Taking control: new wireless controller technology offers more freedom and savings.(TECH TALK)

Until recently, effectively monitoring water quality and the overall facility meant operators had to be on site. But new controller technology is giving operators more freedom. That technology is called wireless Internet bidirectional control. With bidirectional control, you can access your controller remotely using a PC or laptop and the Internet--and do anything you would do on site. This is key because the majority of pool issues deal with calibration, set points, mixing times and proportionate feeding. The diagram below shows what these controlllers can do, and how they can save you time and money.

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In the near future, architects and designers will start mounting the flow meters, pressure gauges and valve movement indicators into one equipment room location. These new controllers are capable of transmitting video from the controller to your PC or laptop.

That can enable operators to see the inside of the equipment room (leaks on pump seals, leaks around filters and valves) or to manually backwash the filters by comparing the differential pressure on both sides of the filter. Video cameras also may be added for security at remote locations, to monitor a scheduled aquatics class or monitor potentially hazardous areas, such as the main drain area of the pool or spa.

The controller could send an alert when circulation is lost in a pool or spa. If an anti-entrapment device is installed, it could shut off circulation the moment it senses a change in flow or pressure. The controller could then send an alert directly to the aquatics ...