When homeowners step outside and look at their swimming pool, they aren’t thinking about pumps, plumbing, or automation panels mounted on the equipment pad. What they see first is the water. Is it clear? Does it sparkle in the sunlight? Does it look inviting enough that they want to jump in right away? That moment of visual clarity is often the single most powerful signal homeowners receive about how well their pool is being cared for.

For pool professionals, that clarity represents the culmination of everything happening behind the scenes. Filtration systems are removing debris and particles, sanitizers are keeping the water safe, and balanced chemistry is protecting both swimmers and equipment. When those elements work together properly, the result is water that looks effortless — even though maintaining it requires skill and attention.

Yann Morvan, Product Line Leader for Smart Water Quality at Pentair Pool, believes water clarity ultimately becomes the defining measure of a service professional’s work.

“Water quality is essentially the signature of a pool professional’s work,” Morvan said. “It’s the most visible — or sometimes invisible — proof of their craftsmanship. If the water is always perfect every time a homeowner steps outside, that builds deep trust.”

That trust has a direct impact on customer relationships. When water quality is consistent, homeowners stop worrying about their pool and simply enjoy it. But when water turns cloudy or chemistry slips out of balance, confidence can erode quickly.

“Cloudy or unbalanced water is often the number one reason clients switch service providers,” Morvan said. “So the stakes are real.”

The Elements That Create Perfect Water Quality

Clarity Is Only the Beginning

When Pentair talks about “perfect water,” Morvan explains that the concept extends far beyond visual clarity. While homeowners may judge their pool primarily by appearance, the reality is that water quality is the result of multiple systems working in harmony.

“Perfect water is really an orchestra of different elements all working together,” Morvan said.

Clarity may be the most obvious indicator, but it only reflects what’s happening deeper within the system. Balanced chemistry plays a critical role, ensuring that pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels remain within the proper range. Those factors protect pool surfaces and equipment while also helping sanitizers work effectively.

“You’ve got balance — the pH, the alkalinity, the calcium hardness, the CYA — all working together to protect both swimmers and the equipment,” Morvan said.

Sanitization: The Invisible Layer

The final component of healthy pool water is sanitization, which ensures the water remains safe for swimmers. Most pools rely on chlorine to eliminate contaminants, bacteria, and organic waste introduced through regular use.

“And then you’ve got sanitization — the invisible layer, typically chlorine, that makes the water genuinely safe,” Morvan said.

When clarity, balance, and sanitization are all working together, the difference becomes immediately noticeable.

“You get what I’d describe as a resort pool experience,” Morvan said. “That silky feel. No harsh smell. Water that just invites you in.”

If any one of those elements drifts out of balance, the experience begins to break down.

“The water might look dull, smell off, or worse — become unsafe,” he said.

Understanding Saltwater Pools

Debunking the “Chlorine-Free” Myth

Advances in pool technology have made it easier to maintain consistent water quality. One of the biggest changes over the past decade has been the widespread adoption of salt chlorine generators. Today, more than seventy percent of new inground pools in the United States are installed with salt systems.

Despite their popularity, Morvan says misconceptions about saltwater pools remain common.

“The biggest misconception we see is that salt pools are chlorine-free,” Morvan said. “That’s completely false.”

Saltwater pools still rely on chlorine to sanitize the water. The difference lies in how that chlorine is introduced into the system.

“Salt systems produce chlorine on-site from the dissolved salt in the water rather than requiring you to manually add tablets or liquid chlorine,” Morvan explained.

Instead of periodic spikes caused by adding chemicals, salt systems generate chlorine continuously.

“A salt system microdoses constantly,” Morvan said. “That gives you a much more stable chlorine level around the clock.”

How Salty Is a Salt Pool?

Another common misunderstanding involves the salt concentration itself. Many homeowners assume saltwater pools resemble ocean water. In reality, the difference is dramatic.

“A properly maintained saltwater pool runs at around 3,500 parts per million of salt,” Morvan said. “The ocean sits at roughly 35,000 parts per million.”

At those levels, most swimmers can’t even taste the salt.

“What people notice instead is that the water feels softer and more comfortable,” he said.

Salt systems reduce the need for manual chlorine additions, but Morvan cautions that they still require attention.

