Automated Irrigation - Pump Control

[acidrain]

Starting to build a ESPHome integration for automatic watering and I'm just wondering which is the best method to control the pump.

Method 1:
Most code out there opens a valve and delays before starting the pump (pump controlled by ESPHome) and likewise when ending the pump is turn off with a delay before the last valve is closed.

Method 2:
I have thought, alternatively to install a pressure booster and have that control the pump so when a valve opens, the pressure drops and the pump kicks in, and likewise when the pressure builds up, the pump is turned off.

 

[hilt_ctn]

Starting to build a ESPHome integration for automatic watering and I'm just wondering which is the best method to control the pump.

Method 1:
Most code out there opens a valve and delays before starting the pump (pump controlled by ESPHome) and likewise when ending the pump is turn off with a delay before the last valve is closed.

Method 2:
I have thought, alternatively to install a pressure booster and have that control the pump so when a valve opens, the pressure drops and the pump kicks in, and likewise when the pressure builds up, the pump is turned off.

I think you'll find that folks mostly go with method 1 as relay boards are cheap as chips. Automatic pump controllers whilst not extortionate, are more expensive

Cost aside, method 2 has another potential downside. Your experience with them largely depends on the water quality you feed into it. If using municipal water, you're unlikely to have any issues. If you feed it with ground water ( like a borehole / wellpoint ), inevitably organic gunk from the watery underworld builds up on the solenoid seal and prevents it from closing 100%. Eventually the pump controller detects enough pressure loss and fires up the pump to get that pressure back. This usually happens 3 mins before the nipper goes to sleep, or at stupid-o-clock in the morning to annoy the neighbours. Cleaning out all the solenoids fixes this ( mission ) or fitting a master solenoid in front of all the others leaves you with only one to clean ( less mission ). But you can see how this is likely the less preferred option of the internets

 

[acidrain]

I think you'll find that folks mostly go with method 1 as relay boards are cheap as chips. Automatic pump controllers whilst not extortionate, are more expensive

Cost aside, method 2 has another potential downside. Your experience with them largely depends on the water quality you feed into it. If using municipal water, you're unlikely to have any issues. If you feed it with ground water ( like a borehole / wellpoint ), inevitably organic gunk from the watery underworld builds up on the solenoid seal and prevents it from closing 100%. Eventually the pump controller detects enough pressure loss and fires up the pump to get that pressure back. This usually happens 3 mins before the nipper goes to sleep, or at stupid-o-clock in the morning to annoy the neighbours. Cleaning out all the solenoids fixes this ( mission ) or fitting a master solenoid in front of all the others leaves you with only one to clean ( less mission ). But you can see how this is likely the less preferred option of the internets

I alkready have a pump controller, just wondering which methodf would be less hastle.

It would be fed groundwater so didn't consider the organic elements which makes sense.

Method 1 it is then.