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 monitoring and control system for a pool or spa, comprising:
 a controller having: (1) an enclosure; (2) a power connection for receiving power from a power source; (3) a processor for monitoring operational parameters related to a pool or spa and controlling one or more pool or spa devices; (4) a relay positioned within the enclosure for selectively providing power to one of the pool or spa devices; (5) a serial connection interface for controlling one of the pool or spa devices; (6) a network communication subsystem establishing communications with a cloud-based pool or spa control system via the Internet; and (7) a user interface device; and   wherein the controller transmits one or more of the operational parameters related to the pool or spa to the cloud-based pool or spa control system via a network connection;   wherein the cloud-based pool or spa control system receives web data related to the pool or spa from the Internet;   wherein the cloud-based pool or spa control system processes the one or more operational parameters and the web data related to the pool or spa and determines an operational setpoint for a pool or spa device that reduces operational costs;   wherein the cloud-based pool or spa control system transmits the operational setpoint to the controller via the network connection; and   wherein the controller controls the pool or spa device based on the operational setpoint determined by the cloud-based pool or spa control system.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising one or more additional serial connection interfaces for controlling one or more additional pool or spa devices. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising one or more additional relays positioned within the enclosure for selectively providing power to one or more additional pool or spa devices. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the additional relays is a high-voltage relay. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the additional relays is a low-voltage relay. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising one or more valve actuators in communication with the processor, the one or more valve actuators controllable by the processor. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising one or more sensors in communication with the processor, the one or more sensors configured to monitor the operational parameters related to the pool or spa. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of a temperature sensor and a flow sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the network communication subsystem includes a wireless transceiver for establishing a wireless connection with a wireless network. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising a mobile device with a user interface configured to display one or more of the operational parameters related to the pool or spa. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the mobile device communicates with the cloud-based pool or spa control system via a communications network and the Internet. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the mobile device transmits control parameters to the controller via the cloud-based pool or spa control system. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the user interface of the mobile device is configured to display notifications received from one or more of the controller and the cloud-based pool or spa control system. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising an interface for communicating with a pool or spa chemical monitoring module. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the pool or spa chemical monitoring module is configured to measure one or more of the pH and ORP of the pool or spa. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the processor, the relay, the network communication subsystem, and the interface for communicating with the chemical monitoring module are positioned within the enclosure of the controller. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface device is configured with a security code for preventing unauthorized access to the user interface device. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the security code is one or more of a password or a pin number. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface device comprises a touchscreen. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the user interface device is configured to receive control parameters for local control of one or more of the pool or spa devices. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller processes the operational parameters related to the pool or spa to identify a problem condition. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the controller determines a solution to the problem condition. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is in communication with a remote pool or spa servicer system via the Internet, and the remote pool or spa servicer system monitors the operational parameters related to the pool or spa. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein in response to a problem condition, the controller automatically schedules a service appointment with the remote pool or spa servicer system. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller receives web data related to the pool or spa from the Internet. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the web data includes one or more of current weather conditions, forecasted weather conditions, and energy rates.