Swimming Pool Automation
rich
my automation systems. Does anyone have any ideas on the topic or as anyone
done anything in this area?
Ian Shef
Here is a copy of some information that I sent out previously about my pool
automation. It was written in response to a question about the JDS
TimeCommander, but it may help to answer your question.
Please send any follow-ups to my home email:
(Obviously, remove the capitalized letters).
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The JDS TimeCommander is programmed by a PC, but then can be disconnected
and continues to operate on its own. On its own, it:
1) Maintains a calendar and clock
2) Maintains sunrise/sunset times
3) Operates X-10 on a schedule
4) Responds to events
5) Handles combinations of the above using AND / OR logic, variables,
flags, timers.
6) More.
For example, I use it to control my pool and spa. I can push a button on
a remote control to send an X-10 signal to the TimeCommander. The
TimeCommander then sends commands to operate switches to operate valves to
control water flow, sends commands to operate a switch to control a relay
to control the heater, send commands to operate a switch to operate the
pump motor. The TimeCommander does this based on commands sent from the
remote, and based on a schedule in place of the usual timeclock. The
timeclock schedule changes automatically from a winter schedule (fewer
hours of cleaning, but operated at night to avoid freezes) and a summer
schedule (more hours, during normal daylight swimming times).
Commands that I have implemented are:
Operate pool normally by schedule.
Operate spa with heater.
Operate spa without heater.
Waterfall (pump to spa, overflow into pool (2' drop), return from pool).
Drain spa (into pool).
Mix water (runs pump 3 hours, for use after adding chemicals)*.
Off.
Spa Light Toggle
Pool Light Toggle
Yard Light Toggle
*My personal favorite.
Now, my family can operate the pool without understanding the plumbing!
The TimeCommander does all of this on its own without connection to my
computer. I only connect to download new programs and to upload logging
information.
The clock and calendar are maintained through power outages as well.
When connected to the computer, the TimeCommander can also be used for
direct control of X-10 devices, and provides monitoring of X-10 messages on
the power line.
My pool program is moderately complex, yet uses around 11% of the available
memory capacity. My code could probably be made more efficient with a
little work, by removing unused variables, dead code, etc. Furthermore,
doing anything seems to immediately consume about 3% of capacity, so the
situation is actually better than it would first appear.
The downside ? Well, first there is the cost. Second, the software is
usable but could be a bit more robust and user-friendly.
-- Ian Shef
Ian Shef 805/F6 * Work email: ibshefSP...@west.raytheon.com
Raytheon Missile Sys. Co.* Home email: shefSPA...@azstarnet.com
PO Box 11337 * phone: 520-794-7176 fax: 520-794-5452
Tucson, AZ 85734-1337 * REMOVE "SPAMFILTER" TO REPLY !!!!!
brenn...@my-dejanews.com
light. I can dim the light if I want. The pool pump is controlled by a 220v
20a heavy duty module. There are 3 types: 1) plug in module with outlet, 2)
wired in module with outlet, and 3) totally wired in module. My CP290
controls the pump and makes sure the light is off late at night and during
the day.
I see the first two types of modules in the paper catalog from
www.smarthome.com. I don't remember where I saw the third type.
Bob
In article <DNmC2.3597$hl4.7...@lwnws01.ne.mediaone.net>,
"rich" <cast...@mediaone.net> wrote:
> Am looking into putting a pool in this spring. I would like to tie it into
> my automation systems. Does anyone have any ideas on the topic or as anyone
> done anything in this area?
>
> Rich
> cast...@mediaone.net
>
>
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
http://www.dejanews.com/ Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own
Dan Rich
Rich> Am looking into putting a pool in this spring. I would like
Rich> to tie it into my automation systems. Does anyone have any
Rich> ideas on the topic or as anyone done anything in this area?
I've looked into this multiple times in the last four years that I've
had a house with a pool, and so far I've been scared off by the
price. The frightening part isn't the cost of the automation
electronics, but the automatic pool valves that run in the
neighborhood of $300-400 each.
