The Competitive Advantage, Automate to Dominate With Pentair Pool

Automation isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s rapidly becoming the defining feature that separates forward-thinking pool professionals from those simply keeping up. To explore why automation has become such a powerful differentiator, Pool Magazine sat down with Rodney McCall, IoT Product Manager for Pentair Pool, on a recent episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast. Over two decades at Pentair have given him a front row seat to the evolution of automation, and today, he sees it as nothing short of transformative for both professionals and homeowners.

Asked why automation has become such a game changer, McCall laid the foundation clearly. “Automation isn’t just about convenience. It’s a competitive advantage for builders. It future proofs installs and delivers a premium experience that helps you as a pool builder stand out,” he explained. For the homeowner, he added, automation is no longer an upgrade—it’s an expectation. With the Pentair Pool app, customers gain the ability to control, monitor, and manage everything from simple pools to the most complex backyard environments anytime, anywhere in the world.

When the conversation shifted toward defining that “premium experience,” McCall didn’t hesitate. “Automation makes pool ownership a lot simpler and stress free, and I think that’s the premium experience,” he said. With intelligent flow logic that automatically optimizes heaters, water features, filtration, and energy savings, pool owners are no longer intimidated by the equipment pad. Instead, they engage with their pool confidently, often through intuitive touchscreen controls or the Pentair Pool app.

Delivering a Better Customer Experience Through Automation

Why Builders Should Lead With Automation

Some builders still hesitate to standardize pool automation, so the question became what benefits resonate most with homeowners. McCall pointed to the emotional side of pool ownership as much as the practical. “Not only does automation make it easier, it also makes it more fun, and that’s why people buy pools in the first place,” he said. Whether creating a gentle waterfall for a quiet night at home or a dramatic full-power water feature for entertaining, homeowners can instantly tailor the experience with a single tap.

Scheduling, too, reduces the need for customer intervention. “Automation allows customers to spend less time managing their pool and more time enjoying their pool,” he explained. Combined with IntelliFlo variable speed pumps—something McCall compares to volume control for the backyard—the system effortlessly delivers low, medium, or high performance based on pre-set preferences.

Why Pentair Automation Stands Out

The conversation turned naturally to why a builder should choose Pentair’s automation suite over competing systems. McCall emphasized breadth and flexibility. “Pentair offers automation solutions for every pool,” he noted. For basic pools, the IntelliFlo3 pump now includes a relay card, introducing affordable entry-level automation that gives customers convenient control through the Pentair Pool app.

For more complex designs, IntelliCenter remains the flagship. “It features a high-definition color touchscreen at the equipment pad, and even an indoor control panel that looks and feels premium,” he said. Beyond aesthetics, McCall stressed that the homeowner’s daily interaction with the pool happens through the automation system. “You don’t want to leave that customer with a low-end interface or a non-intuitive app. And I think we have the best pool app in the business.”

Remote Monitoring: The Pro Advantage

When asked what additional tools builders should be factoring into their discussions with customers, McCall pivoted to one of the biggest differentiators Pentair offers: remote monitoring. “Remote monitoring allows the builder to still have some contact with that swimming pool,” he said. If a customer has an issue, the builder or service tech can instantly review filtration status, sanitizer levels, pH, salt levels, and other diagnostics without first rolling a truck.

McCall calls it the “know before you go” advantage, saving professionals time while providing faster support for customers. In many cases, alerts identify issues before the homeowner realizes there’s a problem, strengthening trust and long-term loyalty.

Understanding IntelliCenter and IntelliCenter Lite

Before installation, builders must understand the differences between IntelliCenter configurations. McCall broke it down simply: “There’s one we call the IntelliCenter Lite… it does not have space for electrical breakers. The IntelliCenter we refer to as a load center, and the load center has the space for the electrical breakers.”

He added that the Lite version includes a low-cost WiFi bridge similar to what many others use, while the full IntelliCenter uses Pentair’s high-powered wireless kit, designed for stronger and more reliable backyard connectivity. “It’s really robust when it comes to connectivity, even in really challenging backyards,” he said.

Lighting, Connectivity, and the Future of Smart Pools

IntelliBrite’s Evolution: Introducing IntelliVibe

Lighting has become one of the most powerful selling tools for builders, so the discussion turned toward Pentair’s new IntelliVibe system. McCall’s enthusiasm was unmistakable. “The pools where I have seen IntelliVibe, the colors are so vibrant, and it is our newest lighting product,” he said. Unlike legacy lighting, which can lag during color changes, IntelliVibe reacts instantly in the Pentair Pool app. It offers millions of colors, adjustable color temperature, dimming, and independent control of up to four distinct lighting zones—without consuming valuable IntelliCenter relays.

With three fixture sizes, including options suitable for out-of-water landscape installations, IntelliVibe gives builders enormous creative flexibility. McCall sees lighting as a referral generator. “When the neighbor sees how awesome your backyard looks with IntelliVibe, he’s gonna want it in his backyard too,” he laughed. And soon, IntelliVibe will be available even without IntelliCenter—requiring only the Pentair Pool app.

Solving the Backyard Connectivity Problem

Connectivity challenges consistently frustrate pool professionals, and McCall acknowledged how Pentair tackles the issue. “The IntelliCenter uses 900 megahertz technology… it is really good at penetrating walls and distance,” he said. This long-range signal requires no router password, no WiFi extenders, and minimal configuration.

The installation process, though technical, is straightforward, with clear steps for mounting transceivers, routing Ethernet cables, and powering components. Builders who follow the sequence find setup smooth and repeatable, even in difficult sites.

Setting Up a Customer’s IntelliCenter Account

Once connected, creating the customer’s IntelliCenter account is simple. Builders input property details, email credentials, and secure passwords directly at the outdoor control panel. “Then you download the Pentair Pool app and log in using the email and password you just created,” McCall explained. From there, the app guides the tech through notification settings and customization options, instantly activating remote control capabilities.

Training, Support, and Long-Term Resources

When asked what support exists for pros who run into issues, McCall didn’t hesitate. “Pentair technical support… I like to say it’s the best in the business,” he said. The long-standing 800 number connects builders directly with experts, and Pentair’s Pro Resource Education Center offers how-to videos, guides, learning modules, and a nationwide schedule of Pentair University in-person trainings.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Smart Pool Ownership

Where Pentair Is Headed

As the conversation wrapped, McCall shared Pentair’s broader vision. “We are going to keep pushing the boundaries of what smart pools and our equipment can do,” he said. From automation and remote monitoring to next-generation lighting, Pentair aims to make pool ownership easier, more sustainable, and more enjoyable. For pros, the message was clear. “Automation is not just a convenience anymore. It is a way to grow your business and offer that premium service and stay ahead of the curve.”

Pool pros looking to strengthen their competitive edge are finding that automation isn’t just part of the job anymore—it’s becoming the centerpiece of exceptional backyard experiences. And as Pentair continues to expand what’s possible, the opportunity for builders to “automate to dominate” has never been stronger.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Rodney McCall on the Pool Magazine Podcast.