How Do I Monitor the Temperature of My Pool or Hot Tub On a Qolsys IQ Panel 2+?

You can monitor the temperature of your pool or hot tub on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus by integrating a digital programmable temperature sensor with the system using a compatible wireless transmitter like a DSC PG9945. You will also need compatible waterproof probes for the temperature sensor.

There are some important considerations to make when configuring a Qolsys System to monitor the water temperature for a pool or hot tub. You should understand that a traditional alarm system temperature sensor won't cut it. You will need a digital temperature sensor so that you can properly set the high and low temperature limits based on the application at hand. Alarm Grid sells the Winland EA400, which is a perfectly suitable digital sensor for this job. You can review its installation manual here or refer to this handy FAQ, and it is strongly advised that you refer to its manual if you decide to use the device. Other digital temperature sensor options are also supported with the type of setup we will be outlining today, but we do not sell them on our website.

The digital temperature sensor will need two (2) waterproof probes to monitor the water temperature. Many temperature sensors like the Winland EA400 do not come with probes, so you may need to purchase these separately. The reason why you need two probes is that one will be used for the low-temp output, and the other will be used for the high-temp output. If you don't need to be able to tell the difference between low temperature and high temperature, then a single probe can be used in conjunction with the Winland EA200. Using two of the same probe models is fine, just as long as they're compatible. One waterproof probe that we know works well with the Winland EA400 is the Windland TEMP-L-W. Keep in mind that just because the probe is waterproof does not mean that the digital temperature sensor shares that same characteristic. For example, the Winland EA400 is not waterproof. If your temperature sensor is not waterproof, then make sure to mount it in a safe location, like inside a pool house or underneath a protective covering. Refer to the manual for the temperature sensor if you are unsure of a good mounting location.

Another challenge involves successfully integrating the temperature sensor with your IQ Panel 2 Plus System. You need to find a way to enroll it with one of the system's zones. Most users will accomplish this task by connecting the temperature sensor to a compatible wireless transmitter. This module will then be able to communicate with the IQ2+ wirelessly on behalf of the connected temperature sensor. A good option for the IQ2+ is the DSC PG9945. This is a contact sensor and wireless transmitter from the DSC PowerG Lineup that works with all Qolsys IQ2+ versions. Keep in mind that since no wired alarm panel will be there to power the temperature sensor, you will need to provide a power supply and backup battery as part of the setup. Again, refer to the manual for the temperature sensor to see its power requirements.

The overview for this setup is fairly straightforward. The waterproof probe is connected to the temperature sensor. If a temperature outside the defined high-low limits is detected, then the temperature sensor will activate. Its fault signal will be sent to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus through the wireless transmitter. The system will then respond based upon the Sensor Group setting assigned to that zone. The most common selection for this application is Sensor Group 8, which is a 24-Hour Auxiliary Zone. Remember to let the central station know that this zone is for a pool or hot tub. This is very important if your system is monitored because Sensor Group 8 is often used for medical panic zones and a central station operator might otherwise assume that this is a medical emergency.

Complete the following steps to monitor your pool or hot tub using your IQ Panel 2 Pus:

1. Mount sensor and probes. Start by mounting your temperature sensor and attaching its waterproof probes. Remember that the digital temperature monitor will need to be installed in a safe location according to its instruction manual. Also keep in mind that the probe must be able to reach the water to monitor its temperature. Refer to the temperature sensor manual for information on mounting.

2. Wire transmitter and power. The temperature sensor should be connected with the wireless transmitter that will be communicating with the IQ Panel 2 Plus. You may need to refer to the manuals for the transmitter and the temperature sensor to learn how to do this. Again, you must use a compatible wireless transmitter, such as the PG9945. The setup may also require a power supply and backup battery. In other cases, the temperature sensor may use its own power supply. In either case, provide power to the equipment at this time.

3. Define temperature limits. The digital temperature sensor should allow you to set high and low temperature limits. The water temperature must remain within this window to avoid having an alert sent out. The manual for your temperature sensor should tell you how to properly adjust the high and low temperature limits for the device.

Remember to also configure the output of the temperature sensor to the wireless transmitter. When doing this, configure the zone output based on what is required for the transmitter you are using. The PG9945 allows Normally Open, Normally Closed, and Single End Of Line.

4. Enroll transmitter to IQ2+. You will now learn-in the wireless transmitter to an open zone on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. You may want to refer to this FAQ for additional help. Sensor Group 8 is the most common selection for this application. Remember to notify the central station regarding the purpose and function of any 24-Hour Aux zone.