Abstract
The increasing demand for real-time safety monitoring in rehabilitation pools has driven advancements in underwater wireless sensor networks. This study presents the development, implementation, and testing of an underwater wireless sensor system designed to detect critical conditions in rehabilitation environments. The proposed system utilizes a Feather 32u4 microcontroller with a hydrostatic pressure sensor and accelerometer, transmitting data over 433 MHz RF communication. Extensive laboratory and pool-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of depth measurements, communication reliability, and signal attenuation challenges. Results indicate that while the system demonstrates robust packet reception (100%) at shallow depths (<60 cm), increasing depth significantly reduces reliability, with a 52% success rate observed at depths beyond 1 meter due to wave propagation challenges and environmental interference. Depth detection errors also increased at greater depths, requiring sensor calibration to improve accuracy. These findings emphasize the need for enhanced signal processing and adaptive calibration algorithms for improved underwater communication. The system’s successful performance in rehabilitation pools confirms its potential for real-time monitoring applications, contributing to the safety and effectiveness of aquatic therapy programs.