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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A chemistry automation system comprising:
 a chemistry automation device for generating or dispensing at least one chemical in water of a pool or a spa;   a processor in communication with the chemistry automation device, said processor monitoring one or more operational parameters associated with the chemistry automation device and controlling operation of the chemistry automation device; and   a network communication subsystem in communication with the processor, the network communication subsystem: (i) establishing a network connection between the processor and a communications network; (ii) providing for remote monitoring of operational parameters associated with the chemistry automation device over the communications network; and (iii) providing for control of the chemistry automation device over the communications network from a remote location;   wherein the processor is configured to: (i) receive a desired chemistry value over the communications network; (ii) determine a setpoint for the chemistry automation device based on the one or more monitored operational parameters and the desired chemistry value; (iii) control the chemistry automation device to operate at said setpoint; and (iv) control a first pool or spa device configured to perform an operation on the water of the pool or the spa.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operational parameters associated with the water of the pool or spa. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more operational parameters associated with the water of the pool or spa comprise one or more of pH level, ORP level, and temperature. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the processor receives the one or more operational parameters associated with the water of the pool or spa from the one or more sensors. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first pool or spa device is a variable speed pump, a single speed pump, a heating system, a cooling system, a valve actuator, a cleaner, a lighting system, or another sanitization system. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first pool or spa device is controlled by the processor based on the one or more operational parameters associated with the water of the pool or spa and the desired chemistry value. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , comprising a relay configured to selectively provide power to the first pool or spa device, thereby controlling operation of the first pool or spa device. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , comprising a second network connection between the relay and the communications network. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the processor controls operation of the relay via the communications network, thereby controlling operation of the first pool or spa device. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the relay is communicatively coupled to the processor by way of a serial connection. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the processor controls operation of the relay via the serial connection, thereby controlling operation of the first pool or spa device. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first pool or spa device is communicatively coupled to the processor by way of a serial connection. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the processor controls operation of the first pool or spa device via the serial connection. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising a second network connection between the first pool or spa device and the communications network. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the processor controls operation of the first pool or spa device via the communications network. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising a second pool or spa device configured to perform a second operation on the water of the pool or spa. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the processor monitors one or more operational parameters associated with the first pool or spa device. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the processor controls operation of the second pool or spa device based on the one or more operational parameters associated with the chemistry automation device and the one or more operational parameters associated with the first pool or spa device. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , comprising a pool or spa controller. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , comprising a second network connection between the pool or spa controller and the communications network. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the processor communicates with the pool or spa controller via the communications network. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the pool or spa controller is a cloud-based pool or spa controller, a local pool or spa automation system, a mobile device, or a remote computer system. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the processor transmits the one or more operational parameters associated with the chemistry automation device to the pool or spa controller via the communications network. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the pool or spa controller controls operation of the chemistry automation device via the communications network. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein the pool or spa controller controls operation of the second pool or spa device based on one or more of the operational parameters associated with the chemistry automation device, the operational parameters associated with the first pool or spa device, and web data retrieved from the Internet.