Water temperature measuring options

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brannonbyrd

0
Nov 30, 2015
5
Iota, LA
In the past, to measure my water temperature, I have always just used the traditional floating thermometer. I generally have to replace it every year. Either the kids play with it while they are swimming, or the string breaks and it ends up in the skimmer, etc.

I am evaluating other options that do not involve using a floating thermometer.

I am curious of your thoughts on 2 different options:

1. A handheld, laser temperature gun - This would be super-easy to use, but I am wondering if it will be accurate. I am assuming it will only be measuring the surface temperature of the water.
2. An in-line temperature gauge installed in the return line coming from the filter. I see that Pentair makes one, but it's like $60 on Amazon, which seems excessive considering it is not much different from a meat thermometer. I am also curious about the accuracy of this approach given that it is still measuring surface water temperature since it is entering the filter system from the skimmer.

Thoughts?
 
You can use a weather station with a remote temp sensor, I have this one and it works GREAT.. :)

ambientweather.com

Ambient Weather WS-2902 Smart Wifi Weather Station with WiFi Remote Monitoring & Alerts

The WS-2902 features a dramatic redesign of the LCD display for the very popular WS-2902B. Ambient Weather's newest Personal Wifi Weather Station allows you to monitor your home and backyard weather conditions with the brilliant, easy-to-read LCD color display. Monitor indoor and outdoor...
ambientweather.com ambientweather.com

1650472870254.png
 
Laser thermometers don't work well on water. I've tried when trying to diagnose heater issues.
Regardless of where you measure your temperature, it won't be as accurate as you want unless the water has been circulating for hours and is truly mixing at the bottom of the pool. That's one reason competition pools have floor returns, to even the water temperature. Its just physics, heat rises and warmer water tends to rise in a pool as well. A floating thermometer can only measure the area of the probe.

I have never understood why Pentair wants so much for those in-line thermometers. Try this site, get a Pete's Plug and thermometer with a probe that fits and have it installed in your system. TEMPERATURE PRESSURE PETE'S PLUG, 1/4'' MNPT X 1.5'' L, NORDEL
Old school device that's been around for at least 50 years. Total cost should be about $25.00 not counting installation.
 
My laser thermometer is pretty close to my automation temp (with water well mixed of course). Within 2 degrees - and who's to say the automation is spot on either. There is usually a setting for emissivity on the laser's. Be sure to have that set for water for a best chance at a reasonable reading. I don't like to have floating thermometers because the float looks like a toy to my dogs while swimming.
 
cowboycasey said:
You can use a weather station with a remote temp sensor, I have this one and it works GREAT.. :)

ambientweather.com

Ambient Weather WS-2902 Smart Wifi Weather Station with WiFi Remote Monitoring & Alerts

The WS-2902 features a dramatic redesign of the LCD display for the very popular WS-2902B. Ambient Weather's newest Personal Wifi Weather Station allows you to monitor your home and backyard weather conditions with the brilliant, easy-to-read LCD color display. Monitor indoor and outdoor...
ambientweather.com ambientweather.com

View attachment 402905
Click to expand...
I have 2 of these, one for the pool and one for the spa. I added them becasue I have an Ambient Weather system and these report back to it, but they also have a local display and work standalone. They are not really made to be out in the open, but here in sunny CA I don't have to worry much about rain damage most of the year.
 
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I have not used the external probe I just know about it... You are all over it and they sell a waterproof outdoor box for it but of course it is sold out..

WH31-SRS enclosure

I wonder if a waterproof phone pouch would work just have the cable hanging out :)
 
If it is sitting where any moisture would vent out the bottom, just about any case or pouch ought to help. Or get fancy - they make low voltage IP65 outdoor junction boxes with clear covers - less than $20 on Amazon. Either use a waterproof connector, or just drill a hole in the bottom of the box and close it up with some silicon sealant after you run the wire. Should work fine. In fact you might consider leaving the hole open as a moisture drain. I just put mine in the shade since after this week I don't really expect to see more rain until next October. By then I can add some protection.
 
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You would need a T fitting that is (your pipe size)X.25fipX(your pipe size). If you have 2" plumbing a 2" T with the single port reduced to a .25" female pipe thread so the Pete's plug can be threaded in. Once in it remains. To test temperature the cap would be opened and a thermometer probe (like a meat thermometer) would be inserted through the rubber seal under it. The thermometer can remain in place but it is better on a pool installation to not leave it permanently. Leaks can happen and usually do when you aren't looking.
 
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