Hi all,
Looking at a project to sense water in a pond... Idea being that I can check from my phone or any web browser if the pond is full to the correct level for:
1: Detecting a leak / drop in level (maybe setup email alerts)
2: Mainly for checking when it is full after it has been cleaned (filling with hose takes ages and repeated trips outside, sometimes in the dark), just to see if it is done filling up to the 'normal' level
Was thinking of using the standard two pronged 'soil moisture sensor' but I'm not sure they're that great when left in water 24/7? I used one previously actually for soil and it got a bit corroded and readings of how moist weren't greatly accurate (not an issue for the pond, as I just want to know if the sensor is submerged or not). But the corrosion may be an issue
Any better ideas or thoughts please would be appreciated
Thanks!
A pressure sensor (submersible, or connected to a pond drain outlet) will directly inform you of the water level. Water pressure is linearly proportional to the vertical distance from the sensor inlet to the water surface.
For just detecting full/not full, a float on a lever arm to a switch will work well.
couple of thoughts. every pond I ever swam in had an overflow.
easy enough to measure when that overflows.
hose ? this would cost less How To Do The RainDance - YouTube
soil moisture sensors determine how wet. you would not leave your sensors in the pond. only need to test when full
there are a lot of float type sensors that would last for years. very low cost.
floating arm with mercury switch.
brick, pole with a float.
if the water level drops, the pole starts to lean.
there are some active sensors, pressure sensors, sonic, etc, but the switch driven type will save on batteries.