pool automation

I'm a pool guy in the Phoenix aera and I install automation systems such as aqualink and have aquired enough parts to install a aqualink to my pool I have an intelliflo pump and I want to make the aqualink "talk" to the pump.
I know there is a communication link that can be bought but I want to understand how these things "talk"

is it swithcing on and off in a pattern, dose it use different voltages
is it the same type of communication that x-10 uses

just want to know how it works
thanks