Pentair vs Hayward vs Jandy – Why Smart Pool Tech Matters
Smart pool automation has matured fast. In 2025, owners want more than a fancy timer; they expect a unified brain that drives energy savings, simplifies maintenance, and plays nicely with their smart home. The “big three” ecosystems—Pentair, Hayward, and Jandy—cover the same fundamentals (pumps, heaters, lights, valves) but differ in app polish, ecosystem openness, and how hassle-free they are to live with day to day. From my installations coast-to-coast this year, one theme keeps coming up: there’s no single winner for everyone. As I tell clients, “OmniLogic delivers 80% of the features for 60% of the budget,” while “iAquaLink’s UI is the one homeowners actually use daily,” and “In my installs, IntelliCenter has been the least fussy with mixed equipment.” This guide unpacks those trade-offs so you can choose confidently.
What Is Pool Automation? Benefits at a Glance
A modern automation controller links to your pool pad (pumps, heater, SWCG, valves, lights) and exposes everything in a mobile app and/or smart home platform. The result is fewer manual tasks, fewer wasted kilowatt-hours, and fewer “why is the heater running?” moments.
Remote Control & Monitoring
From anywhere, you can start spa mode, check water temperature, or see whether the pump actually spun up. Remote visibility matters when you’re traveling or renting your home. Status plus control beats guesswork—especially for heaters and freeze protection.
Energy Efficiency Optimization
Automation shines when paired with variable-speed/variable-flow (VS/VSF) pumps and scheduled heat windows. Lower RPMs for longer durations can maintain clarity at a fraction of the energy. Many owners see hundreds of dollars per year in savings when automation actively manages pump profiles and heater setpoints.
Maintenance Scheduling & Alerts
Scheduled chlorination windows, backwash reminders, and filter-clean reminders help maintain water quality. Add optional sensors (temperature, pH/ORP, flow) and you can nudge dosing or catch problems before they grow. That said, sensor stacks only pay off if you’ll act on the data—otherwise you get alert fatigue.
Pentair IntelliCenter & IntelliTouch — Deep Dive
System Capabilities & Features
Pentair’s IntelliCenter is a flagship, modular controller designed for complex pools with multiple bodies of water and equipment add-ons. It handles VSF pumps, heaters (gas/HP), salt systems, water features, and multi-zone lighting with scene presets. Expansion boards let you add relays and valve actuators as your backyard evolves.
App Interface & User Experience
The Pentair Home app surfaces circuits, schedules, and chemistry readings (when equipped) with a utility-first layout. It’s not the flashiest UI, but it’s extremely functional. In my field notes, “IntelliCenter has been the least fussy with mixed equipment,” especially if you already run a Pentair SWCG or Pentair VSF pump—compatibility quirks drop dramatically.
Equipment Compatibility & Retrofit Notes
Pentair’s ecosystem is broad and documented, and it’s especially smooth when most gear is Pentair. Cross-brand retrofits work, but mixing core subsystems (e.g., third-party salt cells or lights) can create edge-case behavior. Rule of thumb: keep the pump + SWCG + controller within the same brand whenever possible.
Smart Home Integration (Alexa, Google Home)
Voice scenes (e.g., “spa on”) are straightforward, and third-party integration is typically via official voice skills plus dry-contact/relay workarounds for advanced DIY hubs. Home Assistant users often bridge through relays or community plugins, but expect tinkering.
Pricing: Equipment & Installation
Typical U.S. 2025 street ranges (controller + base relays only): $2,000–$3,500. Add modules/salt cell/LED drivers, and the installed cost for a retrofit commonly lands around $4,000–$8,000 depending on labor, trenching, and panel cleanup.
Hayward OmniLogic & OmniHub — Deep Dive
System Capabilities & Features
OmniLogic (and the lighter OmniHub) target strong value with solid core automation. You get scheduling, VS pump control, heater management, and full-color lighting scenes—particularly cohesive with ColorLogic LEDs. Feature coverage is broad enough for most single-body pools and pool-spa combos.
App Interface & User Experience
The Omni app is clean and straightforward. Homeowners who want “set it and forget it” tend to like it. My recurring take: “OmniLogic delivers 80% of the features for 60% of the budget.” If you don’t need exotic water features or edge-case integrations, OmniLogic is a cost-effective sweet spot.
Equipment Compatibility & ColorLogic LEDs
With Hayward pumps, filters, and ColorLogic lighting, the experience feels cohesive. Third-party lights or legacy relays work, but color sync and scene recall are most reliable end-to-end when you stay in-brand.
