Latest on automated sensing options? (pH, FC/ORP, temp, etc?)

[Guy559]

New TFP forum member though I've been reading a lot since we broke ground this past December. Pool is complete and has been running for three weeks. I'm a huge fan of most things 'automation' (Home Assistant, RPi, PC sticks, etc) and started poking around for a potential solution to tracking options for chemical sensing.

I ran across a long thread from ~4 years ago in AZ that detailed an automation build, first with Atlas and then with nodes-PoolController. That poster specifically mentioned that they like the system now but that there are newer and more options to accomplish this process today. Coming here to see if forum users have recommendations for the 'latest and greatest' options they'd recommend that I look into.

Would certainly like to actively measure pH. Sounds like ORP is also available and can be easily converted to reflect FC. What about other sensors, like with TA or CH? Suspect since they only need periodic monitoring that they less of a candidate for real-time monitoring. I've also noted some monitor electrical conductivity. Why?

Thanks to all. Looking forward to doing some more research.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Guy,

You can like whatever you want, but no automated system can take care of your pool as well as you can...

If you follow the TFP pool care process, you can't use ORP, as you have to keep your CYA too low, for ORP to work,

You can automate your pH, but to be honest, if you can't spare 10 minutes a week to manually add add a little Muriatic Acid, then why bother to maintain the pool at all?? Just hire a pool guy.

Just like a well known electric vehicle, automation often works... Right up until the point of impact.

I would suggest that you manually do things for the next year, as you learn how your pool works.. Then decide what you want to automate.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

With a spa or water features needing daily purges, or various cleaners to run on a schedule, i can totally see the need for automation.

For chemistry I barely lift a finger to warrant spending the money even if a reliable system comes out one day. You probably won't either once it all becomes second nature.

I give the acid dosers some credit, but if i have to lug the jugs just the same, fill the storage tank and test Ph anyway to make sure things are going well, well Heck. I might as just well dump acid in the pool when I test to make sure the doser is still on track.

 

[Bperry]

New TFP forum member though I've been reading a lot since we broke ground this past December. Pool is complete and has been running for three weeks. I'm a huge fan of most things 'automation' (Home Assistant, RPi, PC sticks, etc) and started poking around for a potential solution to tracking options for chemical sensing.

I ran across a long thread from ~4 years ago in AZ that detailed an automation build, first with Atlas and then with nodes-PoolController. That poster specifically mentioned that they like the system now but that there are newer and more options to accomplish this process today. Coming here to see if forum users have recommendations for the 'latest and greatest' options they'd recommend that I look into.

Would certainly like to actively measure pH. Sounds like ORP is also available and can be easily converted to reflect FC. What about other sensors, like with TA or CH? Suspect since they only need periodic monitoring that they less of a candidate for real-time monitoring. I've also noted some monitor electrical conductivity. Why?

Thanks to all. Looking forward to doing some more research.

The answer is no, there’s not really any reliable automated testing/dosing systems yet.

 

[Guy559]

Appreciate the early responses.

Jim, not looking for full automation for dosing, etc. I just enjoy the idea of monitoring. I did a DIY solar install a year or two ago. Has been great to not only produce inexpensive power (purchased items at cost, so saved a bundle on labor) but also to see how the different variables affect output in real-time. Likewise, I also installed an energy monitoring kit from Emporia Energy. Lets me read instantaneous and cumulative energy consumption/production metrics which I find very helpful, especially when learning where the big power draw items live (on which circuit).

So, your point is well taken…but I’m not looking to be hands off on pool care. Rather, just feeding my tech-centric DIY hobby. I’m out there daily brushing, sampling, and adjusting. Per TFP guidance, I’ve only needed to add muriatic acid and liquid chlorine to pool while I wait to add salt after first month.

 

[Newdude]

but I’m not looking to be hands off on pool care. Rather, just feeding my tech-centric DIY hobby

We are fellow 'enthusiasts' here, so we totally get it.

Water Guru and Sutro both make monitors to scratch that itch. Sometimes they are consistently off and can kinda be used to judge things. Other times they work for a year or so before they don't.

What about other sensors, like with TA or CH?

TA, CH , CYA and salt barely move so at most they need testing once a month (once they are proven to be stable).

I would need a really, really big tech itch to even think about wanting to monitor those digitally.

 

[Guy559]

Thanks Newdude, confirmed my suspicion. No need to overcomplicate things on my end... will just tinker elsewhere for the time being!