Pentair Pool: Level Up Your Operation With Automation

In today’s connected world, consumers expect convenience at their fingertips. For the pool industry, that means automation isn’t just a luxury anymore—it’s a necessity. On a recent episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast, we sat down with Israel Saari, Digital Solutions Category Manager at Pentair Pool, to explore how Pentair automation tools are reshaping the industry for both homeowners and pool professionals.

Meeting the Modern Customer Where They Are

“Homeowners expect a convenient and connected experience, including for their swimming pool,” said Saari. With over 25 years in the technology space, he’s seen firsthand how digital expectations have shifted. From smart fridges to connected doorbells, tech-savvy homeowners want their pools to be just as intelligent—and easy to control from their phones.

“The pool is one of the biggest investments many homeowners make,” he explained. “They want connected experiences that save them money, that create ease of life, so they can focus on other things that are more important to them.”

At Pentair, automation begins with a centralized system that controls the entire pool pad—everything from pumps to lighting—via the Pentair Pool app. This interface makes pool care simpler and less intimidating for homeowners while providing full access and control no matter where they are in the world.

Pentair Automation: Smart Solutions for Every Pool

Saari highlighted several key products in the Pentair automation lineup, starting with the IntelliFlo3 Variable Speed Pump. “It’s a great entry point into automation,” he said. “You’re getting a premium pump, but also the benefit of built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, plus a couple of relays to control other components like a heater, lights, or a booster pump.”

For those managing more complex pool systems—think dual bodies of water, pool/spa combos, and multiple pumps—Pentair’s IntelliCenter is the flagship solution. It offers robust capabilities, including integrated scheduling, user permissions, and control of every feature through the app.

And for homeowners with existing EasyTouch or IntelliTouch systems, Pentair hasn’t left them behind. “We offer an upgrade kit,” Saari said. “You just swap out the panel—it takes an hour or less—and now you’ve got access to the new Pentair Pool app experience.”

For budget-conscious upgrades, there’s also IntelliCenter Lite, ideal for clients with existing breaker panels who want to add intelligent control without fully replacing infrastructure.

The Power of Remote Monitoring

As automation becomes standard, the real value-add is remote monitoring. “When our customers install IntelliCenter, they can walk the homeowner through app setup—but also add themselves as managed users,” explained Saari.

This dual-access setup opens the door to Pentair’s Remote Monitoring Dashboard, a browser-based platform that gives pool professionals a bird’s-eye view of every system they maintain.

Rather than logging into individual apps, techs can monitor hundreds of IntelliCenter systems from a single interface. “It shows connection status, system information, air and water temps, heater performance, chlorinator output, lighting, pump performance, even chemical levels if the pool is equipped with IntelliChem or IntelliChlor,” said Saari.

And it’s not just for viewing—techs can sort systems by alarms and even connect directly to make changes remotely. “It’s extremely valuable both to the homeowner and to our customers,” he emphasized.

Why It Matters for Pool Pros

Whether you’re a builder or a service technician, the benefits of remote automation are substantial.

“For builders, you want that eye in the sky,” said Saari. “Even if you’re not servicing the pool, you can make sure everything is functioning correctly after the build. If the customer is fiddling with settings or something isn’t right, you have instant access.”

For service professionals, the platform offers something even more powerful: proactive maintenance and fewer truck rolls. “They know what the pump should sound like, how it should flow, what kind of power draw is normal,” he explained. “When something’s off, they can see it before the customer even knows there’s a problem.”

This translates to better service, faster diagnosis, and reduced travel. “It could be a simple fix—like adjusting a schedule or pump flow—and you can do that without ever leaving the shop,” he added.

Turning Automation Into Revenue

Beyond operational efficiency, remote monitoring opens the door to new service tiers and revenue streams. “A lot of our customers offer premium white-glove services,” said Saari. “For a fee, they’ll monitor that system daily. It gives homeowners peace of mind knowing someone’s keeping an eye on things even between visits.”

Whether it’s a monthly add-on or part of a seasonal maintenance package, Saari noted that many homeowners are happy to pay extra for the reassurance.

“When you start solving problems proactively and that pool is always humming—clean water, optimized systems—you’re building loyalty,” he said. “You’re differentiating yourself from the competition.”

How to Get Started With Pentair Automation

According to Saari, integrating IntelliCenter and remote monitoring into your operation is easier than you think. The key is to start with a standard operating procedure during installation: “Add your business email as a managed user when setting up the system. Or if the pool is already installed, the homeowner can invite you through the app.”

Once that connection is made, techs can log into the remote dashboard at pro.pentairpool.com using their credentials—no complex setup required. A large TV in the office running the dashboard on a loop is how many top service firms monitor pool fleets in real time.

Pentair also offers hands-on training through Pentair University. “If you’re new to automation, our trainers and field reps won’t let you fail,” Saari said. “They’ll walk you through everything and make sure you’re confident using these tools.”

Standing Apart from the Competition

As automation becomes the norm, Saari sees Pentair’s remote monitoring solution as a powerful differentiator.

“This is the first and only consolidated dashboard in the pool industry with this level of detail,” he said. “It’s a unique selling proposition, whether you’re pitching a new build or promoting your service business.”

Between continuous updates to the Pentair Pool app and a steady stream of enhancements to IntelliCenter, the future looks bright. “We’ve got some exciting things planned for 2025,” Saari hinted. “Stay tuned.”

If you’re a pool professional ready to elevate your operation, now is the time to LevelUp with Pentair automation. Visit pro.pentairpool.com to get started.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Israel Saari, Digital Solutions Category Manager at Pentair Pool and learn how you can level up your operation with automation.