This pool automation comparison covers the three systems most pool pros install today: Pentair IntelliCenter, Jandy AquaLink RS with iAquaLink 3.0, and Hayward OmniPL (plus the smaller OmniHub). All three run your pump, heater, lights and valves from a touchscreen and a phone app. The right pick usually comes down to the equipment already on your pad, how many circuits you need, and whether you are upgrading an older control or starting fresh.
Quick comparison: IntelliCenter vs iAquaLink vs OmniPL
| Pentair IntelliCenter | Jandy AquaLink RS + iAquaLink 3.0 | Hayward OmniPL / OmniHub | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body setups | Pool only (i5P), shared pool & spa (i5PS, i8PS, i10PS), dual equipment (i10D) | Pool only (P), pool & spa combo (PS), dual equipment (RS2/x) | Pool, or pool & spa with valve actuators |
| Starting relays | 5 relays, expandable to 10 in the main load center (more with expansion panels) | Set by model: 4-, 6- and 8-function kits are common; larger systems add auxiliary power centers | OmniPL: 4 relays, expandable to 8. OmniHub: 1 relay, expandable to 3 |
| Salt integration | Load center includes a salt chlorine generator transformer for IntelliChlor | Two-way communication with AquaPure chlorinators; kits available with PureLink salt | OmniPL PLUS models include a salt cell; OmniHub supports AquaRite via a daughterboard |
| App | Pentair app over built-in WiFi | iAquaLink app via the iQ30 web connect device | OmniLogic app |
| Upgrade path | IntelliCenter upgrade kits for EasyTouch / IntelliTouch | iAquaLink 3.0 upgrade kit; conversion kits for Pentair and Compool | OmniPL retrofit kit for ProLogic, AquaLogic, AquaPlus and E-Command |
Pentair IntelliCenter
IntelliCenter is Pentair's current-generation control and the successor to EasyTouch and IntelliTouch. It uses a color touchscreen at the pad, built-in WiFi for app control, and a setup wizard. Pentair also offers remote monitoring for pool professionals, so your service company can see issues before you call.
What the model names mean
Every IntelliCenter load center starts with five relays. The "personality" card decides what the system can do:
- i5P – single body (pool only), 5 auxiliary relays.
- i5PS – shared-equipment pool & spa. Adds intake/return valve control for pool/spa switching, no extra relays.
- i8PS – pool & spa plus capacity for 3 more relays (8 total).
- i10PS – pool & spa plus capacity for 5 more relays (10 total).
- i10D – dual equipment, for a pool and spa that each have their own pump, filter and heater.
Pentair's current listings describe each load center as 5 relays, expandable to 10, and Pentair says the platform scales from five up to forty relays with expansion panels. Note that a higher-capacity card gives you room for more relays; confirm how many relays a given bundle actually ships with.
Shop new systems: i5P pool-only load center with WiFi, i5PS pool & spa bundle, i8PS pool & spa bundle, i8PS with IntelliChlor Plus40, i10PS bundle with IC40 and the i10D dual body bundle. If you already own a salt cell or plan to add one, the i5P kit with IC40 and i5PS bundle with IC40 package the cell with the control.
IntelliCenter LITE
IntelliCenter LITE is a smaller, lower-cost version Pentair designed with retrofits in mind. It has five relays, a color touchscreen and an included WiFi Bridge, but the power center has no breaker panel, so you'll need breakers elsewhere. The IntelliCenter LITE i5PS includes two valve actuators for pool/spa combos.
IntelliCenter upgrade kits for EasyTouch and IntelliTouch
If you have an EasyTouch or IntelliTouch, an upgrade kit lets you move to IntelliCenter without rebuilding the whole pad. The catch: there are two families of kits, and you must match yours.
- Legacy kits (LC/PC) – for Load Centers and Power Centers built roughly 2003 to 2012. Kits include the outdoor control panel, personality board, a transformer bracket assembly and wireless antenna kit.
