Smart Pool Valve Control: Sonoff Relays with IntelliConnect – Is This the Best Approach?

[RandomGirl29]

Hey everyone!

I’m in the process of setting up remote control for 7 valve actuators on my pool system. I’ve done quite a bit of research and landed on the idea of using Sonoff 4CH PRO R3 smart relays to achieve this, but I’m looking for feedback from those with more experience to see if this is truly the best way to go. I want to try 2 Sonoff 4CH PRO R3 relays. My plan is to use these relays to control the actuators remotely via the eWeLink app, and potentially integrate them with voice control.
Current Setup:

• Pentair IntelliConnect system: It’s been working perfectly for controlling my pump, heater, lights, and sensors, but it doesn’t support valve actuators.
• 7 TORK 24V AC valve actuators: I know how to have them installed on the valves. Just need to know where they should be wired.
• 24V AC transformer: I believe my IntelliConnect system has an existing 24V AC power supply, but I’m not sure if it’s sufficient to power both the relays and the actuators.
I'm trying to achieve remote control of the valve actuators without spending a lot on upgrading to IntelliCenter, which seems like overkill given that my IntelliConnect already handles everything else. The Sonoff solution seems affordable and practical, but I want to make sure i'm taking the best approach. I don't mind at all that I might need to use multiple-apps or a physical touchpad to make this work. I am worried about programming / wiring aspect of this work. I have good electricians that can help, but contractors are suggesting that I should upgrade my IntelliConnect to IntelliCenter ($2.5k for parts/$2.5k labor). I'm in Puerto Rico and it's sunny most of the year if that helps.

Questions for the Community:


1. Is the Sonoff relay setup the best way to control 7 valve actuators remotely? Or are there better alternatives I should consider?
2. Can I safely use the IntelliConnect’s existing 24V AC power supply to power the relays and actuators? Or will I need a separate transformer?
3. Are there any potential issues I should be aware of with this setup?
4. Is upgrading to IntelliCenter necessary? It feels like an unnecessary expense since IntelliConnect meets all of my needs except for valve control.

I will send $100 Amazon gift card to the person that offers the best advice to help me with my main problem as a big thank you. Photos attached to help.

 

[Jimrahbe]

29,

Will need your own 24 VAC transformer!!! This transformer needs to be large enough to support the number of valves you intend to move at the same time.

The relays that drive the actuators need to be Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) A SPST relay will not work. You will need one relay for each valve.

I can't think of anyone that actually needs to control 7 valves... What all are you trying to control???

I do not think it makes sense for you to buy the IntelliCenter..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Take a look at the automation link in my signature. I use simple low voltage relays to control valve actuators and Alexa routines to control actions. The Sonoff relays you linked will work, but I don't believe you can power the relays with 24 volt AC power. You'll need a separate power supply to power for the switch and actuators. I use relays that operate on 24 volt AC power.

Many forum members use the nodejs pool controller, but it's above my head...

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

 

[RandomGirl29]

29,

Will need your own 24 VAC transformer!!! This transformer needs to be large enough to support the number of valves you intend to move at the same time.

The relays that drive the actuators need to be Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) A SPST relay will not work. You will need one relay for each valve.

I can't think of anyone that actually needs to control 7 valves... What all are you trying to control???

I do not think it makes sense for you to buy the IntelliCenter..

Thanks,

Jim R.

thank you so much. What would you do in my shoes?

 

[Jimrahbe]

What would you do in my shoes?

I don't know... What size high heals do you wear???

Do about what specifically???

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I can't think of anyone that actually needs to control 7 valves...

They add up quickly. I have the following:

- Pool/Spa Intake
- Pool/Spa Return
- Heater bypass
- Wall scuppers
- Deck Jets
- Bubblers
- IFCS

To the OP, I like to think about things from the perspective of ease of use. If the Sonoff solution requires custom programming and you are not the one doing that, then there could be issues if there are ever situations where the programming gets lost, needs updated, etc.

For me, ease of use is a big thing. I want my family to be able to pick up a device (phone, tablet, or go to the main panel) and relatively easily understand what to do to make something work. It's why I finally gave in and got an iPhone; it just works. It's the reason I bought into the Sonos sound system architecture; it just works. I don't have to engineer it all myself and figure a bunch of other things out (I spend my days doing that for a living, I don't enjoy doing it at home anymore). I press a few buttons and it's playing music where I want it.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do the Sonoff solution, but it sounds like the contractors you have are thinking in this manner. The Intellicenter, while it does have its quirks, once configured, it works. I've been using mine for 5 years and once I stopped goofing around with it and looking for things to be wrong, it just works.

If you are not considering your time, then maybe the Sonoff solution is a better option, but I know what I feel like my time is worth, and it would well surpass the value of the Intellicenter just designing everything I would need. Your concerns of programming and wiring are pretty well taken care of with the Intellicenter. And you will have support from Pentair available should you need it, as well as from the Intellicenter users on this forum.

Just trying to offer another perspective. Not trying to dissuade you from proceeding.

To answer your questions...

1. Is the Sonoff relay setup the best way to control 7 valve actuators remotely? Or are there better alternatives I should consider?

Maybe, depends on how much time and energy you are willing to invest. Rancho pointed to the nodejs pool controller which is also a custom automation setup that has been developed. It may have a stronger support network than the Sonoff, I don't know.

2. Can I safely use the IntelliConnect’s existing 24V AC power supply to power the relays and actuators? Or will I need a separate transformer?

Would need to know the size of the power supply and the consumption of the valve actuators to be able to determine this. Likely best to source a separate transformer

3. Are there any potential issues I should be aware of with this setup?

If you are not handling the programming/setup, then anytime you may need to/want to make a change, you would have to hire someone with this knowledge to come out and make adjustments. Custom solutions can work well, but sometimes they are not as stable as commercially available solutions.

4. Is upgrading to IntelliCenter necessary? It feels like an unnecessary expense since IntelliConnect meets all of my needs except for valve control.

This is a question only you can answer. In my line of work, the IntelliConnect is technically not suitable if I need valve control and it doesn't have it, so it is not an option. IntelliCenter checks all of the technical requirements so it wins.

--Jeff