Systems and Methods for Providing Network Connectivity and Remote Monitoring, Optimization, and Control of Pool/Spa Equipment

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

1 . A monitoring and control system for a pool or spa, comprising:
 a control hub having: (1) an enclosure mountable at a pool or spa installation; (2) a power connection for receiving power from a power source; (3) a relay positioned within the enclosure for controlling a first pool or spa device; and (4) a wireless network communication subsystem for communicating with a cloud-based pool or spa control system via the Internet; and   wherein the control hub generates a Wi-Fi hotspot for providing Wi-Fi communication between the control hub and a mobile device, the mobile device providing for remote control of the first pool or spa device.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile device provides for remote control of the first pool or spa device via the cloud-based pool or spa control system and the control hub. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , comprising a serial interface positioned within the enclosure for controlling a second pool or spa device. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the control hub receives operational data related to the second pool or spa device and transmits the operational data related to the second pool or spa device to the cloud-based pool or spa control system via the wireless network communication subsystem. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the relay controls a pump for a pool or spa. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , comprising a second relay for controlling a third pool or spa device. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , comprising a second serial interface for controlling a fourth pool or spa device. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the serial interfaces comprise an RS-485 communication bus. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the wireless network communication subsystem comprises at least one LED indicating a status of a wireless connection. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one LED displays a first color indicating a first status of the wireless connection and a second color indicating a second status of the wireless connection. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the second pool or spa device is a variable speed pump and the serial interface communicates speed commands to the pump. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the second pool or spa device is a pool or spa heater and the serial interface communicates temperature commands to the heater. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the second pool or spa device is a lighting system and the serial interface communicates lighting program commands to the lighting system. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the control hub is configured to selectively interlock functionality of the first and second pool or spa devices. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the cloud-based pool or spa control system receives peak energy demand information from a utility and alters operation of at least one of the first or second pool or spa devices based on the peak energy demand information. 
     
     
         16 . A monitoring and control system for a pool or spa, comprising:
 a control hub having: (1) an enclosure mountable at a pool or spa installation; (2) a power connection for receiving power from a power source; (3) a serial interface positioned within the enclosure for controlling a first pool or spa device; and (4) a wireless network communication subsystem for communicating with a cloud-based pool or spa control system via the Internet; and   wherein the control hub generates a Wi-Fi hotspot for providing Wi-Fi communication between the control hub and a mobile device, the mobile device providing for remote control of the first pool or spa device.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the control hub receives operational data related to the first pool or spa device and transmits the operational data related to the first pool or spa device to the cloud-based pool or spa control system via the wireless network communication subsystem. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the mobile device provides for remote control of the first pool or spa device via the cloud-based pool or spa control system and the control hub. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , comprising a relay positioned within the enclosure for controlling a second pool or spa device. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , comprising a second relay for controlling a third pool or spa device. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , comprising a second serial interface for controlling a fourth pool or spa device. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the serial interfaces comprise an RS-485 communication bus. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the wireless network communication subsystem comprises at least one LED indicating a status of a wireless connection. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one LED displays a first color indicating a first status of the wireless connection and a second color indicating a second status of the wireless connection. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the first pool or spa device is a variable speed pump and the serial interface communicates speed commands to the pump. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the first pool or spa device is a pool or spa heater and the serial interface communicates temperature commands to the heater. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the first pool or spa device is a lighting system and the serial interface communicates lighting program commands to the lighting system. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the control hub is configured to selectively interlock functionality of the first and second pool or spa devices. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 19 , comprising a user interface device configured for controlling the first and second pool or spa devices. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the cloud-based pool or spa control system receives peak energy demand information from a utility and alters operation of at least one of the first or second pool or spa devices based on the peak energy demand information.