Blue Connect: Smart Water Analyzer: the technological analyzer for swimming pools! You can always have the temperature, alkalinity coefficient (pH), conductivity parameters, and redox potential of the water on your smartphone to decide whether and how to intervene. Blue Connect is easy to use, has immediate installation, and is highly accurate. It remains in the water at all times (it blends easily among the waters, thanks to its blue color). The data transmission circuit utilizes the most advanced resources of the SIGFOX network but can also connect via WiFi through your home network, leveraging the capabilities of the Cloud. In short, a tool that will revolutionize the management of your pool.
The lower part consists of a cup, where water is collected through a slotted bottom, containing the sensors that analyze it. The upper part collects data from the sensor and transmits it to the analysis center, in a dedicated cloud, to keep you constantly updated on the conditions of the pool and its swimability.
To receive data on your smartphone, you need to install a dedicated app that allows you to constantly view the water parameters of the pool. An app that works with both Apple and Android operating systems, provided with the device, which, in normal update mode, keeps you constantly informed about the general conditions. Make sure your smartphone has an operating system version that is not older than iOS 9.2 or Android 4.3. It can also inform you about measurement trends and the constant evolution of parameters. There is also a manual that you can download from the website in PDF format. But let's see in detail how to proceed.
Add your Blue Connect on the app and activate it
Open the app and add your device's code in the left menu under "add a Blue Connect." You can find the code directly on the bottom of Blue or in the guide. At this point, you need to hold it straight in front of you, aligning the wave crest on its upper part, and start it by shaking it firmly. An acoustic signal will alert you of the successful operation.
Measuring with Bluetooth
Immediately after, you need to take the first measurement with Bluetooth, before the programmed time-out of 40 seconds. Once the measurement is done, Blue will emit three sequential beeps and will finally be active and connected to SigFox. The same app can be downloaded and used on multiple devices. You just need to log in on each of them using the same user. An app that can keep you informed about possible weather changes and give you advice for an ideal swim.
Configuring your device
Your device needs to be configured based on the basin where you will install it. You need to provide general information including the water volume, the disinfection technique used, the type of reservoir, protection, and the material it is coated with. Finally, you will also identify it by its geographical location. By default, it performs a measurement every 60 minutes but can perform one on request via Bluetooth. But let's see in detail how to do it.
Starting and configuring in detail
When you purchase Blue, it is delivered in a case. In the package, which will also serve to store it during inactive periods, you will find the device, the installation guide, a rubber cup for use, a stabilization base for proper floating, and 4 packets of calibration solution for the device. The calibration packets are to be used only for the following years because Blue comes calibrated from the factory. The use of the liquid contained in the packets is explained in detail in the instructions, but know from now that one solution is used to wash the sensor after the resting period, and the other to recalibrate it.
Before proceeding to install the application, you need to activate Bluetooth and connect to the internet to download the "Blue by riiot" app. Then you need to authorize the app on your smartphone via your Facebook or Twitter account, or with an email and password. At this point, you can configure the parameters of the pool. You will give it a name, volume, disinfection, type of material, protection, and location.
The activation
Position yourself in the left menu, select "Blue parameters" and go to "add a blue." Enter the code described in the "key" field of the instructions (or on the label on the bottom of Blue) and validate the data. Then prepare to start it by holding it straight in your hand and positioning it so that the wave crest, molded on the upper part, is straight in front of you. At this point, you need to shake it firmly, and it will emit two beeps. This means that the operation has been successfully completed. Immediately after the beep, you need to take the first measurement, within 40 seconds, selecting "take measurement with Bluetooth," the success of which is indicated by three beeps. Now your BlueConnect is ready, present on your smartphone, and connected to SigFox. Its activation is complete!
