Abstract: Skimming devices may use pressurized water from, for example, a return line of a swimming pool or spa. The devices may be adjustable vertically and levelled relative to an upper water surface (waterline) of a pool. They additionally may create “blades” of debris-laden pool water entering their floating heads so as to move debris smoothly and efficiently over wings or foils into associated filters.

Abstract: Debris filters for automatic swimming pool cleaners may be formed of metal, carbon fibers, or composites more rigid than soft nylon bags. In at least one version, the filter may be made of, or include, steel or stainless steel. Non-uniform sizes, densities, and/or shapes of openings in the filtration material may be created to provide different levels of filtration in a single device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of (remotely) controlling aspects of pools and spas and of modifying water contained therein are detailed. Internet-enabled access to pool and spa controllers may happen without any need for users to create firewall ports or utilize static internet protocol addresses. Certain networking devices may be configured using a USB connection or SD card, avoiding any requirement for an Ethernet cable or supplying separate power to the devices during configuration. Other devices may be configured wirelessly, without need of any USB connection or SD card. Time-varying data may be obtained in respect of one or more installations and analyzed for various information.

Abstract: Autonomous, mobile cleaners for water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas are detailed. The cleaners are especially useful for cleaning spas, although they may function adequately in connection with certain other vessels as well. They may be designed and constructed in particular to avoid high centering so as not to become stuck when encountering obstacles within the spas or other vessels.

Abstract: Autonomous, mobile cleaners for water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas are detailed. The cleaners are especially useful for cleaning spas, although they may function adequately in connection with certain other vessels as well. They may be designed and constructed in particular to avoid high centering so as not to become stuck when encountering obstacles within the spas or other vessels.

Abstract: Autonomous, mobile cleaners for water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas are detailed. The cleaners are especially useful for cleaning spas, although they may function adequately in connection with certain other vessels as well. They may be designed and constructed in particular to avoid high centering so as not to become stuck when encountering obstacles within the spas or other vessels.

Abstract: Autonomous, mobile cleaners for water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas are detailed. The cleaners are especially useful for cleaning spas, although they may function adequately in connection with certain other vessels as well. They may be designed and constructed in particular to avoid high centering so as not to become stuck when encountering obstacles within the spas or other vessels.

Abstract: Nicheless lighting assemblies principally for swimming pools and spas are detailed. The lighting assemblies include features configured to dissipate heat. The assemblies additionally are designed to reduce possibility of water intrusion. Some versions of the assemblies may include thermally-conductive plastic overmolded onto at least one of a lens or a heat spreader. Versions of the assemblies additionally or alternatively may include a generally annular heat sink to which a printed circuit board containing at least one light-emitting diode (LED) is attached. Versions of the assemblies may be divided into subassemblies, one subassembly fitting into another, or include protective covers.

Abstract: A pool cleaning system for cleaning debris from a submerged surface of a swimming pool includes a self-propelled pool cleaner having rotatably-mounted supports for supporting and guiding the cleaner on the pool surface; an electric motor for enabling the rotation of the rotatably-mounted supports on the pool surface; at least one camera to capture imagery of the pool surface; a controller, in electronic communication with the at least one camera, to determine a cleanliness characteristic of the pool surface on which the cleaner has passed based on the camera imagery and generate a control signal to direct movement of the cleaner based on the cleanliness characteristic of the pool surface, and a portable electronic device configured to present a graphic on a display, the graphic depicting the submerged surface of the pool and those portions of the surface that remain uncleaned as the cleaner traverses the pool surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically addressing devices of pool and spa systems in a communication network. The communication network includes at least a first transceiver and a second transceiver that are communicatively coupled via a communication network bus. The first transceiver is configured to transmit a query signal to the second transceiver on a first address on the communication network bus, where the query signal includes a command requesting identification data (e.g., a serial number) associated with the second transceiver from the second transceiver. After receiving a response from the second transceiver, the first transceiver verifies (e.g., validates) the identification data. The first transceiver then automatically addresses the second transceiver individually by transmitting an addressed signal that includes at least a portion of the verified identification data and a command to the second transceiver on a second address on the communication network bus.

