No strings attached: the buzz about wireless is picking up. Is it worth your time to get behind this high-tech phenomenon?

Pool & Spa News, June 4, 2004 by Julie Sturgeon

Wireless spa monitoring systems that beam diagnostic data to a computer or similar devices have made an impact recently. A variety of companies have developed systems designed to simplify the maintenance and troubleshooting process.

Many of these systems use personal digital assistants to help process the information. In 2001, Gecko Electronic Inc. rolled out a wireless-to-PDA system that connects to spa packs. The Quebec City-based company developed a device that allows software upgrades, programming and troubleshooting to be done electronically.

In a similar vein, spa service techs can transmit diagnostic information to PDAs through a product introduced by Dimension One Spas in Vista, Calif. With it, repair experts, in essence, have the spa manual at their fingertips so they can immediately find solutions. And they can transmit the day's replacement part orders directly to the manufacturer in seconds.

Spa electronics also can be integrated with a computer or cell phone. "Technology's going in some interesting directions," Stone says. "There are some technologies that we're playing with that allow service techs to view the spa equipment from their office PCs and adjust the equipment from their computers.

"We have a product where [users] can dial into the spa equipment," he adds. "You can review and retrieve diagnostic messages from your ceil phone."

Who's onboard?

Wireless options currently occupy a niche market primarily composed of upscale shoppers. However, that market seems to be expanding as the products' benefits entice a larger pool of customers.

For instance, those in colder climates definitely grasp the significance of adding wireless technology to their spa packages, say dealers. For people who don't need to don a coat to fire up the spa in January, retailers tend to play up the money-savings angle, according in Custom Spa's George. "I recommend people here leave the spa around 98 degrees to cut down on energy bills," he says.

"Spas heat up between 4-and 6 degrees an hour, so you can get it up to temperature pretty quickly," George adds. "Why not wait until the last second [and use] a remote?"

Rather than promoting just the high-tech angle, industry experts say highlighting the products' convenience and practicality seals the deal for this customer demographic.

"Simplicity is big," Stone observes. "Consumers have to know it's easy to use. Functions have to be as automatic as possible. Reliability has to be impeccable."

Then there are the customers who appreciate the product's flexibility. Thanks to wireless technology, George's clientele can integrate their spa remotes to a variety of high-tech options, such as flat-screen televisions installed as part of their outdoor covered patios.

"We can create an incredible entertainment system they can operate from the spa," he says. "I like the versatility. When I'm designing a concept for [my customers], I tell them wireless is the only way to go because there are so many other features we can hook into it."