Hey folks. New to SmartThings but so far very impressed.
I would like to set up an auto water leveler for my pool. I’m not tied to ST but open to using it.
I have a spigot in the back that is attached to PVC piping that goes directly to my pool. I know there are level options that require a hose, but I’d prefer to use the built in piping if I can. I think I would need: 1) something to operate the valve and 2) something to monitor the water level.
Any thoughts?
There are Z-Wave and Zigbee water valves that are supported by ST. If you go to Add Device->By device type->Valve, you can see the manufacturers and models that are supported.
As far as pool level, here is a link to a video that shows how to use a contact sensor connected to a float switch to monitor pool levels. In that video, there was some soldering involved, but there are contact sensors that have dry contact terminals that make it simple to connect external triggering devices. In fact, I use an Ecolink sensor with an overhead door open sensor for detecting when my gate opens/closes which triggers an Alexa routine (via Alexa ST skill) to announce “Gate Open” and “Gate Closed”. Also have ST Routines for notifications.
Here are a couple of other options for the valve:
Since you need to combine it with a level sensor / float switch, like Bruce referenced above, instead of controlling the solenoid with a Z-wave outlet, you might want something like a Zooz multi-relay, then you can manage both the input and the output from a single device.
Thanks for the ideas! It seems like I will need to first replace or add a different type of valve. I can’t seem to find any smart options (ST or otherwise) that can operate a gate valve. Ball values seem to more common, or perhaps using an irrigation valve with solenoid.
I would think there are too many variables with a gate valve - handle style, number of turns to get appropriate flow, etc. A ball valve is much simpler; it only needs to turn 90 degrees, and the open / closed positions relative to the pipe are well-defined. Adding an irrigation valve after the spigot lets you control the flow rate (or disable the filler temporarily) by adjusting the gate valve, and makes it more easily serviceable.
If there’s a ball valve inside that serves as a shutoff for this line, you could also automate from there with one of the handle-turning devices that’s more readily available.
Yes, I think I would replace the existing anti-siphon gate valve with either a solenoid irrigation valve using the multirelay device for both the float switch and the valve. Or I would get a Z-Wave/Zigbee Z-Wave valve if I could find one with an anti-siphon mechanism and hook the float switch to a window/door contact sensor with dry contact terminals.
I think the goal is to not have to use the spigot and hose and instead either operate the existing gate valve (which is piped into the side of the pool) or replace it with something that can be automated. I think your suggestion of the solenoid irrigation valve is probably the best option because it has an anti-siphon mechanism built in and I’m not seeing any Z-Wave/Zigbee valves with anti-siphon.
