Reimagining Pool Automation

Control technology for swimming pools has come a long way since the days of the mechanical timeclock. From the simple on/off function of yesteryear, to the sophisticated multi-faceted automated control of today, manufacturers continue to push the envelope of functionality and integration.

By Jen Doan

Our company, Poolside Tech, was born from a desire to improve the consumer experience. Our team was coming off a successful run creating smart technology for restaurant operations. We were considering our next move, enjoying some downtime, when together we started thinking about the swimming-pool owner experience, and specifically how primitive it is.

When we stepped back and thought about that state of swimming pool automation, we recognized an opportunity to advance the technology. We recognized that pool owners spend thousands of dollars on what is supposed to be an advanced automation system, a $5,000 box of “smart” control, and yet it feels like nothing more than a glorified timer flipping relay switches. It doesn’t talk to us, doesn’t think, and doesn’t make life easier.

Meanwhile, cars are driving themselves, homes are controlled by voice, and AI is quietly making everyday tasks simpler and more efficient. But in the backyard, where relaxation and recreation are meant to thrive, the technology has been stuck far behind.

That realization became the spark that lit Poolside Tech.

Inclusive Concept

From the very beginning, we approached the pool industry from the consumer perspective. We weren’t long-time pool pros or engineers steeped in decades of tradition. But like every homeowner, we knew what we wanted: confidence, simplicity, and intelligence in my home systems. We wanted a pool that works for us, not one that makes you feel like a slave to maintenance or a victim of endless expenses.

That’s where The Attendant was created, a system that would break barriers, one that would be right there beside you as your own personal pool assistant. Notifying you, advising you on chemistry, optimizing energy efficiency, and giving you peace of mind that your backyard oasis is a source of joy and not a black hole of hassle and expense.

Our goal was to build something smart, something that could think, communicate, and integrate across brands and systems. We didn’t want to lock anyone into a single product ecosystem. Too many manufacturers were saying, “Sure, you can automate, but only if you buy our pump, our heater, our salt system.” We wanted to open the table to everyone by saying, bring your preferred equipment, all are welcome here.

That’s no small feat, technically or philosophically. It means reverse engineering, countless integrations, and long nights with a team of truly brilliant engineers who refuse to accept “that’s just how it’s done.” We’ve built relationships with other forward-thinking manufacturers who see the value of collaboration, the idea that two minds, or ten minds, are better than one. The pool industry doesn’t have to be divided by brand silos. We believe it can come together to make every product better, more efficient, and more intuitive for homeowners and professionals alike.

One of the most rewarding things I’ve seen is how The Attendant not only serves the homeowner but also empowers the professional. When we started, we didn’t fully realize how much the pool pro could benefit. We thought about the homeowner, the mom and dad who want their kids to swim safely without worrying about pH or sanitizer levels. But we soon learned that professionals could use intelligent tools, too, tools that make them more efficient, more informed, in greater control, and better able to deliver real value to their clients.

Treatment Assists

Chemistry, for example, is an area that intimidates many homeowners and, truthfully, even some pool professionals. Managing water balance isn’t intuitive. Yet, the water’s quality determines everything: safety, comfort, equipment longevity, even the homeowner’s peace of mind. Our philosophy was: why can’t the system do the thinking?

Imagine your automation system telling you, “Your pH and sanitizer levels look great, send the kids in!” That’s what we wanted. And that’s what The Attendant does. It integrates chemistry, temperature, energy management, and scheduling into one cohesive, intelligent platform.

We also wanted to push beyond “energy-efficient” buzzwords and actually quantify the experience. If you want to heat my hot tub right now, say it’s 50 degrees and raining, the system can tell you how long it will take and exactly how much it will cost, based on your energy rates. It’s like a personal energy advisor for your backyard. There’s no need to walk outside to check; instead, you’ll have an accurate estimate: it’ll take 40 minutes and cost $3.42.

It’s a small detail, but it’s part of a bigger picture, that “creature comfort” layer we’ve all come to expect in our daily lives. The convenience of setting a timer, asking Alexa to check your pool status, or trusting that your water is balanced without running a test, that’s the level of smart home integration we all deserve.

But we also realized not every homeowner needs the full package. The industry is changing; more consumers are choosing simpler pools, efficient, affordable, and low-maintenance. So, we introduced The Mini, a streamlined version of The Attendant for everyday pools without elaborate water features and operating scenarios. It’s designed for the growing market of basic pools, where homeowners still deserve that same intelligent control without breaking the bank.

Every pool, no matter how big or small, should be smart.

Filling a Void

What makes us most proud is that we’re helping bridge a divide, a chasm between technology and backyard leisure, and between manufacturers, service pros, and homeowners. We’re saying: let’s break down the walls. Let’s stop forcing brand exclusivity and start focusing on functionality, efficiency, and experience.

We don’t care if you use our probes, or our flow cell, or someone else’s. We care that your system works, beautifully and seamlessly. We care that your pump runs efficiently during off-peak hours to save money. We care that your heater tells you exactly what to expect. We care that your chemistry is balanced and your weekends are stress-free.

That’s what automation should do.

It’s funny, as mentioned above, we came to this industry from restaurant automation, helping large quick-serve brands make their kitchens and equipment smarter, faster, and more reliable. In that world, everything had to work together. Efficiency was the difference between profit and loss. We brought that same mindset to the pool world, where, frankly, things have been static for too long.

Consumer expectations are evolving faster than ever. Smart homes, EVs, AI — all of it is raising the bar for how people interact with their world. It’s time for our industry to catch up.

Because a pool is a grand luxury, a choice we make to improve our lives. And when people invest that much into something that’s meant to bring joy, it should deliver. It should think, communicate, save energy, and make life better.

That’s what we’ve built with The Attendant and The Mini. Systems designed by people who sat by the pool one day, looked around, and thought . . .  We can do better!

Jen Doan is CRO of Poolside Tech.