Pentair: Level Up Your Operation with Automation Featuring Remote Monitoring with Israel Saari

The Connected Pool Revolution: Why Automation is No Longer Optional

Picture this: your customer calls at 8 PM on a Friday night because their pool heater isn't working, and they have a party planned for the weekend. Instead of making an emergency service call, you pull up your phone, access their pool system remotely, diagnose the issue, and fix it in minutes—all from your couch. This isn't science fiction; it's the reality of modern pool automation.

In a recent episode of the Pool Chasers Podcast, Israel Saari, who leads digital initiatives for Pentair's products, shared insights on how automation technology is revolutionizing both the customer experience and the way pool professionals operate their businesses. With 18 years in the industry and four years at Pentair, Saari has witnessed firsthand the transformation from simple time clocks to sophisticated cloud-connected systems.

Automation all by itself is just incredible for both the homeowner and for the pro. It allows the homeowner to have a seamless and positive experience in managing their pool system to make it much more hands off just through simple things like scheduling and some of the basics of automation, managing all those, you know, those products on the pad.

— Israel Saari, Pool Chasers Podcast

From Simple Pumps to Smart Systems: Pentair's Automation Lineup

The beauty of modern pool automation lies in its scalability. Whether you're dealing with a basic residential pool or a complex multi-body commercial installation, there's an automation solution that fits both the technical requirements and budget constraints.

Entry-Level Excellence: IntelliFlow 3 Pump

For pool professionals looking to introduce automation without overwhelming customers, the IntelliFlow 3 pump serves as an ideal starting point. This isn't just a pump replacement—it's a gateway to the connected pool experience.

If you've got a simple pool and you perhaps this is a pool that you currently just have a time clock on or something simple to that effect. And you just want to add simple automation, we can start with something is just the IntelliFlow three pump. This is a connected pump that can connect to our mobile apps like Pentair pool. And at the same time, it comes with two onboard relays.

— Israel Saari, Pool Chasers Podcast

The IntelliFlow 3's two onboard relays (5 amp and 15 amp) can control essential equipment like colored lights, salt cells, and heaters. This means that a simple pump upgrade conversation can evolve into a comprehensive automation discussion, creating additional revenue opportunities while genuinely improving the customer's pool experience.

The Crown Jewel: IntelliCenter Systems

At the premium end of the spectrum, IntelliCenter represents Pentair's most sophisticated automation platform. Designed for complex installations, it can handle multiple bodies of water, numerous pumps and heaters, valve control, 32 features, and 40 auxiliary circuits.

What makes IntelliCenter particularly attractive for professionals is its flexibility in installation scenarios:

• Standard IntelliCenter: Complete new installations with full cabinet
• IntelliCenter Lite: Perfect for renovations with existing breaker panels
• IntelliCenter Upgrade Kit: Seamless replacement for aging EasyTouch and IntelliTouch systems

This variety ensures that regardless of the project type—new construction, major renovation, or system upgrade—there's an appropriate IntelliCenter solution.

The Customer Experience Revolution: Connected Pools for Connected Lives

Today's homeowners aren't just buying pool equipment; they're investing in lifestyle enhancement technology. The expectation for connected experiences extends far beyond smartphones and smart TVs—it encompasses every significant investment in their homes.

I was, you know, talking to my Comcast support agent recently because I had exceeded the number of connected devices in my home that my router was capable of controlling. And so I think that's become probably more common than not as more and more devices in our home from our tea kettles to our ovens to our refrigerators are connected.

— Israel Saari, Pool Chasers Podcast

This connectivity expectation creates an opportunity for pool professionals to differentiate their services. When customers can control their pool lighting, heating, and cleaning systems from anywhere in the world, they're getting value that extends far beyond the initial installation cost.

The Pentair Pool app serves as the central hub for this connected experience, allowing homeowners to:

• Adjust temperature settings before arriving home
• Control lighting for evening entertainment
• Monitor and adjust sanitizer levels
• Set and modify cleaning schedules
• Receive alerts about system issues

Remote Monitoring: The Game-Changer for Pool Professionals

While connected experiences benefit homeowners, remote monitoring capabilities represent a paradigm shift for pool service professionals. Instead of reactive service calls, professionals can now provide proactive maintenance and support.

Dashboard-Driven Efficiency

The cloud-based remote monitoring dashboard at pro.pentairpool.com transforms how professionals manage multiple client pools. Unlike previous software-based solutions that required installation on individual computers, this web-based platform provides instant access from any device with internet connectivity.

