Poolwerx and Intellihub partner to pilot first-to-market smart energy technology to manage pool energy and water health
Poolwerx, Australia’s largest pool servicing network, is inviting households to trial its new next-generation Pooled smart pool technology, developed by Intellihub, the region’s fastest-growing energy infrastructure business.
The project has received funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of the Federal Government agency’s Advancing Renewables Program.
Residential pool pumps represent a substantial, flexible energy load that can be shifted into the middle of the day, when rooftop solar output is at its peak and wholesale prices regularly turn negative.
Independent preliminary studies found households using the technology achieved energy savings of up to 40 per cent through smarter pump scheduling and system optimisation.
These efficiencies are driven by the Pooled Gen 2 Controller – a retrofit smart device installed between pool equipment and the power supply. It combines smart automation, remote monitoring and proactive alerts to help optimise pool performance while reducing unnecessary energy use.
There is significant opportunity tied to the program, with Australia’s estimated 1.6 million residential pools.
Wes Ballantine, Intellihub CEO, said the pilot has the potential to deliver significant consumer and infrastructural value.
"This technology will help customers save money and deliver greater flexibility to the national grid. We are excited to launch this with Poolwerx to get the device in the hands of more pool owners."
The announcement coincides with the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER)final Default Market Offer (DMO) determination today, which is expected to confirm a welcome decrease in benchmark electricity prices for the 2026–27 period.
The Poolwerx and Intellihub partnership is now aiming to help homeowners take these DMO savings a step further.
Global CEO at Poolwerx, Nic Brill, said the trial is a new era of innovation and a critical step in modernising the franchis’s and industry service offering:
"The launch of the Pooled Gen 2 Controller completely shifts the mindset from reactive to proactive maintenance and health management. By combining Intellihub’s advanced data capabilities with our pool care expertise, we are delivering a first-to-market technology that gives Poolwerx a clear competitive edge.
“For our Franchise Partners, it arms them with unparalleled smart insights and remote diagnostics to solve issues before the yeven occur. This innovation ensures we deliver on our core brand promise: keeping pools healthy, safe, and always ready to swim in."
Using intelligent automation, the system learns a pool’s filtration needs and shifts pump operation into off-peak tariff windows, reducing unnecessary run time and optimising chemistry cycles. Clients can also monitor their pool’s performance through a companion app.
The technology also helps identify issues before they become costly problems. Homeowners can receive proactive alerts if equipment performance changes, water chemistry needs attention, or conditions impact swim readiness ahead of busy periods like holidays, entertaining or heatwaves.
The Pooled product’s subscription model bundles the hardware, app, installation and ongoing Poolwerx remote monitoring into a single monthly fee with no upfront cost.
Selected participants would sign up to a three-year commitment with the first twelve months subsidised free of charge – valued at more than $700.
Trial participants will receive:
• A complimentary Gen 2 smart controller and installation
• Ongoing remote monitoring and support from Poolwerx
• Access to smart energy optimisation designed to reduce running costs by up to 40%.
Insights from the trial will help shape a broader national roll out planned for later this summer. Poolwerx clients in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory interested in participating in the Pooled Gen 2 trial can register at pooled.poolwerx.com.au.
For more information, please visit www.poolwerx.com.au and pooled.poolwerx.com.au
