Four years ago, I presented the FlipR review, a connected sensor that analyzes water quality and gives you advice on how to manage it as best as possible while saving on maintenance products. The manufacturer is back this year with a new version, called the FlipR AnalysR 3. Since pool season is in full swing, I invite you to discover it in more detail in this review. Unboxing the FlipR AnalysR 3The FlipR is easily recognizable from the packaging, which clearly hasn't changed since its last version. It also features the shark-fin shape that amused us :) Inside, everything is particularly well organized and well-organized:It contains the FlipR AnalysR 3 pool sensor, along with a cap, two vials for calibrating the probes, a pH test strip, and a small box with its power supply. This is one of the new features: while the last version communicated via SigFox, this one communicates directly with this box, which is connected via Wi-Fi at home.
No manual: simply follow the guide via the mobile app that you install.
As I mentioned above, the FlipR AnalysR 3 looks like a fin. It will float vertically in the pool, leaving only its upper part protruding.
No buttons, no plugs, the whole thing is absolutely sleek.
Only the lower part will unscrew: the FlipR AnalysR 3 comes with a cap containing a liquid that protects the probes. You'll need to remove this cap (being careful with the liquid it contains) and replace it with the perforated cap, which will allow water to pass through to the probes for analysis.
The FlipR has two probes that can be seen when you remove the cap:
These are 3-in-1 “gold” sensors, suitable for pools treated with chlorine, bromine, or salt. We've seen some connected sensors that required a special version, particularly for salt treatment. Here, the FlipR AnalysR 3 is suitable for all pools and spas!
Aside from replacing the cap, there's not much to do, other than throwing it in the water. Not immediately, however, as a short calibration step must be performed by following the guide.
So, let's move on to installation…
Installing the FlipR AnalysR 3 Connected Sensor
We start by installing the mobile app, available on both Android and iOS, then creating a user account.
You'll need to start by configuring your pool (or spa, since it's also compatible), indicating the type of pool and its coating. Judging by the list of choices, the manufacturer seems to have many future ambitions…
We indicate our geographic location, which will allow us to retrieve the weather, then we enter the various information related to the pool: year, size, volume, treatment type, filtration type, etc.
Once the location is configured, we add our sensor by selecting it from the list. Once again, we see that the manufacturer is preparing other features, such as a module to control the pool pump, for example. Adding our sensor takes a few seconds, since it is detected automatically:
Next comes a calibration phase. For this, we need the two provided liquids, blue and red. We pour the first into the cap of the FlipR AnalysR 3, replace it, and then let it calibrate.
The same goes for the second liquid. Simply follow the guide in the app, especially since everything is also explained in the video.
Finally, a test strip is required. Simply open the provided test strip, dip it in the pool, and then indicate the colors read on the strip:
From there, you can place the FlipR AnalysR 3 in the pool; calibration is complete.
All that's left is to add the box to the app. Adding the box is also very simple; simply indicate the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to. The box will then detect the FlipR in the pool, up to a distance of 40m, and display that everything is OK via a small green LED. This long-distance connection allows you to place the gateway inside your home or pool room if you have one.
That's it for the installation!
The FlipR AnalysR 3 is working…
Using the FlipR AnalysR 3
Once the installation is complete, you arrive at the home page, which will be your dashboard to check that everything is OK. You'll have to wait a few minutes the first time for the initial information to be collected. The air temperature and UV levels are retrieved via the internet. Then the water temperature, pH, and chlorine levels are collected via the sensor. When everything is perfect:
For experts, an expert mode is available, which will display the raw data as it is collected.
In the event of a problem, a simple tap on the alert will direct you to appropriate advice to resolve the situation as quickly as possible:
The actions are well explained; simply follow them to the letter, then wait for the situation to resolve.
Compared to the version tested four years ago, we unfortunately no longer have the historical tracking or the Predict function, which allowed us to anticipate water treatment over several days. But things are clearly planned, since we can see a FlipR AI function, likely relying on artificial intelligence to help us treat our pool.
However, we do have a complete logbook for monitoring the pool (or spa). We can add all the interventions we perform, from adding treatment products to using the cleaning robot, emptying, etc.
We can add the equipment we own, which allows the app to better guide us on maintenance based on the devices available (vacuum cleaner, robot, net, etc.). It is also possible to manage the inventory of maintenance products.
Simply scan the product barcode with your smartphone to add the various products in stock. And that's a rather pleasant surprise, because all my products were perfectly recognized, even though they were from different brands:
We checked that the information was correct (the app informed us that the product was being referenced), and we indicated the quantity we had left. We then added all the products in our stock:
Of course, if we don't have any products, the manufacturer invites us to purchase them on their website (but without any obligation). The main advantage of entering our product inventory, beyond inventory management, is to have more precise information on water treatment. Here, the app, knowing that I have “Strength 5” rapid chlorine in stock, prompts me to add 300g to treat the water. And that's exactly what I expect from such an assistant: to advise me on the quantities of products to use, and when. No more complicated calculations :p
The great thing is that FlipR manages many product brands, unlike some assistants that only manage their own brands. The assistant therefore adapts to what we already have in stock.
Once the treatment is complete, the application tells us that the water correction is in progress. All we have to do is wait for the next measurements to verify the treatment's effectiveness:
In use, the measurements prove very accurate: I compared them with an electronic reader and directly via test strips, and the FlipR measurements were identical. And the advice proves very practical, since by following FlipR's recommendations to the letter, the pool has been perfectly clear for over a month now!
Flipr and home automation?
A detail that really interested us in the previous version: the manufacturer provided APIs for integration into external systems. Good news: that hasn't changed, and it's even evolved! FlipR AnalysR 3 is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can ask your favorite assistant about the water temperature or if there are any alerts in progress!
But FlipR AnalysR 3 doesn't stop there: documentation is available for developers, and there are plugins for Jeedom, eedomus, and even Home Assistant. All of this with a very simple installation, since you generally only need to enter your username and password:
Preview in Jeedom
Preview in Home Assistant
After entering your login details, all the information from FlipR AnalysR 3 will be uploaded to the system: pH, ORP, disinfectant, temperature, and even the battery level.
It will therefore be quite simple to trigger actions from your home automation system, to activate the filtration system, or add treatment products if you have pH and/or chlorine/bromine pumps. Practical!
Conclusion
Finally, the manufacturer is planning a complete ecosystem, since with the help of optional devices, it will be possible to manage the filtration system, the heat pump, or even the pool lighting, all within the same application. Convenient!
Price-wise, the FlipR AnalysR is on the higher end of the scale, since it is
available at €399
. A price that may seem high, but unfortunately in the pool industry, it's a “normal” rate. You can get a €25 discount by referring someone (contact me if needed).
Furthermore, as we've seen, FlipR AnalysR 3 doesn't have a power outlet. The battery isn't rechargeable. The built-in battery is rated for three seasons in eco mode (2 measurements per day, otherwise two years with 20 measurements per day), so there's no need to worry about it. After this time, it will need to be replaced for €30. The same goes for the sensors, which need to be changed every two years, like most other products. If you don't want to worry about maintenance, the manufacturer offers the 4life option, which covers maintenance for €4.99 per month, including battery and sensor replacement when necessary. But again, nothing is mandatory, as the subscription doesn't add any features to the system, just maintenance.
Finally, a word about the warranty, which is given for 5 years, and that it's made in France, which should reassure some people :p
With all these developments, the FlipR ANalysR 3 is undoubtedly one of the best pool sensors of this year!
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