- 2012-and-newer kits (CLC/CPC) – for "Common" Load Centers and Power Centers built in 2012 or later. These include the control panel, personality board, 4-amp and 5-amp breakers, a system transformer and wireless antenna kit.
How to tell which one you have: Start with the manufacture date on the label inside the load center cabinet: roughly 2003–2012 points to a legacy LC/PC unit, 2012 or later to a CLC/CPC unit. Breaker and transformer layouts also differ between the generations, so if you're unsure, send us a photo of the open cabinet and its label at 855-677-7796 or through our contact page, or check with Pentair support before ordering. The wrong kit won't fit.
Legacy (pre-2012) kits: i10P pool-only, i10PS pool & spa and the legacy expansion upgrade kit. 2012-and-newer kits: i10P pool-only, i10PS pool & spa and i10D dual body.
Jandy AquaLink RS and iAquaLink 3.0
AquaLink RS is Jandy's long-running automation platform, and iAquaLink 3.0 (the iQ30) is what puts it on your phone. Jandy says the iAquaLink app can control pumps, heaters, solar valves, water features, lights and the pool cleaner, and you can manage multiple pools from one account.
Pool only, pool & spa, and dual equipment
Jandy's installation manual covers three system types: pool/spa combination, pool only/spa only, and dual equipment. In the model names, "P" kits are pool only, "PS" kits are pool & spa combos, and "RS2/x" models are dual equipment. The number reflects how many auxiliary functions the system is built to control, such as the P4 pool-only kit, the iAquaLink 3.0 pool & spa 4-function system, and the PS6 pool & spa kit with sub-panel. Pool/spa combo systems include two valve actuators. Larger installs can add auxiliary power centers.
Salt integration
AquaLink RS communicates two-way with Jandy AquaPure chlorinators, so you can set pool and spa chlorine output from the control. The PS6 kit with PureLink sub-panel and PLC1400 bundles the salt system in one package. Salt components are also available separately, including the PLC1400 PureLink cell kit.
Upgrade and conversion kits
Already have AquaLink RS without app control? The iAquaLink 3.0 upgrade kit (IQ-30RS) brings your system onto iAquaLink. Jandy also says its conversion kits can replace older AquaLink, Ji Series, Polaris EOS/SOL, Compool and Pentair controls. Two common ones:
- IQ-PENT-RSPS8 – converts a Pentair EasyTouch/IntelliTouch pad to an AquaLink RS Pool & Spa 8 with iAquaLink.
- IQ-COMP-RSPS8 – converts a Compool system to an AquaLink RS Pool & Spa 8 with iAquaLink.
Before converting, plan how your existing salt system, pump and heater will connect to the new control. Some equipment that talks natively to one brand may need a different power supply or interface after the switch.
Hayward OmniPL, OmniHub and the ProLogic retrofit
Hayward's Omni family runs on the OmniLogic app, which Hayward says supports remote scheduling and control and works with Amazon Alexa.
OmniPL
OmniPL ships with 4 relays. Hayward says you can expand to 6 relays with two HLRELAY modules and to 8 with two HLH485Relay modules. It also controls up to 8 Hayward variable-speed pumps without using relays (other brands' VS pumps need a converter board). The display is external, with a 15-foot cord. The PLUS version, OmniPL 4-relay with TCELLS340 salt cell, includes a salt cell rated for pools up to 40,000 gallons and supports standard and low-salt ranges.
OmniHub
OmniHub is Hayward's entry-level smart control for adding automation to an existing pad. It includes one smart relay (upgradeable to 3), controls up to 3 Hayward VS pumps without relays, and runs 2 valves for pool/spa, solar or water features. Salt support comes from the AquaRite daughterboard. For pool & spa switching, the OmniHub spa kit adds a relay and two actuators.
Another option is the AquaRite S3 Omni, a salt chlorinator rated for 40,000 gallons with built-in Omni automation, two high-voltage relays and expansion room.
