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The Automated Pool
By Dawn Gordon Luks
When the weather is warm and sunny, there's nothing better than a dip in the pool. We all know that swimming is great for cardio health, and it's always fun to get a couple of Super Soakers and have some fun with the kids. However, the fun ends when it comes to pool maintenance. Skimming leaves, scrubbing the pool surface, and making sure you have the right chemical balance are all part of the job. But what if you didn't have to do these chores each week; what if there were products that could do the work for you? Luckily there are, so sit back on your floating lounge chair and read on.
Jandy AquaPure 700 Salt Chlorinator ($998) http://www.jandy.com/
Salt chlorinators use a small amount of natural salt (sodium chloride) that's dissolved into the water. As the water flows through the electrolytic cell, electrolysis separates the saline into its basic components, sodium and chloride. Chlorine gas is produced by this process and goes to work in the cell chamber to oxidize bacteria and purify the pool water. Following this process, most of the chloride and sodium re-bond and become natural salt again. Only a small amount of salt needs to be added once or twice a year. What's nice about the AquaPure 700, is that it automatically makes precision adjustments to increase or decrease the production of chlorine. There's also a boost mode for increased pool usage. The unit is self-cleaning with automatic reversing cycles and it features an LCD that displays levels of chlorine production, salinity, temperature, water flow, cell mode, and service codes. The 700 offers in-home control when interfaced with a Jandy AquaLink RS Control System.
Aquabot TURBO T4 RC ($1,899) http://www.123aquabot.com/
Simply drop the Aquabot Turbo T4 RC into your pool and press a button. In pools sized up to 50 ft., everything from the waterline to the walls to the floor will be completely cleaned in as little as 1 hour. The unit automatically shuts off when the cleaning cycle is completed. The T4 RC scrubs, power washes, and vacuums, and the built-in microfilter catches small particles. For touch ups, the T4 RC comes complete with a wireless 4-way, pinpoint accuracy remote control. The cleaner filters 5,000 gallons per hour. The unit is self-contained and doesn't require any hoses or filter connections. It comes with a 75 ft. self-buoyant power cord. Warranty is 4 years.
Jandy AquaLink RS ($500+) http://www.jandy.com/
The Jandy AquaLink RS Control System allows you to control your pool and spa from anywhere in your home or remotely via a telephone or PC. You can easily adjust spa temperature, turn on water features, monitor chlorine generation, control backyard lighting, and more. The system can control up to 32 devices and can even be used with the company's new wireless controller.
Dawn Gordon Luks is a veteran consumer electronics journalist. In addition to her writing schedule, Dawn also designs home audio, home theater, and home automation installations in South Florida. Send an email to Dawn Gordon Luks.
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