Pool and Spa Adaptation

[olympic pool]

Has anyone automated a swimming pool/spa
system to X 10? I have a client with the
system in his house and, as he's remodeling
his pool, wants to incorporate the new
equipment to his X 10. Any feedback is
welcome. Thanks

[SteveRF]

I have automated many things around the
house, i.e. Battery chargers, outside lights,
implement charging stations etc but I have
have never considered trying to automate my
geothermal heat pump A/C system or my pool
equipment.  That seems a bit risky for
expensive equipment ?  Would like to hear
your feedback if you do this and the
short/long term results.
Regards,
SteveRF

[Tigger]

 
Depending on the draw of the spa/pool
equipment, there are a few options available.

1.)  For 240 Volt 30-amps or less:

Elk products (elkproducts.com) makes
a REALLY nice unit called the Elk 9100.

It is a self-contained X-10 compatible
30-amp double-pole relay, with built-in
signal bridge, and signal repeater.

I have it on a water heater in a remote area,
and have had NO problems with it whatsoever.
The signal bridge works great, and the
signal repeater can be disabled.

2.)  For 240-volt higher than 30-amps:

Get a heavy-duty CONTACTOR (with 120-volt
coil), in an outdoor-rated enclosure.

Mount a Leviton 2250 relay module inside
the enclosure, connected to the coil.
Feed the module/coil with 120 Volts from
one phase.  Neutral wire required.


For 120-volt, 20-amps or less:

Use a Leviton 2250AW relay module,
or any other similarly-rated module.


As for HVAC:

Worthington Distribution (worthdist.com)
has a model TXB16 X-10 compatible thermostat
which is compatible with standard A/C, and
Heat Pumps.

I found it too cumbersome to use for the
casual user, and it uses 1 entire house code.

(Instead, I went with the RS-232 version of
the same unit, and use remote-control
software to change the settings on the
thermostat. . .)


I hope this helps. . .

T

TiggerLasV at aol/dot/c.o.m/

[SteveRF]

T.,
Thanks for info !

SteveRF

[Tigger]

 
Just a reminder -

If you are using X-10 (or any other remote
control devices) to power remotely
installed equipment, be *SURE* to TURN OFF
the power to the CONTROLLED equipment if you
need to service it.

This will help to curtail accidental
electric shock, or missing body parts.  ;-)

It sounds like a no-brainer, but that's the
trouble with common-sense - it usually isn't!


T

[tcassio]

SteveRF,
Do you not have any faith in that CM15A and
AHP that works so well. hehe.  I'm sure
people are using other controllers to run
that expensive equipment.
T.

[SteveRF]

TCassio,
Smile... yes, I have faith but not that much !
Not sure how and what advantage A/C control
might offer and as for the pool pump, I am
running that 24/7 now anyway.  I would be
interested in any neat ideas for controlling
water source heat pump systems though.
Currently I am controlling that system with a
smart programmable thermostat.  That is
probably all I need for the time being unless
I hear of something that may save even more
energy.
SteveRF