VivoAquatics Updates

Choosing the Right Commercial Pool Automation System

May 3, 2022

The pool automation industry is ever-growing, with more and more people realizing the benefits of having a fully automated system in their pool. As this trend continues, it’s important to be aware of the different types of pool automation and water management systems available on the market.

Aquatics operation software is an important tool for managing your facility’s pool and spa areas. It can help you keep track of pool compliance, manage finances and personnel, among other important aspects of running your business. However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which solution is right for your business. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing the right aquatics operation software for your needs.

Choosing-the-Right-Commercial-Pool-Automation-System_page-0001

Why Use Commercial Pool Automation?

Commercial pool automation is a great way to improve the safety and efficiency of your pool and spa areas.

Save Time and Money

 

There are many benefits of using commercial pool automation. It can help you save time and money, while improving your pool’s compliance with safety and operational regulations. Commercial pool automation can also help you manage your pool more effectively, allowing you to optimize its use and get the most out of your investment.

Keeping your pool in compliance is a never-ending task that requires attention from start to finish. There's always something new coming out and the rules change often, which leaves you feeling like this isn't going anywhere anytime soon! But with the right aquatic operations software, innovators can ensure their operation stays up-to-date by pulling reports detailing exactly when it was last checked against current regulations--saving hours every week.

Higher Levels of Productivity

 

Aquatics operation software is designed to help aquatic facility operators run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. This software can automate many of the tasks involved in managing an aquatic facility, from tracking customer transactions to managing pool schedules.

By automating these tasks, aquatics operation software can help facility operators save time and increase their productivity. Additionally, this software can help aquatic facilities manage their resources more efficiently, which can lead to increased profitability.

Ultimately, aquatics operation software can help aquatic facility operators run their businesses more effectively and efficiently, which can lead to increased productivity and profitability. Commercial pool maintenance can be time consuming, costly, and difficult. The right aquatics operations software makes it much easier, saving you time and money.

Increased Safety

 

One of the biggest benefits of commercial pool automation is the increased safety it provides. Automated systems can help keep your pool water clean and healthy while regulating things like pH levels and water temperature. This can help prevent accidents and injuries, making your pool area safer for both guests and staff.

Commercial pool automation can also save you money on labor costs. Many automated systems require less manpower to operate, which can reduce the amount of time and manpower needed to run your pool area. This can save you money in the long run by allowing you to allocate your resources more effectively.

Increased Sustainability

 

Aquatic operations software can help you achieve increased sustainability in a variety of ways. By providing comprehensive data tracking and analysis, this type of software can help you to identify areas where your operations are most wasteful and make necessary changes. Additionally, many aquatic operations software programs include features designed specifically to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, such as automatic temperature controls and real-time monitoring of water quality. Implementing these features can help you to significantly reduce your ecological footprint while still delivering high-quality service to your customers.

Automated systems can also help improve the efficiency of your pool area. Automated heating and cooling systems can regulate temperatures automatically, saving you energy costs in the process. Automated pool systems can also help you save money on lighting costs, as automated lighting systems can be more efficient than manual systems.

In addition to the direct benefits of using aquatic operations software to increase sustainability, this type of program can also indirectly improve your bottom line by helping you to avoid potential regulatory penalties associated with environmental-compliance. Overall, investing in aquatic operations software is an excellent way to improve your sustainability performance and protect the environment.

Automate Preventative Maintenance

 

When it comes to commercial pool automation, one of the most important features is the ability to automate your preventative maintenance. This ensures that your equipment is properly cared for and maintained, reducing the risk of future mechanical failures. VivoPoint helps you protect your investment with its automated preventative maintenance program.

You never have to guess what equipment needs to be serviced or when, as the automation process takes care of everything for you. This saves you time and hassle, so you can focus on other areas of your pool business.

Increased Luxury

 

Commercial pool automation can provide a more luxurious and relaxing pool experience for your customers. Additionally, automated chemical management systems can keep the water in your pool and spa healthy and safe. This can help you attract more customers, members, or tenants and improve your pool’s image.

There are a ton of reasons why commercial pool automation is a good choice for your facility.

