# Swimming pool maintenance

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [17 May 2020 10:36 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790 "2020-05-17T10:36:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![BartButenaers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bartbutenaers/32/10476_2.png) [@BartButenaers](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/BartButenaers)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 10:36 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/1 "2020-05-17T10:36:40Z")

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Hi folks,

Due to the lockdown situation we will most probably have to spent our holidays at home. So my wife ordered last week a large swimming pool. Could be setup in a few hours, but daddy has been elected to spent a lot of free time on keeping the water clean...

As a result I would have less time in the evenings for Node-RED developments... Which means it will be a real win-win situation if you guys can help me solving my problem 😉

I'm a _ **complete noob** _ about water cleaning stuff. But I would like to use Node-RED somehow for helping me to keep my pool clean. So all help is welcome, but please keep in mind that I don't know anything about this topic!!! So please don't use too much expensive words ...

Some things that popup in my head, after reading quickly through some other discussions (which were way above my paygrade):

- I suppose I need to measure the temperature of the water with some sensor (connected to a Raspberry!)?
- I need to measure the pH. Is this [sensor](http://www.robotshop.com/uk/gravity-analog-ph-meter-kit.html) from @ghayne good enough, and can I wire that easily to a Raspberry? Unfortunately I don't have the knowledge or time to start experimenting with other hardware like Arduino, NodeMCU or whatever 🥴 Or are there any other good (and affordable!!) sensors perhaps?
- Is it doable to not only to measure the ph, but also control it? I see in another [discussion](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/ph-controller-design/20918/13) that _"Automatic pH control is extremely complex"_ so that is not encouraging. On the other hand found some open source projects like [raspipool](https://community.home-assistant.io/t/raspipool-a-diy-swimming-pool-automation-system/132918), but that is for HomeAssistant...
- Are there any security precautions that I need to take into control? E.g. only control it during the night when nobody is swimming, or send alerts when the values are not safe, or ... I surely don't want to build any stupid things.
- Others...

And the clock is ticking ...  
Damn I thought that a swimming pool would be relaxing. Not 🤣

Thanks !!!  
Bart

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**Author:** ![ghayne](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/ghayne/32/39_2.png) [@ghayne](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ghayne)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 10:40 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/2 "2020-05-17T10:40:10Z")

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Here you go Bart. (I cannot follow the link to the electrode)

> **[reef-pi Guide 6: pH Monitoring](https://learn.adafruit.com/reef-pi-guide-7-ph-monitoring?view=all)**
>
> Corals are sensitive to pH changes. Most tropical corals thrive at a pH of 7.8 to 8.1. In reef aquariums, pH can fluctuate due to a high level of CO2 in the indoor environment or additional food or chemical reagents. Monitoring pH allows discovering...

I know it's not a reef, but the info on pH measurement is OK! 🙂

I found the pH circuit here but you should be able to get it in Holland!

[http://www.warburtech.co.uk/products/sensors/ph/atlas.scientific.ezo-ph.ph.circuit/](http://www.warburtech.co.uk/products/sensors/ph/atlas.scientific.ezo-ph.ph.circuit/)

[edit] Or you could just use pH indicator strips 🙂

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**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 10:42 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/3 "2020-05-17T10:42:18Z")

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I'm guessing said pool has a pump?

Altering PH levels of water can be tricky. I don't have first hand experience with it for swimming. But you can possibly get a _run away_ where (say) it is low PH. _Stuff_ is added to up the PH and next thing you know it is too high.

Probably not a good idea to do it in this scenario.

Temperature should be easy to measure.

Good luck! Enjoy it. It is coming on winter here and swimming pools are not exactly popular just now.

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**Author:** ![Paul-Reed](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/paul-reed/32/66906_2.png) [@Paul-Reed](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Paul-Reed)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 11:04 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/4 "2020-05-17T11:04:59Z")

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> [@BartButenaers](#):
>
> Is it doable to not only to measure the ph, but also control it?

Yes, anything is possible, but for me that would be a definate no, no.  
It's one thing to monitor the pH, but getting dosing wrong can have disasterous health consequences, and not worth the risk.  
The chemicals involved are very strong.

