License # CPC1459857
Building or remodeling a pool means making one important decision before the concrete is poured or the fiberglass shell goes in: how do you want to control it? Pool automation has moved from a luxury upgrade to a near-standard feature in new construction — and demand continues to grow as homeowners discover how much simpler it makes day-to-day pool ownership. At Southern Pools of Florida (License #CPC1459857), we offer Jandy automation systems for new builds and pool remodels throughout our service area.
Whether you're in Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, or Jacksonville, the same question applies. This post explains what pool automation actually does, which Jandy system fits your project, and why planning for automation from day one makes a real difference.
Pool automation connects all of your equipment into a single system — pump, heater, lights, water features, salt chlorinator, and more. Specifically, Jandy's AquaLink RS pairs with the iAquaLink app to put complete control on your smartphone.
Here's what a fully automated system lets you manage remotely:
For northeast Florida homeowners who use their pools ten or eleven months out of the year, this level of control isn't a novelty. It's simply a better way to operate a pool.
The AquaLink RS is Jandy's flagship automation platform — and the system we build around at Southern Pools. It controls 30 or more individual pool and spa functions and integrates directly with the iAquaLink app. That app is consistently rated the highest in the pool industry, with over 50,000 five-star reviews across iOS and Android.
The iAquaLink app gives you complete visibility and control from anywhere with a cell signal. For example, you can check water temperature before an evening swim, adjust the heater on the way home from work, or schedule the pump to run during off-peak electricity hours. You do all of this without stepping outside. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
The AquaLink RS also integrates with both Siri and Amazon Alexa. For example, ask Siri the pool temperature while you're inside making dinner, or tell Alexa to turn on the pool lights when guests arrive. The system connects with major home automation platforms including Control4, Crestron, and Savant. Therefore, if you've already invested in a smart home ecosystem, your pool becomes part of it without any additional workarounds.
Some homeowners prefer a physical controller over a smartphone. The AquaLink RS OneTouch wall-mounted controller lets you run schedules and manage features from inside the house. Spa-side controllers let you adjust jet pressure and temperature without leaving the water. Additionally, the wireless AquaLink handheld remote gives you on-property control whenever you'd rather not use a phone.
Here's a scenario that comes up frequently in northeast Florida. A homeowner builds or remodels a pool at a property they rent out on Airbnb or as a short-term vacation rental. They want guests to operate the spa, adjust the temperature, or switch on the lights — but not through an app, a login, or the actual equipment pad.
The Jandy AquaLink PDA solves this problem directly.
The PDA is a dedicated handheld remote that gives guests physical control of the pool system. No smartphone is required, no app download, and no login credentials. Guests pick it up, use it, and set it down. That's it. Because the PDA is a physical remote rather than an account-based tool, there's no risk of a guest accidentally changing system settings that carry over after checkout. There's also no support call from a guest who can't figure out the app.
For rental property owners, this setup is genuinely elegant. You keep full iAquaLink control on your own phone as the system owner. Your guests, meanwhile, get a simple physical remote that does exactly what they need. Nobody touches the equipment panel. In our experience working with homeowners across Clay County and St. Johns County, this configuration is especially popular in communities like Nocatee, Rivertown, and Fleming Island — where pool-equipped rental homes are increasingly common and guest experience directly affects reviews and nightly rates.
Adding automation after a pool is complete is possible. However, it's always more expensive and more disruptive than building it in from the beginning. When we design your pool — whether that's a new custom gunite build or a fiberglass installation — we plan the automation system into the electrical layout, the equipment pad configuration, and the conduit runs from the start. Retrofitting, by contrast, requires rework that drives up cost and disrupts a finished space.
Furthermore, automation pairs directly with variable-speed pumps, which Florida energy code requires on all new pool construction. Together, an AquaLink system and a variable-speed pump running an optimized schedule can significantly reduce pump energy consumption compared to a single-speed pump running fixed hours. That monthly savings compounds over the life of the pool.
If your existing pool lacks automation, our pool remodeling services can add it — often as part of a broader equipment upgrade that improves the whole system at once.
Automation adds to the upfront investment of your pool project. Nevertheless, it's consistently one of the additions homeowners say they're glad they made. The AquaLink RS with iAquaLink integration typically runs in the $2,500–$5,000 range installed, depending on the scope of equipment being controlled and the interface options you select. When you factor in the energy savings from optimized pump scheduling — plus the avoided cost of a service visit every time you'd otherwise need to adjust settings manually — the math is straightforward.
For vacation rental owners, the calculation is even clearer. A guest-ready automated pool is a marketable feature that justifies higher nightly rates and reduces friction for everyone involved.
Matt and Josh build every Southern Pools project personally. They're on-site from groundbreaking through final inspection — not handing jobs off to crews after the contract is signed. When automation is part of your build, they ensure it's installed cleanly, configured correctly, and ready to use from day one. Specifically, you won't need a separate technician to come out and program your system after the pool is finished.
Ready to talk through automation options for your new pool or remodel? We serve homeowners throughout Clay County, St. Johns County, Duval County, and Nassau County. Contact us to start the conversation — we'd be glad to show you what a fully automated Jandy system looks like in your project.
📞 904-465-5621 | gcspoolguys.com | License #CPC1459857
What is Jandy AquaLink pool automation?
Jandy AquaLink is a pool and spa automation system that connects your pump, heater, lights, water features, and salt chlorinator into one platform you can control from a smartphone app, voice assistant, wall-mounted controller, or handheld remote. Southern Pools of Florida offers Jandy automation on every pool we build and remodel.
Can I control my pool from my phone in Clay County, Florida?
Yes. The Jandy iAquaLink app gives you full remote control of your pool system from any smartphone or tablet with an internet connection. You can check water temperature, adjust the heater, turn lights on and off, and manage schedules from anywhere — at work, on vacation, or from your couch.
Is pool automation worth the cost?
For most Florida homeowners, yes. Automation reduces energy costs through optimized pump scheduling, eliminates manual adjustments, and provides freeze protection for your equipment. For vacation rental owners, it adds a marketable amenity and allows you to control your pool features from anywhere, while guests are in your rental, and throughout the year.
What is the Jandy AquaLink PDA and who is it for?
The AquaLink PDA is a handheld remote that controls your pool system without requiring a smartphone or app download. It's particularly well-suited for Airbnb and vacation rental properties, where guests need simple pool control without access to the owner's app account or the equipment pad.
Does Southern Pools install automation on existing pools?
Yes. Automation can be added to existing pools as part of a remodeling project. Contact Southern Pools to discuss upgrading your pool equipment, add features to your pool, and have it all controlled within the app..
