Pool experts are now making pools more user-friendly by coming up with controllers incorporating more complex functions. “Back in the day, it was possible to regulate the main pool pump. However, it was impossible to control variable frequency drives. Additionally, Ultraviolet regulators only enabled you to switch them on and off. But now, you can intensify the light radiated by Ultraviolet systems. Furthermore, modern systems are systems that allow you to regulate the opening of the main drain, unlike traditional systems.”

Modification of pool lights

In this present age and time, pool owners fall in love with the evolution of automated lights. I mean, every pool owner wants to have a multicolored swimming pool or water features. Murphy says, “Majority of pool owners wants their pool lighting to automatically switch colors.” Fortunately, there are many innovations meant to cater to such customer requirements.

Pool experts are working towards more advanced versions of pool lighting that can switch up the backyard into a serene haven.

PAL Lightingnational sales manager, Jai O’Neill

Additionally, he says that these modern pool lighting systems allow you to control the intensity of light getting radiated. He says, “occasionally, pool experts will require a certain number of lumens for their pool. And such pool and spa automation systems allow you to control them.”

Ultimately, the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased demand for pool and spa automation products. Most homeowners are looking for more user-friendly products that allow them to consume less time, energy, and effort during operation.