ProLogic to OmniPL retrofit
The OmniPL retrofit kit (HLPROUPG) upgrades ProLogic, AquaPlus, AquaLogic and E-Command controls to OmniPL with app control. One important note from Hayward: the kit is not compatible with legacy ProLogic/AquaLogic wireless, wall-mount or spaside remotes, so plan on Omni remotes if you use one. Record your current ProLogic settings before the swap.
How to choose a pool automation system
Upgrading an existing system
- Pentair EasyTouch or IntelliTouch: An IntelliCenter upgrade kit is the most direct path. Confirm legacy (pre-2012) vs 2012-and-newer first.
- Hayward ProLogic / AquaLogic / AquaPlus: The OmniPL retrofit kit keeps you in the Hayward family.
- Older AquaLink RS: Add iAquaLink 3.0 for app control.
- Compool, or a Pentair pad you want on Jandy: Jandy conversion kits exist for both.
Starting fresh
- Simple pool, few circuits: IntelliCenter i5P or LITE, Jandy P4, or Hayward OmniHub.
- Pool & spa sharing one pump and heater: IntelliCenter i5PS/i8PS/i10PS, Jandy PS kits, or OmniPL with actuators.
- Separate pool and spa equipment: IntelliCenter i10D or a Jandy RS dual-equipment model.
- Lots of lights, water features or a booster pump: Count every circuit and leave spare relays. An i8PS or i10PS, a larger AquaLink RS, or an expanded OmniPL.
What to check before upgrading
- Circuit count: List every pump, light, heater, blower and feature that needs its own relay, then add one or two spares.
- Brand of your pump, heater and salt cell: Each system talks most fully to its own brand's equipment. Other brands may need interfaces, converter boards or plain relay control.
- Salt system: Decide whether you'll keep, replace or add a chlorinator, and how it will be powered and controlled.
- Valve actuators and remotes: Confirm actuator compatibility and whether your existing remotes carry over.
- WiFi at the pad: App control depends on a solid connection at the equipment. If the pad is far from your router, plan for a wireless link kit or bridge.
- Electrical: Automation involves line-voltage wiring. Use a licensed electrician or pool pro and follow local code and permit requirements.
FAQ
Is IntelliCenter better than iAquaLink?
Neither is better across the board. Both control pumps, heaters, lights and valves from an app. IntelliCenter is the natural fit for Pentair pads, and AquaLink RS with iAquaLink pairs best with Jandy equipment. Pick based on the brand of your other equipment and how many circuits you need.
How do I know if my EasyTouch is pre-2012 or 2012 and newer?
Check the manufacture date on the label inside the load center cabinet: units from about 2003–2012 take the legacy (LC/PC) kits, and 2012-and-newer units take the CLC/CPC kits. When in doubt, send us a photo of the open cabinet and label before ordering.
Can I upgrade ProLogic to OmniLogic app control?
Yes. Hayward's OmniPL retrofit kit (HLPROUPG) upgrades ProLogic, AquaLogic, AquaPlus and E-Command controls to OmniPL with OmniLogic app control. Legacy ProLogic remotes won't work with it.
What's the difference between pool & spa and dual body?
Pool & spa (shared equipment) systems use one pump, filter and heater and switch between bodies with valve actuators. Dual body (dual equipment) systems control a pool and spa that each have their own equipment.
Can I switch from Pentair to Jandy automation?
Yes. Jandy's IQ-PENT-RSPS8 conversion kit turns a Pentair EasyTouch/IntelliTouch setup into an AquaLink RS Pool & Spa 8 with iAquaLink. Check how your salt cell, pump and heater will connect after the conversion.
Do I need a salt-ready system?
Only if you use or plan to use a salt chlorinator. IntelliCenter load centers include a salt transformer, OmniPL PLUS models include a cell, and AquaLink RS pairs with AquaPure. Browse salt chlorine systems to match a cell to your pool.
Still not sure which system fits your pad? Send us photos of your current equipment and load center, and our team will help you pick the right system or upgrade kit. Contact us or call 855-677-7796. Browse all pool automation. Contractors can ask about wholesale accounts.
Specs from manufacturer documentation as of 2026; always confirm with the product manual and local codes.