Modernizing the Installed Pool Base: Why Automation Is the Smartest Add-On in Pool Renovation

Renovation has emerged as the most dependable growth channel in the swimming pool sector. While new construction cycles fluctuate with economic conditions, the installed base of aging pools continues to represent a stable and scalable revenue stream. Homeowners are choosing to reinvest in existing backyards, upgrading aesthetics, replacing aging equipment, and improving energy efficiency. But beyond visible improvements, many clients are asking a new set of questions: Can I control it from my phone? Can it alert me if something goes wrong? Can it run more efficiently? Those questions are opening the door to automation as a natural extension of renovation — not as a complex luxury system, but as a practical, revenue-generating upgrade.

For forward-thinking pool professionals, integrating automation into renovation projects is no longer a luxury add-on — it is a strategic modernization tool that increases project value, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens long-term client retention. As smart-home technology becomes standard indoors, automation is rapidly becoming the next expectation outdoors.

The Automation Shift: Meeting Evolving Homeowner Expectations

Renovation projects present more than an opportunity to refresh a pool’s appearance — they provide a strategic moment to modernize how the entire system operates. With millions of existing pools built before smart controls became mainstream, there is significant untapped potential sitting on equipment pads across the country. Homeowners already manage thermostats, lighting, and security systems from their smartphones; naturally, they are beginning to expect the same level of control over their pools and spas. For pool professionals, that shift in expectation creates a clear opening to introduce automation as part of a comprehensive renovation strategy.

John MacDonald, owner of Your Pool Guy Inc in Doylestown, Pennsylvania says his customers routinely ask him about automation for their pools. “Most customers start the automation discussion by asking if there is a way to control their pool water temperature remotely. Then they ask me if there is an app for that.” MacDonald says his clients are mostly interested in controlling their heaters, their pool lights and their water chemistry.

The smart phone has driven the consumer’s desire to control all the elements of their home from anywhere, all in the palm of their hand. Exterior landscape lights, pool lights, hot tub and pool temperatures, and control over pool and hot tub water chemistry, all manageable through their mobile devices. “I’m a pool service professional but I know that to ensure my client’s satisfaction with their pool and outdoor living space, providing them with simple automation will help ensure my clients are happy because they have a trouble-free, easy to maintain pool,” explains MacDonald. “Automation simplifies the maintenance of the homeowner’s backyard so pool owners can make sure the pool is put to bed right before they fall asleep, without having to go outdoors to check.”

Keep It Simple: Pool Owners Prefer Streamlined Automation

Simpler automation systems like the Tild pool automation system, tend to be very effective for most customers. Intuitive, easy-to-operate systems are key to keeping customers happy. These systems offer enough features to satisfy the homeowner’s needs while remaining simple enough to avoid requiring technical support after installation. MacDonald says that the simpler automation systems are the most effective for the majority of his customers. “The simple automation systems that are intuitive to operate seem to really make customers happy,” explains MacDonald. “They just need to have enough of what the homeowner wants but also simple and intuitive enough that they don’t need any technical help after the installation.”

Control system interfaces have also become more user-friendly, even as their capabilities expand. For example, the Tild pool automation system comes equipped with the Vigipool app, that can be easily downloaded to the client’s smart phone. Consumers are comfortable with apps on their phone, whether it’s their home security system, lighting or streaming services. In fact, consumers are excited to use an app on their phone to control the temperature, lights and water chemistry of their pool.

Automation Pays for Itself

Automation simplifies chores associated with pool and hot tub ownership and brings cost-saving benefits. Timers for outdoor and pool lights help reduce electricity costs, as does regulating pool and spa water temperatures. Automated pool and hot tub water chemistry dosing and control, like the Oxeo ORP and Phileo pH feeders, prevent overdosing or imbalance, minimizing the need for excessive chemical use and reducing overall expenses. Maintaining balanced pool water chemistry is especially critical for plaster pools, as unbalanced chemistry can lead to costly repairs. Additionally, having a compact, user-friendly pH controller with app-based notifications like the Phileo pH is ideal solution for clients with pH imbalances caused by salt chlorine generators. Improper pH levels lead to scale build-up on the salt cell assembly, which can cause the chlorine generator to shut off.

“Many of my clients have salt chlorine generators and are regularly confronted with their salt-system shutting down as a result of pH problem in their pool water,” explains MacDonald. “One of the most frequent calls I receive is from clients reporting that their salt chlorine generator isn’t working. They don’t realize that they haven’t taken the time to maintain the proper pH levels in the pool water and we all know this leads to scale build up on the salt cell assembly which shuts off the chlorine generator.”

MacDonald likes to recommend and install a pH automation controller that measures and doses the pool water to maintain the proper pH level. “I can’t be at the pool every day ensuring the pH is in the right range, so I like to recommend CCEI’s Phileo pH controller because it’s so compact and easy to use,” says MacDonald. “It’s just a little box about 3” x 4” in size so it fits on any equipment pad and it comes with the app so clients are notified if the water goes out of range so they can go add acid in to the container or similar. It offers the chemical automation that most customers need and want.”

Pool professionals agree that automation systems can help avoid the problems that can quickly increase the operating costs of a pool. Automation doesn’t take away work from service professionals as there are still always tasks to complete. But automation systems like the chemical controllers and feeders help between service calls to ensure all systems are operating correctly.

Automation systems also offer valuable data. Service professionals can identify issues such as an imbalance in pH or if a light is not working. Being able to discuss issues with customers, rather than a generic inquiry such as “How is everything in your backyard?” provides a significant competitive advantage for service companies.

Many pool professionals agree that offering and installing simple automation systems helps modernize the pool for customer but more importantly helps them stand out from their competitors which can be a real game changer for many independent pool and spa professionals. “In addition to modernizing the pool, automation creates customer loyalty for our business, as clients are empowered and truly feel they have a better, more modern pool if they can control it from an app on their phone,” says MacDonald.

A Competitive Edge That Keeps Clients Coming Back

Offering and installing simple automation systems like the Tild pool automation system helps modernize pools for customers while differentiating their businesses from competitors. Adding simple automation to renovation projects is one of the easiest ways to increase project value, differentiate from competitors, and deliver the modern convenience clients already expect inside their homes. Automation is a game-changer that fosters customer loyalty by providing a more modern pool experience.

Offering pool automation boosts customer satisfaction and excitement about their backyard investment. These systems simplify pool maintenance and make operating other components easier, even remotely. Now is the perfect time for pool professionals to start offering simple backyard and pool automation as a way to renovate pools that need an update. Beyond liners, decking, and lighting upgrades, integrating simple automation systems gives pool professionals a powerful way to modernize and renovate older pools, increase profits, and deliver the smart-home functionality today’s homeowners expect.