Whether you manage one commercial pool and spa, or a portfolio of properties, aquatics operation software can help you meet the unique needs of your pool, spa, or water features.

When looking for aquatics operation software, it’s important to consider your specific needs and the features that are most important to you. Some of the factors you’ll want to think about include:

  • The size of your facility
  • The type of pools you have
  • Whether you need support for financial or personnel management
  • The level of automation you need
  • Scalability- if you have, or plan to have, a portfolio of commercial pool properties, you will need a software to grow with you

Once you’ve determined what your needs are, it’s time to start looking at other various aspects of the aquatics operations software.

Key Considerations When Choosing Aquatics Operations Software

There are some key things to consider when purchasing aquatics operation software. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can find the software that’s right for you and your business.
Ease of use

 

The software should be easy to learn and use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The software should have all the features that users need to perform their tasks efficiently. We believe that aquatics operations software shouldn't come with a heavy learning curve. It should increase efficiency, help you stay compliant, and make your job easier.

Efficiency

 

Another important consideration when purchasing aquatics operation software is its ability to improve efficiency in your pool area. The software should help you manage your pool more effectively, so that you can provide a better experience for your guests. It should also help you save time and money, while improving the safety and compliance of your pool area

Flexibility

 

Flexibility is very important in aquatics operation software. The software should be able to adapt to your specific needs and requirements, so that it can function effectively in your pool area. This is important, as each pool area is different and will require a unique set of features and functions from its automation system.Make sure to ask the vendor about this feature before making your purchase. They should be able to tell you how the software can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Security

 

The software should be secure and protect your data from unauthorized access. Security breaches can really cost your business. As such, having strong security is essential. This is an important feature, as it helps protect your data from hackers and other malicious individuals.This will ensure that your data is safe and protected from unauthorized access. Make sure to ask the vendor about this feature before making your purchase.

Price Point

 

Price point is, of course, a huge consideration for business owners who have to balance efficiency with budgets. Price isn’t everything, but it should be in your budget. The right aquatics operation software and commercial pool automation should offer a low total cost of ownership and a good return on investment (ROI). In fact, ROI is the most important consideration when determining if something is worth spending your money on it. It’s much more expensive to get cheap software that isn’t efficient in the long run.

Additionally, the software should offer comprehensive functionality to manage everything from reservations and scheduling to maintenance and cleaning. You want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck, so having these features along with a manageable price point is critical for successful commercial pool automation.

When selecting the aquatics operations software, be sure to look out for different pricing models and transparency. Some programs can be expensive to purchase outright, while others may require ongoing fees for updates or support. However, it's important to remember that you get what you pay for; a cheaper program may not have all the features you need, or may not be as reliable as more expensive options

Support

 

Manage a commercial pool with VivoAquatics and you'll never have to worry about your guests, tenants, or members using the amenities day or night. Equipment can break down at any time for reasons beyond our control, but we're here seven days a week if something does go wrong! With access to expert support via chat, phone & email alongside round-the-clock monitoring of chemical readings, you’ll be able to stop minor issues from becoming huge problems.

We want you to get the most out of your automated pool system, which is why we provide documentation and training on how it works. Onboarding new employees is a breeze, too. If new operators join your team, we’ll help them get set up so they can use the aquatics operation software and commercial pool automation.

Features to Consider in Commercial Pool Automation

The software should include features that meet your needs, such as tracking pool compliance, managing finances and personnel, and more. How important are features such as energy management, automatic chemical balancing, and water conservation to you? The automation system should include features that meet your needs.

First, you’ll need to decide what features are most important to you. Aquatics operation software can provide a variety of functions, from managing finances and personnel to tracking pool compliance and more. Make sure the software you choose has all the features you need to run your facility effectively.

Pool Safety Compliance

 

Running a successful and sustainable swimming pool operation is not easy. It requires constant attention to health and safety regulations that often change on short notice - sometimes even within the same day!

Your commercial pool and spa must stay in compliance with state and federal guidelines, as well as your health department, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your guests.

This is incredibly important. A study by the CDC found that 8,118, or around 12%, of routine inspections of pools or spas resulted in immediate closures due to a serious threat to public health.

For pool and spa operators who are serious about guest safety and satisfaction, this can be detrimental to business.

