Methods, systems, and devices for providing communications capabilities to equipment of swimming pools and spas

Abstract

Communications capabilities are supplied to components of pool water recirculation systems, even if the components lack electrical power or supply wires. Capabilities may be furnished by wireless RF devices that connect to existing fittings or ports of the components, for example. The devices are configured to obtain desired information relating to the components (or the water within them) and transmit the information remotely for processing or consideration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of determining time-varying performance of a pump of a water-circulation system of a pool or spa, comprising:
 a. measuring water pressure values over time at a first location in the water-circulation system;   b. electronically transmitting the pressure values via wires or wirelessly to a location different than the first location; and   c. determining pump performance based on the pressure values.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the act of electronically transmitting the pressure values uses a transmitter, further comprising electronically transmitting information either identifying the transmitter or relating to the first location. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the act of electronically transmitting the pressure values uses a wireless RF transmitter. 
     
     
         4 . A method of communicating information relating to a water-circulation system of a pool or spa, comprising:
 a. connecting a wired or wireless electronic transmitter to the water-circulation system;   b. causing the transmitter to transmit information to a device local to the water-circulation system; and   c. causing the local device to convey the transmitted information to the Internet.   
     
     
         5 . A device configured for (a) attachment to a drain port of a pump of a water-circulation system of a pool or spa and (b) wired or wireless electronic communication of information about at least one time-varying characteristic of the water-circulation system. 
     
     
         6 . A method of obtaining time-varying information about a water-circulation system of a pool or spa, comprising:
 a. locating a first attachment location of a first component of the system; and   b. mechanically attaching a first electronic transmitting device to the first attachment location.   
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6  further comprising operating the system to circulate water. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 6  in which the first attachment location is a port or fitting. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 6  in which the first electronic transmitting device is a wireless RF transmitter. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 9  in which at least a portion of the first electronic transmitting device is external of the component when attached thereto. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 6  in which the first component is a pump. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11  in which the first attachment location is present on the vacuum side of the pump. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12  further comprising removing a drain plug from the first attachment location before mechanically attaching the first electronic transmitting device to the first attachment location. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 11  further comprising (a) locating a second attachment location of the pump and (b) mechanically attaching a second electronic transmitting device to the second attachment location. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  in which each of the first and second electronic transmitting devices comprises a pressure sensor and a wireless RF transmitter. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  further comprising networking the first and second electronic transmitting devices. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 9  further comprising causing the first electronic transmitting device to transmit information to the Internet. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 6  in which the first component is a filter. 
     
     
         19 . A method of obtaining time-varying information about a water-recirculation system of a pool or spa, comprising:
 a. removing an existing plug from a first drainage port on the vacuum side of the wet end of a pump of the system;   b. mechanically inserting into the first drainage port a first device comprising a pressure sensor and a wired or wireless transmitter;   c. removing an existing plug from a second drainage port on the pressure side of the wet end of the pump of the system;   d. mechanically inserting into the second drainage port a second device comprising a pressure sensor and a wired or wireless transmitter; and   e. operating the system so as to cause transmissions from at least one of the transmitters of the first or second device.   
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19  in which each of the transmitters of the first and second devices is a wireless RF transmitter, further comprising processing information received from at least one of the wireless RF transmitters of the first or second device via the Internet and adjusting operation of the pump based on the processed information. 
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 20  further comprising a third device comprising a wireless RF transmitter mechanically connected to a non-pump component of the system. 
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 21  further comprising networking transmissions from the wireless RF transmitters of the first, second, and third devices. 
     
     
         23 . A water-recirculation system of a pool or spa comprising:
 a. a component having an attachment location; and   b. a device comprising an electronic transmitter mechanically attached to the component at the attachment location.   
     
     
         24 . A system according to  claim 23  in which at least a portion of the device is external of the component when attached thereto. 
     
     
         25 . A system according to  claim 24  in which the component is a pump having a wet end and the attachment location is present in the wet end.