Options for Operating Pool Equipment

Swimming pools and spas have at least one piece of electrical equipment, the pump. Most newer pools have other equipment as well that must be turned on and off. For the best and most economic operation of a pool or spa, a timer or electronic control system is needed. There are 3 basic options for controlling a pool.

Manual SwitchingUse with single pump or light , single body of water

The most basic method of turning equipment on and off is with a simple switch. Some spa and above ground pumps can be connected to a wall switch or may have a built-in switch on the pump motor. There are also air switches and buttons that may be used for this purpose.

Manual operation is the least desirable of switching methods. It requires a person to turn on and turn off the equipment. It is not a good use of a person’s time and can result in excessive use of electricity and possible chemical problems that may result from an irregular pumping schedule. Most pools and spas need circulation only a few hours each day to stay clean and sanitary, but they do need it each day. If an emergency occurs, such as freezing weather or a clogged pump, a person would have to be present to turn the pump on or off to avoid damage to the pool equipment.

Mechanical and Digital Timers

Use with one or 2 pumps, light, single body of water

Mechanical and digital timers are designed to serve as an on/off switch. They can be set to operate single electrical devices such as pumps, lights, and air blowers. The timers can be set to turn the equipment on or off at a pre-determined time using a mechanical or digital clock. In areas where freezing may occur, the mechanical timer can be equipped with a freeze protector. A heat delay, or Fireman’s Switch, can be added to ensure the heater does not come on unless the pump is running and pumping water through the heater.

For very simple pools with only one or 2 pumps, mechanical timers are a good choice. The mechanical timer can be set, usually using pins or tabs, to turn equipment on or off multiple times per day and every day of the week. These timers are also equipped with a manual switch that can be used to disrupt the pre-set tabs when required.

If there are more than 2 pumps, lights, salt or other sanitizing systems that use electricity, a mechanical timer may not be the best solution.

Electronic Automated Control Systems

Customize to work with any installation

Electronic Controls are devices that work with printed circuit boards, relays and multiple control systems to perform a variety of diverse functions in the operation of a pool, spa or water feature. They can turn equipment on/off, operate valve actuators to change the setting of valves and monitor temperatures, flow rates and chemical balances in the water. Controls may include freeze protection and heater protection functions as well as light and water feature shows.

In the last 10 years, design of automated pool control systems has begun to include every possible use of equipment in a pool, spa of water feature as well as outside equipment like landscape lighting. The controls are sold in menu format so the equipment on any pool can be highly customized for that specific pool and the controls can be integrated with other equipment for seamless operation. Most new pools and spas have an automated system and remodeled and up-dated pools are getting them as well. The advantages of these systems include generally worry-free and more energy efficient operation of the pool.

All major pool equipment manufacturers have a complete line of automated equipment controls.