METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY FILLING A SWIMMING POOL FROM RECOVERED WATER

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically filling a swimming pool basin (1) comprising, in the case where the water level in the swimming pool basin (1) is below a first filling threshold, a step of measuring the water level in the recovery tank (9), and - if the water level in the recovery tank (9) is above a minimum threshold, then the method comprises a step of activating a filling pump (8) to fill the swimming pool basin (1) with water from the recovery tank (9), and - if the water level in the recovery tank (9) is below the minimum threshold, then the method comprises a step of activating a filling solenoid valve (6) to fill the swimming pool basin (1) with water from a municipal water supply. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY FILLING A SWIMMING POOL FROM RECOVERED WATER

[0001] The invention relates to a method for automatically filling a swimming pool basin from recovered water.

[0002] Filtration units comprising a filtration tank containing at least one filter for filtering pool water are known. A pump, which can be used with a flow multiplier, creates a water flow within the pool basin and the filtration unit. In order to address environmental changes and the energy transition our society is currently experiencing, the applicant proposes a system for recovering pool overflow water and transferring it to a recovery tank with a capacity of several thousand liters, for example, on the order of 5000 L.

[0003] There is therefore a need to be able to automatically fill the swimming pool basin according to a water level available in the recovery tank.

[0004] The invention aims to effectively meet this need by proposing a method for automatically filling a swimming pool basin associated with a recovery tank for collecting overflow water comprising: - a step involving measuring the water level in the swimming pool basin, and - if the water level in the swimming pool is below a first filling threshold, then the process also includes: - a step of measuring the water level inside the recovery tank, - a step of comparing the water level in the recovery tank with a minimum threshold, and - if the water level in the recovery tank is above the minimum threshold, then the process includes a step of activating a filling pump to fill the swimming pool basin with water from the recovery basin, and - if the water level in the recovery tank is below the minimum threshold, then the said process includes a step of activating a filling solenoid valve to fill the swimming pool basin with water from a city water network.

[0005] The invention thus allows automatic filling of the basin in all circumstances even if the water level of the recovery tank is insufficient.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, the step of measuring the water level in the swimming pool basin is carried out by means of a water level sensor disposed in the swimming pool basin or in a filtration tank.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the step of measuring the water level in the recovery tank is carried out by means of a water level sensor disposed in the recovery tank.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water from the recovery tank is injected into the swimming pool basin via a filtration tank.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the water from the recovery tank is injected upstream of a filter contained in the filtration tank.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filling pump having been previously activated, when the water level in the swimming pool exceeds a second filling threshold, then said process includes a step of stopping the filling pump.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filling solenoid valve having been previously activated, when the water level in the swimming pool exceeds a second filling threshold, then said method includes a step of deactivating the filling solenoid valve.

[0012] The invention also relates to a system for implementing the method as previously defined, comprising: - a home automation box, - a first water level sensor intended to be placed in a swimming pool basin or in an associated filtration tank, - a second water level sensor intended to be placed in a recovery tank, - a filling pump comprising an inlet intended to be in fluid communication with the recovery tank and an outlet intended to be in fluid communication with the swimming pool basin, - a filling solenoid valve capable of selectively connecting a mains water supply to the swimming pool or isolating the mains water supply from the swimming pool, - said home automation box being capable of receiving data from the first water level sensor and the second water level sensor and of controlling the filling pump and the filling solenoid valve according to said data.

[0013] The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a system as previously defined, a swimming pool basin and a recovery tank.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the swimming pool basin is associated with a filtration tank to filter the water of the swimming pool basin, said filtration tank having a branch disposed upstream of a filter and through which water from the recovery tank is able to be injected into the swimming pool basin.

[0015] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. These figures are given only to illustrate, but in no way limit, the invention.

[0016] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a swimming pool basin associated with a recovery tank and a home automation system enabling the implementation of the automatic filling process according to the present invention;

[0017] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a diagram of the different stages of the filling process automatic system for a swimming pool basin according to the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a swimming pool basin 1 associated with a filtration tank 2 equipped with a skimmer (also called a "skimmer") opening into the swimming pool basin 1. The filtration tank 2 contains at least one filter, in particular a first filter providing coarse filtration allowing particles smaller than a fraction of a millimeter to pass through, based on a screen filter principle, and a second filter providing fine filtration. The second filter may, for example, have a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0019] A filtration pump (not shown) creates various water circulation currents within the swimming pool basin 1. The pump can be combined with a flow multiplier, preferably of the Venturi type. The pump may include a variable-speed, multi-speed electric motor to vary the intensity of the water flow within the basin, or alternatively, a fixed-speed motor.

[0020] A water level sensor 3 allows a water level to be measured inside the swimming pool basin 1. The water level sensor 3 is located inside the filtration tank 2. Alternatively, the water level sensor 3 can be located inside the swimming pool basin 1 or any other element containing a water level representative of the water level in the swimming pool basin 1.

