Can You Add Automation To An Existing Fibreglass Pool? Yes – Here’s How
Pool automation has come a long way in recent years, offering homeowners the chance to control and monitor their pools with the touch of a button. While many new pools are installed with smart tech from day one, families with existing fibreglass pools often wonder: Can we still enjoy the benefits of automation? The short answer is yes. With the right systems and setup, you can absolutely add automation to an existing fibreglass pool—and it doesn’t have to involve major renovations or complicated upgrades. In fact, many Australian families are choosing to modernise their pool area for better convenience, energy efficiency, and safety. Here’s how you can bring your pool into the smart age.
What Is Pool Automation?
Pool automation refers to systems that allow you to control various functions of your pool via a smartphone, tablet, or control panel. This might include:
- Turning your pool pump on and off
- Adjusting the temperature of your heater
- Switching lights on or off (including colour-changing LED lights)
- Managing chlorination and water chemistry
- Operating water features or spa jets
- Setting cleaning schedules for robotic pool cleaners
Most systems let you set routines or access your pool remotely, meaning you can adjust settings even when you’re away from home.
Why Automate Your Existing Fibreglass Pool?
Families are busy—juggling school runs, work, sports, and weekend activities. Automation can take one more task off your plate. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Convenience
No more fiddling with timers, valves, or switches. You can control your pool from your phone, whether you’re inside making dinner or away on holidays.
2. Energy Efficiency
By running your pump, lights, or heater at off-peak times or only when needed, automation can help lower your electricity bill. You can also monitor usage and adjust accordingly.
3. Improved Water Quality
Smart chemical dosing systems keep your water balanced automatically, helping to prevent green pool issues and keeping your water safe for kids.
4. Increased Safety
Pool lighting, safety alerts, and scheduled cleaning can help create a safer environment—especially useful for families with young children.
5. Better Pool Enjoyment
With less time spent on maintenance, you get more time to enjoy the pool with your family.
No more fiddling with timers, valves, or switches. You can control your pool from your phone, whether you’re inside making dinner or away on holidays.
What Can Be Automated in an Existing Pool?
● Pump Control
If your current pump is compatible or you’re willing to upgrade, a smart pool pump can be integrated into an automation system. You’ll be able to schedule run times, monitor energy use, and even adjust speed on variable-speed models.
● Heating
Electric and solar heaters can usually be retrofitted with automation-compatible controllers. This allows you to warm up the pool in advance for weekend swims or switch it off remotely if plans change.
● Lighting
LED pool lights with automation compatibility are widely available. If your existing lights aren’t smart-ready, an upgrade might be necessary—but it’s usually a straightforward swap handled by a pool technician or electrician.
● Sanitation Systems
Chlorinators and chemical dosing systems can be automated to monitor and maintain correct chlorine and pH levels. Some advanced models can even send alerts when levels are off.
● Water Features and Spas
If your pool includes waterfalls, fountains, or a spa section, automation can allow you to control them with ease—no more manual valves or walking back and forth.
● Pool Cleaners
Many robotic pool cleaners now offer app connectivity, scheduling features, and integration with broader automation systems.
What You’ll Need To Get Started
1. A Pool Automation System or Hub
This acts as the brain of your pool setup. It connects all compatible components and allows central control—usually via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Brands like Zodiac, Hayward, and Pentair offer systems that work with fibreglass pools.
2. Compatible Equipment
Some older pumps, heaters or lights may need to be upgraded to work with automation systems. A pool technician can assess your current setup and recommend what needs updating.
3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity
Most systems rely on a solid home network connection. If your pool area has weak Wi-Fi, a booster or outdoor access point may be required.
4. Professional Installation
While some components (like robotic cleaners) are plug-and-play, others should be installed by a licensed pool technician or electrician. They’ll make sure everything is safely connected and properly configured.
Costs To Consider
Adding automation doesn’t have to break the bank. The total cost depends on how many features you want to control and what existing equipment can be integrated.
- Basic automation hubs start from around $500–$1000.
- Upgrading pumps, heaters or chlorinators can range from $1000–$3000 depending on the model.
- Lighting upgrades may cost $500–$1000 depending on the number of lights and installation complexity.
It’s often possible to start small—say, with pump and light control—and expand over time as your budget allows.
Is It Worth Automating Your Pool?
If you’re a busy family looking to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time managing it, automation is a smart investment. It simplifies pool care, helps you save on running costs, and keeps your water swim-ready without constant oversight.
For families with young kids, automation can also improve safety—making it easier to keep lights on for visibility or to monitor filtration and sanitisation schedules.
Even if your fibreglass pool was installed years ago, it’s rarely too late to modernise it.
Tips For A Smooth Upgrade
- Check compatibility first. A technician can inspect your current setup and advise on what will work with modern automation systems.
- Prioritise must-haves. Start with time-saving essentials like pump scheduling or water chemistry control.
- Stick with one brand where possible. Many brands offer better performance and fewer glitches when all components are from the same system.
- Keep your system updated. Firmware updates and app upgrades keep everything running smoothly and securely.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a brand-new pool to enjoy smart technology. With the right planning and a bit of help from the pros, you can turn your existing fibreglass pool into a more efficient, user-friendly space for the whole family.
From controlling pool lights during an evening swim to scheduling cleaning while you’re away, automation gives you control without the hassle. Whether you want better water quality, easier maintenance, or just more time to relax, it’s worth considering what smart upgrades could do for your pool.
Ready to upgrade your fibreglass pool with the latest automation technology? Let Newcastle Swimming Pools help you modernise your pool for convenience, efficiency, and safety. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and take the first step toward a smarter pool experience!