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**Author:** ![BartButenaers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bartbutenaers/32/10476_2.png) [@BartButenaers](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/BartButenaers)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 11:12 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/5 "2020-05-17T11:12:59Z")

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> [@ghayne](#):
>
> I cannot follow the link to the electrode

Oeps. It is now ok.

> [@ghayne](#):
>
> pH circuit

Thanks for the link!!

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Altering PH levels of water can be tricky

Yes I'm afraid so. But would like to have a scientific evidence why it is not possible, with such a great community...

> [@Paul-Reed](#):
>
> but getting dosing wrong can have disasterous health consequences, and not worth the risk.

Yes I definately want to avoid that!!! But I can cause the same problems when I do it manually. Definately want to implement monitoring and alarms, even when I control the pH manually!!

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**Author:** ![ghayne](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/ghayne/32/39_2.png) [@ghayne](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ghayne)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 11:33 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/6 "2020-05-17T11:33:58Z")

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I agree with Paul (@Paul-Reed), Monitoring is fine but controlling the pH is just not worth it.  
Use indicator strips for monitoring pH and concentrate on getting the chlorine concentration right, which is very important.

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**Author:** ![BartButenaers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bartbutenaers/32/10476_2.png) [@BartButenaers](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/BartButenaers)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 11:52 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/7 "2020-05-17T11:52:26Z")

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> [@ghayne](#):
>
> Use indicator strips

Then there doesn't seem many Node-RED stuff anymore available in this context...

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**Author:** ![Paul-Reed](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/paul-reed/32/66906_2.png) [@Paul-Reed](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Paul-Reed)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 12:12 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/8 "2020-05-17T12:12:08Z")

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> [@ghayne](#):
>
> Use indicator strips for monitoring pH

This is what I use

 ![IMG_20200517_130645](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/d/c/dcc1870993e2d3810f685d288fe67e40397691fc.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![ghayne](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/ghayne/32/39_2.png) [@ghayne](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ghayne)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 12:14 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/9 "2020-05-17T12:14:35Z")

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Also a relatively cheap method, as long as you calibrate! Did it come with buffer solutions?

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**Author:** ![ristomatti](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/ristomatti/32/5857_2.png) [@ristomatti](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ristomatti)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 12:24 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/10 "2020-05-17T12:24:16Z")

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> [@BartButenaers](#):
>
> So my wife ordered last week a large swimming pool. Could be setup in a few hours,

Please excuse my flat dweller's ignorance but how on earth can a **large** swimming pool be setup in a few hours? 🤔 (swimming pools aren't very common here in Finland, unsurprisingly)

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**Author:** ![Paul-Reed](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/paul-reed/32/66906_2.png) [@Paul-Reed](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Paul-Reed)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 12:37 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/11 "2020-05-17T12:37:18Z")

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> [@ghayne](#):
>
> Did it come with buffer solutions?

I have a ready supply of buffer solution (my friend works in a fizzy drinks laboratory!).

> [@ristomatti](#):
>
> but how on earth can a **large** swimming pool be setup in a few hours?

It depends how you define **large** 😄

![41QbJEXUdCL.AC_SY400](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/8/1/817e8b029fe5087f0a29a73a752b6473479a62e5.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![ristomatti](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/ristomatti/32/5857_2.png) [@ristomatti](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ristomatti)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 12:53 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/12 "2020-05-17T12:53:07Z")

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> [@Paul-Reed](#):
>
> It depends how you define **large** 😄

It would be a sight to have this with a Raspberry and sensors hanging from the side... while a grown up man is swimming in it.

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**Author:** ![BartButenaers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bartbutenaers/32/10476_2.png) [@BartButenaers](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/BartButenaers)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 13:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/13 "2020-05-17T13:21:29Z")

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Correction: large compared to our previous pool...

> **[Intex Easy Set Zwembad 457 x 107 Cm](https://www.fun.be/easy-set-zwembad-457-x-107cm.html?utm_source=daisycon&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=feedalleproducten)**
>
> Gemakkelijk te installeren zwembad incl accessoires

After opening the 'large' box, I was quite disappointed: seemed that the wifes from the picture were not included in the package...

