IoT Pool Controller for Remote Chemistry and Heater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water-related devices in homes and businesses, such as pool controllers, lack remote monitoring and control capabilities, making it difficult for users to manage chemical balances and temperatures from various locations, and often require professional installation due to high voltage connections.
Innovation Solution
A method for remotely monitoring and controlling pool or spa devices using IoT technology, including chemical controllers and temperature sensors, which allow users to adjust chemistry levels, receive alerts, and control pumps and heaters through a user device, with optional automatic chemical supply requests and safety alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pool controllers are used, then the devices can operate pool equipment, but users cannot remotely monitor or control the devices when away from home
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote communication system comprising a controller, a remote device (smartphone, tablet, or computer), and a communication network (WiFi, cellular, or satellite) that acts as an intermediary between the user and the pool controller. This intermediary system enables users to remotely monitor and control pool equipment, chemical levels, and temperature from any location without requiring physical presence at the pool.
2Reliability
If conventional controllers are used, then basic pool equipment operation is possible, but users cannot receive alerts about unsafe conditions or chemical imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors pool conditions (chemical levels, temperature, equipment status) and automatically sends notifications to the remote device when unsafe conditions are detected. The system provides real-time feedback about pool status and alerts users to corrective actions needed, such as chemical imbalances or equipment failures, enabling timely response to safety issues.
3Power
If high voltage connections are used for pool controllers, then the devices can operate pool equipment, but professional installation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-voltage communication intermediary system that separates the high-power equipment control from the user interface. The controller uses low-voltage digital communication (WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular) to interface with the remote device, eliminating the need for users to handle high voltage connections during installation or operation. Professional installation is still required for high-voltage equipment connections, but the control and monitoring aspects become user-friendly.
4Productivity
If manual chemical adjustment is used, then basic pool maintenance is possible, but users cannot efficiently manage chemistry from various locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback loops where the controller continuously monitors pool chemistry parameters (pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity) and automatically adjusts chemical dosing to maintain optimal levels. The system notifies users of chemistry status and automatically makes adjustments without requiring manual intervention, significantly improving the efficiency of pool maintenance and eliminating the need for users to personally monitor and adjust chemicals.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods of remotely monitoring and controlling a pool controller for a pool or a spa via one or more remote computing devices is provided. In some embodiments, a remote user can be provided with information about the pool or the spa. The remote user is provided with an ability to remotely optimize a performance of the pool or the spa, including remotely adjusting a chemistry of the pool or the spa, remotely activating a heater of the pool or the spa, and/or remotely activating a pump of the pool or the spa.