A common misconception is that smart pool automation only makes sense when you’re building a new pool. In reality, most of what we install is retrofitted onto pools that are years, sometimes decades, old. Here’s what’s actually involved.
You’re usually upgrading equipment, not the pool itself
The pool shell, tiling, and plumbing layout almost never need to change. What changes is the equipment connected to that plumbing: swapping a single-speed pump for a variable speed pump, adding a smart salt chlorinator in place of manual dosing, or installing an inverter heat pump. Each of these connects to your existing pipework using standard unions, so structural changes are rarely needed.
What we check before quoting a retrofit
- Pipe sizing and connection points — most standard 50–63mm plumbing works directly with our equipment; unusual or very old fittings may need an adapter
- Electrical supply — confirming there’s suitable power near the equipment pad for the new units
- Existing water chemistry — switching from chlorine tablets to a salt chlorinator means adding salt to the water, which is a one-time setup step
- Wi-Fi coverage at the equipment pad — needed for app control; a range extender is a simple fix if coverage is weak
What a typical retrofit timeline looks like
Single-component upgrades (just a pump, or just a chlorinator) are often completed within a day, since it’s largely a swap-and-connect job. Full retrofits covering pump, chlorinator, heat pump, and app integration together typically take a few days, mostly to allow for testing each component and calibrating the app before handover.
What can’t always be retrofitted
Underwater and deck lighting upgrades sometimes require running new low-voltage cabling if the existing fixtures aren’t compatible, which is more involved than a straight equipment swap. Similarly, automated dosing systems need a suitable spot to mount the dosing unit and chemical reservoir near the equipment pad — usually straightforward, but worth checking on tightly built sites.
Start with the equipment that saves the most
If you’re retrofitting in stages rather than all at once, a variable speed pump is usually the best starting point — pump upgrades typically deliver the fastest payback through energy savings, and every other component (chlorinator, heat pump, lighting) can be added later without redoing the pump work.
Curious what a retrofit would involve for your specific pool? Explore the full Smart Pool System, or request a free quote and let us know it’s an existing pool — we’ll assess compatibility as part of the process.