“Salt systems dramatically reduce maintenance, but they are not maintenance-free,” he said. “You still need to monitor pH, monitor salt levels, and eventually replace the cell.”

A Chlorine Factory Built Into the Pool

How Salt Chlorination Works

Salt chlorination works through a process known as electrolysis. Salt — sodium chloride — is dissolved directly into the pool water. As the water circulates through the plumbing system, it passes through a salt cell containing electrically charged plates.

“The salt cell has titanium blades coated with a special compound,” Morvan explained. “When electricity passes through those blades, it separates the chlorine from the sodium, and once it’s done sanitizing, it converts back into salt,” Morvan said. “So it’s essentially a closed loop.”

Because the salt is recycled during the process, it rarely needs to be replaced except when diluted through splash-out, backwashing, or heavy rainfall.

Designed With Service Pros in Mind

Easier Repairs Through Modular Design

Recent improvements in salt chlorine generators have focused heavily on making the equipment easier to service. Feedback from builders and technicians played a major role in the redesign of Pentair’s IntelliChlor units.

“Builders and service professionals told us they wanted equipment that fit the realities of the pad and the service call,” Morvan said.

One major improvement is the modular electronics design.

“The electronics module now clips on and off,” Morvan said. “If there’s an issue, you replace just that component instead of the whole cell.”

Improved Sensors and Diagnostics

Sensor technology has also been upgraded. The new sensor module measures temperature, water flow, and salinity simultaneously, providing more accurate information to technicians.

“The salinity reading is now about 98 percent as accurate as a lab-grade tester,” Morvan said.

The system also includes more than twenty diagnostic codes visible directly on the display, helping technicians identify problems quickly.

“The unit can tell you whether the issue is the cell, the power center, or the automation connection,” Morvan said.

Importantly, the redesign also simplifies upgrades.

“The new cell is a 100 percent drop-in replacement for existing IntelliChlor installations,” Morvan said.

Filtration Still Plays a Critical Role

Pleatco Technology Joins the Lineup

While sanitization keeps water safe, filtration removes the particles that cause water to appear cloudy. According to Morvan, the two systems must work in tandem to maintain consistent clarity.

“Sanitization and filtration really have to work together,” he said.

Pentair recently expanded its filtration lineup through the addition of Pleatco cartridge technology, which is now included in Pentair cartridge filters.

“Pleatco cartridges are now standard across Pentair’s cartridge filter lineup,” Morvan said.

Improved Flow and Debris Capture

Pleatco cartridges incorporate several design features intended to improve filtration efficiency. PurePleat technology keeps pleats evenly spaced, maintaining filtration surface area over time. Point-bonded filter media distributes debris capture across the entire cartridge surface, helping extend cleaning intervals.

Another design improvement focuses on water flow. Pleatco’s free-flow core maximizes the space water travels through, reducing pressure and improving overall system efficiency.

The Future of Pool Water Management

Moving Toward Predictive Care

Looking ahead, Morvan believes the pool industry is moving toward a more proactive approach to water management powered by connected technology and automation.

“The vision for predictive care is continuous monitoring of key parameters like pH, ORP, temperature, salinity, and flow,” Morvan said.

Sensors and automation systems can track those variables in real time, allowing the system to make small adjustments before conditions drift into problematic ranges.

“You’re not responding to cloudy water,” Morvan said. “You’re preventing the conditions that cause cloudy water.”

Automation also allows service professionals to monitor pools remotely and identify potential issues early.

“It’s almost like shifting from being a pool cleaner to being a water quality analyst,” Morvan said.

For Morvan, the goal remains simple: helping pool professionals deliver consistently great water.

“Water quality is not just a technical outcome,” Morvan said. “It’s an experience you deliver to your clients — and it’s the foundation of everything they think about your business.”

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Yann Morvan on the Pool Magazine Podcast.

When it comes to pool equipment, few innovations have reshaped the industry as much as variable speed pumps. They’ve cut energy costs, reduced strain on equipment, and helped pool owners embrace greener backyard living. Now, Pentair has taken things to the next level with the IntelliFlo3 VSF pump—a solution designed not only to move water efficiently but also to bring powerful automation and remote connectivity directly into the heart of the backyard.

