Solution

In order to meet the strict demands of optimal swimming pool water quality, we have developed an innovative mechatronic solution that electronically senses the water quality and outputs necessary chemicals for its control, all using standard OEM-level components.

To prototype our design, we've designed and built our own small scale test pool. The test pool consists of a 3 'x 2' x 1' acrylic construction, with a PVC circulation system, featuring a dynamic pump. The pump runs at 110 GPH, allowing us to effectively simulate the circulation achieved in a full-sized pool.

From Concept to Prototype

Our touchscreen user interface makes it easier than ever to see all the information you need about your pool's chemical balance, and set up a shocking schedule. The user interface shows you:

Current chlorine and pH levels
Recent history of pH and chlorine levels (past 14 hours)
Complete shocking schedule
Chemical storage levels
Shock in progress and chemical levels out of range warnings

Our sensing subsystem consists of easily-replaceable pH and ORP probes that can be used together to derive the pool's pH and free chlorine concentration.

A Raspberry Pi runs the system's controls, reading the sensor data and outputting control signals to the chemical feeders. The Pi was selected since it provides powerful computing abilities in addition to extensive digital I/O support.

In order to chemically sanitize the pool water, a chlorine-friendly metering pump has been selected to add discrete portions of sodium hypochlorite to the water, via digital pulse control.

To control the pH levels of the water, a pressure regulator and gas solenoid valve are used to simply add discrete amounts of carbone dioxide to the water (forming carbonic acid).