Smart Home & Third-Party Control
Alexa/Google voice scenes are available, with basic command sets. For deeper smart-home graphs, expect limited official APIs and rely on community bridges or hardware relays.
Pricing: Equipment & Installation
Controller-only street range for 2025: $1,500–$2,800. Installed retrofit projects often total $3,000–$6,500 depending on the number of relays/valves and any panel rework.
Jandy AquaLink & iAquaLink — Deep Dive
System Capabilities & Features
AquaLink has long been known for stable control of pumps, heaters, valves, and lights, with a straightforward programming model. It’s flexible enough for multi-feature builds and spa-centric homes.
App Interface & User Experience
iAquaLink is often the easiest day-to-day app for non-techy family members. I hear it constantly during hand-offs: “iAquaLink’s UI is the one homeowners actually use daily.” Tiles are readable, spa presets are obvious, and schedule editing is painless.
Equipment Compatibility & OneTouch Options
End-to-end Jandy gear (pumps, SWCG, lights) keeps the experience smoothest. OneTouch/indoor panels remain a nice luxury for tactile control near the kitchen or master suite, especially if guests use the spa.
Smart Home & Voice Control
Expect standard voice-assistant support for scenes and temperatures. For advanced DIY, similar story: basic official routes, deeper control through community workarounds.
Pricing: Equipment & Installation
Controller-only street range: $1,800–$3,200. Typical retrofit totals: $3,500–$7,000, varying with panel tidy-up, lighting drivers, and add-on sensors.
Feature Comparison Matrix (Side-by-Side)
| Feature / Spec (2025) | Pentair IntelliCenter | Hayward OmniLogic/OmniHub | Jandy AquaLink/iAquaLink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variable-Speed Pump Control | ✔ (native) | ✔ (native) | ✔ (native) |
| Heater (gas/HP) Scheduling | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Salt System (SWCG) Control | ✔ (best in-brand) | ✔ (best in-brand) | ✔ (best in-brand) |
| Color Lighting Scenes | ✔ | ✔ (strong with ColorLogic) | ✔ |
| Typical Controllable Circuits (expandable) | Mid–High | Mid | Mid–High |
| Sensors: Temp (built-in), pH/ORP (add-on) | Temp ✔ / pH-ORP ◐ | Temp ✔ / pH-ORP ◐ | Temp ✔ / pH-ORP ◐ |
| Voice Assistants (Alexa/Google) | ✔ (scenes/temps) | ✔ (scenes/temps) | ✔ (scenes/temps) |
| Third-Party/DIY Integrations | ◐ (relays/community) | ◐ (relays/community) | ◐ (relays/community) |
| App UX (owner feedback) | Utility-first | Simple value | Most intuitive |
| OTA Firmware Updates | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best Fit Snapshot | Complex builds | Budget-smart standard builds | App-centric households |
Legend: ✔ supported; ◐ possible/limited with add-ons or DIY bridges.
Field warning: “Mixing brands is where service calls multiply.” Keep the controller + pump + SWCG aligned when you can; lights are the most finicky to mix across ecosystems.
Installation Complexity & Pro Requirements (New Build vs Retrofit)
Retrofits begin with an audit: identify circuits, actuator count, light drivers, and line voltage vs low-voltage runs. Expect panel cleanup—labeling, replacing tired relays, fixing RS-485 bus wiring, bonding, and GFCI verification. New builds are easier: plan conduit, breaker space, and expansion boards from day one. If you want in-wall keypads or indoor OneTouch panels, run those low-voltage lines during rough-in. Pro install is strongly recommended; besides safety and code compliance, many manufacturers extend warranty coverage when a certified pro registers the system.
Mobile App Comparison (UX That Owners Actually Use)
Interface Design & Usability
All three apps have matured, but their personalities differ. Pentair’s app is pragmatic—dense info, minimal fluff. OmniLogic is clean and predictable. iAquaLink is the crowd-pleaser with friendly tiles and obvious spa controls. (I routinely see families gravitate to iAquaLink without coaching.)
Scheduling Power & Templates
You want seasonal templates (summer/winter), override buttons, and visual calendars. Each platform supports robust scheduling; Pentair tends to expose more knobs, Hayward keeps it lean, and Jandy hits the sweet spot for quick edits on a phone.
Alerts & Reliability
Push alerts for freeze protection, heater faults, and chemistry deviations are table stakes. For stability, mount the Wi-Fi bridge cleanly, avoid congested 2.4 GHz channels, and keep firmware current. A small Ethernet run to the pad (if feasible) can eliminate a surprising number of “offline” calls.
