Pool Automation & Smart Control Systems | Discount Pool Mart
Pool automation puts your pump, lights, heater and pool/spa modes on one control panel or a smartphone app. Discount Pool Mart is an authorized dealer for Pentair IntelliCenter, Hayward OmniLogic and Jandy iAqualink, and we install them at all 8 of our Los Angeles locations.
Most pool owners know the routine. You grab a flashlight after dark, walk to the equipment pad, turn a valve for the spa and flip on the heater. Later you go back out to reset everything. Automation swaps those trips for a schedule and a tap on your phone.
Want to compare models now? Browse our pool automation systems. Or keep reading to find the platform that fits the equipment you already own.
Authorized dealer · Installation at 8 LA stores
What Pool Automation Systems Can Control
When a pool builder says "automation," they mean a controller mounted at the equipment pad. Relays in a load center switch equipment on and off, and the controller talks to sensors and valve actuators. The concept comes from home automation: one hub, many devices, and remote access from your phone.
A typical smart pool control system handles:
- Pump and filtration schedules
- Pool and spa lights, including color scenes
- Heater and temperature setpoints
- Pool/spa mode switching and spa spillover
- Water features and auxiliary circuits
- Remote control through a smartphone app
Think of it as a hub with spokes: controller → pump, lights, heater, valve actuators → home Wi-Fi → your phone.
Filtration Runs on a Schedule, Not a Switch
The controller sets run times, so the pump filters water at the same hours every day. Nobody has to remember.
Lights and Water Features Get Their Own Circuits
Lights, fountains, deck jets and bubblers each sit on a separate circuit. Schedule them individually or group them into scenes.
Spa Mode Becomes One Command
A pool and spa control system turns the valves, fires up the heater and starts spillover in one step. What used to be a three-part chore at the pad now happens from the patio.
Pool App Control From Anywhere
Yes, you can run your pool and spa from your phone. Each platform has its own app, and the controller needs a solid Wi-Fi signal at the equipment pad to stay connected. Our pool app control setup guide walks through pairing for all three brands.
Interested in automated water chemistry? That lives in our water chemistry section. This page sticks to equipment control.
Swim University's short primer shows what a starter setup looks like:
Pool Automation Systems We Carry: Pentair IntelliCenter, Hayward OmniLogic, and Jandy iAqualink
We sell and install all three. Each controller belongs to a larger equipment family, so it works best with pumps, heaters and lights from the same manufacturer.
Pentair IntelliCenter
IntelliCenter is the current flagship controller from Pentair. Owners manage it through the Pentair Pool app, and it pairs with Pentair IntelliFlow variable-speed pumps, Pentair heaters and Pentair color lights.
Hayward OmniLogic
OmniLogic is Hayward's automation platform. The OmniLogic app handles equipment schedules, heat adjustments and lighting themes on Hayward pumps and lights.
Jandy iAqualink
Jandy, part of the Zodiac family, links its AquaLink RS controllers to the iAqualink app for remote access. Jandy pumps, heaters and lights connect directly.
| System | Manufacturer | App / remote access | Often chosen when you already own… |
|---|---|---|---|
| IntelliCenter | Pentair | Pentair Pool app | Pentair pumps (IntelliFlow), heaters or lights |
| OmniLogic | Hayward | OmniLogic app | Hayward pumps, heaters or lights |
| iAqualink | Jandy (Zodiac) | iAqualink app | Jandy pumps, heaters or an AquaLink RS panel |
Check each manufacturer's documentation for model specs and compatibility.
Not every upgrade means a new controller. Still running a Pentair EasyTouch? The Pentair ScreenLogic2 interface adds app access, and we still stock the EasyTouch 8 pool and spa control system. Jandy owners who want a pool automation kit for an existing pad can look at the AquaLink RS4 pool and spa upgrade kit. For a side-by-side breakdown, read our Pentair vs Hayward vs Jandy comparison.
Variable-Speed Pump Control Saves Energy Every Day
Here is why the pump matters most. A variable-speed pump can run at many speeds, and the automation controller decides which speed to use and when. A common setup runs a higher speed for a short skimming window, then drops to a low speed for the long overnight filtration cycle.
According to Pentair, IntelliFlow pumps take speed commands straight from IntelliCenter. Hayward and Jandy offer the same pairing within their own pump lines.
The energy argument comes from the government, not from us. ENERGY STAR certifies pool pumps and explains that variable-speed models running at lower speeds use far less energy than single-speed pumps. Variable-speed pump control turns those low-speed schedules into a daily habit, with no one needing to set them by hand.
Build your schedule with our pool pump scheduling guide. A dedicated Pentair IntelliFlow setup guide is coming soon.
Automated LED Pool Lights Run Themselves
In our stores, lighting is the feature owners talk about most once they've tried it. Automated LED pool lights wired to the controller can switch on at sunset, cycle through color shows on weekends and turn off at midnight without anyone touching them.
From the app, you can:
- Pick a fixed color or a light show
- Sync pool, spa and landscape lights in one scene
- Set on and off times
Replacing old incandescent fixtures? Our LED light upgrade walkthrough covers the steps and color choices, and a full pool LED lighting guide is on the way. Before you buy, ask our staff to confirm your lights match your controller's brand.
How to Choose the Right Pool Automation System
Let's break it down. Start with these seven questions:
- Pool only, or pool and spa? Spa modes need valve actuators and extra circuits.
- What brand are your pump, heater and lights? Matching brands usually means fewer adapters.
- How many devices and circuits? Count every pump, light, heater and water feature.
- Which features can't you live without? Scheduling, lighting scenes, spa heat-up from the app.
- How strong is Wi-Fi at the equipment pad? A weak signal outside means a frustrating app.
- Retrofit or new build? Yes, you can add automation to an existing pool.
- Will you add equipment later? Pick a controller with spare circuits if so.
Then let your current equipment point the way:
- Mostly Pentair → consider IntelliCenter
- Mostly Hayward → consider OmniLogic
- Mostly Jandy → consider iAqualink
- Mixed brands → talk with our staff before you buy
My honest take after watching customers make this call: the happiest owners choose the system that fits the gear already on their pad. Tearing out working equipment to chase a spec sheet rarely pays off. Wondering about budget? Read how pool automation systems work and what they cost for a closer look at pool automation cost.
Pool Automation Installation Los Angeles: Available at All 8 Stores
Every Discount Pool Mart store across Los Angeles offers installation. Because we're an authorized dealer for Pentair, Hayward and Jandy, our team can match the controller to your equipment and arrange professional installation.
Getting started takes three steps:
- Pick a system, or narrow the field with the checklist above.
- Visit or call any of our 8 LA stores to talk through your setup.
- Schedule professional installation.
Automation installation involves electrical work at your equipment pad. Licensed professionals should handle it, so leave the wiring to them.
Pool Automation and Lighting How-To Guides
Next steps for anyone who wants to go further. These guides pick up where this page leaves off:
- Setting up your pool app for Pentair, Hayward and Jandy
- Pump run-time schedules that save energy
- Upgrading to LED pool lights
- Three-brand automation comparison
- Automation costs and how the systems work
Still in the works: a full pool automation guide, a Pentair IntelliFlow setup guide and a pool LED lighting guide.
Shop Pool Automation Systems and Pool Lights
Ready to upgrade? Start here:
- Controllers: Shop pool automation and control systems
- Replacement parts: automation and control system parts, including control boards and sensors like the Pentair 10K temperature sensor
- Pool lights: color LED fixtures in store and online
Only need a pump, filter or heater without automation? Our pool equipment collection has those too. Whichever system you settle on, stop by any of our 8 LA stores and ask about installation.