I'm very proud that @Paul-Reed has finally admitted that his favorite color is pink. Well done Paul!

I had hoped that somebody said: _"hey Bart be careful with controlling the pool, but there us a large mature open-source project available that already..."_

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**Author:** ![ghayne](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/ghayne/32/39_2.png) [@ghayne](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/ghayne)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 13:52 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/14 "2020-05-17T13:52:37Z")

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12,430L (12.430L for you Bart 🙂 ) is a LOT of water! Like I said, use pH strips and put the money you save towards your water costs!

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**Author:** ![afelix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/afelix/32/9743_2.png) [@afelix](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/afelix)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 14:48 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/15 "2020-05-17T14:48:12Z")

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> [@ghayne](#):
>
> found the pH circuit here but you should be able to get it in Holland!
> 
> [http://www.warburtech.co.uk/products/sensors/ph/atlas.scientific.ezo-ph.ph.circuit/](http://www.warburtech.co.uk/products/sensors/ph/atlas.scientific.ezo-ph.ph.circuit/)

@BartButenaers Dutch/Belgian store Robesol/Koisense (specialising in Koi ponds) have them stocked: [Sensors & Probes | Class leading measuring equipment and more](https://www.robesol.nl/en/ezo-ph-circuit-87435896.html)

Or just use strips 🙂

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**Author:** ![BartButenaers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bartbutenaers/32/10476_2.png) [@BartButenaers](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/BartButenaers)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 19:48 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/16 "2020-05-17T19:48:51Z")

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Was reading a bit about [raspipool](https://community.home-assistant.io/t/raspipool-a-diy-swimming-pool-automation-system/132918/2), and suddenly I saw this:

![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/8/8/8805b7b0bd4fad8d3bdb91e33d49e0edd2edece1.png)

Does anybody have an idea which projects they might be talking about?  
And does anybody have investigated RaspiPool already, then it would be nice to get some feedback about it... Thanks!!!

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**Author:** ![Paul-Reed](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/paul-reed/32/66906_2.png) [@Paul-Reed](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Paul-Reed)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 20:03 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/17 "2020-05-17T20:03:14Z")

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Just googled it, have you seen this - [https://www.instructables.com/id/Replace-Your-Pool-and-Spa-Controller-With-Raspberr/](https://www.instructables.com/id/Replace-Your-Pool-and-Spa-Controller-With-Raspberr/)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BartButenaers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bartbutenaers/32/10476_2.png) [@BartButenaers](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/BartButenaers)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 20:11 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/18 "2020-05-17T20:11:55Z")

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> [@Paul-Reed](#):
>
> have you seen this

Short answer: no. Thanks for the link!

BTW Seems that there are a lot of ph+chlorine controllers on the market for swimming pools, but the prices are ridiculous high for such small pieces of electronic equipments...

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**Author:** ![BartButenaers](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/bartbutenaers/32/10476_2.png) [@BartButenaers](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/BartButenaers)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 20:30 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/19 "2020-05-17T20:30:04Z")

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The RaspiPool project also looks very promising...  
Their hardware [diagram](https://github.com/segalion/raspipool/wiki/Sensors-connection-(DS18B20,-and-EZO-pH-and-ORP)) seems to contain all sensors that I need (temperature, pH, ORP):

 ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/9/d/9d5021915009dba1d9584d03f3a442fe4da35e60.jpeg)

And it is all wired to a Raspberry, just like I want.  
Only issue is that it uses HomeAssistant, while I would like to stick to Node-RED...

Would like to order some materials as soon as possible. Does anybody have any remarks or alternatives (e.g. other sensors)?

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**Author:** ![cinhcet](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/cinhcet/32/438_2.png) [@cinhcet](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/cinhcet)\
**Post date:** [17 May 2020 21:09 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790/20 "2020-05-17T21:09:50Z")

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I am pretty sure you know that, but when ordering a pH probe, take care that it is one which can be constantly in water and also keep in mind that the "cheap" pH probes have a limited life time and like to be in their buffer solutions

[Next page](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/swimming-pool-maintenance/26790.md?page=2)