How to Make Pool Automation Easy with Halo Connect

One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to pool ownership is maintenance. No one enjoys fiddling around with pump settings, pool chemistry or pool lights. But what if these – and other pool processes – were managed with one automation system and adjusted with the touch of a button?

Luckily, you can do all of this with Halo Connect, our next-level pool automation system. Not only does it all you to keep your pool water filtered, balanced and heated, but also manages lighting and any other pool processes, depending on your lifestyle and needs.

In this guide, we introduce you to the Halo Connect system and explain what it does and how it can make installing, servicing and controlling your pool easy. We also compare it to other automation systems and answer frequently asked questions, like whether it can be retrofitted or if you can use your existing pool equipment.

Ready to leave behind messy tasks and make pool maintenance a breeze? Then read on!

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What is Halo Connect?

Halo Connect is an award-winning, Australian-made pool system that can connect and automate a range of pool processes. It’s made up of the following modules:

Halo Chlor – a high-performance pool chlorinator
Halo Doser – a dosing unit that manages water chemistry
Halo Hub and Xpand – expansion units for additional equipment
Halo Lite 2 & 4 – light controllers for pool and backyard lighting.

How Does Halo Connect Work?

Like many pool control systems, Halo Connect uses an app – Halo ChlorGo – to manage and monitor all your processes. This is available via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can use the Halo Chlor touchscreen, which includes all the features of the app. To understand what the system does, let’s take a closer look at each Halo module and how it works.

Pool sanitation

To control sanitation, Halo Connect uses Halo Chlor, a high-performance chlorinator that keeps your pool balanced and sanitised. Not only does this eliminate the hassle of measuring out liquid chlorine or using chlorine tablets, but it also reduces chloramines – which can cause irritation in many swimmers – and chemical usage. (To find out more about why automatic chlorinators are a smart option for your pool, see this article.)

Halo Chlor is fully customisable and caters for a range of different pool volumes. Available models include Halo Chlor 18 for 40,000 L, Halo Chlor 25 for 60,000 L, Halo Chlor 35 for 80,000 L and Halo Chlor 45 for 105,000 L. Each chlorinator can be used on its own or expanded with other modules, depending on your needs.

It’s important to know that Halo Chlor is the base unit, so it’s required for all the other modules to work (except Halo Lite, which can be controlled independently). And because all devices communicate via Bluetooth, the chlorinator needs to be within 5 metres of other Halo devices. To control the chlorinator, you can use the Halo ChlorGo app or the touch screen on the unit (this is handy if your Wi-Fi drops out or your phone battery goes flat).

Pool filtration

It’s tricky knowing when to speed up or slow down your pool pump for optimal water circulation. If you get it wrong, it can result in high energy bills or a cloudy pool. But if you have a compatible variable speed pump and a Halo Doser, you can use Halo’s Ai mode to link with your filtration system, which will automatically adjust pump speeds according to your pool sanitation needs.

For example, your pump may start at a high speed at the beginning of the day, but as chlorine levels gradually rise, it can switch to a medium speed. Once the correct chlorination levels are reached, the pump will drop to low speed and maintain this until the chlorine drops, after which the speed will increase again. This keeps your sanitation levels stable, reduces chemical waste and minimises energy consumption – a boon for pool owners who want a pool that’s clean and energy-efficient.

Pool chemistry

Pool chemistry is often the trickiest part of maintaining a healthy pool. But the Halo Doser and its Bluetooth sensors simplify this process by monitoring your pH levels (and chlorination levels if used with Gold Tip ORP sensors) and making sure they stay within the correct range.

The unit has sensorless pH correction that doses a preset qty of acid to your pool each day. This is done using the doser pump and acid drum; this can be adjusted up or down to suit the pool's needs. The importance of pH in your pool can’t be overstated. A pH that’s too high can irritate the skin, make your chlorine ineffective and result in cloudy water. Chlorine will always cause pH to rise, so maintaining it is a constant requirement

If you want automated monitoring, you can use Bluetooth pH and ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) sensors for real-time readings of your pH and chlorine, which will automatically make adjustments as necessary. Plus, Ai mode can link the ORP sensors with your pool pump to achieve the right level of filtration throughout the day, which can keep your pool even cleaner.

Pro Tip: While your doser can help keep your pH and chlorine balanced, it’s still a good idea to conduct regular water tests (or take a sample to the pool shop), to make sure levels are correct. Also, it can help you diagnose other imbalances, like high levels of phosphates or calcium hardness.

Pool heating and other functions

To expand the automation potential of Halo Connect, you can set up Halo Hub and Halo Xpand. The Halo Hub can be plugged in without an electrician and connects with Halo Chlor. It has two main power outlets, two temperature sensors, and a heater input, and it can control up to four valves. This makes it perfect for automating heating, spas, a blower, water features and additional pool pumps.

