What is PoolSense?
PoolSense is a smart swimming pool water monitor. Based on technology inspired by the Internet of Things (IoT) it will help you save time and money keeping your swimming pool in a clear and balanced state by sending notifications to an app on your smartphone.
What does PoolSense do?
PoolSense monitors your pool water quality 24/7. It measures key water metrics such as pH, ORP and temperature, it analyses the data and notifies you via our app on your smartphone, letting you know what chemicals to add to keep your water crystal clear. Intelligent alerts only notify you when you need to take action..
Why do I need PoolSense?
Very few people have proper knowledge of water chemistry. Over / Under usage of chemicals always leads to expensive shock treatments or green and murky pool water. PoolSense eliminates the time and effort spent fixing what’s wrong with your pool water. You can confidently enjoy your pool with your family knowing your water is pleasant, balanced and safe all year round.
How does PoolSense work?
PoolSense uses the Sigfox network to transmit its data to the Cloud. It is permanently connected to this network and there is no burden on the user to maintain its connection so you can check on your pool from anywhere, anytime. Once you download and install the PoolSense app, you link your device’s unique code to it. The device is activated and you simply drop it into your pool. Your water is monitored all day, every day, without hassle. The readings update at regular intervals (start at every 105 minutes) and after 24 hours, the device will have gathered enough data to provide stable readings and recommendations via intelligent alerts that only notify you when you need to take action. The intervals may increase as PoolSense learns more about your pool water, over a longer period of time. The long-life battery does not need charging and is guaranteed to last for a minimum of 2 years.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes. PoolSense uses the Sigfox network to run our devices on, this gives us great converge at an affordable price. The 1st year’s data connection fee is included in your initial purchase price. After Year 1, you will simply buy an annual data connection token from our shop @ R355.00, and your device keeps working.
Do I need WiFi?
No, PoolSense uses the independent, specialized Sigfox LPWAN network, this gives us great coverage throughout South Africa and globally at an affordable price.
Please make sure you check your Sigofx coverage or reach out to us to check for you, before you purchase.
What is pH??
The pH is a measure of the acidity of the water. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, where pH 7 is neutral. If the pH is above 7, the water is basic; if it is below 7 the water is acid. The optimum pH for pool water is 7.4 since this is the same as the pH in human eyes and mucous membranes. A pH of 7.4 also gives good chlorine disinfection. Maintaining the proper chemical balance in your pool water not only keeps the water sparkling clean, but it also helps protect your heater, pump, and other system components from damage, and can assist in keeping your pool finish looking like new.
What is ORP?
Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) is a measurement of a sanitizer’s effectiveness in water. ORP is an electronic measurement – in millivolts (mV) – of the ability of a chemical substance to oxidize or reduce another chemical substance. Translated into the swimming pool world, the higher the potential for oxidation, the more efficient your sanitizer. If your ORP drops too low, you need to add chlorine. More efficient sanitizer means safer, cleaner water. PoolSense measures ORP in your pool 24/7. The higher, the better, and most health organizations recognize 650mV as the minimum acceptable ORP, and if you can get over 650mV that’s great. Anything over 750mV is exceptional water. In other words, we can use your ORP measurement to calculate how much chlorine you need to add to your pool.
How long will PoolSense last?
The product has a 12 month Limited Warranty. PoolSense uses scientific probes to measure the pH and the ORP of your pool. These probes have a limited lifespan, as does the battery. PoolSense has an expected functional life of more than 12 months, but this cannot be guaranteed.
The new V2.0 devices are modular by design, making it possible to replace individual components once they reach end-of-life. Older V1.0 devices were sealed to ensure no water can get in, and they have to be entirely replaced at end-of-life.
As we are very concerned about our environment we will be offering our V1.0 customers a generous trade-in discount. So contact us when it is time to replace your unit and send it back to us. We will make arrangements to ship your new device once we receive the old one. This way means we can almost completely recycle the units.
Do I need to calibrate my PoolSense device?
The devices are calibrated in the factory before they are packaged and shipped. However, your device might need calibration at some point but no need to worry about it, our dedicated team will contact you when your device needs calibration and provide step-by-step instructions.
Does PoolSense work in salt-chlorinated pools?
Yes! PoolSense measures the oxidation potential of the chlorine in your pool. A chlorinator works by converting salt into chlorine so PoolSense is equally effective in saltwater pools than in regular chlorine pools.
How can I delete my PoolSense account?
Simply open the PoolSense app on your smart phone and select the user button on the bottom left-hand side of the screen. Your user profile will open up and you will be able to select the option to delete your account. Another option is to send an email to support@proautomation.co for assistance.Why does the pH Level always seem to trend upward?
An increase in the pH level can be caused by several things. A first cause is the addition of chlorine stabiliser or granular chlorine to the pool water. These strong chlorine products are the best disinfectants but they also result in a direct increase in the pH level – as the chlorine breaks down and is consumed in the water, as Basic Reaction takes place that increases the pH of the water. A higher pH level can also be caused by a sudden rise in the temperature of the water.
However, much more important than the causes are the effects of such a high pH level. The first consequence is one that can also be felt in your wallet. As a result of too high a pH level, the chlorine in your pool will no longer work effectively. This, in turn, results in increased chlorine consumption. The consequences of too high a pH level can therefore not be underestimated. Too high pH also causes red eyes, dry skin and premature wear of swim gear such as goggles and swimwear.
The readings on my app say “stabilizing”. What does that mean?
It is important to click the “Apply Dosage” button once you have added the recommended chemical and dose. When you click this button, the readings go into “Stabilizing” mode, to indicate that the device is measuring and analyzing. Your water will take a while to adjust once you have added the recommended chemical dosages.
I don’t get daily recommendations from the app?
Our intelligent alerts will only alert you when you need to take action. If you don’t get any recommendations, you will likely see both ORP and pH readings are within the ideal range.
The app tells me to keep adding chlorine
This could be due to Chlorine Lock which can occur when there is too much cyanuric acid (also referred to as conditioner or stabilizer) in the water, or your pH is too high. The readings will level off as the chlorine consumption is satisfied, Cyanuric Acid levels drop and pH comes into a balanced range.