Abstract: Chlorinators with multiple spaced gas traps and flow sensors are detailed. The sensors also may be protected, at least somewhat, from contact with scale build ups by interposition of a mechanical barrier. Ramps or other geometric restrictions may be used to increase water flow to some or all of the gas traps. Additionally, the chlorinator housing may be configured so as to route, or focus, gases toward a small-sized, high point thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods of (remotely) controlling aspects of pools and spas and of modifying water contained therein are detailed. Internet-enabled access to pool and spa controllers may happen without any need for users to create firewall ports or utilize static internet protocol addresses. Certain networking devices may be configured using a USB connection or SD card, avoiding any requirement for an Ethernet cable or supplying separate power to the devices during configuration. Time-varying data may be obtained in respect of one or more installations and analyzed for various information.

Abstract: Systems and methods of (remotely) controlling aspects of pools and spas and of modifying water contained therein are detailed. Internet-enabled access to pool and spa controllers may happen without any need for users to create firewall ports or utilize static internet protocol addresses. Certain networking devices may be configured using a USB connection or SD card, avoiding any requirement for an Ethernet cable or supplying separate power to the devices during configuration. Time-varying data may be obtained in respect of one or more installations and analyzed for various information.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for guiding or advising users as to how to control motor speeds of pumping systems are detailed. The systems may solicit input from users and provide recommendations as to settings users may employ in connection with water-circulation systems of, principally, swimming pools and spas. The systems also may permit a user to retain control of both the duration the pool-filtration system will be active and the pump motor speed while providing suggestions to the user that may maximize efficiency of the system or minimize its power consumption (or both).

Abstract: Lighting assemblies principally for swimming pools and/or spas are disclosed herein, as well as related methods. The assemblies may be used to retrofit incandescent luminaires with light emitting diodes (LEDs). No need exists to move (or remove) elongated power cords associated with the luminaires, nor to replace any Edison-style plugs of the luminaires.

Abstract: Buoyant, autonomous devices for actively scrubbing upstanding walls of swimming pools and spas at and nearby their waterlines are detailed. The devices may be configured to float on and travel along a surface of water of a pool and include at least one brush or scrubber adapted to contact pool walls. An electric motor may cause the scrubber to rotate about a shaft or axle, with frictional contact between the scrubber and the wall dislodging dirt and debris therefrom. In particular, if a scrubber is conically shaped and angled relative to the vertical direction, its rotating blades may lift water from the pool to hydrate dried debris stuck to the wall, thereby facilitating dislodging of the debris.

Abstract: Airborne unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) may be used to hover over swimming pools or spas and dispense chemicals (or other materials or devices) directly thereinto. UAVs alternatively or additionally may include sensors designed to identify certain characteristics of pools or spas or of the water therein. The UAVs further may hover over, or land on, pool pads or other areas adjacent or near a pool or spa to deliver or receive parts or other objects.

Abstract: A drive module for submersible autonomous vehicles is disclosed. The drive module includes a propulsion element configured to engage and rotate against a surface, a motor configured to drive the propulsion element, and a controller configured to cause the motor to drive the propulsion element. The drive module also includes a housing configured to be removably, releasably coupled to the exterior of a submersible autonomous vehicle. The motor and the controller are disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A filter door for an autonomous, submersible vehicle is disclosed. The filter door includes a living hinge that biases the panel to a closed position. The living hinge may be provided by mesh that extends beyond the periphery of a panel to create a living hinge. The mesh may also prevent dirt and debris from entering or escaping around a pivot edge of the panel. This increases the life span of the filter door and the cleaning efficiency of the autonomous, submersible vehicle.

Abstract: “Just in time” operational techniques allow equipment of swimming pools or spas to achieve identified water temperatures at specified times. A user may supply information such as a desired water temperature (i.e. a temperature set point) and a time at which the water is desired to be at the desired temperature. After receiving the user-supplied information, software may account as well for certain environmental conditions to devise a suitable schedule for controlling heating of the water of the swimming pool or spa. Adjustments may be made to the schedule based on then-current water temperatures or other changed conditions.