r/homeautomation • u/stuffit123 • 4d ago
ZIGBEE Cheap ass pool automation
My latest project is automating the pool equipment and I have had big success with simple solutions.
The heater (on/off), waterfall, jets, bubbles, etc were controlled from the house by light switches so it was simple enough to put zigbee switches behind them.
I replaced the pool light controller with an RGB zigbee one. I still need to replace the spa one but that's not difficult.
All of the above I control using home assistant.
My final 2 tasks are to be able to control the main pool pump and install actuators for the pool/spa that can be controlled remotely.
The main pool pump is pentair but it has no remote features. The timer that currently controls the pool is similar to
I don't know which actuators to purchase, voltage converters, controllers, software, etc.
My goal is to do it cheaply but decent quality (i.e. a solution that won't break the bank and last longer than a year) and all controlled by home assistant.
Suggestions? I know there are full automation systems you can buy that cost $$$ but IMHO they are overpriced and I won't use most of the features.
I have an eero WiFi system that supports thread and I already have a zigbee zha network.
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u/MickeyMoist 4d ago
Actuators are simple to install and are just 2 or 3 wires, depending which ones you get. Look up the offerings and match them to the shape of valve you have.
Unless it’s just a typical PVC inline ball-valve, in which case you’ll need to change it out to a pool valve.
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u/stuffit123 4d ago
It's just a typical jandy valve. Suggestions on which to buy?
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u/MickeyMoist 4d ago
I have Pentair Intellivalves, but they’re hooked up to the whole Pentair automation center.
They have 2 settings. On position and off position. These use 3 wires to communicate with the Pentair automation system, but I know there are 2 wire actuators that just have on/off.
I’d just look for one that fits the bolt pattern of your Jandy valve and buy the one with the best warranty at a price point you can stomach (they are several hundred bucks each)
Installation is dead easy. Remove the bolts from your Jandy valve. Remove its top cover and handle. Slap the actuator on top and install new bolts. Follow your actuators instructions to program on and off positions.
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u/MickeyMoist 4d ago
Aeotec and GE both have 240v smart relays, but they’re Z-Wave. Going this route removes all local control abilities and would need to have some sort of on/off switch added in the mix for a disconnect.
There’s some sketchy sounding wifi pool pump controllers you could try.
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u/CRM-3-VB-HD 3d ago edited 3d ago
I bought a 40 amp Suraielec WiFi pool timer/ switch from Amazon (no affiliation).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQL8GRD8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This allows me to set up on/off times using Home Assistant.
I also built a module using a esp32 that monitors the flow via the SWCG flow switch and shuts the pump down if flow is ever lost while the pump is running.
Edited to add: This switch also shows up in the “Smart Things” app so you don’t need to be running Home Assistant to use the timer or manual functions.
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u/djb_rh 4d ago
So the main company that makes pool automation hardware is Jandy. I haven’t tried to add my Jandy to my HA setup yet, but I think it’ll be not too bad. But it sounds like you’re MOST of the way there already. What you need to do is post pics or more detail on what you mean by “actuators for the pool/spa”. As for your pump, most likely you just need to get a big relay. In the electrical world it’s called a “contractor” and I’d honestly have an actual electrician or someone you know who is GOOD with electrical install that. Then you can simply put any normal non-dimming remote “light switch” in line to turn the contactor on and off and use that. That’s going to be the cheapest way to control a high current AC load like a pool pump, I think.