Prevent pool pump from running dry

Blueprints Exchange
1

With thanks to docwisdom on Reddit, I have an automation that will prevent my pool filter pump from running dry. I have a Shelly 1PM (with an RC snubber to help minimize starting current surges).

My pump normally runs around 675w. When the pump is dry and sucking air, it will drop to about 360w.

This automation will check and if the pump goes below 550w for 3 minutes, it will shut off the pump and notify my phone.

I also added a check for above 50w, I have a manual on/off switch near the pump that I sometimes use when I shut the valves and clean the strainer. I didn’t want this automation to fire and turn off my Shelly when I use that switch.

alias: Pool - pump dry
description: ""
trigger:
  - type: power
    platform: device
    device_id: 9efbef7b2e08387abe665ede377a234c
    entity_id: sensor.pool_power
    domain: sensor
    below: 550
    above: 50
    for:
      hours: 0
      minutes: 3
      seconds: 0
condition:
  - condition: device
    type: is_on
    device_id: 9efbef7b2e08387abe665ede377a234c
    entity_id: switch.pool
    domain: switch
action:
  - type: turn_off
    device_id: 9efbef7b2e08387abe665ede377a234c
    entity_id: switch.pool
    domain: switch
  - service: notify.mobile_app_samsung
    data:
      message: Pool power usage is low, check for water level or clogs
      title: Pool pump
mode: single
1 Like
2

This is a good idea indeed. I was looking at another solution that inserts a pressure gauge in the pipes or distributor but adding a powerplug is way simpler. I will need to find out how this works for me