Homeowners are getting high-tech when it comes to controlling the appliances in their homes, but they insist the control systems are reliable, convenient and easily understood. Technology isn't fun to use if you feel like you need a master's degree in engineering to make things work. This is true when it comes to controlling the thermostat on your spa, hot tub or swimming pool. Picture yourself arriving home from a long day at work or getting off the airplane from a grueling business trip. You open the door to the patio and the Jacuzzi is steaming with soft music playing so everything is ready for a relaxing soak; all you have to do is stir the martini. This isn't possible if you only have a touch screen control in the living room. You must wait until you actually arrive home for this pampering luxury.

It is quite common for spas to be controlled with a hand held remote. You can sit in the hot tub and if it is starting to get dark outside, you can turn on the lights in the house directly from the tub. Many remotes control appliances from 150 feet away with no wires in sight. There is no extra wiring required because all of the signals are sent through existing AC power lines. Now technology is available for you to use a cell phone from anywhere in the world and turn on the hot tub, pool, indoor and outdoor lighting, sprinkler systems, fountains, or any other system that is computer controlled in your home. The systems have an all off button so you will have the confidence that you aren't leaving home for a business trip with some appliance still running. Many devices can also read your e-mail to you when you are on the road so you never feel out of touch. All of these things can be voice activated and programmed for you. If you own a full size swimming pool, you definitely want to look into controlling the pool cleaner, filters, pool heaters and anything else with an automated computer system. This makes maintenance so much easier when the computer does the work for you.

If you have a vacation cottage, you can make a phone call a few hours before you arrive and the thermostat of your furnace will be set to the temperature you desire. You might also want to install cameras around the property so you can cue up the screen and view what is going on at the lake house while you are in the city. When you need to change a setting, the screens are very user friendly. You don't have to depend on a computer dude to be on call just so you can control your computer systems. Anyone that wants a high-tech home should check out the systems that are on the market. When you can control the luxuries you have at home with a phone call, you will start feeling like you have a butler at home waiting for your next request.

Beverly Hlavka is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying hot tubs, pool supplies, saunas,Jacuzzi's, above ground pools and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.sauna-4u.com/pool_heaters.htm. She also gives information and tips on http://www.sauna-4u.com/index.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.