The Future of Pool Automation Is Not a Single Product

Jeremy Young, Director of Product Marketing at Fluidra, says, “Homeowners have a dream. They want a resort experience in their own backyard.” But building a resort-like pool doesn’t mean you get a resort staff. The reality of managing a pool is far more complex than many pool owners anticipate.

“Today’s pool products are designed for single purposes,” Young says. “Pumps move water, filters clean it, heaters keep it warm. They each work in isolation and assume everything is working. When there is a problem, nobody knows until Friday night when the homeowner goes to use that spa, and it’s cold. And they wake up from their dream.”

Young believes the industry is at a critical turning point, and the key to recapturing that resort magic that so many pool owners seek is automation.

The Problem with Isolation

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming virtually every industry today, including pools. Today’s pool automation systems are a major step forward, giving owners the ability to control their pool without ever flipping a manual switch. But while convenient, most systems still have limitations. They rely on fixed schedules and manual inputs rather than actively optimizing performance in real time.

Whether it’s a scorching 100-degree day with a dozen kids in the pool or a cool, dormant week with the cover on, the equipment runs the same way. That lack of adaptability can lead to inefficiencies. As conditions change, so should your pool’s operation. Changes in environment, Young says, lead to “peaks and valleys in the pool maintenance where schedules are too aggressive. This is either because the pool is dormant and we are wasting energy or the maintenance schedule is inadequate and the water begins to get cloudy or even green.”

Today’s automation lacks the processing power required to handle environmental changes. Furthermore, while third-party “universal” automation has attempted to bridge the gap, these systems often fail to integrate seamlessly with the equipment. They may offer a single interface, but they lack the deep, native communication required for a pool to truly manage itself.

Jandy’s imminent product launch marks the next evolution of pool automation: simple, personalized, proactive, and built to transform pool ownership and service.

Bringing Intelligence to Pool Operations

Fluidra is striving to make pool maintenance more proactive, specifically within the upcoming evolution of the Jandy® brand. Pool maintenance is moving from “scheduling” toward “intelligence” so that pools themselves can be proactive rather than reactive.

“An intelligent automated system of pool equipment understands what is needed and adjusts performance to smooth out those peaks and valleys,” says Young.

The future isn’t about a better interface to manually turn on a cleaner; it’s about a system that detects a heavy bather load, anticipates a chemistry shift, and adjusts the filtration and sanitization levels before the water ever loses its sparkle. It’s about a system that can predict a component failure and alert the pool professional before the homeowner even realizes there is an issue.

An Invisible, Interactive Assistant

The most powerful pool automation is always invisible. It works behind the scenes so that all you see is the end product you desired. In pools, this means the water is always clean, clear, and ready to swim without any additional manual input.

But while the work becomes invisible, the experience is set to become more interactive than ever.

“I am optimistic that we will make pool equipment more interactive in the future,” Young notes. “One day soon, we will be able to integrate sports like volleyball or basketball with the lights, create interactive games like Red Light, Green Light, and display dynamic light shows that sync music with light, water, and even fire.”

Just as automation helps the pool recognize how to optimize its own maintenance, the equipment pad can learn and develop into the brain of the backyard entertainment center. The pool will become a living part of the home that responds to the family’s needs in real-time.

Building the Future

Over the last few years, Fluidra has been reinventing its product roadmap to deliver a system of solutions that do more than just excel individually—they share data to coordinate performance.

“What we’re talking about is not just a smarter on-off switch. It’s not just a nicer interface,” Young says. “It’s the system brain that’s going to power our next-generation pool experience.”

For the pool professional, this means fewer emergency repair calls and more opportunities to provide high-value, proactive service. For the homeowner, it means the dream of the resort lifestyle finally becomes a reality.

The future of the connected pool is coming, and it’s more than just a single piece of hardware. Jandy® is preparing to launch a new era of automation that encompasses connected products and software. In this new era, the pool is always ready, always efficient, and always stress-free. Sign up now to be first in line for access and news of what’s to come.

Jeremy Young

Jeremy Young brings over 20 years of experience spanning nearly every facet of the pool industry, including construction, service, training, sales, design, and product innovation. Currently serving as Director of Product Marketing at Fluidra, he combines technical expertise with strategic insight to shape the future of pool technology. His hands-on background and broad industry perspective make him a trusted voice in understanding the evolving needs of pool professionals while driving solutions that deliver meaningful impact.