HomeKit Homekit for the Pool

[imola.zhp]

I searched first but either did not search the right terms or the topic does not already exist. I have also searched google but cannot find what I am looking for.

We have a pool at my mother-in-laws house that was put in in the mid 90's, the location of the pool equipment and the switches to control the equipment (and the lights) is unfortunate. At times she is challenged with mobility and she lives alone. This combined with weather has us looking for options.

At our home I have recently gone a bit crazy with homekit devices, a phillips hue starter kit for Christmas 2017 kicked off this craze. The color changing bulbs are fun and sometimes Siri works well, lol. Then I switched a ton of timers and ETEK City remote outlets for iHome outlets.

Anyhow, I can't help but wonder if homekit enabled switches exist that could take over pool duty for her which would put everyone more at ease. There are a total of 4 switches.
Switch 1: Pool Pump
Switch 2: Pool Cleaner (Polaris) Pump
Switch 3: Light One - Currently Halogen
Switch 4: Light Two - Currently Halogen

Safety is a huge concern, of course, we do not want to trade a mobility concern for a fire concern. I realize, also, that I am posting this not knowing the draws of the motors or lights. I will update that as soon as I can get back out there if it looks like this is something is even possible. If needed, we could switch the pool bulbs to LED, but of course without buying new pumps the power they draw just is what it is.

Thanks in advance, if this has been discussed before please feel free to point me in that direction.

 

[wesley96]

For the pool-related stuff, would this outlet work? It's supposedly rain-tight.
https://store.idevicesinc.com/idevices-outdoor-switch/

 

[imola.zhp]

For the pool-related stuff, would this outlet work? It's supposedly rain-tight.
https://store.idevicesinc.com/idevices-outdoor-switch/

Thank you for your response. However, none of these components are plugged in, they are all hard-wired in with traditional single-pole switches. Similar to a traditional light switch in a traditional US home. Right now they are exposed to the elements, rated to be outdoors, but if an indoor switch that could work is available; it could be housed in a weather-tight outdoor enclosure. Once added to HomeKit, the switches would likely never need to be physically used again.

 

[MonstaMash]

Thank you for your response. However, none of these components are plugged in, they are all hard-wired in with traditional single-pole switches. Similar to a traditional light switch in a traditional US home. Right now they are exposed to the elements, rated to be outdoors, but if an indoor switch that could work is available; it could be housed in a weather-tight outdoor enclosure. Once added to HomeKit, the switches would likely never need to be physically used again.

Would the Fibaro Single Switch work in your case? You would need to wire 4 of these, one per switch.

https://manuals.fibaro.com/hk-switch/

 

[imola.zhp]

Would the Fibaro Single Switch work in your case? You would need to wire 4 of these, one per switch.

https://manuals.fibaro.com/hk-switch/

Thank you for sharing that option, I had no idea that even existed. It says it is only good for 8 amps continuous use, I still have not been back out there to look at the motors to see what amps they pull. This could be an option if the rating works for the pumps. The only potential problem I could see is trying to tuck that device into the existing boxes, but those single boxes could be changed out for double boxes for extra room without too much additional work.

 

[djjclark]

Consider getting a pool contractor involved. Pump motor power needs vary with some needing a 230V system. You will probably need at least a 15 amp switch that can handle inductive loads. Look in to an automation control system like from Hayward with WiFi. More money than you thought but nobody dies and the house doesn’t burn down.

 

[dlecompte21]

I searched first but either did not search the right terms or the topic does not already exist. I have also searched google but cannot find what I am looking for.

We have a pool at my mother-in-laws house that was put in in the mid 90's, the location of the pool equipment and the switches to control the equipment (and the lights) is unfortunate. At times she is challenged with mobility and she lives alone. This combined with weather has us looking for options.

At our home I have recently gone a bit crazy with homekit devices, a phillips hue starter kit for Christmas 2017 kicked off this craze. The color changing bulbs are fun and sometimes Siri works well, lol. Then I switched a ton of timers and ETEK City remote outlets for iHome outlets.

Anyhow, I can't help but wonder if homekit enabled switches exist that could take over pool duty for her which would put everyone more at ease. There are a total of 4 switches.
Switch 1: Pool Pump
Switch 2: Pool Cleaner (Polaris) Pump
Switch 3: Light One - Currently Halogen
Switch 4: Light Two - Currently Halogen

Safety is a huge concern, of course, we do not want to trade a mobility concern for a fire concern. I realize, also, that I am posting this not knowing the draws of the motors or lights. I will update that as soon as I can get back out there if it looks like this is something is even possible. If needed, we could switch the pool bulbs to LED, but of course without buying new pumps the power they draw just is what it is.

Thanks in advance, if this has been discussed before please feel free to point me in that direction.

[doublepost=1549646604][/doublepost]Check out this link.

 

[Mr Kram]

this is what I use for our pool. not cheap, but highly recommended.

https://www.iaqualink.com/en

 

[imola.zhp]

[doublepost=1549646604][/doublepost]Check out this link.

this is what I use for our pool. not cheap, but highly recommended.

https://www.iaqualink.com/en

Thank you both for your responses. I'll check into these!!

 

[Thats_Santa]

I know this is an ancient thread, but one way around the problem of controlling high loads with light duty switches (Homekit) is to use a relay. You can get “contactors” for most any load at an HVAC supply, and just have the control side 120v. Use a cheap HomeKit outlet to trip the relay (contactor) and it will handle the high-draw pump motors.

 

[imola.zhp]

I know this is an ancient thread, but one way around the problem of controlling high loads with light duty switches (Homekit) is to use a relay. You can get “contactors” for most any load at an HVAC supply, and just have the control side 120v. Use a cheap HomeKit outlet to trip the relay (contactor) and it will handle the high-draw pump motors.

Its not that ancient, lol.

Yes, the youtube video someone shared does exactly this. Light duty HomeKit switches activate contactors (relays) to turn on or off the equipment.

Interesting you responded, I just re-watched the video last week and I started to somewhat draw out how to put this into action.

 

[Thats_Santa]

Ah, I like that even better, using wall switches so you have a “manual” bypass... if Siri is not handy. Thanks for mentioning the video.