While Lyon Financial’s expertise is in providing exceptional customer service and the information you need to make an informed decision about pool financing companies, we also love the technology currently available in smart pools.
Today, our mobile devices are dashboards. We can engage our home alarm system, turn the lights on, and set a recording on the DVR. There are thousands and thousands of apps to help us run through our busy days with ease.
This automation is now available to manage the functions on your backyard pool. There are more and more conveniences that pool manufacturers and software engineers are devising daily to make complex lives a little simpler to manage.
Smart Pool Efficiency
An efficient pool makes for an affordable one. With apps that permit you to run your equipment during off-peak hours and even schedule a series of shorter cycles, you can flexibly get the most out of the maintenance task. The other plus is that the wonderful extras like foundations, spa jets, lighting effects, and audio components can all be managed from the same interface. When you’re hosting your next party, and move it outdoors after dinner, just press a button and you’ve got your pathway lighting lit. You can also activate the “wow” factor by engaging the fountains and cranking up the music; all from your kitchen window.
Cloud Based Pool System Controls
With current communication technologies, you can bring your pool in on the conversation no matter where in the world you are! Automation systems that work on WIFI or cellular connection leverage specialized apps that can integrate with Android and Apple devices.
A company like Pentair showcases their line of EASYTOUCH® AND INTELLITOUCH® components that include the INTELLIFLO® pump which features speed and flow control as well as their patented ScreenLogic2® Interface for display and control over pool functions. They’ve even got an Apple Watch app!
David MacCallum, Senior Product Manager, Automation & Chemical Control System at Pentair, “The ScreenLogic interface app for Apple Watch reflects Pentair’s ongoing drive to give smart pools owners the control they prefer on the newest devices. Like our interfaces for Android® device, iPhone® and iPad® mobile digital device, the app for Apple Watch supports expanding pool owner mobility expectations, offering access and control whether they are relaxing beside their pool or sitting in an airport thousands of miles away.”
Pool Automation
With these smart pool devices, the owner can monitor the “vitals” of the pool including managing the water temperature in addition to managing the pool’s aesthetic elements and spa functions, all from one place.
A very helpful addition to that list is the ability to get information on things like the pool’s pH levels and its operating history.
Voice Activated Controls
Don’t have a waterproof phone or hesitant about getting any droplets on your laptop as you work poolside? Then you can ask our Amazon friend Alexa what’s going on. With a compatible pool automation system, Alexa can tell you what you need to know and then manage the specifics for you, so the pool temperature and other variables are set when you take that work day break! She’ll even turn on the spa.
Improvements in Water Chemistry Technology
Managing the chemicals to maintain your pool’s safe environment is a common complaint of pool owners. There are now several components that can manage and dispense these for you. Sanitizer devices can even perform the chlorine production from salt. These advances ensure that your pool is treated properly to keep your family safe, and will also lighten the load on purchasing and on storage space in your pool house or shed. Again, voice activated or via smart phone, you are in complete control of your backyard oasis.
Pool Safety Technology
With the introduction of what were commonly referred to as “nanny cams,” we are a society that has grown accustomed to having visual access to the safety and security of our children. We “track” teens with their cell phones so we know when they are at school or at the bus stop. Many daycare centers provide portals so you can log in and watch your son or daughter throughout the day from your desktop at the office. These capabilities provide a little peace of mind to parents. This type of surveillance is now available for your pool.
In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited:
“From 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States — about ten deaths per day. An additional 332 people died each year from drowning in boating-related incidents. About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.”
Mandated fencing is not always enough. Talk to one of our pool contractors about adding motion-activated surveillance cameras. If you’re inside your home, you’ll be able to see activity on closed circuit monitors. Better still, you can add a motion-activated alarm in the event a small child wanders out by themselves. Tragedy takes a second to strike. High tech pool safety technology may be the answer for your family.
UV Systems
As a complete pool chemical alternative, the professionals at American Home Shield shared some interesting information about a company called SpectraLight: “Come into the light. The fundamental way pools are maintained has more or less remained the same for the last fifty years, but all that is now changing. SpectraLight offers a UV system that bombards water with a powerful ultraviolet light as the water travels through the pump system. This light then destroys the algae, viruses, bacteria and other organic matter that can contaminate swimming pools. The system can significantly reduce chemical demands, which makes your pool much easier to maintain. That saves you both time and money, and improves your pool’s overall health.”
All in all, the advances in the area of pool technology have been tremendous. If you are installing a new backyard pool, it is a great idea to discuss the possibilities with your pool contractor.
Providing pool and home improvement loans since 1979, Lyon Financial loves backyard pools and design. We also love the difference we can make for your family by providing something that puts years of memories within reach. Call 877-754-5966 for more information about our personalized financing solutions.
