Ask what equipment a builder installs and you'll often hear "premium equipment" — a phrase that means nothing. Ours has a name: Pentair, installed as a certified installer, with model numbers written into every itemized quote. Here's why we standardized on it, what the certification means for you, and which pieces do the heavy lifting.

Why standardize on one brand at all?

Pool equipment works as a system — pump, filter, heater, sanitizer, lights, and automation all talking to each other. Single-brand systems integrate cleanly: one app, one warranty chain, no finger-pointing between manufacturers when something misbehaves. We chose Pentair specifically because its automation ecosystem is the most mature in the industry and its dealer network across Georgia means parts and service are never far away.

The equipment that matters most

• IntelliFlo variable-speed pumps — the single biggest running-cost decision in any pool. Variable-speed pumps run slow and quiet most of the day and cut pump energy use dramatically versus old single-speed units — they're the reason a modern pool sips power (more in our pool technology guide).
• IntelliCenter automation — the brain: schedules, heating, lighting scenes, freeze protection, and salt chlorination from your phone. Freeze protection alone earns its keep in Georgia — it starts the pump automatically on the few nights a year that matter (see winterizing).
• Heaters and heat pumps — sized to your pool and goals, and the key to Georgia's March-to-November season (our heating guide compares options).
• IntelliChlor salt systems — for clients who choose salt (most do), the cell integrates with the automation so chlorine output self-adjusts.
• ColorVista/MicroBrite LED lighting — the nightscape, controlled from the same app.

What "certified installer" actually gets you

• Factory-direct sourcing — we buy direct, not through markup layers, which is part of how factory-direct pricing works in practice.
• Extended warranty eligibility — Pentair backs equipment installed by certified installers with stronger warranty terms than the same box installed by whoever. Same hardware, better protection, purely because of who wired it.
• Correct installation — plumbing hydraulics, bonding, and configuration done to spec. Most "equipment failures" we're called to diagnose on other builds are actually installation failures.

Sized to the pool, not the invoice

The quiet advantage of specifying equipment honestly: it gets sized, not up-sold or corner-cut. An undersized pump strangles the filter; an oversized heater short-cycles. Every system we install is matched to your pool's volume, plumbing runs, and features — and the models appear on the quote so you can verify every claim. That's the standard we'd want as buyers, so it's the one we build to.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pentair better than Hayward or Jandy?

All three are legitimate major brands. We standardized on Pentair for its automation ecosystem, Georgia service network, and our certified relationship — the consistency of one deeply-known system beats a grab bag of brands.

What warranty comes with the equipment?

Manufacturer's warranty on every component, at the enhanced certified-installer tier, plus our workmanship warranty on the installation itself. Both in writing with your contract.

Can Pentair equipment retrofit onto my existing pool?

Usually yes — a variable-speed pump and automation retrofit is one of the highest-value upgrades an older pool can get. We can assess your pad in one visit.

Design it in 3D before you decide

CraftYourPool designs and builds custom in-ground pools across Northeast Georgia from our home base in Braselton — factory-direct pricing, a full 3D rendering of your actual backyard before you commit, and pool-ready in 6–8 weeks. See financing options or call (762) 425-9249 for a free consultation.