Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ covers common issues and their solutions for the Smart Swimming Pool Controller. If your problem isn’t listed here, check the Discussions or open a new issue on GitHub.

🚨 Safety & Warnings

⚠️ Is this project safe for beginners?

No. This project involves 230V AC mains voltage, which can be deadly if mishandled.

• Only proceed if you have basic electronics knowledge (e.g., understanding of voltage, current, and safety precautions).
• Always use a Residual Current Device (RCD/FI circuit breaker) for the pump circuit.
• Disconnect power before working on the circuit.
• If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
• This project is NOT certified (no CE/UL mark). For personal use only!

⚠️ What safety precautions should I take?

1. Use an RCD (FI circuit breaker) for the pump circuit.
2. Keep low-voltage (sensor) wiring separate from mains wiring.
3. Use insulated tools and wear safety glasses.
4. Never work on live circuits.
5. Test connections with a multimeter before powering on.

🔌 Hardware Issues

🔹 My DS18B20 sensor is not detected (shows -127°C or “Sensor error”)

Possible Causes & Solutions

Debugging Steps

1. Check the serial monitor (115200 baud) for sensor initialization messages.
2. Test with a single sensor (disconnect one and test the other).

🔹 My relay module doesn’t work

Possible Causes & Solutions

💻 Software & Firmware Issues

🔹 How do I update the firmware?

Option A: Web Interface (OTA)

1. Open Web Dashboard (http://<controller-ip>/).
2. Go to Security & Update > OTA Firmware Update.
3. Select the .bin file and click Update.

Option B: PlatformIO

1. Open the pool-controller folder in VS Code with PlatformIO.
2. Select the esp32dev environment.
3. Run pio run -e esp32dev -t upload.

🔹 My controller doesn’t connect to WiFi

Debugging Steps

1. LED Status Codes:

   • Rapid blink (5 Hz): AP mode (no WiFi configured).
   • Slow blink (1 Hz): WiFi connecting.
   • Solid on: Fully connected.

2. Reconnect via AP Mode:

   • Connect to Pool-Controller-Setup (open network).
   • Open http://192.168.4.1 and reconfigure WiFi.

🔹 My controller doesn’t connect to MQTT

Debugging Steps

1. Verify MQTT Host/IP and Port in Web Dashboard.

2. Test MQTT manually:

   mosquitto_sub -h <broker-ip> -t "#" -v

🔹 Home Assistant doesn’t discover my controller

Solution

1. Upgrade to v3.3.0+ (Homie support removed).

2. Clear retained MQTT messages:

   mosquitto_pub -h <broker> -t "homeassistant" -n -r

3. Enable MQTT Discovery in Home Assistant.

🌐 Integration Guides

🔹 How do I set up Mosquitto on Raspberry Pi?

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get install mosquitto mosquitto-clients
sudo systemctl start mosquitto
sudo systemctl enable mosquitto

🔹 How do I integrate with Node-RED?

1. Install Node-RED:

   npm install -g node-red
   node-red

2. Install MQTT nodes:

   • Menu > Manage palette > Install > node-red-node-mqtt

🔄 Operation & Usage

🔹 How do I change the operation mode?

Via Web Dashboard

1. Go to Configuration tab.
2. Select Auto, Manual, Timer, or Boost.

Via MQTT

mosquitto_pub -h <broker-ip> -t "homeassistant/select/pool-controller/mode/set" -m "auto"

📚 Additional Resources

• Hardware Guide
• MQTT Configuration
• Home Assistant Integration
• openHAB Configuration
• Grafana Dashboard

🤝 Still Need Help?

1. Search Discussions.
2. Open a new issue.

📄 License

This FAQ is part of the Smart Swimming Pool project, licensed under the MIT License.