So I have had my solar roof heater with the automatic valve installed for about 6 months now. It has the sensor on the roof and if the sun is out the valve opens for hot water and I even wired it so it turns the pump on. Problem with that, that I noticed, is that it could be 60 degrees outside but if the sun is out, the solar valve opens and turns the pump on.....all day....wasting energy and definitely not heating up the pool. So I wondered if there was a way to only have the solar system on when the outside temperature is above a certain temperature. So I got a rainbird smart outlet for only $35. Now the system only turns on when the weather is above 85 deg. And if the sun is out, then the valve opens and turns the pump on. Problem solved!
Automated my solar heater!
- Thread starter mrdorkdar
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 67,040
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Nice hack but that outlet needs to be in a weatherproof box to protect it from rain or it will not last long.
I use a sonoff TH16 with waterproof probe on the roof. (the probe wire is short so extended it using CAT5 cable). sonoff device next to the pump.
Does not rely on the sun. Could have a hazy day still with a lot of energy that can heat the water.
When the sun's rays heat it up above X amount it turns on my pump, and also switches off.
Does not rely on the sun. Could have a hazy day still with a lot of energy that can heat the water.
When the sun's rays heat it up above X amount it turns on my pump, and also switches off.