Here's a tip for easy remote controll and automation of your pool....
I installed a 20 amp X10 outlet in a waterproof outdoor box on a GFCI circuit breaker for our pool pump. I gave it an address of P1 (P is for Pool
). Any outdoor lighting around the pool area gets P2, P3 etc...
I use an
X10 mini controller in the kitchen to turn the pool off and on manually. I can unplug it and take it to the garage when I need to do pool maintenance. But that got bothersome, so I installed an X10 reciever in my garage and use a keyfob to turn the pool off when I need to do maintenance.
I also have it on our X10 system timed, so it turns on at 7:00a.m. and off at 7p.m. when I am not home. Works out great.
As others have said, the key to a clean, easy to maintain pool is running the filter often. Another things is the less you use a pool it seems the more you have to clean it. Using it stirs things up and keeps dirt from settling as well as scum from sticking to the sides at the water line.
We also have a bubble wrap type solar cover. That thing will pop the water temps up into the 90's after a week of 80 degree temps if you don't keep an eye on it.
One more tip. If the water in your pool gets too hot, run the filter at night instead of during the day. It will cool it off much faster.