Fortunately for you though there are some great aquatic operations software options out there like VivoPoint and VivoPoint Pro, which will help make sure your business stays compliant so it can continue running smoothly without any worries or complications

The right aquatics operations software and commercial pool automation should be able to track water chemistry, circulation, and disinfection. It should also be able to generate reports on all these parameters so you can demonstrate compliance to health inspectors.

Additionally, many programs offer features that make it easy to track your compliance status over time and identify any potential areas of improvement. By investing in the right aquatic operations software, you can be confident that your pool is safe and compliant with all relevant regulations.

The Combination of Software & Hardware You Need to Manage Chemical Dosing

Building and health department codes now require some form of automation for the management of commercial pools and spas. The need is driven both by public safety concerns as well as increasing regulations on facilities that provide these amenities; however there's more than just regulatory reasons behind this trend towards advanced infrastructure like autonomic solution providers who can meet all your needs!

With traditional systems, you're relying on sensors and programming to make sure that the right level chemicals are being dispensed at all times. This becomes difficult when there's no human intervention or oversight! Let’s face it. It’s a 24/7 job, and you only have so many hours in a day! We offer an online solution with our VivoPoint Pro control system which will save time and money by reducing costs associated w/ hand-dosing.

Innovation around commercial pool and spa control systems has sky-rocketed. VivoPoint Pro provides online connectivity, 24/7 monitoring, modular sensor capabilities, and more.

ORP Probe vs PPM Probe

 

When choosing the right aquatics operations software for your commercial pool and spa, you’ll have to decide if you want a system that uses an ORP probe or a PPM probe- or one that takes advantage of both methods.

Traditionally, commercial pool automation systems have used an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) probe. This is one of the most common kinds of probe and has been used in commercial pools and spas for years. ORP measures the water’s ability to oxidize any sanitizer that is present.

These readings are generated in millivolts, which can be difficult for an operator to understand or read correctly. Additionally, the sensor can’t measure specific chemicals, meaning it cannot differentiate between, as an example, bromine and chlorine. Additionally, most health departments usually generate readings in true parts per million (PPM) probes.

PPM Probes have become the gold standard in recent years. PPM probes are typically easier for operators and owners to use because it directly tests the amount of chlorine that is in the water.

There are three primary methods for measuring PPM. These are:
  • Calculated PPM. This is a calculation based on the pool’s pH and ORP. Many commercial pool automation controllers use this to provide chlorine measurements.
  • Selective Membrane PPM. This is measured using a special membrane that only free chlorine ions pass through. This calculation system provides true readings of chlorine rather than indirect values
  • Colorimetric PPM. This measurement uses chemical indicators for chlorine. These indicators then react with the chlorine to produce a change in color in the solution. The higher the chlorine levels are, the darker the color will be.

Both PPM probes and ORP probes have advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing is that you understand the readings and how they are generated in your commercial pool automation system. Then you can better determine the chemistry of your water and know if, or what, changes need to be made.

Some commercial pool automation systems allow you to see both ORP and PPM probes. This isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can be nice to see both outputs to determine if one of the snosrs is off or if either of the numbers don’t correspond with each other. This can give you peace of mind that your commercial pool or spa is safe, healthy, and working as it should.

Consider Pool Filtration needs

 

It’s imperative to have a proper flow meter. Having one takes the guesswork out of your pool filtration, allowing you to optimize the pump speed for your pool.

You should be able to see if it’s on or off, as well as what the flow rates are for your pool. This helps you understand if there is a blockage or if you need to backwash your filtration system. Various components in the pump room won’t work properly unless you have the right rate of flow. Being able to monitor flow rates in real time is critical to keeping your commercial pool system running efficiently and effectively.

There are several types of filtration systems to choose from, including sand filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth filters. Each type of filter has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, sand filters are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, but they can become clogged if not cleaned regularly. Cartridge filters are more expensive than sand filters, but they are easier to clean and last longer. Diatomaceous earth filters are the most expensive type of filter, but they also have the longest lifespan.

