Pool Volume Estimation via Chemical Tracer Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accurately determining the volume of swimming pools, which affects the operation of pool systems and water quality, as original design information may not be accessible and custom or unique pool shapes make measurement difficult.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using sensors to measure water temperature, pressure, or injecting a chemical tracer to calculate pool volume, with a controller adjusting operating parameters based on the determined volume, and a system comprising sensors, a controller, and a user interface for inputting and adjusting pool device settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually inputs pool volume into a controller, then the system can operate pool components, but the volume information may be incorrect due to inaccessible design information, custom pool shapes, or lack of measurement at construction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of pool volume using sensors and processing logic without requiring manual user input. The controller automatically calculates volume based on sensor data collected during pool operation, eliminating the need for users to manually enter potentially inaccurate volume information while maintaining system functionality.
2Reliability
If pool volume is incorrectly entered, then the system may not operate efficiently and water quality may deteriorate, but requiring accurate manual measurement increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that serve both volume measurement and operational monitoring purposes. The same sensors used for controlling pool components are also utilized to gather data for volume calculation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement equipment and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensing and automated computational approaches. Sensors electronically detect pool characteristics and the controller computationally determines volume, substituting complex manual measurement procedures with simpler electronic systems that provide more reliable results.
3Loss of time
If traditional manual measurement methods are used for unique or custom pool shapes, then measurement becomes difficult and time-consuming, but automated sensor-based systems require additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects sensor data during normal pool operation to determine volume, rather than requiring a separate dedicated measurement process. The sensors operate continuously during pool usage, gathering information that is then processed to calculate volume, eliminating time loss without requiring additional specialized equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for accurate determination of pool volume, ensuring efficient operation of pool components and maintaining desirable water quality by automatically adjusting parameters such as filter run time, chemical dosage, and heater operation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first water temperature of pool water via a sensor
Implementation Method 2
operating a heater to heat the pool water
Implementation Method 3
measuring water pressure of pool water at a first location via a submersible vehicle comprising a pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods for determining pool volume are provided. A method for calibrating a pool device for a swimming pool or spa comprises injecting a known quantity of a chemical tracer reagent into the pool water, circulating the pool water of the pool or spa system for a pre-determined period of time, and measuring the concentration of the chemical tracer reagent via a sensor. The method further includes the steps of calculating the volume of the pool or spa system based on the measured concentration, inputting the volume into a user interface in communication with a pool device, and automatically adjusting at least one operating parameter of the swimming pool or spa based on the volume.