Tired of trips to the local pool shop for a water test? Tired of drawing water samples from your pool water every week? Wireless pool sensors are your new best friend and here is a summary of the best on the market!
Wireless pool technology is the key to keeping a swimming pool in clean, maintained condition without the headache. Weekly vacuuming, brushing, skimming and back washing the filter can become quite a task, in addition to ensuring the water is correctly balanced to prevent damage to equipment and the pool surface.
In this article we will cover.
- What is a “Wireless pool sensor”
- Design and appearance
- Functionality
- Which sensor to choose
- Our Professional opinion
What is a Wireless Pool Sensor?
Wireless pool sensor technology is the new perfect solution to an age old problem. With live, accurate readings in the palm of your hand, the wireless sensor can measure and record key water readings at any time of the day. Now there is no more uncertainty about what is happening in your pool or when chemicals are due to be added!
Most wireless units are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, All you have to do is drop it in your pool for real-time water analysis, temperature readings, and some applications (depending on the unit) also include chemical dosage recommendations.
Check out our ultimate guide to testing your pool to see everything that you don't have to do on a weekly basis if you have a wireless pool sensor.
At first glance, wireless pool sensor technology can be confusing, the good news is we will cover these units within this review and improve the understanding and outline the benefits of these so you can make an informed decision about this new technology around your home
These devices combine a water quality sensor and smart algorithms which mix water data, weather data and user data. With the help of its smartphone app you can easily manage your pool 24/7, even if you are away.
Spend more time relaxing in the clear, cool water of your pool and less time making trips to the pool store for new equipment. Here are some of the latest trends in pool technology to help you keep your backyard oasis maintained and running efficiently.
Design and appearance
Although the wireless sensors are shaped like something out of Star Wars, it’s high tech hardware is obvious from the minute you pick it up. Most units are approximately 15 - 30cm long and approx 10cm wide, weighing in at 500g.
The sensors are housed at the bottom of the unit, this is where all the readings are measured. From here all data is electronically transmitted via wifi/Bluetooth to the app in real time. Specifically designed to fit all shapes and types of pools. inground, above ground, plunge pools or even spas. All units are also compatible with Chlorine, bromine and salt water chlorination.
Functionality - All the bells and whistles in one device!
The thermometer itself has a large float on the top of it, which keeps it at the surface of the water. This is the part of your pool where the temperature can vary the most, so by keeping it just below the surface you’re able to get the most accurate reading.
The mobile app (for Android and iOS) lets you check chemical levels at a glance (in real time!) and can also enable push notifications when it's time to check and adjust required levels. Simply tap the action required notification and follow the directions.
A “heads up” display on the home screen easily reads the key measurable providing an easy, no-nonsense indication to the condition of your pool. App functionality will vary between brands, though overall functionality is very similar with all units able to provide the transparency needed for any DIY expert.
Data artificial intelligence also stores and records trending data, this allows for trackable history of readings, and even forecasting of what to expect for the period ahead. This is also helpful when noticing increases in chemical consumption or declines in reading, as this could signal potential issues with equipment.
- Most units on the market will test for - Temperature, pH Levels, ORP, Water Conductivity, Salt levels
- Cutting edge intelligent algorithms analyse your pool water and chemicals needed
- Step-by-step Easy Assistant with data tracking
Once you have your pool chemical levels, don't forget to brush up on your pool chemicals with our Pool Chemical 101 article to know application and handling instructions for each type of pool chemical!
Which Wireless Pool Sensor is Right for Me?
There is a range of great options on the market. No matter which option you choose, we’re confident that a wireless pool sensor will be a great purchase and you won't be disappointed. Not only does it make your life a lot easier, but it can save you time and money too.
Considering how expensive it can be to maintain your pool with chemicals and the ongoing charges for a pool technician, knowing when you can reduce the tests needed will more than pay for the cost of one of these technical little gadgets.
As a result, more time can be spent enjoying the pool rather than managing it. Thanks to wireless sensor devices, you can now use a wide variety of smart pool products to manage your pool from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet, whether is it is a large lap pool or a plunge pool.
The leading wireless pool sensor technology brands are:
Ondilo - Maker of the ICO Wireless Pool Sensor
AstralPool - Maker of the Blue Connect Plus
and pHin - Maker of the Smart Water Monitor, a subcription-based device
Now that you know what the available choices are, it's time for our personal favorite. Our recommendation would the the Astral Blue Connect Wireless Pool Sensor, this is backed By Fluirda, one of the worlds largest Pool manufacturers and has numerous offices here in Australia for piece of mind.
Our professional opinion of this new technology and what's to come?
According to some of the manufacturers, the unit itself only has a lifespan of 18-24 months before it will have to be replaced due to battery and or sensor wear.
Some models are based on a subscription service, meaning if you don't subscribe, many of the app features may be lost but you'll still receive temperature and basic alerts when chemical levels are skewed, but you'll no longer receive dosage recommendations, trends or push notifications, and when its battery and internal sensors die (which they will), you're out of luck.
The last thing you want to do this time of year is to fool around with your local pool shop and a range of chemicals sold to you in store that you don't really need.
Simply drop the monitor in your pool or spa, and let your mobile device tell you when to add chemicals. You'd much rather be in the pool enjoying the clear, cool clean refreshment of your watery backyard oasis.
Conclusion
Now for about a dollar a day ($685 with a lifespan of around 700 days), you're going to get up-to-the-second pool chemical readings, alerts, temperature, historical charts, and most of all chemical dosing recommendations. This is actually pretty good if you think about it. Regular testing kits like test strips and reagent kits can run you about $70-$100 per year, but that's only for weekly testing.
If you did daily testing with manual pool test kits you could easily reach the same expense as you would a wireless pool sensor. Not to mention that with a wireless pool sensor, you'll get exact chemical recommendations, meaning that you'll always add the right amount of chemicals every single time, no more overdosing and underdosing your pool chemicals and that means savings on chemicals as well!
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Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? No worries, we're here to help! Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP.
Happy swimming :)