Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer-implemented method for controlling a swimming pool or spa system. The computer-implemented method includes: creating a data structure representing a plurality of swimming pool system components and fluidic connections between subsets of the plurality of swimming pool system components; receiving a request to control one or more of the plurality of swimming pool system components; calculating fluidic flows through the plurality of swimming pool system components based on one or more potential configurations of the plurality of swimming pool system components capable of fulfilling the request; and detecting whether the one or more potential configurations result in unsatisfactory conditions.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer-implemented method for controlling a swimming pool or spa system. The computer-implemented method includes: creating a data structure representing a plurality of swimming pool system components and fluidic connections between subsets of the plurality of swimming pool system components; receiving a request to control one or more of the plurality of swimming pool system components; calculating fluidic flows through the plurality of swimming pool system components based on one or more potential configurations of the plurality of swimming pool system components capable of fulfilling the request; and detecting whether the one or more potential configurations result in unsatisfactory conditions.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system including: at least one temperature-regulation element in fluidic communication with a fluid repository; and a processor in electronic communication with the at least one temperature-regulation element. The processor can: determine a temperature threshold value for a volume of fluid contained by the fluid repository; calculate an amount of solar radiation to which the volume of fluid is exposed; calculate, from the amount of solar radiation and a set of temperature-regulation factors, a time period for reaching the temperature threshold value for the volume of fluid; identify a desired use time for the volume of fluid; and activate the at least one temperature-regulation element according to the time period and the desired use time. The set of temperature-regulation factors includes at least a current temperature of the fluid volume and an energy-transfer rate for the temperature-regulation element.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system including: at least one temperature-regulation element configured for fluidic communication with a fluid repository; and a processor in electronic communication with the at least one temperature-regulation element. The processor is configured to: determine a temperature threshold value for a volume of fluid contained by the fluid repository; calculate an amount of solar radiation to which the volume of fluid is exposed; calculate, from the amount of solar radiation and a set of temperature-regulation factors, a time period for reaching the temperature threshold value for the volume of fluid, wherein the set of temperature-regulation factors comprises at least a current temperature of the fluid volume and an energy-transfer rate for the temperature-regulation element; identify a desired use time for the volume of fluid; and activate the at least one temperature-regulation element according to the time period and the desired use time.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a computer-implemented method including: monitoring a current flow to a valve actuator; determining a previous position of the valve actuator; and determining a direction of movement of the valve actuator from the current flow and the determined previous position. Another aspect of the invention provides a control system including: memory; one or more processors; and a set of instructions stored in the memory that, when executed by the one or processors, cause the control system to perform a computer-implemented method as described herein.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system including: a liquid filter configured for fluidic communication with a fluid repository; a flow sensor in fluidic communication with the liquid filter; a variable-speed pump in fluidic communication with the liquid filter and the flow sensor; and a processor in electronic communication with the flow sensor and the variable-speed pump. The processor is configured to: activate the flow pump at a specified flow rate; monitor a positioning of the flow sensor during the specified flow rate; and determine a performance status of the system from the flow sensor positioning.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system including: a liquid filter configured for fluidic communication with a fluid repository; a flow sensor in fluidic communication with the liquid filter; a variable-speed pump in fluidic communication with the liquid filter and the flow sensor; and a processor in electronic communication with the flow sensor and the variable-speed pump. The processor is configured to: determine a total volume threshold for a filtration procedure of the fluid repository; identify a set of fluid flow activities performed by the variable-speed pump; determine a remaining volume for completing the filtration procedure by reducing the total volume threshold by a volume of fluid moved by the variable-speed pump during the set of fluid flow activities; and determine, from a set of energy-expenditure factors and the remaining volume, an activation schedule and an activation power output of the variable-speed pump for completing the filtration procedure.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system including: at least one temperature-regulation element configured for fluidic communication with a fluid repository; and a processor in electronic communication with the at least one temperature-regulation element. The processor is configured to: determine a temperature threshold value for a volume of fluid contained by the fluid repository; calculate an amount of solar radiation to which the volume of fluid is exposed; calculate, from the amount of solar radiation and a set of temperature-regulation factors, a time period for reaching the temperature threshold value for the volume of fluid, wherein the set of temperature-regulation factors comprises at least a current temperature of the fluid volume and an energy-transfer rate for the temperature-regulation element; identify a desired use time for the volume of fluid; and activate the at least one temperature-regulation element according to the time period and the desired use time.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system including: a liquid filter configured for fluidic communication with a fluid repository; a flow sensor in fluidic communication with the liquid filter; a variable-speed pump in fluidic communication with the liquid filter and the flow sensor; and a processor in electronic communication with the flow sensor and the variable-speed pump. The processor is configured to: determine a total volume threshold for a filtration procedure of the fluid repository; identify a set of fluid flow activities performed by the variable-speed pump; determine a remaining volume for completing the filtration procedure by reducing the total volume threshold by a volume of fluid moved by the variable-speed pump during the set of fluid flow activities; and determine, from a set of energy-expenditure factors and the remaining volume, an activation schedule and an activation power output of the variable-speed pump for completing the filtration procedure.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a system including: a liquid filter configured for fluidic communication with a fluid repository; a flow sensor in fluidic communication with the liquid filter; a variable-speed pump in fluidic communication with the liquid filter and the flow sensor; and a processor in electronic communication with the flow sensor and the variable-speed pump. The processor is configured to: activate the flow pump at a specified flow rate; monitor a positioning of the flow sensor during the specified flow rate; and determine a performance status of the system from the flow sensor positioning.