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.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting when an automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) has contacted a main drain cover or other object protruding from a surface of a swimming pool are described. An APC may include equipment for detecting a change in its pitch or yaw (or both its pitch and yaw). Changes in pitch and yaw may be determined as a function of time, identifying encounters of the APC with certain protruding objects.

Abstract: Starting platform assemblies may be provided with swimming pools for competitive and/or recreational purposes. A starting platform assembly may include a frame supporting a starting platform. Starting platform assemblies may include various combinations of optional features such as but not limited to informational panels and displays, storage areas, side handles, backstroke bars, movable mounting steps, and/or wedge anchors.

Abstract: Cleaning of a swimming pool may be facilitated by systems and methods for mapping a pool environment. Such mapping may occur in three dimensions when appropriate. At least some of the systems may include an apparatus for light detection and ranging (LIDAR) tethered to an automatic swimming pool cleaner.

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.

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: 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: 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: A user interface may be communicatively coupled with a fluid-moving pump and may include at least two interactive regions for receiving user input to control the fluid-moving pump. The user interface may be attached to the fluid-moving pump using a mounting cover and an attachment bracket that can allow attachment or positioning of the user interface relative to the fluid-moving pump via a turn motion or other suitable methods. In other examples, the user interface can be mounted on a wall or other surface.

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: 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: Systems, devices, and methods for electrically disconnecting a battery of battery-powered swimming pool cleaners or other swimming pool equipment based on water sensing are described. An example system may include a sensing circuit to detect the presence of water, a power circuit to direct power to an electrical load, and a disabling circuit. The disabling circuit may be configured to receive a signal from the sensing circuit, and, in response, disable the power circuit from powering the electrical load.

Abstract: A floating platform dimensioned and configured to receive and transport an automated pool cleaner on the surface of the water is disclosed. For convenience, the floating platform is referred to as a pontoon. The pontoon is also configured to control the retrieval of the pool cleaner. The pontoon includes a buoyant housing having a first end and a second end. An inclined platform ramp is positioned in the pontoon housing at an angle from the first end towards the second end. The pontoon includes a winch for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner to thereby selectively release and retrieve the cleaner.

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: Methods and systems described herein provide control of a lighting system, such as a pool lighting system. The pool lighting system includes an integrated control device that includes both a transformer and a controller. Lighting devices are powered by power from the transformer using power lines and controlled using power line communication (PLC) signals sent over the same power lines.

Abstract: Multi-position valve actuators principally for water-circulation systems of pools and spas are detailed. At least some actuators may indicate position of an associated valve in a non-electronic manner, as by using a handle visible externally of the actuator and directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to the valve so as to move therewith. Hence, even if power to an actuator is disrupted, positioning of the valve may be determined by viewing the handle.

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: A light controller for pool lighting systems is detailed herein. The light controller can include a switch mechanism for controlling light settings of a lighting device. Switch positions of the switch mechanism can each correspond to a different light program. When a switch is positioned at one of the switch positions, the light controller can display one or more corresponding light settings of the light program corresponding to the switch position. A user may select a light setting for the pool lighting systems based on the displayed light settings. In response to the light setting being selected, the lighting device can cause the pool lighting systems to output the selected light setting of the light program.

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: Low head loss systems are detailed. The systems may include chambers having low impedance to water flow therethrough and repositionable gates or other valves within the chambers. The valves may direct water as a function of whether an associated heating device is active. At least some gates may incorporate poppet valves or other high-flow by-passes.