Placement in the pool
Keep Blue Connect upright and unscrew the protective lower part. Empty and rinse this base with clean water and store it in the case in its designated slot. This base serves as a storage rack and should be refilled with the appropriate liquid when you need to remove Blue from the water. The sensors must never be left dry for periods longer than one hour. Rinse the probe with clean water and screw on the slotted cup designed for the use of Blue Connect and immerse it in the pool. If there is a stopper in the pool, place it near the hatch, or put it directly in the pool, perhaps anchoring it to the ladder.
Data control
From this moment, you have immediate access to your pool data on the smartphone app. The first measurement via SigFox occurs a few hours after activation and is reproduced every 12 hours, unless you have chosen the PLUS option, which communicates it every hour. You can still request a measurement whenever you need it, obtaining it immediately.
Precautions in use
You must always be careful not to open the upper part of Blue to avoid compromising the electronic components. You should also avoid, when taking it out of the water, placing it horizontally. In fact, to move it, you need to hold it vertically and re-screw the cup, refilling it again with the protective liquid or, at least, with clean water. This precaution is necessary to avoid damaging the detection probe during storage periods. Therefore, during transport or for winter, you should keep it immersed in the liquid. However, Blue automatically detects when it is out of the water and alerts you with a beep so that you can reimmerse it.
The four parameters
No matter how experienced you are, it can still be useful to refresh the importance of the four parameters that help determine if the water is in optimal conditions.
The pH
The pH value should range between 6.8 and 7.3 to be optimal, meaning it should not be too acidic or too alkaline. If it is too alkaline, it makes the water cloudy and contributes to its contamination. If it is too acidic, it risks damaging the skin of swimmers.
The temperature
In addition to ensuring a pleasant swim, the temperature must be constantly monitored to prevent it from becoming too warm. In fact, a high temperature promotes the growth of algae and bacteria and reduces the effectiveness of chlorination treatment.
Redox
Redox, or the oxidation-reduction potential, is directly related to the disinfection of the water. The lower it is, the higher the level of contamination.
Conductivity
Electrical conductivity can be used to measure the amount of dissolved salts in the water. This parameter helps to monitor its purity. Low conductivity indicates a low concentration of salts, thus pure water, while high conductivity reveals a high concentration of salts, making the water less pure. Obviously, if any of the values go out of range, direct intervention is needed to bring them back to normal, using a pH corrector or adding chlorine.
Measurements of Blue Connect
Even though BlueConnect's performance is exceptional, its size is really compact. In fact, it measures about 25 centimeters in height and 10 in maximum circumference.
The SigFox data network
One of the reasons for Blue's power and versatility lies in the use of the SigFox network and its philosophy related to the new logics of MTM and smart cities. A logic in continuous evolution that uses a proprietary data network based on a dedicated internet protocol. A network designed to minimize user involvement, automating all decision-making processes.
Blue Connect Plus
Blue Connect is also available in the Blue Connect+ version. It adds to the base version some performances that make it ideal for those who own more than one pool or for a company that manages maintenance. In fact, with this system, you can alert and make your maintenance technician independent at any time, even if you are far away. In fact, Blue Connect Plus allows them to access the data of your pools and receive any alarms, complete with analyses and intervention suggestions. In practice, this version has more:
Blue Plus software
Plus has a significantly more comprehensive analysis software. It also allows you to download a record of the values recorded over time, consult general weather forecasts, and schedule notification intervals up to 24 times a day, compared to the two of the base product. Additionally, it is a multi-user application, allowing access to data for all those authorized to use your pool.
Virtual Pool Care
With Plus, you also have Virtual Pool Care to make all your pool data accessible to maintenance technicians without you having to deal with it personally.
Blue Fit50
Blue Fit50 is a system with a collar bracket that allows you to connect it directly to the piping in the technical room. Just drill the PVC water distribution and place the bracket on which to screw Blue Connect, ensuring that the sensors are directly wetted by the recirculating flow.
Blue extender
Blue extender is a Bluetooth data transmission device that becomes essential if your area is not covered by the SigFox network, to connect Blue to the WiFi of the home network, and from there to the Cloud.