DIY Pool automation

[arielpool]

Work in progress. I'll try to update this first post with progress / details, hopefully I can get this done in a way that's as plug-and-play as possible

# DYI Option list
## Hardware
### General
- cmc's v2 project
- katodude's project

### Components
- Pump Control
- - Waveshare ETH to RS485 Converter Adapter RS485 TO ETH (B) - Waveshare Wiki - good choice.
- - Waveshare USB to RS485 Converter Adapter Original FT232RL (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081MB6PN2)
- - - yellow is +, green is - (or blue is for "B").

## Software
### Projects
- nodejs-poolController (working)
- raspipool project!

### General links
- CMC's Node-RED flows
- CMC's Youtube videos: Hardware / Node-RED programming
- Alternative Pool Automation and Sensor/Chemical Control and Integration

 

[kimkats]

Way over my head but looks neat!

 

[Katodude]

Segalion has posted his design on this forum. He has done some pretty cool stuff.

 

[Rattus Suffocatus]

Anything Raspberry Pi is okay with me. It's the electronic hobbiest's Swiss Army knife....

 

[Katodude]

Its funny, there seem to be two types of DIY pool systems out there. Segalion and Joncar built primarily monitoring systems (also with a focus on chemical dosing), and CMC0619 and me have built systems to primarily control pool functions. Eventually you will see each type of system take ideas from the other, but it is interesting to see how they all start.

 

[arielpool]

Reference to the aforementioned -

RaspiPool (Pool Automation System with Raspberry pi + Home Assistant)

There are a lot of ideas about extend project: 1. control chlorinator instead bleach injection 2. Basic control for VSP pumps based on 3 relays,... but I need help here because I don't know how this all works.it is really important has more than two speed? 3. Heater control based on water...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[arielpool]

Is there a place where all these system solutions are showcased together in order to make sense of where we are on it all?

Its funny, there seem to be two types of DIY pool systems out there. Segalion and Joncar built primarily monitoring systems (also with a focus on chemical dosing), and CMC0619 and me have built systems to primarily control pool functions. Eventually you will see each type of system take ideas from the other, but it is interesting to see how they all start.

 

[Katodude]

Yes, you are in it.

Welcome to the place where we showcase these sorts of things.

 

[arielpool]

Would be interesting to see a 1, 2, 3 sort of post. Like an automation for dummies kind of thing.

 

[cmc0619]

Would be interesting to see a 1, 2, 3 sort of post. Like an automation for dummies kind of thing.

The problem is it varies too much. Some people need a load center included with(like me). Some people just need a Sonos switch on their pump. But between all of our different builds (And the rest of the intenet) you should be able to find something that suits you.

My build isn’t for everyone but I made a couple of YouTubes that gives you a good idea of what to do. Click DIY automation system in my signature for the links.

It’s easier than it looks though. Despite being a computer guy I’m not an electrical guy. I went from “uhhh electricity makes lights turn on” to being able to wire up a 240v switch.

 

[arielpool]

“uhhh electricity makes lights turn on”

lol

I'm currently reading through your setup.

My ideal would be

1) Control the Variable Speed pump (I've got the cables that came with that new pump)
2) Lights on/off, at the moment
3) SWG (future buy) control

So far I've found this:

- Replace Your Pool and Spa Controller With Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Node Red
- Raspberry PI Swimming Pool Controller - poolBot | Drew . Beer
- akulo/pentair-pool-controller
- tagyoureit/nodejs-poolController
- CMC's build: My new automation system.
- Katodude's build: Yet another DIY pool controller thread
- Segalion's build (wiki): segalion/raspipool

 

[Katodude]

CMC’s build is a very good place to start. Read through his thread. He even has a BOM posted there so it is a pretty good starting point. Feel free to read through mine (in my signature). It is a pretty good copy of CMC’s. You have an intelliflo VS there is some pretty good controller software to run that. Lights are easy, and depends on what you want for your SWG thats not too hard.

It does not require coding ability to build one (but that does help). But you do have to be a little bit computer savvy, for lack of a better word. There is a little bit of work in setting up the Pi and then some integration style work.

 

[arielpool]

I'm a coder/dev, so no issue with the soft. I've never actually done nothing like soldering and just days ago learned what a relay is lol.

- CMC's build: My new automation system.
- Katodude's build: Yet another DIY pool controller thread

 

[Katodude]

Pffft. This will be a breeze for you then. We will probably learn something from you. I did not have to do any soldering on mine. But I do have lots of relays. The good news is if you just want to control your pump you wont need a single relay. Making everything else go is relay heaven. But they are cheap, plentiful and easy to use.

You will need to use this to control your pump so start reading!!!

GitHub - tagyoureit/nodejs-poolController: An application to control pool equipment from various manufacturers.

An application to control pool equipment from various manufacturers. - tagyoureit/nodejs-poolController

github.com

Ask lots of questions, document what you do here in your own build thread.

 

[cmc0619]

lol

I'm currently reading through your setup.

My ideal would be

1) Control the Variable Speed pump (I've got the cables that came with that new pump)
2) Lights on/off, at the moment
3) SWG (future buy) control

Yeah that’s a piece of cake. I’m not familiar with your pool cleaner but on my dolphin I was able to hold a button and put it into automation mode. So I leave it in the pool and run it on a schedule from my controller. That may be one for your project as well. I was inspired by Drew’s project and also this one.

 

[arielpool]

Ask lots of questions

Thanks for posting your experience, always helps to have others to compare to. I am curious, what pumps did you use? Do you communicate with the pump, or just have it on a relay for on/off? I would like to control the Pentair IntelliFlo pump and I am looking for anyone who has experience communicating (over rs485 protocol) between the Pi and the Pump.

I understand it'd have to be in "No controller (standalone equimpent)" - standalone mode as per GitHub - tagyoureit/nodejs-poolController: An application to control pool equipment from various manufacturers., so I'm thinking that it's the same USB stick?

 

[Katodude]

I have an Intelliflo as well. It is completely controlled with my Pi through RS-485. A USB to RS-485 stick works great.

 

[arielpool]

Ok. Got the waveshare Adapter Original FT232RL stick. There's three inputs. How do you connect it? I got the original intelliflo cable that came with the pump.

 

[arielpool]

nodejs-poolController working.

Controlling the pump - OK