Hot Tub Automation
Given a "Cowboy Hot Tub", the idea is to replace the heavily manual control system with a highly automated one that can be managed remotely.
Current Setup
- 6' x 2' x 2' Aluminum Stock Tank
- Propane powered camping water heater (manual controls for gas and water flow)
- 2.64 gpm pump - to cycle water from the stock tank through the water heater
- Floating thermometers that transmit temparature wirelessly to a receiver in the house
- Remote on/off switch for pump electric plug
- 1000 gph water filter / pump - Must be plugged / unplugged manually to operate
Given the above setup, when the tub is to be used, the user must:
- ensure the propane gas bottle is open
- turn on the pump
- watch the temperature rise
- once the tub is at the desired temperature, turn off the pump
Target Setup
- temp sensors in the tub report temp to computer of some kind
- filter and heat pump connected to computer somehow
- computer connected to web via Wifi
- computer exposes web interface and API allowing user or app to:
- see temperature
- turn on / off heat
- turn on / off filter
- set target temp, allow computer to maintain temp within 3 degree range
- possibly even report on water level (requires additional sensors)
- possibly anti-freeze pumping depending on external temp?
Implementation Notes
Hardware Setup
- Computer likely raspberry pi
- pi lives in a waterproof computer box which may be attachable to the tub
- system powered by plugging in an extension cord to exposed electrical connector
- all sensors and accessories controlled by the computer should be pluggable / unpluggable (not soldered or fixed attachment)