Yet Another DIY Pool Automation Thread

[bgshacklett]

Hello everyone!

I just wrapped up the MVP of a DIY pool automation system and I thought it would be helpful to share here. Unsurprisingly, it's using a Raspberry PI and Node-RED, but I'm hoping the implementation details are helpful. Here's a quick photo:

I've got a full write-up on my blog:

Building an Open Pool Automation Platform | digital-traffic.net

Thoughts of a Technology Consultant

www.digital-traffic.net

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP Brian.

Nice write-up.

How long did the automation platform take you from concept to running?

 

[bgshacklett]

It's a bit tough to say, because there was a long time where I wasn't truly motivated to work on it. I got interested in the idea about 5 years ago. If I consider the time I actively worked on it, though, it was closer to 6 months.

 

[ajw22]

What you built in 2024 is much nicer than what was available 5 years ago.

It does not look like you have any devices under RS-485 control.

 

[ajw22]

Have you seen this thread...

Alternative Pool Automation and Sensor/Chemical Control and Integration

Industrial Automation 8-Layer Stackable Card for Raspberry Pi Pool Automation and Sensor/Chemical Control and Integration (nodejs-poolController / nodejs-poolController-dashPanel / relayEquipmentManager) - Table of Contents - - Preface 1. Background, Purpose and Scope 2. Credits 3...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[PoolStored]

Very nice.

 

[uraceulose]

Excellent write up and awesome system you built there.

 

[bgshacklett]

What you built in 2024 is much nicer than what was available 5 years ago.

It does not look like you have any devices under RS-485 control.

No, not yet. The difficulty is getting the protocol specs. There are Some folks who have worked on reverse engineering Pentair devices, but I haven’t been able to integrate the work they’ve done, yet, and I don’t believe anyone has a complete implementation right now.

Ideally, I would have a compatible automation system to run traffic captures on, but I can’t justify the price of purchasing one at the moment.

 

[Katodude]

Very clean build, nice.

I am pretty sure that someone has published the Pentair protocols. I know that I was planning on using them when I built my controller. I opted just to use NodeJSPoolController

The integration is really good and has support for everything I need (and more). There is even an HA integration which is pretty good.

 

[bgshacklett]

I have stumbled upon that project in the past. I'll have to go back and give it another look.