Remotely controlling aspects of pools and spas

Abstract

Systems and methods of (remotely) controlling aspects of pools and spas and of modifying water contained therein are detailed. Internet-enabled access to pool and spa controllers may happen without any need for users to create firewall ports or utilize static internet protocol addresses. Certain networking devices may be configured using a USB connection or SD card, avoiding any requirement for an Ethernet cable or supplying separate power to the devices during configuration. Time-varying data may be obtained in respect of one or more installations and analyzed for various information.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of assessing information relating to a swimming pool located at a first location, comprising:
 a. receiving, at a second location remote from the first location, information relating to the swimming pool;   b. assessing the received information together with current or historical energy consumption for the first location; and   c. informing an owner, user, or servicer of the swimming pool of the assessment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the current or historical energy consumption comprises current or historical electricity consumption. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the information relating to the swimming pool comprises equipment performance of equipment for the swimming pool. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the information relating to the swimming pool comprises water characteristics of the swimming pool. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising assessing the received information together with historical temperature information for the first location. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising assessing the received information together with a weather forecast for the first location. 
     
     
         7 . A method of assessing information relating to a first swimming pool located at a first location, comprising:
 a. receiving, at a second location remote from the first location, information relating to the first swimming pool;   b. receiving, at the second location, information relating to a second swimming pool;   c. assessing the received information together with current or historical energy consumption for the first location; and   d. informing an owner, user, or servicer of the first swimming pool of the assessment.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the second swimming pool is an installation in a same region as the first swimming pool or the second swimming pool is a same type of swimming pool as the first swimming pool. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the current or historical energy consumption comprises current or historical electricity consumption. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the information relating to the first swimming pool comprises equipment performance of equipment for the first swimming pool. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the information relating to the first swimming pool comprises water characteristics of the first swimming pool. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising assessing the received information together with current or historical temperature information for the first location. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising assessing the received information together with a weather forecast for the first location. 
     
     
         14 . A method of assessing information relating to a swimming pool located at a first location, comprising:
 a. receiving, at a second location remote from the first location, information relating to the swimming pool;   b. assessing the received information together with current or historical energy consumption for the first location; and   c. generating a control response based on the assessment.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein generating the control response comprises informing an owner, user, or servicer of the swimming pool of the assessment. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein generating the control response comprises controlling a parameter of the swimming pool based on the assessment. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein controlling the parameter comprises controlling operation of pool or spa equipment associated with the swimming pool. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein generating the control response comprises generating an alert.