Key features of the monitoring dashboard include:

• Real-time status indicators: Green/gray connectivity status for immediate system health assessment
• Sortable data columns: Organize pools by temperature, alarm status, equipment operation, or any other parameter
• Alarm management: Immediate visibility into system alerts across your entire client base
• Equipment status tracking: Monitor pump operations, lighting status, and auxiliary equipment across all connected pools

Proactive Service Capabilities

The most compelling aspect of remote monitoring isn't just the ability to see what's happening—it's the power to fix issues before customers even know they exist. Professionals can:

• Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions remotely
• Adjust system settings based on weather conditions
• Monitor chemical levels and alert customers to maintenance needs
• Track equipment performance trends to predict maintenance requirements
• Provide immediate response to system alarms

What I've heard from our customers at Hope, you know, advise as we were setting this up is they have this as a TV in their office up on the wall where it's showing this so that they can keep an eye on things. They're sorting by alarms. And this is refreshing about every 15 minutes.

— Israel Saari, Pool Chasers Podcast

Business Growth Through Technology Integration

The integration of automation and remote monitoring isn't just about improving existing services—it's about creating new revenue streams and business models that weren't possible with traditional pool equipment.

Service Plan Evolution

Remote monitoring enables service companies to offer tiered service packages:

• Basic monitoring: Alert-based service with remote troubleshooting
• Premium management: Proactive system optimization and seasonal adjustments
• Comprehensive care: Full remote management with guaranteed response times

These service tiers provide recurring revenue opportunities while delivering genuine value to customers who want hassle-free pool ownership.

Installation and Upgrade Opportunities

The discontinuation of EasyTouch and IntelliTouch systems creates a significant opportunity for professionals to approach existing customers with upgrade solutions. The IntelliCenter upgrade kit makes these conversions straightforward while providing customers with modern app-based control and remote monitoring capabilities.

For new installations, starting the automation conversation at the pump replacement level can lead to more comprehensive system sales. When customers understand that a small additional investment transforms their basic pump into a connected device with control relays, the value proposition becomes compelling.

Implementation Best Practices for Pool Professionals

Successfully integrating automation technology requires more than just technical installation—it demands a shift in how professionals approach customer relationships and service delivery.

Customer Education and Onboarding

The transition from traditional pool control to app-based management requires proper customer education. Professionals should:

• Provide comprehensive app training during installation
• Create custom pool profiles with appropriate naming conventions
• Set up initial schedules and preferences based on customer lifestyle
• Establish monitoring permissions and service access protocols

Leveraging the Pentair Pro App

The Pentair Pro app enables professionals to configure systems via Bluetooth, set up initial programming, and then transfer control to homeowners seamlessly. This workflow ensures that systems are properly configured before customers take control, reducing support calls and improving satisfaction.

Positioning Remote Monitoring Services

When presenting remote monitoring to customers, focus on:

• Peace of mind during travel or extended absences
• Immediate response to equipment issues
• Seasonal optimization without service calls
• Historical data for energy efficiency optimization
• Preventive maintenance scheduling based on actual usage patterns

The Future is Connected: Embracing the Automation Revolution

The pool industry stands at an inflection point where traditional equipment is rapidly giving way to connected, intelligent systems. Professionals who embrace this transition now will build competitive advantages that extend far beyond simple cost competition.

Pentair's automation ecosystem, from entry-level IntelliFlow pumps to comprehensive IntelliCenter systems, provides the tools necessary to deliver experiences that match modern customer expectations. The cloud-based remote monitoring platform transforms reactive service models into proactive relationship management, creating value for both professionals and pool owners.

As Israel Saari noted, customers expect their significant investments to provide connected experiences. A pool represents one of the largest investments homeowners make in their property—ensuring it delivers a modern, convenient, and worry-free experience isn't just good business; it's becoming a necessity for staying competitive in today's market.

The question isn't whether pool automation will become standard—it's whether your business will lead this transformation or struggle to catch up. The technology exists, the customer demand is proven, and the business benefits are clear. The time to embrace pool automation is now.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
• 05:30 The Connected Home Revolution
• 08:15 Pentair Automation Product Overview
• 12:45 IntelliFlow 3 Entry-Level Automation
• 18:20 IntelliCenter Advanced Systems
• 25:10 Remote Monitoring Dashboard Demo
• 35:40 Business Benefits and Growth Opportunities