[0021] A device 4 provides water treatment, heating, and pool accessory management. The device 4 includes electrical protection elements, specifically circuit breakers, fuses, and contactors, for pool equipment such as a filtration pump, a heat pump, a robotic cleaner, a lighting system, or any other equipment that may be used with a pool. The device 4 may, for example, be located remotely in the pool owner's garage.

[0022] A home automation control box 5, in particular of the IMAGLX type (registered trademark), manages water filtration by controlling the filtration pump, which ensures the circulation of various water streams. These include a first water stream circulating through a filtration unit to vacuum up debris, leaves, and other matter deposited on the surface of the pool, and a second water stream transmitted to a robotic pool cleaner. The home automation control box 5 can also manage a pool water heating function. Pool 1. The home automation control box 5 can also manage the pool lighting, monitor the pool's water level, and control the pH level of the pool water. The home automation control box 5 can also control electrolysis and / or chemical injection pumps to adjust the pool's pH and chlorine levels to a target value. The home automation control box 5 can be operated via a wireless communication device, such as a dedicated remote control or a portable electronic device like a mobile phone or tablet capable of communicating with the home automation system via a radio link, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark), or any other radio link suitable for the application.The home automation box 5 includes a computer such as a microprocessor and a memory storing software instructions for the implementation of the automatic filling process of the swimming pool basin 1 according to the invention described in more detail below.

[0023] A filling solenoid valve 6 allows the city water network to be connected to the swimming pool basin 1 when activated to ensure the filling of the swimming pool basin 1 with clean water and to isolate the city water network from the swimming pool basin 1 when deactivated.

[0024] A recovery tank 9 allows for the storage of excess water from the swimming pool 1 following, for example, rainfall or overfilling of the swimming pool 1. The recovered water contained in the tank 9 can also come from an external source, such as a roof or a terrace. The recovery tank 9 is connected to the filtration tank 2 via a pipe connected to the filtration tank 2 upstream of the filter. For this purpose, the filtration tank 2 has a connection 2.1 located upstream of the filter. Alternatively, the filtration tank 2 can be located in a separate room near the swimming pool. The filtration tank 2 can also include a sand filter or any other filter suitable for the application.

[0025] A water level sensor 7 is disposed in the recovery tank 9. The water level sensor 7 allows the measurement of a water level contained in the recovery tank 9. The water level sensor 7 is, for example, a bulb-type level sensor.

[0026] A filling pump 8 allows water from the recovery tank 9 to be reinjected into the swimming pool basin 1. For this purpose, the filling pump 8 has an inlet for fluid communication with the recovery tank 9 and an outlet for fluid communication with the swimming pool basin 1. The home automation box 5 is capable of controlling the filling pump 8 and the filling solenoid valve 6 according to data from the water level sensor 3 and the water level sensor 7.

[0027] An RI network for recovering overflow water allows excess water from the swimming pool basin 1 to be conveyed to the recovery tank 9.

[0028] A recovery water filling network R2 allows the water stored in the recovery tank 9 to be conveyed to the swimming pool basin 1 via the branch 2.1.

[0029] An R3 treatment and / or heating network allows the water from the basin to be conveyed to a treatment device, for example by electrolysis, and / or to a heat pump.

[0030] A return R4 treatment and / or heating network allows water to be conveyed from the treatment device and / or the heat pump to the swimming pool basin 1.

[0031] A network R5 to which the solenoid valve 6 is associated allows the filling of the swimming pool basin 1 with water from a city water network.

[0032] The home automation box 5 communicates with the water level sensor 3 of the swimming pool basin 1 via an El communication link.

[0033] The home automation box 5 communicates with the water level sensor 7 of the recovery tank 9 via a communication link E2.

[0034] The home automation box 5 communicates with the filling pump 8 to ensure its control via a communication link E3.

[0035] The home automation unit 5 communicates with the filling solenoid valve 6 via a communication link E4. The communication links E1, E2, E3, E4 can be wired. Alternatively, the communication links can be wireless, in particular of the radio frequency type.

[0036] The automatic filling process for the swimming pool basin 1 according to the invention is described below with reference to [Fig.2].

[0037] In a step 100, the sensor 3 measures a low water level in the pool basin 1, i.e. that the water level in the pool basin 1 is below a first filling threshold SL. The information is sent back to the home automation box 5 via the communication link El in a step 101.

[0038] In step 102, the sensor 7 measures a water level inside the recovery tank 9. The information relating to the water level of the recovery tank 9 is sent back to the home automation box 5 via the communication link E2. The water level of the recovery tank 9 is compared with a minimum threshold Smin.