Most of the complete systems I've seen run in the $2000-3000 range,
and don't include any sort of interface other than their custom
control unit (so if you want X10, you're going to have to build
something from scratch using the valves I mentioned above and a
handful of powflash and universal modules as far as I've been able to
discover).
Has anyone else found anything different?
--
Dan Rich <dr...@cisco.com> | http://www.employees.org/~drich/
Tech. Lead, Web Infr. Team | "Danger, you haven't seen the last of me!"
Cisco Systems, Inc. | "No, but the first of you turns my stomach!"
(408) 527-3195 | -- The Firesign Theatre's Nick Danger
Friends of Randal Schwartz: http://www.lightlink.com/fors/
dbeckman
You may want to look at Innovative Pool Products for a controller for your
pool. The have simple pool only controls to advances pool / spa controls. I'm
sure you can find something there that will fit in to your project and budget.
http://www.innovativepools.com
If you have an idea on the equipment you will be using send it to me and I
will suggest something. The Smart Touch system is quite advanced and comes in
several $$ levels.
Good luck
Dave
dbec...@home.com
rich wrote:
> Am looking into putting a pool in this spring. I would like to tie it into
> my automation systems. Does anyone have any ideas on the topic or as anyone
> done anything in this area?
>
> Rich
> cast...@mediaone.net
Ian Shef
Dan Rich <dr...@cisco.com> wrote:
<snip>
>The frightening part isn't the cost of the automation
>electronics, but the automatic pool valves that run in the
>neighborhood of $300-400 each.
I installed my pool system 3-4 years ago. The valves themselves
are Jandy 2" 3-port valves (probably $50-$100 but if you need a
valve they will all be in this range). These were installed by
the pool contractor (but I specified brand, type and size).
The actuators (two) were purchased from Chardonnay for approx. $100 each.
Chardonnay is located in Southern California (Van Nuys? Chatsworth?
Canoga Park? Anyway, 818 area code).
The Chardonnay actuator is available in various combinations of
control voltage and power voltage. It is big, ugly, non-adjustable
and UNIDIRECTIONAL, but relatively inexpensive and effective.
Other brands are available at about $200. These are generally smaller,
more esthetic looking, adjustable swing, bidirectional.
Prices quoted are from 3-4 years ago, but couldn't have changed by a
factor of two.
$300-$400 sounds excessive for a pool valve actuator.
Good luck!
dbeckman
turn they have to dead head the pump (close off the suction and return side
of the valve) when they turn. This can either be a minor problem, or explode
a weak filter. It is very hard on you system due to the pump working against
a closed valve.
Check out the Innovative Smart Touch. 2 way power line carrier with digital
temp readout and a touch screen interface. You can't beat it. And if you
have kids your worried about their Lifeguard system incorporates a security
system with infrared beams around the pool.
Plus you can add standard X-10 controls to the touch screen for your home
automation system.
Good Luck
Dave Beckman
http://www.innovativepools.com
Ian Shef
>The problem with a uni directional valve actuator is that when the valves
>turn they have to dead head the pump (close off the suction and return side
>of the valve) when they turn. This can either be a minor problem, or explode
>a weak filter. It is very hard on you system due to the pump working against
>a closed valve.
>
You are correct. I should have pointed out that when I programmed my
JDS TimeCommander to handle the automation, I included code and timers
to account for this. During a valve change, the pump is automatically
stopped and a timer started (30 seconds, half a rotation).
When the timer expires, the pump is
restarted. If during the valve change another valve change is
commanded (e.g. because the operator can't make up his/her mind and
keeps pushing buttons on the remote) then the timer is restarted
with the worst case value of 60 seconds (a full rotation). Any
additional valve changes during this time cause the timer to be
restarted at 60 seconds (never can rotate more than a full rotation).
Yes it is complicated, but it was fun to program and it saved me a lot
of money. If someone does not want to do this much programming
(really not too much) or if they don't want to shut off the pump
during changeovers, then they can spring for the more expensive
valves.
Incidentally, I have never operated the pump against a closed
valve using the automatic system - it works great!
On the other hand, when it was a manual setup, people would
occasionally forget to turn off the pump and swing a valve
through the closed position!
Automation can be useful and fun at the same time!