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title Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
summary Troubleshooting guide for common issues with the Smart Swimming Pool Controller. Structured by category for easy navigation.
type docs
weight 50

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

Cause Solution How to Test
Missing 4.7kΩ pull-up resistor Add a 4.7kΩ resistor between the DATA line and 3.3V. Measure resistance between DATA and 3.3V (should be ~4.7kΩ).
Wrong GPIO pin Check PIN_DS_SOLAR (GPIO32) and PIN_DS_POOL (GPIO33) in src/Config.hpp. Verify wiring matches the firmware configuration.
Sensor not connected to 3.3V Ensure VDD (red wire) is connected to 3.3V (not 5V!). Measure voltage between VDD and GND (should be ~3.3V).
Sensor not connected to GND Ensure GND (black wire) is connected to GND. Measure continuity between sensor GND and ESP32 GND.

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

Cause Solution How to Test
Relay module not powered Ensure VCC is connected to 5V and GND to GND. Measure voltage between VCC and GND (should be ~5V).
Wrong logic level (active-low) Ensure the relay module is active-low trigger compatible (firmware output is active-low). Check whether the relay clicks/energizes when GPIO goes LOW (LED behavior can vary by module).
Incorrect GPIO pin Verify PIN_RELAY_POOL (GPIO25) and PIN_RELAY_SOLAR (GPIO26). Check wiring matches firmware configuration.

💻 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

🤝 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.