Pentair vs. Hayward vs. Jandy: Choosing a Pool Automation System

By the BlueIQ Pools team · September 30, 2026

If you are adding automation to your pool or replacing an old controller, the three names you will hear most in New Jersey are Pentair, Hayward and Jandy. All three make excellent systems. The right choice depends less on which brand is "best" and more on what is already on your equipment pad.

The flagship platforms

• Pentair IntelliCenter - Pentair's current flagship, controlled through the Pentair Home app. It integrates tightly with IntelliFlo pumps, IntelliChlor salt systems, MasterTemp heaters and IntelliBrite lights.
• Hayward OmniLogic - Hayward's full-featured platform with the OmniLogic app. Hayward also offers OmniPL for simpler pools and OmniHub, which adds smart control to existing equipment.
• Jandy AquaLink - AquaLink RS controllers paired with the iAquaLink app, common on higher-end pools and well integrated with Jandy pumps, heaters and salt systems.

Rule #1: follow your equipment

Each brand's automation works best with its own pumps, heaters and salt systems, which "talk" to the controller over a communication cable. If most of your pad is Pentair, IntelliCenter is usually the smoothest path. Mostly Hayward? Look at OmniLogic or OmniHub. Mixed brands can still be automated, but some devices will be controlled with simple on/off relays instead of full two-way communication.

Questions to ask before choosing

• How many devices do you want to control - pump, heater, salt, lights, spa, water features, landscape lighting?
• Do you have a spa or spillover that needs valve actuators?
• Is there reliable Wi-Fi at the equipment pad?
• Is any of your existing equipment near the end of its life?

Upgrading a legacy system

Many NJ pools still run older Pentair EasyTouch and IntelliTouch or Hayward ProLogic and AquaLogic systems. If yours still works, small repairs can keep it going. If the main board fails or you want modern app control, an upgrade to the current platform is often the better investment - and much of your existing equipment can usually be reused.

Get an expert opinion

We install and service all three platforms, so we have no reason to push one over another. We look at your equipment, ask how you use your pool, and recommend the system that fits.