A California regulation requiring “smart” pool pump controllers went into effect on September 29.

The new regulations lay out the state’s Flexible Demand Appliance Standards (FDAS) for pool controls, new language that was added to California’s Title 20.

Beginning on September 29, swimming pool pump controllers within the scope of the regulation must be connected devices (internetcapable) and able to communicate operating status, stored schedules, and other telemetry to authorized parties. They must also include a default operating schedule.

New pump control devices must be capable of scheduling, shifting, or curtailing pump operation to run more during times of lower electricity prices and lower grid GHG intensity (i.e., run when electricity is cleaner/ cheaper). The behavior should be automatic by default but implemented consistent with consumer consent rules.

The rule requires clear customer consent/opt-in (and labeling/ consumer disclosure) for any remote/ third-party control, and sets limits on what can be done without homeowner permission. In other words — the device can be capable of load-shifting, but rules require consumer consent for participation in third-party programs.

Manufacturers must also meet testing and certification requirements and implement basic cybersecurity practices for connected devices (the requirementsarespelledoutinTitle20).

This is a game-changer for California pool owners and pool and spa professionals alike, who will need to familiarize themselves with “smart” pump controllers and what the new regulation will mean. For pool owners:

• New pump controllers will be “smart” by default.

Pool owners purchasing a new timer/control sold/manufactured to the California market after Sept 29, 2025, will almost certainly find internet-capable controllers that have a default schedule and the ability to shift runtime based on grid signals. (It won’t magically change your existing equipment.)

• Possible bill savings — and possible programs:

For pool owners opting into utility demand-response or time-of-use automation, pumps can be scheduled to run during cheaper/cleaner hours, reducing bills.

• Privacy / control concerns eased by consent rules:

The law requires consumer consent for third-party control and has labeling/disclosure requirements, so pool owners cannot have pumps curtailed remotely without being told and agreeing. These cybersecurity requirements aim to reduce remotehack risk, though connected devices always introduce some new attack surface.

• No immediate retrofit mandate:

Existing pumps and controls already installed in homes are not automatically forced to be replaced on that date — the rule applies to newly manufactured products.

For pool-service professionals

• Product mix & training:

Expect manufacturers and distributors to ship only FDAScompliant controllers into the California market, so pros will need to learn, stock, install, and troubleshoot connected controllers and their connectivity problems (Wi-Fi, integration with home networks, firmware, etc.).

• Sales conversations change:

Professionals will need to explain opt-in enrollment, utility program participation, and consumer consent/ cybersecurity tradeoffs to customers. There will be new upsell or retrofit opportunities (smart controls, communications modules, monitoring subscriptions).

• Service workflow changes:

Remote diagnostics will become easier (status reporting, schedules), but network issues and firmware/ cybersecurity support become new service tasks. Expect more time spent on configuration and verifying customer preferences for demandresponse participation.

• Manufacturer certification & compliance paperwork:

Some retailers/installers may need to track compliance/certification labels when ordering for California jobs; manufacturers must test and mark devices per Title 20.

It is nearly as important to understand what California’s new pump controller regulations will not do.

For example, the new law does not force the immediate replacement of existing controllers/pumps. The rules apply to products manufactured on/ after the effective date; installed equipment stays in service until replacement.

It does not require homeowners to enroll in utility programs or to surrender control. The regulation mandates device capability and consumer disclosure/ consent protections; it does not mandate automatic utility enrollment or forced curtailment.

It does not ban pool use or require reduced filtration runtimes beyond what safe operation requires. The standards require default schedules and the ability to shift loads, but not schedules that compromise health and safety.

Finally, it does not (by itself) replace federal Department of Energy motor standards. Federal DOE energy-conservation rules for pool pump motors (variable-speed motor rules) are separate and apply across the U.S.; California’s FDAS complements those by focusing on controls and grid flexibility rather than motor-only energy efficiency.

The regulations were approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on October 18, 2023, following passage of California Senate Bill 49, which authorized the agency to adopt appliance standards enabling flexible demand (load shifting).

At that time, proponents of the regulation touted the state’s Flexible Demand Appliance Standards as a low-cost way to shift substantial electricity demand, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve grid reliability. The CEC estimates large benefits and small per-owner costs. The program has been awarded recognition by clean-energy organizations for leadership/ replicability.

The regulation found opposition, raised during the public comment period, from some pool-industry manufacturers, trade groups, and installers, who voiced concerns about costs, implementation complexity, interoperability standards, privacy/ cybersecurity, and letting utilities have too much control.

The CEC has addressed some of these concerns, which may be found in a CEC docket “final response to comments” document.

Although the regulations currently apply only within the state of California, many anticipate that other states will implement requirements for “smart” pump controllers in the coming years.

When it comes to strict regulatory standards, California has long been a trail-blazer of environmentally motivated rules. Many see the state’s Flexible Demand Appliance Standards as a harbinger of things to come.

It is known as the “California Effect.” Because California is a very large market, many manufacturers prefer a single national product line rather than state-by-state variations. In many cases, causing some federal programs and other states to formally adopt California standards much like prior California initiatives in vehicles and building/appliance efficiency.

The bottom line is that pool owners and service professionals across the country should probably expect manufacturers to ship FDAS-capable controls to all U.S. channels.

Also, utilities to offer demandresponse programs that leverage that capability.

Finally, other states (especially in the West) to adopt similar language or to encourage FDAS participation via incentives.

Read more by clicking here.

https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/appliance-efficiency-program-outreach-and-education/replacement