To better understand what makes the IntelliFlo3 such a game-changer for both pool owners and service professionals, Pool Magazine sat down with Adam Key, Senior Product Manager for Pentair Pool Pumps. With more than 15 years at Pentair, much of it spent in new product development, Key has seen firsthand how pool technology has evolved—and why this latest generation pump is such a leap forward.

How IntelliFlo3 is Redefining Pool Automation

For decades, single-speed pumps controlled by mechanical time clocks were the industry standard. They kept water moving, but at a steep cost. “Those time clocks were the first and most primitive form of automation for pools,” Key explained. “Whenever that pump was on, it was running full blast, consuming a lot of electricity. That’s why we wanted time clocks—to cut costs and energy waste.”

Variable speed pumps introduced scheduling and energy savings, but they had one big flaw: the user interfaces were often clunky. “Usually that schedule’s not changed,” Key noted. “It’s really not much of an automation tool if you’re never updating it based on seasonal needs or bather load.”

That’s where IntelliFlo3 changes everything. By adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Pentair gave users an intuitive mobile app to set, adjust, and monitor pump schedules anytime, anywhere. “You could be on vacation, see a storm coming at home, and increase the filtration cycle to keep your pool clear—all from your phone,” Key said. The result: a pump that adapts to real-life conditions instead of being locked into a static program.

Built-In Relays for Smarter Control

One of the IntelliFlo3’s biggest innovations is its built-in relays, allowing homeowners to control more than just water circulation. “It’s a two-in-one automation system,” Key said. “It automates the filtration of the pool, but also gives you the ability to control other equipment.”

Lighting is the most common example. “Instead of flipping a switch on and off 10 times to find the right color, you just press red, green, blue, or party mode in the app,” he explained. Homeowners can also schedule lights to create nightly ambiance or coordinate them with backyard entertaining. “Most people want their pool to be enjoyed, but also want it to look great,” Key added. “Having your lights set up on a schedule makes it part of the whole backyard experience.”

Salt chlorine generators and heaters can also be tied in. “That salt cell is only operating when there’s water moving through it,” Key explained. “And with heaters, parents have oversight—kids can’t just flip it on and leave it running for hours, which can lead to sky-high gas bills.”

Beyond the Basics

The IntelliFlo3’s control isn’t limited to just those three essentials. “Really, you can control anything that just needs to be turned on or off—booster pumps, ozone systems, UV systems, landscape lights,” Key said. “For simple pools that only have a couple of items to control, this is the perfect solution.”

For more elaborate backyards with multiple features—waterfalls, fire bowls, or extensive lighting setups—Pentair’s IntelliCenter system offers deeper automation. But for the majority of pools, the IntelliFlo3 delivers surprising flexibility without requiring extra hardware.

Benefits for Homeowners and Service Pros

While automation is a big win for homeowners, service professionals may find IntelliFlo3 just as valuable. With remote connectivity built in, technicians can monitor performance, diagnose issues, and even resolve problems without ever rolling a truck.

“Because it’s an internet-connected device, servicers can see pump status, check if it’s running at the right speed, and fix problems on the fly,” Key explained. “You might get a notification that the pump lost prime—often because the water level dropped below the skimmer. Instead of sending someone out, you can call the homeowner and have them top it off. That saves time, fuel, and keeps your customers happier.”

For service companies, that means fewer emergency calls, better efficiency, and the ability to offer premium service packages. “It really is like a white-glove service you can now deliver with just this pump,” Key added.

Tracking Energy and Maintenance

The IntelliFlo line has long displayed instantaneous wattage, but IntelliFlo3 goes further with historical tracking in the Pentair Pool app. “Now you can see daily, weekly, and monthly energy consumption,” Key said.

This data empowers owners to tie maintenance directly to performance. “When energy usage climbs over time, that’s a sign the filter is loading up. Clean it, and you’ll see the usage drop right back down,” he explained. It’s a simple, visual way to keep energy costs down and prolong equipment life.

For eco-conscious homeowners, this visibility is especially appealing. For pros, it provides a teaching tool that reinforces the value of proper maintenance.

