Aquastar Controllers Compared: easyII, Control, mp6 plc and Loxone Air
The Aquastar family from Praher automates the 6-way backwash valve of the sand filter system: instead of turning a lever by hand, a motorised lift-and-turn actuator switches the valve automatically between the positions Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Circulate, Drain, Winter position and Closed. Within the family there are four controllers with very different profiles: Aquastar easyII, Aquastar Control, Aquastar mp6 plc and Loxone Aquastar Air. This guide explains the differences and shows which controller suits which plant room. The fundamental question of whether an automatic backwash valve is worthwhile at all is covered in our guide Automatic vs. Manual Backwash Valves.
What is Aquastar?
Aquastar is the name of the controller and actuator family for the Praher V6 6-way backwash valves in the connection sizes 1½”, 2″ and 3″. Each Aquastar unit is available in two basic forms:
- As an actuator (without valve): for retrofitting onto an existing manual Praher V6 side-mount or top-mount valve with the new sealing system – on all well-known filter brands.
- As a complete automatic backwash valve: actuator and 6-way valve as one unit, optionally with threaded connection (BSP) or solvent-socket connection (d50/d63), housing in ABS or glass-fibre-reinforced ASA-GF.
Common to all controllers are the IP65 protection rating, the manual override for operation without power and the multi-range operating voltage (depending on the model 100–240 V AC or additionally 24 V AC/DC). Several variants are available with an integrated pressure sensor that measures the filter pressure and can trigger backwashing according to the actual degree of soiling.
Aquastar easyII – the entry point to automatic backwashing
The Aquastar easyII triggers backwashing via an integrated timer; external triggering and the Circulate position are also possible. Pump monitoring and an error relay are on board. The variant easyII with pressure sensor backwashes time- and/or pressure-controlled and adds a multifunction relay. Available for 1½” and 2″, as an actuator for retrofitting or as a complete valve.
A special feature of the easyII are the variants with valve set for third-party filters: matching sets for Astral/IML/Certikin/Espa, Hayward and Triton with connection spacings from 125 to 230 mm make automation possible on widely used third-party makes as well.
Aquastar Control – fully automatic filter operation with display
The Aquastar Control is the comfort tier: operation via display and buttons on the lid, a true real-time clock (RTC) with a 10-year battery, fully automatic backwash triggering and pump control. In addition it integrates level control as well as optional temperature or solar control, offers configurable relays with gold contacts, freely configurable digital inputs and integrated error handling. The positions “Closed” and “Winter” are additionally available. It comes with 100–240 V AC or 24 V AC/DC, for 1½”, 2″ and 3″, as an actuator or complete with valve – each with pressure sensor.
Aquastar mp6 plc – the PLC interface for professionals
The Aquastar mp6 plc is a microcontroller-controlled lift-and-turn actuator for PLC controllers: all 7 positions (Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Post-rinse, Circulate, Closed, Drain; position 7 = winter position) are approached via DC signals from the higher-level controller. Relays with gold contacts report the position back, and the integrated error handling detects system faults early. Potential-free terminals control Praher EO510 electric valves, and a direct pump connection is provided. Valve and actuator housing are UV-resistant, the unit carries a TGM test certificate and is compatible with smart home systems. Available for 1½”, 2″ and 3″.
Loxone Aquastar Air – wireless into the smart home
The Loxone Aquastar Air connects the 6-way backwash valve wirelessly to the Loxone Miniserver via Loxone Air technology – with free visualisation on iPhone, iPad and Android and free updates. Interfaces: a 1-Wire input for temperature sensors, analogue inputs 0.5–5 V and 0–10 V (e.g. filter pressure monitoring or level control), three freely usable relays 250 V AC 5 A as well as a direct pump connection (250 V AC, 8 A) and a direct connection for 2- or 3-way EO510 electric ball valves. The scope of delivery includes a 1-Wire temperature sensor and an SMA antenna 868 MHz; a Loxone Miniserver is required for commissioning and operation (not included). Available for 1½” and 2″.
The four controllers at a glance
| Controller | Triggering | Voltage | Sizes | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| easyII | Timer, optionally with additional pressure sensor | 100–240 V AC | 1½”, 2″ | Valve sets for Astral/IML/Certikin/Espa, Hayward, Triton |
| Control | Fully automatic (time/pressure), display | 100–240 V AC or 24 V AC/DC | 1½”, 2″, 3″ | Level, temperature/solar control integrated |
| mp6 plc | External via PLC (DC signals) | 100–240 V AC / 150–300 V DC or 24 V AC/DC | 1½”, 2″, 3″ | 7 positions controllable, TGM test certificate |
| Loxone Air | Loxone Miniserver (wireless) | 100–240 V AC | 1½”, 2″ | App visualisation, 1-Wire, 3 free relays |
Retrofitting, spare parts and data sheets
All Aquastar actuators can be retrofitted onto manual Praher V6 side- and top-mount valves with the new sealing system – the filter does not have to be replaced for this. A data sheet is available as a PDF on the respective product page for every variant. The complete accessories and spare parts range covers gear motors, circuit boards, pump limit switches, pressure and temperature sensors, displays and the SafetyPack retrofit kit. An overview of pool automation as a whole is provided by the guide Pool Automation: Controllers, Measurement & Control Technology and the Smart Pool.
