x10 for valve controls

[PoolDoc]

I don't like these kinds of posts . . . and here's why:

Industrial grade controls are reliable, but complex to install and configure, very expensive to pay for, and not generally available for pool use.

Controls of kinds you are discussing are generally NOT very reliable, and often end up causing endless problems. This includes most forms of pool automation, for chemistry control, remote operation, and so. (Regular mechanical time clocks are the exception, and tend to be very reliable, except for getting off time, whenever there is a power outage.)

The PoolForum and PoolSolutions are all about making pools easier and more reliable; controls like these make pools harder and less reliable . . . and LOT more expensive.

In particular, installation of consumer level devices, like the X-10 controls, virtually guarantees pool problems.

It's not that I don't understand the attraction; I probably used to be as much a gadget geek as anyone here, and the urge is still there. But, I guess you could call me a "recovering gadget geek", having been forced to give it up by all the problems I caused myself and my customers, chasing the holy grail of pool automation.

If you've got the time and resources to go with industrial grade automation and you have someone to support that automation, who's both readily available and genuinely competent, then 'go for it', with my blessings.

But otherwise . . . I believe the only valid reason to install elaborate automation on a pool is that you are doing it to satisfy your lust for geeky gadgets, that you KNOW that that's what you are doing, and you are willing to pay the price in degraded pool function. Now, of course, what you think about what you are doing is up to you.

But the reason I hate these kinds of posts, is that they led other people, who have no lust for gadgets, off in the the never-never land of automated pools, where they will waste time and money, and end up losing the easy to care for and inexpensive pool they were originally seeking.

So . . . I need to decide what to do.

If there's enough demand, I can create a new "Automation" section, so I can keep all the gadget posts off in their own little section, where they won't distract or injure other readers.

Or, otherwise, I can just move this into the "Off Topic" section.

I'll think about it and check with my moderators before doing anything.

Meanwhile, feel free to continue your discussion, but don't be surprised when it is moved elsewhere.

Best wishes,

Ben