Pool Temperature Monitoring

I need to monitor IG pool water temperature. where is the best location for sensor installation? I was thinking the filter location or skimmer may be superior to the pool itself. Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Depends on why you want to monitor. If you're interested in freeze protection then the air temp would be my choice. If you're just interested in water temp then a)--if the water is circulating then the skimmer or b)--the pool itself a foot or so below the surface. Keep in mind the bigger the mass of any substance the longer it takes to change temperature.
Al

Thanks. If I go the "in the pool" route any ideas how I would go about mounting wire/temperature sensor to pool liner? thanks

Unfortunately I don't any good ideas for a mount. Perhaps some mount utilizing a return jet eyeball retainer to hold it where you want it or maybe mounting to the skimmer faceplate somehow. You could also put a dime sized vinyl patch over the wire to hold it against the liner. I don't need to monitor my temp constantly and when I do I just have a thermocouple taped to the end of a 1/2" PVC pipe a couple feet long and stick it where I want it. If the sensor is an exposed thermocouple junction you should coat it with silicone seal to prevent the chlorine from attacking the wires. Best I can suggest.
Al

I have a "K" type thermocouple mounted in the discharge of my circulating pump. The purpose gives the solar controller a continuous temperature reading of the pool water. Another thermocouple reads air/solar heat potential to feed the controller a delta T (temperature differential) to determine whether to open the valve to the solar system (there is also setpoint logic involved).

The installation of the thermocouple was simply drilling a 5/16 inch hole and securing the device with a SS worm gear clamp with an "O" ring seal.

The thermocouple is available from Pentair (part # TS-5T).

See the silver band right above pump head.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...ystem_Pump.jpg

Mine is installed after the filter but in the same manner as fcfrey. I suspect the PB installed it after the filter so that the thermocouple will not collect dirt as quickly as before the filter.

Thanks for responses. This is very helpful. I'm just concerned about drilling into PVC causing a leak. No problems with O ring leaking??

For plugging the drilled hole you can use a mixture of PVC cement and ground up PVC pipe to make a thick slurry. Squish it into the hole and let it set. I've used a rasp file to grind pipe or for finer stuff use a saw or a finer file.
Al

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Originally Posted by CJDahl

Thanks for responses. This is very helpful. I'm just concerned about drilling into PVC causing a leak. No problems with O ring leaking??

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There should be a gasket or o-ring supplied with the thermocouple which will seal the gap between the pipe and thermocouple. And no, it should not leak if installed properly with the hose clamp.

My sensor has been installed in the supply pipe before the filter for five years now, with no leaking.