Smart Pool Controllers (Brands Compared)

Professional Pool Company — Why Smart Controllers Matter & Why We Use Hayward

Smart pool controllers (automation systems) greatly enhance how you manage your pool — they control pumps, heaters, lights, salt systems, water features, and more. Choosing the right brand means convenience, reliability, and long-term satisfaction. Below is a comparison of top controller systems and why Hayward is our standard.

⭐ Why Smart Pool Controllers Are Worth It

• Remote control of pool systems (pump, heater, lights, salt system, spa, etc.)
• Scheduled filtration, heating, lighting, and sanitation cycles — even when you’re away
• Energy savings through optimized pump/heater runtime
• Better water chemistry control
• Easy control for multiple features (spa, waterfall, lights) via one interface
• Peace of mind — automations reduce maintenance burden

A high-quality controller ensures your pool runs efficiently, safely, and fits into your lifestyle ecosystem.

⭐ Controller Brands Compared

✓ Wide local parts availability

✓ Supports variable-speed pumps, heaters, salt systems

✓ Robust user interface & mobile app (OmniApp / Hayward Connect)

✓ Easy integration with automation & pool features | • Slightly higher upfront cost vs basic controllers

• A few advanced features require optional modules | Full-feature custom pools, owners wanting robust automation and long-term support |

✓ Good compatibility with many pumps/heaters

✓ Clean user interface | ✗ Some advanced automation only via additional modules

✗ Higher part costs in some regions | Homeowners already using Pentair equipment or preferring their ecosystem |

✓ Good if you want simplicity | ✗ Limited expandability

✗ Less support for future upgrades | Simple pools without many extra features |

✓ User-friendly mobile interface

✓ Works across multiple equipment brands | ✗ Subscription or cloud dependency

✗ Debates about long-term reliability vs established legacy brands | Renters or vacation-home owners wanting remote control |

✗ Hard to repair or expand

✗ Often incompatible with variable-speed pumps or salt systems | Short-term builds, budget-constrained projects (not recommended by us) |

⭐ Why We Use Hayward for Our Builds

We standardize on Hayward controllers because:

• Reliability — Hayward systems have decades of proven performance in Florida’s climate and pool conditions.
• Full Compatibility — Works flawlessly with variable-speed pumps, heaters, salt systems, automation, and more.
• Support & Parts Availability — Hayward parts and service are widely available across Central Florida, meaning faster maintenance if needed.
• Scalability — If you want to add features (spa, water feature, lights, smart home integration), Hayward systems expand easily.
• Ease of Use — Intuitive mobile apps and control panels make pool management simple for homeowners.

By using Hayward, we ensure each pool we build is automated, future-proof, and supported long-term.

⭐ How We Integrate Smart Control in Our Builds

When you build a pool with us, we:

1. Assess your needs: pool size, spa, features, automation preferences.
2. Pre-wire conduits and plumbing for future features (lighting, spa, water features, heaters).
3. Install Hayward control panel & automation system (or other as requested).
4. Program default schedules for filtration, salt system, lighting, heater, and spa.
5. Show you how to control everything — via touchscreen or mobile app.
6. Hand over user manual, Wi-Fi setup, and any login info.

This ensures your pool operates smoothly from day one — with flexibility if you decide to add features later.

⭐ Should You Choose a Different Brand? (When It Makes Sense)

You might consider a non-Hayward controller if:

• You already own compatible Pentair or Jandy equipment.
• You prefer subscription-based remote access via iAquaLink.
• Your pool is simple — minimal equipment, no spa or extras.

If you go this route, we still recommend upfront planning to ensure wiring, conduits, and plumbing suit your chosen controller.

⭐ Our Recommendation: Hayward for Most Builds

For most Central Florida custom pools, our recommendation is clear:

Use Hayward for long-term reliability, ease of use, and future-proof automation.

If you’re not sure what you need — just ask us. We’ll design and wire the system so you have flexibility no matter what you choose.

Updated on: 28/11/2025