User Reviews & Ratings
Store ratings move around with each release, so look at recent reviews and pay attention to comments about connectivity and schedule editor bugs. When in doubt, ask your installer which build they’re currently trusting.
Energy Savings & ROI in the Real World
Variable-Speed Pump Optimization
Baseline single-speed example: 1.5 HP pump ≈ 1.5 kW running 8 h/day → ~12 kWh/day (~4,380 kWh/year).
Automated VS pump example: average 0.5 kW at optimized RPMs for 10 h/day → ~5 kWh/day (~1,825 kWh/year).
At $0.20/kWh, that’s ~$876/year vs ~$365/year—~$511/year saved from the pump alone.
Heating Schedule Automation
Adding schedule windows and realistic setpoints typically trims 10–30% of heater runtime. Depending on climate and fuel cost, that’s another $150–$400/year.
Annual Cost-Savings Estimates
Real-world owners commonly see ~$500–$900/year saved combining VS optimization plus smarter heating. If your installed automation cost is $4,000–$7,000, simple payback falls around 4.5–9 years. Many clients accept that timeline because comfort and convenience (remote spa starts, reliable freeze protection) are everyday wins even before the energy math.
Reliability & Support You Can Count On
Warranty Coverage (What Actually Gets Approved)
Across brands, warranties improve when the system is professionally installed and registered. Parts-only DIY installs often carry shorter terms or exclusions. Keep proof of install, serials, and app screenshots of firmware versions.
Tech Support & Installer Network
Pick a brand with strong local support. A great installer who knows the quirks of your chosen ecosystem often matters more than a small spec difference on paper.
Common Issues & Field-Tested Fixes
- Intermittent offline: relocate the Wi-Fi bridge, reduce 2.4 GHz interference, consider hardwiring.
- Unreliable color sync: keep lights in-brand; if mixed, program conservative scenes.
- Chemistry sensor drift: calibrate regularly; replace probes on manufacturer cadence.
- RS-485 bus noise: use twisted pair, keep runs short, secure terminations.
Retrofit vs New Installation: What to Keep, What to Replace
Retrofit priority list: (1) unify controller + pump + SWCG if possible, (2) replace tired relays and label every circuit, (3) verify bonding/GFCI, (4) add expansion now if you plan a spa or water feature within 12–18 months. Keep good LED fixtures if they behave; replace if color sync is a headache you’re tired of living with.
Best System by Scenario
Pentair Is Best For…
Complex builds, owners who value deep configurability, and pools already running Pentair pumps/SWCG. Least friction with mixed gear in my experience.
Hayward Is Best For…
Budget-smart standard builds and owners who want solid, predictable features without paying for bells and whistles they’ll never touch.
Jandy Is Best For…
Households that live in the app daily and want the most intuitive smartphone control. Great for “spa people” who want fast, obvious presets.
Future-Proofing: Software Updates, Expansion, and Ecosystem Lock-In
Plan for extra relays and a couple of spare valve actuators—you’ll use them. Keep your controller on a stable network and update firmware after your installer gives the green light. Favor ecosystems that won’t strand you if you add a heat pump, spa, or salt system next year. Remember: there’s no “best,” only the best-fit for your gear and habits.
If you want a quick rule: Pentair for complex expansion, Jandy for best everyday app experience, Hayward for maximum value. The real key is pairing the controller with same-brand pump/SWCG, dialing in VS schedules, and setting heater windows you’ll actually keep. Do that, and you’ll bank ~$500–$900/year in energy savings while making spa nights a one-tap affair.
See how automation fits into the bigger picture in our Luxury Pools & Water Features guide. If you’re tuning night scenes and coverage, pair this with LED lighting placement & RGBW options for a smarter, lower-energy setup.
FAQs
Which system is best for a saltwater pool?
Any of the three—just keep the controller + SWCG in the same brand for smoother diagnostics and warranty clarity.
Do I need pH/ORP sensors?
Great if you’ll use the data or run an acid/ORP dosing setup. If not, start with temperature and flow, then expand.
Can I integrate with Home Assistant?
Yes, but deeper control often involves community bridges or dry-contact relays. Expect tinkering.
Should I avoid mixing brands?
Where possible, yes. “Mixing brands is where service calls multiply.” Keep core subsystems aligned.
References
- Shasta Pool Supply blog: “Pentair vs Jandy vs Hayward – Best Pool Filter System Guide.”
- HiPEL Pools blog: “Hayward vs. Jandy vs. Pentair — Who Makes the Best Pool Equipment.”
- Reddit: r/homeassistant discussion “Jandy vs Pentair vs Hayward pool automation.”
- EnergySage and trade pro roundups on variable-speed pump energy savings (2025).