[0039] If the water level in the recovery tank 9 is above the minimum threshold Smin then the home automation box 5 activates, in a step 103, the filling pump 8 to fill the swimming pool basin 1 with water from the recovery basin 9. For this purpose, the home automation box 5 controls the pump via the communication link E3.

[0040] Water from the recovery tank 9 is injected into the swimming pool basin 1 via the filtration tank 2. Preferably, the water from the recovery tank 9 is injected, via the branch 2.1, upstream of a filter contained in the filtration tank 2.

[0041] After a certain duration x, the sensor 3 detects, in a step 104, that the water level in the pool basin 1 exceeds a second filling threshold S2. The filling threshold S2 can be identical to the filling threshold SL. However, in order to avoid untimely activations and deactivations of the filling pump 8, the filling threshold S2 is higher than the filling threshold SL. This creates a hysteresis operation of the system.

[0042] The transmission of information relating to the water level in the swimming pool basin 1 is carried out, in a step 105, via the EL communication link

[0043] The home automation box 5 then commands, in a step 106, the stopping of the filling pump 8 via the communication link E3.

[0044] If the water level in the recovery tank 9 is below the minimum threshold Smin, then the home automation control unit 5 activates, in step 107, the filling solenoid valve 6 to fill the swimming pool 1 with water from the mains water supply. The filling solenoid valve 6 is controlled via the communication link E4. Thus, when the filling solenoid valve 6 is activated, it establishes a fluid connection between the mains water supply and the swimming pool 1 to allow it to be filled with clean water.

[0045] After a certain duration x', the sensor 3 detects, in a step 108, that the water level in the swimming pool basin 1 exceeds the second filling threshold S2. The duration x' may be the same as or different from the duration x. This depends on the filling flow rates.

[0046] The transmission of information relating to the water level in the swimming pool basin 1 is carried out, in a step 109, via the EL communication link

[0047] The home automation box 5 then commands, in a step 110, the deactivation of the filling valve 6 via the communication link E4.

[0048] Of course, the preceding description has been given by way of example only and does not limit the scope of the invention, which would not be exceeded by replacing the various elements with any other equivalents. Furthermore, the different features, variants, and / or embodiments of the present invention may be combined with one another in various ways, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for automatically filling a swimming pool basin (1) associated with a recovery tank (9) for collecting overflow water, characterized in that it comprises: - a step of measuring the water level in the swimming pool basin (1), and - if the water level in the swimming pool basin (1) is below a first filling threshold (S1), then the method further comprises: - a step of measuring the water level inside the recovery tank (9), - a step of comparing the water level of the recovery tank (9) with a minimum threshold (Smin), and - if the water level of the recovery tank (9) is above the minimum threshold (Smin), then said method comprises a step of activating a filling pump (8) to fill the swimming pool basin (1) with water from the recovery tank (9), and - if the water level of the recovery tank (9) is below the minimum threshold (Smin),said process includes a step of activating a filling solenoid valve (6) to fill the swimming pool basin (1) with water from a municipal water supply, - the water from the recovery tank (9) being injected into the swimming pool basin (1) via a filtration tank (2), - the water from the recovery tank (9) being injected upstream of a filter contained in the filtration tank (2).

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of measuring the water level in the swimming pool basin (1) is carried out by means of a water level sensor (3) disposed in the swimming pool basin (1) or in a filtration tank (2).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the step of measuring the water level in the recovery tank (9) is carried out by means of a water level sensor (7) disposed in the recovery tank (9).

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filling pump (8) having been previously activated, when the water level in the swimming pool basin (1) exceeds a second filling threshold (S2), then said process includes a step of stopping the filling pump (8).

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filling solenoid valve (6) having been previously activated, when the water level in the swimming pool basin (1) exceeds a second filling threshold (S2), then said method includes a step of deactivating the filling solenoid valve (6).

6. An assembly comprising a swimming pool basin (1), a recovery tank (9) and a system for implementing the method as defined according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said system comprises: - a home automation box (5), - a first water level sensor (3) intended to be disposed in a swimming pool basin (1) or in an associated filtration tank (2), - a second water level sensor (7) intended to be disposed in a recovery tank (9), - a filling pump (8) having an inlet intended to be in fluidic communication with the recovery tank (9) and an outlet intended to be in fluidic communication with the swimming pool basin (1), - a filling solenoid valve (6) capable of selectively connecting a mains water supply to the swimming pool basin (1) or of isolating the mains water supply from the swimming pool basin (1),- said home automation box (5) being capable of receiving data from the first water level sensor (3) and the second water level sensor (7) and of controlling the filling pump (8) and the filling solenoid valve (6) according to said data, - the swimming pool basin (1) being associated with a filtration tank (2) to filter the water of the swimming pool basin, said filtration tank (2) having a branch (2.1) arranged upstream of a filter and through which water from the recovery tank (9) is capable of being injected into the swimming pool basin (1).

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