Residential pool control systems are a visual, functional, and safety‑critical check for you—not a diagnostic of internal electronics.
Define the scope and include disclaimers
- Limit yourself to: visual condition, basic operation of user controls, labeling, shutoff means, obvious safety interlocks, and compatibility with listed equipment.
- Exclude: reprogramming automation, firmware issues, proprietary diagnostics, or certifying compliance with any specific manufacturer spec; recommend a qualified pool contractor or automation specialist where needed.
- Clarify in your agreement/report that you do not override safety interlocks or bypass covers and that you only operate controls accessible to an average owner.
Types of residential pool controls
- Basic timer/control: mechanical timer or simple electronic controller that only runs the circulation pump and maybe a booster pump or light.
- Integrated automation panel: brand‑specific system (Jandy, Pentair, Hayward, etc.) in an outdoor enclosure controlling pump, heater, valves, lights, and features.
- Remote/user interfaces: wall keypads, indoor touchscreens, and phone apps that communicate with the main automation panel via low‑voltage wiring or wireless links.
- Dedicated chemical controllers: pH/ORP or salt systems that monitor water and control feeders or chlorine generators, usually tied into the main panel or pump circuit.
Safety and code‑adjacent checks
- Maintenance disconnect: Verify a disconnecting means that simultaneously opens all ungrounded conductors for each piece of utilization equipment (pumps, heaters, etc.) is within sight and at least 5 ft horizontally from pool walls.
- Labeling and identification: Check that breakers, switches, and controller circuits are legibly labeled so an owner can safely de‑energize equipment in an emergency.
- Bonding/grounding context: You’re not doing design, but note missing or loose bonding conductors at panels, pumps, and heaters, and any obviously non‑listed control enclosures or field‑built boxes.
- Wet‑location suitability: Report non‑weatherproof panels, open knockouts, rusted enclosures, or flexible cords instead of permanent wiring methods in the equipment area.
Inspecting the main automation/control panel
- Location and enclosure: Panel should be mounted secure, reasonably level, with a closed, intact, weather‑rated cover and no exposed live parts or open splice boxes nearby.
- Wiring and terminations (visual only): Look for loose, corroded, or overheated conductors, amateur extensions, double‑lugged breakers, or low‑voltage/data conductors jammed under power lugs.
- User interface and programming basics: Confirm date/time is sane, modes (pool/spa) change as expected, basic schedules appear reasonable, and the panel responds predictably to simple commands like turning pump or light on/off.
- Indications and alarms: Note persistent error codes, alarm lights, or unresponsive buttons and recommend evaluation by a qualified pool automation technician, especially when they affect pump, heater, or chlorination safety.
Example field step: With the system powered, use the front‑panel controls to command the filter pump on, verify the motor runs and the appropriate indicator changes state, then command it off and confirm it stops and any run indicator goes off.
Chemical feed and interlock considerations
- Electrical/flow interlocks: Chemical feeders should be interlocked so they shut down automatically whenever the circulation pump loses power or there is a no‑flow condition; feeding chemicals without flow creates a serious chlorine gas risk.
- Testing (visual/limited functional): Without bypassing safeties, you can note whether feeders are on the same circuit or interlocked device as the main circulation pump and whether any flow‑switch wiring is present at the controller.
- Owner/operator duties: Many public‑pool guidance docs require monthly interlock challenge tests; in a residential context you can still recommend periodic verification by a qualified pool professional.
- Report language: Call out chemical feeders wired to independent receptacles or circuits that stay energized when the pump shuts off, or any visible bypassing of interlocks (jumpered flow switches, defeated safety switches).
Remote interfaces, smart features, and limitations
- Wall pads and keypads: Check mounting, damage, and basic function (button response, mode changes). Document unresponsive or severely aged devices and defer troubleshooting to a pool controls specialist.
- Wi‑Fi / app control: You generally do not need to verify app connectivity; you can state that app‑based features and internet connectivity are beyond the scope and recommend owners consult the installer or manufacturer.
Firmware and software: If the system shows obvious firmware‑related warnings or is so obsolete that replacement parts are no longer available, you can recommend evaluation for upgrade or replacement for reliability and safety.