Automation is a controller - a glorified system of time clocks - for any mechanical pool equipment with an on/off switch, which will allow you to determine when that piece of mechanical pool equipment will be turned on to operate or turned off. Most manufacturers offer various levels and options for automation, from very basic (to control a few pieces of mechanical pool equipment) to very sophisticated (to control all of the mechanical pool equipment and various pool maintenance tasks and even the landscaping, sprinkler system, outdoor lighting, and entire backyard).
Automation is recommended for any pool.
Any mechanical piece of pool equipment that has an on-off switch, such as the main pool pump, a pool heater, a booster pump for a pressure-side automatic pool cleaner, a dedicated pump for water features, the power center for a salt generator, and a pool light (to name a few) can be wired to an automation system.
Once the automation is programmed, the equipment will turn itself on when programmed to be turned on and will turn itself off when programmed to be turned off.
Automation will allow your equipment to operate much more energy-efficiently and it will extend the life of that piece of equipment.
Most manufacturers offer levels of automation, with basic systems, mid-level systems, and then all-inclusive advanced systems. Most manufacturers also offer various control panels; a main control panel will always be wired next to the pool equipment, but you can opt for additional control panels in the home or even poolside. You can also control your pool from miles away with your mobile phone or device.
Regardless of the level of automation that you are considering, the automation must be programmed. Quite honestly, this can seem confusing at first glance...even at first long-look. But, your local pool professional is likely very well briefed on all automation systems. Once the automation is installed, they will teach you about its functions and help you program, use, and troubleshoot the automation.
Since there are a few manufacturers and models of automation (from very basic to very sophisticated), you are advised to read, save and file the owner's manual for the automation system that you have for all of the recommendations and instructions about that automation system. For the most part, you simply program a start time and a stop time, but there are a few different ways to do this, depending on the manufacturer and model of the automation that you purchased. It is reiterated, then, that the owner's manual for the automation that you purchased is the best source for information for that automation system.
While advanced automation systems still do not lead to a maintenance-free pool, if you have one, you can sit back and relax more than most pool owners.
The Automation Age is no longer a peak into the future; it is here.
That said, what will be available in 2020...or maybe even as early as next pool season? Stay tuned...
You can read the Pool Manual for additional information about pool automation systems.