Steinbach Modification

Replace the timer board with a Shelly for full WiFi control of your external filter.

Recommended Approach

Replace the Steinbach timer board with a Shelly 1 or Shelly Plus 1. It fits inside the existing timer enclosure, gives you full WiFi control, and integrates directly with Home Assistant. No more running 24/7 — start the filter on demand.

Why Shelly?

Tiny

42×36×17mm fits in timer enclosure

16A Rating

Way more than 250W pump needs

ESP Inside

Flash ESPHome or use stock firmware

Device Options

Device	Size	Current	ESPHome	Price
Shelly 1	42×36×17mm	16A	Yes, OTA	~$12
Shelly Plus 1	42×36×17mm	16A	Yes, OTA	~$14
Sonoff Mini R4	40×33×18mm	10A	Yes, OTA	~$10

3 of 3 entries

Recommendation: Shelly Plus 1 — newest generation, ESP32-based, easy OTA flash to ESPHome, excellent HA integration even with stock firmware.

Wiring Diagram

Steinbach Timer Enclosure (Shelly inside)
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                                                 │
│   Mains In                    To Pump Motor    │
│   ┌─────┐                      ┌─────┐         │
│   │ L ──┼──────┬───────────────┼─ L  │         │
│   │ N ──┼──────┼───┬───────────┼─ N  │         │
│   │ PE ─┼──────┼───┼───────────┼─ PE │         │
│   └─────┘      │   │           └─────┘         │
│                │   │                           │
│         ┌──────┴───┴──────┐                    │
│         │   Shelly 1      │                    │
│         │                 │                    │
│         │  L ──── L(in)   │                    │
│         │  N ──── N       │                    │
│         │  O ─────────────┼──── Motor L        │
│         │                 │                    │
│         │  SW ────────────┼──── Button (opt)   │
│         └─────────────────┘                    │
│                                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Installation Steps

Disconnect power

Unplug the Steinbach from mains. Safety first!

Open timer enclosure

Remove 4 screws from timer housing with Phillips screwdriver

Document wiring

Photo the existing wiring before disconnecting anything

Remove timer board

Disconnect wires, remove the original timer PCB

Mount Shelly

Use double-sided tape or small screws to secure Shelly inside

Wire Shelly

L→L, N→N, O→Motor L. Optionally wire button to SW input

Flash ESPHome

Connect to Shelly AP, flash ESPHome OTA (or use stock firmware)

Add to Home Assistant

Device auto-discovered via ESPHome or Shelly integration

ESPHome Configuration

Flash this config to the Shelly for full ESPHome integration:

esphome:
  name: steinbach-filter
  friendly_name: "Steinbach Filter"

esp8266:
  board: esp8285  # Shelly 1 uses ESP8285

logger:
  level: INFO

api:
  encryption:
    key: !secret api_key

ota:
  platform: esphome
  password: !secret ota_password

wifi:
  ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
  password: !secret wifi_password
  ap:
    ssid: "Steinbach Fallback"
    password: !secret fallback_password

switch:
  - platform: gpio
    name: "Filter Pump"
    id: filter_pump
    pin: GPIO4
    icon: mdi:pump
    restore_mode: ALWAYS_OFF

binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    name: "Filter Button"
    pin:
      number: GPIO5
      mode: INPUT_PULLUP
      inverted: true
    on_press:
      - switch.toggle: filter_pump

sensor:
  - platform: wifi_signal
    name: "WiFi Signal"
    update_interval: 60s

Home Assistant Automations

With the Shelly controlling your Steinbach, you can now coordinate with the Intex:

automation:
  - alias: "Spa - Start Steinbach Before Heating"
    trigger:
      - platform: state
        entity_id: input_boolean.spa_heat_requested
        to: "on"
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_on
        entity_id: switch.steinbach_filter_pump
      - delay: "00:00:30"
      - service: switch.turn_on
        entity_id: switch.intex_spa_heater

  - alias: "Spa - Filtration Schedule"
    trigger:
      - platform: time
        at: "06:00:00"
      - platform: time
        at: "14:00:00"
      - platform: time
        at: "22:00:00"
    action:
      - service: switch.turn_on
        entity_id: switch.steinbach_filter_pump
      - delay: "02:00:00"
      - service: switch.turn_off
        entity_id: switch.steinbach_filter_pump

Benefits

Remote Control

Start/stop filter from anywhere via Home Assistant

Energy Savings

No more 24/7 operation — run only when needed

Smart Scheduling

Automated filtration cycles, coordinate with Intex heating

Notifications

Get alerts if filter stops unexpectedly

Safety Notes

Disconnect mains before any work — 230V is lethal
Voids warranty — this modification is at your own risk
Weatherproofing — ensure enclosure remains sealed after modification
If unsure — consult a qualified electrician

With the Shelly mod complete, your Steinbach becomes a smart prerequisite for the Intex — Home Assistant can automatically start the filter before heating and schedule efficient filtration cycles.