Staying Ahead of DOE Regulations

Another reason IntelliFlo3 is timely is the Department of Energy’s upcoming regulation on replacement motors. The DOE already pushed the industry toward variable speed pumps for new installations, but until now, replacement motors were exempt.

“That’s the piece they’re changing,” Key said. “Starting September 25, you can no longer buy or manufacture single-speed motors between 1.15 and 5 horsepower. All those replacement needs will have to go to a variable speed solution.”

For pros, that means educating homeowners on compliance and value. “There’s lots of energy savings, but also automation benefits,” Key emphasized. “It’s an investment that pays off quickly and enhances the pool experience.”

The Future of Smarter Pools

In many ways, the IntelliFlo3 is more than a pump—it’s a control hub, a monitoring system, and a service tool wrapped into one sleek package. “It brings convenience and efficiency for both homeowners and pool professionals,” Key said. “It’s the first of its kind with true Wi-Fi enabled relay control, energy tracking, and remote monitoring—all without additional hardware.”

For pool professionals, that means fewer truck rolls, improved efficiency, and happier clients. For homeowners, it means lower bills, simplified automation, and peace of mind that their pool is being looked after—even when they’re not around.

In an age where smart homes are standard, it only makes sense that pools keep pace. With the IntelliFlo3, Pentair has made that leap, creating a smarter, more efficient, and more enjoyable backyard experience.

The real takeaway? Smarter pools aren’t the future—they’re here now. And with IntelliFlo3, the pump that once only moved water is now moving the entire industry forward.

Resources:

1. The IntelliFlo3​ Variable Speed & Flow Pump Hub
2. Brochures & Guides for IntelliFlo3

Ready to Take a Deeper Dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Adam Key on the Pool Magazine podcast.

Austin, TX — August 13, 2025 — Skimmer, the leading software platform for pool service businesses, today announced a new integration with LaMotte Spin Touch® photometers (models 3580–3582), bringing pool professionals a faster, smarter, and more accurate way to capture and record water test results in the field.

This Bluetooth-enabled integration allows technicians to instantly sync water test results from Spin Touch® devices directly into Skimmer’s mobile app, eliminating the need for manual data entry and the transcription errors that accompany it. This, combined with Skimmer’s industry-leading ease-of-use, promises to make the app experience for poolside techs faster and more seamless than ever before.

“We know that water testing can be a pain point for pool pros, especially when it slows down field work or creates uncertainty in the data,” said Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “With this integration, we’ve removed that bottleneck. You test the water, the data syncs automatically, and you’re on to the next pool.”

Faster field workflows, cleaner data

This update streamlines one of the most repetitive and error-prone tasks in a pool tech’s day by connecting Spin Touch® results directly to Skimmer’s service records. Test results appear automatically in the app in seconds without tapping, typing, or copy-pasting.

The integration delivers several key benefits for pool professionals; It saves time poolside by auto-importing water test results in seconds, eliminating the need for manual entry. It also reduces human error, ensuring accurate data by pulling results directly from the device—no typos, no rework. With device-verified readings, businesses can trust the integrity of every record. And if adjustments are needed, techs retain the flexibility to override or edit any result before saving.

“At LaMotte, we’re dedicated to giving pool professionals the tools they need to test water quickly, accurately, and confidently, ” says Jonathan Banish, Director of Software and Service Products at LaMotte Company.

“Integrations with pool service companies like Skimmer make the industry-leading performance of LaMotte Spin Touch® a seamless part of the daily workflow for thousands of service professionals,” he says.

Currently, the integration supports Bluetooth-enabled LaMotte Spin Touch® devices used in the field. In-store testing integrations are not available at this time, but Skimmer is actively evaluating future enhancements based on customer demand.

For more information or to get started, visit getskimmer.com or contact Skimmer support.

About Skimmer

Skimmer is America’s #1 pool service software platform. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 30,000 pool service professionals servicing 900,000 pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses. For more information about this report, Skimmer, or our products and services, please visit www.getskimmer.com.

About LaMotte

Founded in 1919, LaMotte Company is a leading manufacturer of water testing equipment and supplies for professionals, educators, and hobbyists. Known for innovation, accuracy, and reliability, LaMotte develops cutting-edge solutions like the Spin Touch® photometer to simplify water analysis across industries.