An Introduction to Blue Connect
Blue Connect is a smart pool analyser with an in-built water quality sensor and smart algorithms that mix water data, weather data and user data. The idea behind Blue Connect is to create sustainable, reliable and innovative products to eventually digitise and automate the Pool and wellness sector. Blue Connect, with its smartphone app, helps you monitor your pool 24/7 from anywhere.
This device measures and analyses: temperature, pH Levels, ORP, water conductivity, salt levels and chemicals needed. Blue Connect is for all pool types where the device will be placed freely in the pool.
To learn more about Blue Connect, continue reading below.
What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the digital interconnection of everyday objects and devices with the Internet. Blue Connect is the first IoT product developed for the pool and wellness sector.
Fun fact - the use of IOT within the pool industry has an annual potential growth rate of 20%. Blue Connect looks to capitalise on this potential by connecting pools to make maintenance easier, ultimately saving time, effort and money.
Blue Connect Family
Blue Connect: Blue Connect is a smart device that installs in minutes. It can either float in the pool or be installed inline on a 50mm pipe with the Blue Fit50.
Blue Connect App: Enables information about a pool to be accessed in real time from a mobile device. The App can be downloaded free of charge and is available for iOS on the App Store and Android smartphones on Google Play Store. There is a Blue Plus version with premium services and features.
Virtual Pool Care: For pool professionals. A free online platform that monitors all pools equipped with Blue Connect Plus devices.
Blue Connect Sensor: Regularly tests the pool water to measure pH, ORP, water temperature and conductivity.
Blue Battery: Blue Connect comes with a non-rechargeable lithium thionyl chloride long-lasting battery that should be changed every two years.
Blue Fit50: For customers who do not want a device floating on their pool or who have a pool with a cover, Blue fit50 can be installed inline, connecting to 50mm pipework.
Blue Extender: Blue Connect is connected to the Sigfox network by default, but in the event that there is no coverage around a pool, Blue Extender enables Blue Connect to hook up to a WiFi network.
Connectivity
What is Sigfox?
Sigfox is a dedicated low-frequency network for connected objects and Blue Connect is a device connected to Sigfox. From this network, it continually sends readings to the cloud that are then able to be accessed from the app.
How does it work?
Sigfox has a network of antennas available worldwide, with coverage available in most areas. Out of the box, the device will attempt to use Sigfox wireless transmissions automatically. Connection costs to the Sigfox network are included in the RRP of the device. so users are not required to pay additional fees for a subscription. Pairing and configuration to the Sigfox network is automatic after the product has been activated, so there is no additional work required.
What happens if there is NO Sigfox coverage in my area?
No Coverage? No worries. For most connections, no WiFi connection is required to access the Sigfox network however, for areas with low or no Sigfox coverage, you can use a Blue extender to connect the device.
Information about the water condition and weather will tell a user when they can use their pool in ideal conditions.
Blue Connect App: The App can be downloaded free of charge and is available for iOS on the App Store and Android smartphones on Google Play Store. Two versions of the App exist, Normal and Plus. The Plus version can be obtained in two ways, by purchasing a BlueConnect Plus package or by upgrading via an in-app purchase. Information about the water condition and weather will tell a user when they can use their pool in ideal conditions.
Values: The app will show current readings of Temperature, pH, ORP and Conductivity. The ideal range is highlighted in Blue. These ideal ranges can be modified in the app to suit a user's particular preferences or requirements in different locations.
Smart Alerts: Alerts are sent when action needs to be taken. These can be disabled in the app to prevent annoyance or by a pool professional upon installation, as remote monitoring will typically be done via virtual pool care.
Practical Guide: Customised alerts help optimise the use of chemical products to ensure the pool remains inside the ideal ranges.
If you would like more information about Blue Connect, we recommend connecting with a local AstralPool retailer using our Dealer Locator.