Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 30, 1994 TAG: 9408310005
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: David Butler
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Swimming pool dealers know from experience how difficult it can be to persuade first-time buyers to spend extra money on pool controls. You quickly discovered what any seasoned pool owner could have told you: a modest investment in a pool automation system is money well spent.
Pool automation includes timers, electronic switches and a variety of remote controls. You can schedule your pump to take advantage of off-peak rates, change the temperature of your hot tub or spa without getting out of the water, or protect your pump from running dry. Furthermore, you'll never have to backwash your filter, remember which pump works what, or worry about your water lines when the temperature drops.
With the right equipment, you can save money through reduced energy consumption and more efficient use of chemicals. Using electronic diverter valves, an automation system can also save the cost of dedicated pumps for special effects such as waterfalls, vanishing edges and fountains. Automation can also take the drudgery out of keeping your pool clean. Automatic chlorinators and other high-tech cleaning systems operate virtually without maintenance.
If you'd like to add a remote switch or timer inside your home, you can avoid the expense and aggravation of burying additional wiring by using power line carrier (PLC) components. A PLC controller sends a coded on or off signal over your existing electrical wires to a receiver module. For under $25, you can install a system that will allow you to operate your pool lights from indoors. Special high-current PLC switches are available for pumps and pool heaters.
Today's electronic controls are not only reliable but simple to operate. However, this wasn't always the case. Many dealers abandoned them in favor of electro-mechanical and pneumatic controls. Now the tide has turned the other way. The latest generation of electronic controls features weather-resistant enclosures, protection from voltage surges and lightning, and large, intuitive displays.
A growing number of manufacturers offer convenience features such as touch-tone telephone access and wireless hand-held remotes. Attractive multifunction control panels not only handle equipment sequencing and scheduling, but display water and air temperature along with other useful information. One company even makes a PC-based pool control and monitoring system.
One of the simplest time-saving devices if your pool doesn't already have one is a water level control. If the water gets too low from evaporation, leaks in your liner or just splashing about, your filter system won't work properly. Several easy-to-install levelers are available that will automatically add water as needed to keep the pool within the desired range.
Another big time-saver is a pool cover. A properly attached cover not only keeps out the leaves but helps prevent drownings. However, most covers don't see the light of day until the end of the season. An automatic pool cover solves this problem - you can extend or retract it at the touch of a button. By keeping your pool covered, your water will stay clean longer and chlorine evaporation will be minimized. And you'll spend a lot less to heat your pool.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture automation equipment for swimming pools and spas, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-425, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary
by CNB