Switch to Operate Pump in Pool

[bad_idea]

I have an Intex pool with the original pump setup to vacuum the pool (the stock pumps are junk, upgraded to a bigger/better pump). I only use it for vacuuming, a fountain for cooling the pool (and kids love playing with the fountain), and additional filtration when needed. It would be nice to have control of the pump from in the pool. I know an electrical switch is a terrible idea. Is there a mechanical switch I can install that would give me control from in the pool. My thoughts are something like a pressure switch on a well pump or something - uses a pressure to control a circuit that turns the pump on/off as needed.

My kids play in this pool, so safety is priority one. Just always fiddling with something and this is an idea rattling around inside my head.

 

[jeepxj]

you want an air switch.

ex:
assuming 240v pump

ALLIED INNOVATIONS AS2 AIR SWITCH 240V 922005-001

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ALLIED INNOVATIONS AIR BUTTON ASSY #4 BLACK 950407-000

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[hardalada]

Classy chrome button....

RS PRO 6442 Series Push Button Switch | RS

nz.rs-online.com

Latching 16amp 250v capable air operated panel mounted switch...

RS PRO 687 Series Surface Mounted, 250 mm Latching Air Switch | RS

nz.rs-online.com

 

[bad_idea]

Thanks guys! Now to find a cheap source for one, hard to justify spending more to control the pump than I paid for it. LOL.

 

[jeepxj]

Thanks guys! Now to find a cheap source for one, hard to justify spending more to control the pump than I paid for it. LOL.

how big is the pump?

16a of 240?

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[Captain Spaulding]

Verify that your pump is NSF certified before allowing anyone in the pool while the pump is in operation.

 

[Denwood]

The Intex pumps only use a few amps at 120V. They are actually quite efficient. I have a system with solar that uses both the Intex pump, and a 1.5HP typical two speed pool pump...that pulls close to 10 amps! I have the pumps in series.

I'm guessing you don't use any type of automation? Otherise, you could just use a motion sensor (wireless, battery powered) like Smarthings and a GE Zwave outdoor Zwave switch to power the pump. My setup pretty much runs off one switch which fires up the pump and solar heat depending on the difference between pool temp and roof temp. You can put the motion sensor in a small plastic container (aka Tupperware) and place so a hand wave runs the pump for 20 minutes or whatever you set it to.

Just a heads up that if the pump has an inline GFCI, powering it with a remote switch won't work. I had to remove the inline, and replace it with a permanent GFCI receptacle that powers the pool stuff.

Solar Swimming Pool Heat DIY with Hubitat / Webcore Automation

I know many of you were waiting on the edge of your seats to see how the six panels and new pump performed. Ha. Thanks to the cool data logging at hundredgraphs.com (being fed the SmarThings sensor temps), I can report that things worked almost exactly as predicted. The ambient temperature...

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