Abstract: A bubbler assembly including a pipe that telescopes relative to a surface of a pool or spa such that an exit opening of the bubbler is closer to the water surface than is conventionally possible. When in the initial position, a first end of the telescoping pipe is flush or substantially flush with the surface of the pool or the spa. When in the extended position, the first end of the telescoping pipe is adjacent the water surface, which is spaced apart from the surface of the pool or spa. By transferring the exit opening of the bubbler to a location adjacent the water surface, the plume need travel only a small distance through the main body of water before penetrating the water surface.

Abstract: Assemblies designed to facilitate detection of water flow in low water flow situations. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a channel that narrows from an inlet end of the assembly to an outlet end of the assembly to increase the velocity of water flowing through the channel. In some embodiments, the assembly may also include a water delivery mechanism that delivers water flowing through the channel to a flow sensor and enables the detection of water flow, even in low flow situations.

Abstract: Automatic pool cleaners (APCs) and components thereof are detailed. The APCs may turn feet, rather than entire bodies, to change direction and may provide water-flow paths through the bodies that are oriented vertically. Thus, unlike existing disc-based cleaners, the APCs may reduce influence of connected hoses on their movements within pools.

Abstract: Automatic pool cleaners (APCs) and components thereof are detailed. The APCs may include tracks for movement, with the tracks having teethed internal surfaces. The APCs additionally may supply shift mechanisms for purposes of changing direction of their movement and incorporate bladed scrubbers and easily-opening bodies.

Abstract: Creating and utilizing electricity and radiation via actions of hoses is detailed. Likewise described is using electricity to heat the hoses and radiation to sanitize fluid such as water of a pool or spa. Electricity may be generated by pulsation of the hoses when employed together with a water-interruption type of automatic pool cleaner, for example. Hoses alternatively or additionally may include chemicals or materials reactive to light or other radiation.

Abstract: Generation of electricity on-board, principally, certain hydraulic pool cleaners is described. Magnets may be caused to move within coils by (normal) cooperative actions of diaphragm-type valves and external pumps, thus generating electricity without changing the operational principles of the cleaners. The generated electricity may be used to power electrical devices either on-board the cleaners or elsewhere.

Abstract: Pool lighting assemblies, lens and methods of installing, maintaining and servicing are disclosed. A pool lighting assembly can include a light fixture body forming an elongated housing with a generally open interior, where the light fixture body constructed for insertion into a structure, such a pool wall. Additionally, a light cartridge can be provided. The light cartridge can have an illumination portion with a light emitting diode, a circuitry portion for controlling the light emitting diode, and a heat sink in proximity of the light emitting diode and the circuitry portion. A lens assembly, attachable to the light fixture body, can also be provided. The lens of the lens assembly can be interchangeable with a different lens. Also, the light cartridge can be removable from the light fixture body without removing the light fixture body from the structure.

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: Systems and methods for controlling power on a communication network bus connecting an auxiliary device and a control device in a pool or spa system. The control device includes a power source for providing voltage to the device and a power detector. The auxiliary device can provide additional voltage to the control device via the communication network bus. The power detector may be capable of detecting voltage received by the control device via the communication network bus. The power detector may also be capable of detecting traffic (e.g., communication) by the control device or the auxiliary device via the bus and/or data collision on the bus. The power detector is configured to enable or disable the power source of the control device based on voltage detected on the communication network bus, traffic detected on the communication network bus, and/or data collision detected on the communication network bus.

Abstract: Detailed are fluid flow deflectors principally for use with sweep tail hoses of automatic swimming pool cleaners. The deflectors do not function principally on gravitational forces and need not necessarily employ flexible components or attachments for purposes of effecting deflection. Instead, the deflectors may be rigid and continually position a fixed obstacle in a central portion of a fluid stream. Perforations in a rigid wall, moreover, draw fluid into the deflectors, creating a greater volume of exiting stream when an associated pool cleaner is underwater.

Abstract: Valves, and particularly check valves, are detailed. The valves may isolate a spring or other biasing member from flowing fluid so as to reduce the possibility of damage to the spring caused, for example, by chemicals contained in the fluid. In some versions of the valves, the spring may be positioned within a cavity of a cover sealed from the fluid.

Abstract: Devices and methods for inhibiting movement of automatic pool cleaners (APCs) are described. Versions of the devices may cause pool water to bypass flowing through bodies of APCs. Alternatively, they may cause water flowing though bodies of APCs to bypass the associated motive force creators. The devices thus may constitute idler mechanisms, as they effectively prevent movement without requiring operation of the ultimate driver (i.e. the pump) to cease.

Abstract: Flow control and indicator assemblies are detailed. The assemblies are especially (although not necessarily exclusively) useful in allowing fluid to bypass automatic pool cleaners (APCs) and may serve as adaptors between APCs and adjacent hoses. The assemblies additionally may provide information about flow rates relative to a desired threshold, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and devices for controlling the amount of water passing through a heat exchanger and the amount of water that by-passes the heater without passing through the heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the system includes a by-pass valve assembly having means for sensing a time-varying characteristic of fluid adjacent the inlet, means for sensing a time-varying characteristic of fluid adjacent the outlet, and a valve that alters the amount of fluid by-passing the fluid heater in response to differences in the time-varying characteristic of fluid adjacent the inlet and fluid adjacent the outlet.

Abstract: A diverter valve may include a body portion and a lid portion. The lid and body portions may define a fluid chamber. The lid portion may include a first stop and a second stop. A closure member may at least partially be received within the fluid chamber. A movable member, such as a handle, may be operatively associated with closure member. The movable member may be selectively movable relative to the lid portion between the first and second stops. A stop member may be selectively positioned on the lid portion. When positioned between the first and second stops, the stop member may limit movement of the movable member to between the stop member and one of the first and second stops. The first stop, the second stop, or both, may also comprise a stop member.