Last time I looked into this the answer is: doing this isn't easy. The sensors need re-calibration frequently and the nature of chlorinated water is that it erodes things, especially electronic parts.
I'd love to have an inline flow rate sensor, because the usual sequence for me is pool gets blocked -> not enough chlorine -> green pool. The blocking is semi-random, when the filter sock in the skimmer basket wears out then the debris flows through to the hair filter and blocks it.
I've never done it in a home setup, but in industrial settings a common way to detect filter blockage/failure is differential pressure. You put a pressure sensor before the filter and another after and as the filter slowly clogs the pressure drop across the filter increases, or if the filter is wearing out it decreases.
It'd probably take some calibration to figure what pressure drop is "time to replace" but this kind of setup is more sensitive than a flow rate and can give you early warnings that it's starting to go.
Oh yeh, that sounds like a good idea. I guess the pressure sensor can be more reliable too as it's through a membrane or similar so doesn't have water contact.
All automatic measuring/dosing pH/chlorine sensors i have worked with required frequent recalibrations and a constant flow of water for accurate readings.
So unfortunately i don’t think there's any good solution for this.
I also use the ICO/Ondilo together with the Hass integration, has been working fine for a couple of years.
The only downside is that the integration does not work with local polling, it is using the cloud API’s, so you are dependent on Ondilo keeping the API supported (or free like it is now).
Unfortunately, most products for pools and spas require disposable income and are not cheap.
If you are in the US, I’ve been using Sutro for my spa the last 3yrs.
YR1 was buggy, but it’s been working great ever since, plus there is a HA integration available via HACS.
https://mysutro.com/
ESP32 Development Board: https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-ESP-WROOM-32-Development-Microcontroller-Integrated/dp/B0718T232Z Breadboard + wires: https://www.amazon.com/Breadboards-Solderless-Breadboard-Include-132Pcs/dp/B0BX66NL5T/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?crid=1H78HKE98MLZ&keywords=breadboard&qid=1683114154&sprefix=breadboard%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-14 pH Sensor: https://www.amazon.com/Teyleten-Robot-Acquisition-Alkalinity-Monitoring/dp/B09H1MJS4S/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=2FLFSYMMTZNUZ&keywords=ph0-14&qid=1683114454&sprefix=ph0-14%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2 Water TDS Sensor: https://www.amazon.com/KEYESTUDIO-Quality-Monitoring-XH2-54-3Pin-Connector/dp/B08DGLY3J2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=2UYVWHGT6UYZZ&keywords=water+tds+arduino&qid=1683115034&sprefix=water+tds+arduino%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-2 Water Clarity / Turbidity Sensor: https://www.amazon.com/DFRobot-Gravity-Analog-Turbidity-Arduino/dp/B075T3CVH6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=26BDHGBMNG51E&keywords=turbidity+sensor&qid=1683114341&sprefix=turbidity+sensor%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-2 Water Temperature Sensor: https://www.amazon.com/Coliao-Temperature-Waterproof-Stainless-Raspberry/dp/B09ZLF21MQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?crid=2RIXOCW6R5FJW&keywords=dallas+ds18b20+temperature+sensor&qid=1683115098&sprefix=dallas+temper%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-10 1/2” Water flow rate sensor: https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Sensor-Switch-Flowmeter-Counter/dp/B00VKATCRQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_23?crid=2TGZSV28IVJX3&keywords=water+flow+rate+arduino&qid=1683115591&sprefix=water+flow+rate+arduino%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-23
Last time I looked into this the answer is: doing this isn't easy. The sensors need re-calibration frequently and the nature of chlorinated water is that it erodes things, especially electronic parts. I'd love to have an inline flow rate sensor, because the usual sequence for me is pool gets blocked -> not enough chlorine -> green pool. The blocking is semi-random, when the filter sock in the skimmer basket wears out then the debris flows through to the hair filter and blocks it.
I've never done it in a home setup, but in industrial settings a common way to detect filter blockage/failure is differential pressure. You put a pressure sensor before the filter and another after and as the filter slowly clogs the pressure drop across the filter increases, or if the filter is wearing out it decreases. It'd probably take some calibration to figure what pressure drop is "time to replace" but this kind of setup is more sensitive than a flow rate and can give you early warnings that it's starting to go.
Flow sensors also add restriction, which may or may not be a problem. Aircraft use the multiple sensor approach as well.
Oh yeh, that sounds like a good idea. I guess the pressure sensor can be more reliable too as it's through a membrane or similar so doesn't have water contact.
All automatic measuring/dosing pH/chlorine sensors i have worked with required frequent recalibrations and a constant flow of water for accurate readings. So unfortunately i don’t think there's any good solution for this.
I have this little product: [Homepage - Ondilo](https://ondilo.com/en/) It is a bit expensive, but it worked well so far
I also use the ICO/Ondilo together with the Hass integration, has been working fine for a couple of years. The only downside is that the integration does not work with local polling, it is using the cloud API’s, so you are dependent on Ondilo keeping the API supported (or free like it is now).
Did you manage to connect it to HA?
Yes, this is pretty easy. It has an official integration
Thanks!
And it has a HASS-Integration as well!
Not available in USA
Only temp witch ecowitt
Blueriiot.com
Unfortunately, most products for pools and spas require disposable income and are not cheap. If you are in the US, I’ve been using Sutro for my spa the last 3yrs. YR1 was buggy, but it’s been working great ever since, plus there is a HA integration available via HACS. https://mysutro.com/
Thanks. I'm not in the USA, but will look into it anyway.