Just days before Piscine Global 2026 opens its doors, Hayward is preparing to present several innovations in Lyon around a shared ambition: moving towards a more integrated approach to the pool. At the heart of this presentation, SMART PAD will be unveiled for the first time at the show. This new connected ecosystem enables pool equipment to communicate and work together, bringing the EXPERIENCE HAYWARD^® approach to life.

Hayward presents an integrated vision of the pool at Piscine Global 2026

On its stand, Hayward will not simply be presenting a series of new products. The brand aims to demonstrate how different pieces of equipment can work together throughout the pool’s lifecycle, from initial design through to control and maintenance.

This approach is reflected in the solutions being highlighted this year: Paramount by Hayward integrates cleaning directly into the pool design, the X-PRO 600 skimmer anticipates future automation requirements, while SMART PAD takes integration a step further by coordinating the pool’s main functions within a single ecosystem.

EXPERIENCE HAYWARD^®: a new integrated vision for the pool

At Piscine Global 2026, Hayward invites professionals to discover EXPERIENCE HAYWARD^®, an approach focused on making pools more intuitive, easier to maintain and more enjoyable to use every day. An immersive experience on its stand brings this vision to life through several innovations designed to simplify pool management and help users make the most of their pool.

As the highlight of this presentation, SMART PAD is unveiled for the first time in Lyon. This new connected ecosystem intelligently coordinates the pool’s essential equipment to simplify installation, maintenance and the user experience.

SMART PAD by Hayward^®: a new pool experience where everything works together 

With SMART PAD, Hayward brings a new dimension to EXPERIENCE HAYWARD^®: a pool that is easier to manage, more intuitive and more enjoyable to experience. Beyond control, SMART PAD offers an integrated ecosystem in which the pool’s different pieces of equipment communicate with one another and automatically coordinate their operation.

This connected ecosystem enables control of the pool’s essential functions: filtration, water treatment, water-level regulation, heating and lighting.

The SMART PAD interface centralises control of the pool equipment

The innovation lies in the intelligence given to the equipment. Unlike conventional control systems, the devices exchange information with one another and continuously adapt their operation. When conditions change, the system acts autonomously, without repeated manual adjustments. Hayward therefore positions SMART PAD as genuine coordination of equipment rather than simple remote control. The pool works as one. 

For pool professionals, SMART PAD has been designed to simplify installation, commissioning and maintenance. The guided quick wizard supports step-by-step setup and limits the risk of configuration errors. On a day-to-day basis, predictive alerts enable faster diagnostics and intervention. The PoolWatch platform, available via both an app and the web, also enables professionals to centralise remote monitoring across their entire portfolio of installed pools, optimising maintenance management. For pool owners, a single intuitive interface provides centralised control of all equipment and allows them to monitor the status of their pool from their smartphone. Beyond control, SMART PAD offers simplicity and peace of mind, with fewer day-to-day interventions and more time to enjoy the pool. 

SMART PAD also contributes to more efficient pool operation. Filtration speed is automatically calculated according to the pool equipment, including filter diameter and technology, to optimise energy consumption and water quality. Combined with variable-speed pumping, LED lighting and inverter heat-pump technology, the ecosystem can significantly reduce energy use: up to 85% compared with a single-speed pump, up to 90% for LED lighting compared with an incandescent solution, and around 30% with inverter heat-pump technology. Salt electrolysis maintains regular disinfection while limiting large variations in chlorine levels, helping to preserve bathing comfort and ensuring that the water remains disinfected while maintaining a residual disinfecting effect.

SMART PAD coordinates the pool’s main equipment within a single ecosystem

The solution is scalable: thanks to compatibility with a broader range of pool equipment, new devices can be integrated over time to let the installation evolve. With SMART PAD, Hayward brings the EXPERIENCE HAYWARD^® approach to life: moving beyond individual pieces of equipment to offer an integrated experience in which technology works in the background and the pool’s different systems operate in a coordinated way, making the pool easier to manage and more enjoyable to experience.

More innovations to discover on the Hayward stand

Among the solutions presented in Lyon, Paramount by Hayward illustrates this approach right from the pool design stage. Integrated into the pool structure, this cleaning system uses discreet nozzles that activate in sequence to direct debris towards an active drain. With no cables or mobile equipment, it also cleans hard-to-reach areas such as steps, benches and submerged ledges. 

The resulting water circulation helps ensure even water distribution throughout the pool and, according to Hayward, can reduce chemical and energy consumption by up to 30% compared with traditional methods. Professionals also benefit from support including a customised installation plan.

Paramount by Hayward integrates cleaning directly into the pool design

Another innovation, the X-PRO 600 skimmer from the X-Line range, combines aesthetics and functionality. Its wide 598 mm opening allows the waterline to be brought closer to the pool surround for a mirror effect. Its infill lid and adjustable frame make integration easier, while dedicated probe locations anticipate future automation requirements. Supplied fully assembled and factory-bonded, it also simplifies installation on site.

The X-PRO 600 skimmer combines aesthetic integration with automation-ready design

At Piscine Global 2026, professionals will be able to experience this vision first-hand on the Hayward stand, through a journey designed to show how these different innovations come together within a single pool experience.