We're back!

The Tech Trolley is back! Have things have changed much since we've been away? :)

Some much to write about, it's hard to know where to start. 

So I'll start with the end. Yesterday I installed a little smart temperature sensor in the swimming pool*

*let's be honest, it's a glorified paddling pool, but big enough for the kids to splash about in

It holds about 3,500 litres of water, and that means it takes a while to heat up (and cool down). 

My kids sometimes get cold quickly in the water, so I wanted to know when was the best time for them to use the pool.  And how long would they be able to stay in before getting shivery.

I also needed something that wouldn't get in the way when they're jumping about in the water.

My solution consists of a Shelly Uni Plus with a DS18B20 temperature probe.

This is installed into a small IP66 junction box with a 12V DC power supply.

Then the temperature probe is pushed a few inches under the edge of the pool.  It doesn't need to be very far under, just enough for the metal part of the probe to be completely covered by the pool.

After integrating the Shelly Uni Plus into Home Assistant, we now have a pool temperature monitor!

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