Managing a combo pool and spa setup often involves juggling various features to optimize both relaxation and maintenance. For those utilizing systems like iAqualink with existing Jandy valves, expanding control through auxiliary (aux) ports presents a valuable opportunity to streamline operations and enhance user experience. Let’s explore how you can leverage these aux ports to gain greater command over your pool and spa environment.

One common desire among pool and spa owners is to simplify the operation of water features. Imagine wanting to activate your waterfall without needing to manually adjust valves at your pool equipment pad each time. With spare aux ports on systems like Jandy, this becomes easily achievable. By integrating a Jandy Valve Actuator (JVA) connected to an aux port, you can remotely control water diversion to features like waterfalls directly from your smartphone or tablet, eliminating unnecessary trips to the equipment area. This integration typically involves a relay and transformer to ensure the JVA, which operates on low voltage, is properly powered and controlled by your 120V/240V system.

Another significant enhancement involves optimizing the performance of variable speed pumps, especially when combined with in-floor cleaning systems. Variable speed pumps are renowned for their energy efficiency, particularly at lower speeds. However, in-floor cleaners often require higher pressure (around 15psi) to effectively pop up and circulate cleaning heads. A smart solution is to install a JVA on the diverter valve for your in-floor cleaning heads. This JVA, again controlled via an aux port, can be programmed to close off the in-floor cleaner during low-speed pump operation. This ensures that at lower speeds, water is primarily directed through other returns, like a leaf blower jet, maximizing circulation without hindering the variable speed pump’s efficiency. Then, by scheduling the pump to run at full speed for a couple of hours daily, the JVA can be programmed to open, allowing the in-floor cleaning system to operate effectively during these higher-speed cycles. This dual-mode operation perfectly balances energy savings with thorough pool cleaning, showcasing the versatility of Aux Spa controls in managing complex pool/spa systems.