Spa Capacitive Switch

Abstract

A spa system controlled by capacitive sensing. In one implementation, a spa control system includes a capacitive sensor to receive input from a spa user. The capacitive sensor is operable to sense a change in capacitance due to an object being in proximity with the capacitive sensor. The system includes a control unit coupled to the capacitive sensor to control at least one spa function.

1 . A method to control one or more functions of a spa, the method comprising: 
 receiving user input using capacitive sensing to adjust at least one spa function, wherein the capacitive sensing comprises: 
 detecting when an object is in proximity of an oscillator, wherein the oscillator is operable to vibrate when an object is in proximity of the oscillator, and wherein a capacitance of the oscillator is a function of the proximity of the object with the oscillator;  
 detecting a vibration of the oscillator when the object is in proximity of the oscillator;  
 changing a status of a control device in response to detecting the vibration; and  
   adjusting the at least one spa function based on the changing of the status of the control device.    
   
   
       2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein at least one spa function comprises controlling water flow.  
   
   
       3 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein a spa control unit is configured to adjust the at least one spa function in response to the changing status of the control device.  
   
   
       4 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the input is received at a sitting area of the spa.  
   
   
       5 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting a water flow.