Wifi pool timer...

[GOONiE]

Has anyone installed a wifi timer or switch to replace an old analog timer?

Current setup is a standard 220v timer, would like to control with a phone app.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I installed a Woods Wion 50054 for my waterfall/slide pump. I don't run a schedule for the pump and don't use it often, but so far it has worked flawlessly. It has mixed reviews on Amazon, but most are connection issues. Make sure you're getting a good WiFi signal where you want to place the box. The quality is not up to par with Intermatic timers, but the price was worth the risk for me. Mine is mounted in a wood pool equipment shed and I have a good connection. More info in THIS link. @chiefwej used the same controller for his spa in THIS thread.

There are a few others here that have used the same timer without issues. You can search Wion 50054 for more info.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

For pool pumps, you are talking about a 220V system but one that has a high inductive load. Inductive loads put a lot of stress on solid state relays and so they need to be very robust. Most household WiFi switches are designed for resistive loads (light bulbs) or loads with low inductance. So, when looking for a WiFi switch for a pool pump, you really want one that’s designed for switching inductive loads.

 

[chiefwej]

One of the Woods WiOn primary uses, (based on the manual) is controlling an electric water heater. So they appear to be designed for the kind of power load a pool pump requires. I have installed one at my house and two more for neighbors. So far, no problems. They have all been rock solid. The biggest issue has been with the initial WiFi connection process, and then connecting the Woods app with the Amazon Alexa app. That just takes a bit of tech knowledge and some persistence.

 

[rajung]

I picked one up 2 weeks ago but with all the bad weather its still in the box. I decided to do a search here, and now wondering if I should mess with installing, joyfulnoise post has me un-decided.

 

[Bama Rambler]

If you look at a lot of the better "outdoor" wifi devices you'll see that they have a "HP (horsepower)" rating as well as a watt rating. The HP indicates that they're designed for motor loads.

Even the ones that are actual relays that aren't "HP" rated will still last many cycles before they destroy the contacts.

You could always add a motor rated relay after the wifi switch and use about any wifi switch on the market to fire the relay.

 

[rajung]

ok, thanks for the advice. I haven't really looked at the timer real close, just checked amp rating and bought it.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

When I was researching the WiOn, I came across this review from Amazon where the buyer installed the module from the WiOn box into an existing Intermatic box. It may save you some work if the WiOn fails or you decide its not for you. You'll still have to mount the WiOn's antenna outside the box.

FWIW, I had the same reservations about the WiOn, but took a chance on it and kept my mechanical timer just in case. Mine is controlling a Pentair Whisper Flo rated at 11 amps on 230 VAC.

Here's a pic from the Amazon reviewer...

 

[hchhuor]

Anyone install this ge z-wave plus to replace analog timer?

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: GE Z-Wave Plus 40-Amp Indoor/Outdoor Metal Box Smart Switch, Direct Wire, 120-277VAC, for Pools, Pumps, Patio Lights, AC Units, Electric Water Heaters, 14285

 

[rajung]

Looks like it is rated for 1hp @120 V and 2hp for 240v, if so probably not much better and more costly than the Wion I was wondering about.

 

[Jnet]

I'm using a variety of zwave devices for my home-brew automation. For my 1.5 HP spa pumps, a standard zwave switch fires a pair of 240VAC contactors. Pretty simple of you have space for them in your box.

 

[chiefwej]

Here is my story of adding smart switches to control my pool.

Alexa pool control on a shoestring budget

I just spent the last few days completing my Alexa controlled pool and patio system. I can now turn on or off all of the following devices, either by voice command using Alexa, or via an iPhone app from any location: Spa pump Heater Spa light Pool light Patio light Barbecue light. The total...

www.troublefreepool.com