Halo Xpand, on the other hand, is a smaller version of the Halo Hub. It only has two power outlets and two temperature sensors. Like its older sibling, it doesn’t require wiring and connects with Halo Chlor, allowing for app or interface control. This smaller size is ideal for pools with fewer automation needs. ie if you have a solar heater

Please note: maximum loads across either the Halo Hub or Halo Xpand is 9.5A

Pool lighting

While Halo Lite 2 & 4 can be used independently and retrofitted to any pool, it’s a great addition to your Halo Connect system. Rather than switching your pool and backyard lights on and off manually (and wasting energy when you forget them!), this lighting controller allows you to manage all your lights in one place. This means you can program them to turn on and off at specified times.

Unlike other light controllers, Halo light has a built-in transformer – which cuts down on space and cost – and no remote-control device. Instead, it’s all controlled using your Halo ChlorGo app. Plus, you have the option of wirelessly connecting up to two Halo Lite units to your Halo Chlor unit (in other words, two Halo Lite 2, two Halo Lite 4, or one of each), allowing you to control even more lights.

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi control

While this isn’t a module, it’s an integral part of how Halo Connect works. The Halo ChlorGo App provides everything you need to control your pool automation system. There are two ways it can connect to the chlorinator: via Bluetooth, which provides a short-range connection, or Wi-Fi, which allows control from anywhere in the world. The app will determine which connection method is best for your area. Plus, you have the option of controlling the system using the Halo Chlor interface.

Once you’ve connected all your equipment using the app, you can monitor water health and temperature or put certain functions on a timer, like filtration, backwashing, blowers and lighting. If you want to get Halo Lite 2 & 4, a simplified app is available for lighting options only.

Pro Tip: The expected range of Bluetooth connection is about 10-20 metres, assuming there are no walls, trees or chlorinator covers in the way. If there are obstructions or you live on a large property, it’s best to connect your devices using a Wi-Fi network.

How is Halo Connect different from other pool automation systems?

While there are plenty of pool automation systems out there, many can be complex to install and service. This can result in incorrect wiring and inactive features, not to mention difficult operation and costly repairs. Halo Connect, however, keeps things simple with a main device, Halo Chlor, and plug-and-play modules that connect to it wirelessly. This eliminates the problem of wiring and makes installation and operation easy.

Plus, the system can be customised to your needs. This means that you can pair Halo Chlor with a Halo Doser or get the full suite of modules if you have a more complex set-up. In other words, you don’t pay for features you don’t need! And if controlling automation with an app doesn’t float your boat (or you have poor Wi-Fi reception), you can still use the simple interface on Halo Chlor.

Can Halo Connect be retrofitted?

If you’re getting a new pool, then it’s worth considering Halo Connect as your pool automation system. This allows you to position your modules so they can work optimally together (Halo Chlor and the Halo Doser need to be within a metre of each other, while other modules can be placed within five metres of the chlorinator).

Having said that, you can still retrofit your pool with the Halo Connect system, particularly if your equipment is due for an upgrade or you’re tired of manually controlling your equipment. All you have to do is replace your existing chlorinator (if you have one) and make sure your pool pump, heater and other equipment are compatible. While there are upfront costs with set-up, you could save hundreds in running costs further down the track.

Does Halo Connect need compatible pool equipment?

You may already have equipment that’s compatible with Halo Connect. To make sure, check with your pool shop or pool supplies dealer. However, if you want to use Ai mode, you’ll need a compatible variable speed pump and a Halo Doser. This allows the system to adapt the filtration speed to your pool sanitation needs.

Halo Lite 2 & 4, whether operated on its own or with Halo Connect, is compatible with a large range of lighting brands, including AstralPool SLX Multicolour LED Pool and Spa Lights and AstralPool FLX Fibreglass Multicolour LED Pool and Spa Lights, Zodiac Lumipower lights and Spa Electrics multicolour light systems. Note: You’ll find more compatibilities with single rather than multicoloured lights.

How do I maintain my Halo Connect system?

If the modules are installed in a dry, sheltered place, maintenance is minimal. Ideally, the Halo Chlor should be mounted away from direct sunlight – about a metre off the ground – to avoid water intrusion at the bottom of the unit, and the cell plumbed within 1.2 m of the controller. This will ensure that your base unit goes the distance.

Each module is vented to allow cooling in hot conditions, but if insects are attracted to the unit (particularly the heat), turn the power off, spray insecticide around the unit, wait for the spray to dry, and then turn the power on again. Repeat periodically if necessary.

The Halo Doser should be installed away from other equipment as acid fumes will corrode (outside your filtration shed is preferable). It should be checked frequently to make sure there are no leaks. Because acid can be harmful to users and equipment, wear protective gloves and goggles when inspecting equipment. If leaks are detected, fittings may need to be tightened or replaced.

Your app will display Stats and Device Information icons that can help technicians diagnose problems with your automation system.

Final thoughts

Halo Connect won a Good Design Award in 2021 – and it’s easy to understand why. With its streamlined design and intuitive app, it sets the standard in pool automation technology and maintenance. Whether you’re managing your pool’s filtration and chemistry, or programming heating and lighting options, Halo Connect can save you time, effort and money. The system’s main hub and connected modules make installation, servicing and operation easy.

If you’d like to know more about Halo Connect and how it can transform your new or existing backyard pool, contact one of our approved dealers today.