Hot tub and home automation

Hi

Wondered if anyone has used home automation in conjunction with a hot hub, thinking of using a Raspberry pi linked into the battery so I could see when I have excess solar and something like a Switch bot to switch on and off the heater on the hot tub, anyone done something crazy like this !

Thanks

Keith

I guess you could use one of the diverters to scoop up all the potential surplus.

mrand31 My hot tub is 20 amp so won't work with a diverter.

I have a friend who is convinced this would be a good idea, although there is no way to manually control or override the heater on my hot tub, since it's all controlled by the panel. At best, I'm able to tell it to heat during the day, during the night (7pm-7am) or auto (when needed). It's all linked with the circulation pump etc, so no 'immersion' style heater option, unlike the Eddi we have. If you find a way around it, I'm interested!

Ive been thinking about how to automate this too. The only solution I found was with the Lay-Z-Spa inflatable tubs because the newer ones come with a pump/heater that connects to WiFi. Someone has reverse engineered their API so in theory it could be used to turn on the heater automatically when you get excess generation.

Other than that, like you said, maybe a SwitchBot on the heater button? ;-)

Hi I've got a Lay-Z-Spa St Lucia version, no wifi, just a physical heat button control and separate temperature setting, so will have to go old school and see if I can automate a switchbot to press the heat button when there is excess solar. I have to get a raspberry pi first which seems to be in short supply but once I setup I will update the post and let you know how I get on !

KeithB Came across a potential issue with this old school pump/heater - mine has a button lock feature which activates after about 5 minutes. So you would first have to press and hold the unlock button, then turn on the heater. Hmmmm.

I've kind of just done this (without solar) at the moment. I'm still in my testing phases and fine tuning. 😄

KeithB I have to get a raspberry pi first which seems to be in short supply.

I managed to get a Rapsberry Pi kit from CPC recently https://cpc.farnell.com/u-create/rpi4-modb-hdmisk-wht8gb/raspberry-pi-4b-starter-kit-8gb/dp/SC15634?CMP=TREML007-004
It seems that, at the moment, only the kits are available.

So what i have done in my set up is install a Bowman heat exchanger inline with my hot tub pipework, from that i have installed a flow and return from my oil boiler pipework and also installed a Wilo variable speed circulation pump inline with that pipework. I also have installed a 2 port valve to open/close the flow if required.
All this is controlled via my Loxone home automation system.
Now my train of thought on this is initially the hot tub heater is 3kw, and the circulation pump can peak upto about 40w, now the oil boiler is minimal 3/4amp to run, and at the moment the oil is a bit cheaper than gas/electric.
My hot tub is now about 5 years old, so I don't mind tinkering about with the pipework etc. The only issue I have currently is with it been a Balboa controller, I have to set my heating of the tub to the maximum I need it to be so the tub circulation pump is running, I also have the sensors on the balboa system so will sometimes pick up a higher flow temp and shut the tub off.
I'm still playing with the system, but I can see the potential in 'reducing' the running costs but not 'eliminating' them with the GE system.

Once i get my inverter talking to my Loxone system I will be able to switch on/off the tub via contactors, same will be the case with my EV charger once that's installed, and a whole host of other controls.

Mal-Givenergy You can get 20 amp smart switches. I use a 16amp switch for immersion heater and have this 20 amp one lying around, but not used yet.

chrisdev This Frient smart switch works in-line the cable, which might be useful?

Mal-Givenergy You can get 20 amp smart switches. I use a 16amp switch for immersion heater and have this 20 amp one lying around, but not used yet.

jkazer Thanks for the link, unfortunately with the hot tub I have, the pump/heater doesn't start pumping/heating when you apply power. It needs a couple of buttons pressing manually too, hence looking at rather janky solutions like the switchbot.

if its of any help just over a year ago i bought a 5kw air scource heat pump and had it connected to my hot tub, if your ok with diy its no problem. its a plug in on a 13amp plug/socket and uses 900w when on, i wanted to be able to use the tub all year round and it has been very good at keeping the water at 38/39 through last winter. my hot tub has a 3kw heater so my savings have been ok and now having just got solar panels i am hoping to save even more.