When selecting a filtration system for your aquatics software, it is important to consider the needs of your facilities. You'll want to make sure that the one you choose works with commercial pool and spa automation and meets all of your other requirements. Are you looking for an inexpensive option that is easy to maintain, or are you willing to invest more money in a filter that will last longer? What kind of climate do you live in? Hotter climates may require a different type of filter than colder climate

No matter what industry you’re in, aquatics operations software can help automate your pool and spa operations. This makes it easier to keep track of compliance and ensure that guests, tenants, or members have a positive experience

Water Usage Sensors in the Automated Pool Monitoring System

 

The right aquatics operations software should be able to tell you how much water actually goes into your pool on a daily basis. This is critical for complying with health standards so you can keep your pool, spa, or water features up and running!

A water usage sensor can alert you if the property operators are doing too much backwashing or if there’s a leak somewhere in the system. If you’re losing water unnecessarily, you’re also losing money.

These kinds of water problems will also cost you money in heating and treating the pool or spa. When new water enters the pool, it needs to be heated. So if you’re constantly having to replace lost water, then you’re using more thermal energy in the heater system and incurring additional costs. Additionally, new water needs to be chemically treated to make it safe for swimmers.

Tank Sensors

 

Tank sensors are mainly used to measure liquid chemicals. Maintaining consistent levels in large, commercial swimming pools can be extremely challenging without tank level sensors.

Without these sensors, monitoring the chemical levels for your pool becomes a manual job to be carried out on a daily basis. If your facilities are outside or in a hard-to-reach area, this is a time-consuming process, and one that can easily be overlooked.

Perhaps you have large chlorine tanks and rely on an outside provider to fill them. Tank level sensors allow you to monitor the level of bleach in the tanks remotely, get insights before the tank is empty, and contact your provider to refill them, all without having someone physically check the levels inside the tanks.

Online Connectivity

 

When you need to find an automated pool system that works, many of them rely on local Wi-Fi or ethernet. The problem with these options is twofold: firstly they can be difficult to access in enclosed pump rooms where there are cement walls; secondly very few facilities have ethereics running all the way up into their facility and it's usually only available 50 yards away from the main building anyway. For most commercial pool operators, cellular connectivity makes more sense.

With VivoPoint, you can access the software as long as you have cellular connectivity, by using the cloud. This means you’ll be able to enjoy predictable service and stay in compliance at all times. No matter what industry you’re in, keeping your pool or spa open and running effectively is key.

Having aquatics operation software that has online connectivity is perfect for both single commercial pools and spas as well as owner or operators with a portfolio of aquatics facilities. Enable multiple aquatics facilities under a single ownership or management company to easily access all of the same information via a variety of devices worldwide using VivoPoint cloud-based management software.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right aquatics operation software and commercial pool automation can help improve the safety and efficiency of your pool area. Consider the features that are important to you, the budget you have to work with, and the size and type of facility before making a purchase. With the right tools in place, your pool area can run like a well-oiled machine!

When choosing aquatics operation software or commercial pool and spa automation, it’s important to consider what features are important to you, how user-friendly the software is, and what the price is. The software should also be backed by a good support team. By considering these factors, you can find the right product for your business.

Whatever software you choose, make sure it meets all applicable health and safety compliance requirements. Commercial pools and spas must comply with a variety of safety and hygiene regulations, so it's important to find a program that will help you stay compliant. Otherwise, you could face fines or even closure.

Choosing the right aquatics operations software can be a daunting task. However, by keeping these things in mind, you're sure to find a program that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

VivoAquatics offers peace of mind. We get that it is difficult managing your aquatics facility. That’s why we came up with aquatics operations software that can help with everything you need to manage your facility pool or water feature. You can make sure that your commercial pool, spa, or hotel compliance is up to date with 24/7 monitoring and notification of all chemical readings. Performance data, onboarding, real time alerts, and trend analytics are just a few of the features that you get when you grow with VivoAquatics.

Learn More

 

Sign up today for the VivoPoint demo to see how we can help you:

 

  • Save money
  • Automate your processes
  • Increase pool safety
  • Empower and train your employees
  • Sky-rocket your revenue

Guidance based on publicly listed industry standards and recommendations. VivoAquatics recommends you refer to local, regional, and federal guidelines to check your specific requirements and standards.

This is the default value for this text field
Book A Demo