HEATER CONDENSATE pH CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A heater for a pool or a spa is provided. The heater is provided in the form of a housing with an outlet disposed in the housing. The outlet is in fluid communication with the pool or spa. The heater also includes a first dosing mechanism that is designed to meter an amount of a waste condensate generated by the heater to the pool or spa. The waste condensate, by virtue of being imparted with an acidic pH, alters the pH value of water in the pool or spa. The heater is also in electrical communication with a controller. The controller is designed to control the first dosing mechanism such that the first dosing mechanism can provide at least a portion of the waste condensate to the pool or spa.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/477,796, filed Dec. 29, 2022, entitled PH CONTROL VIA A HEATER CONDENSATE SYSTEM AND METHOD, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for maintaining the water chemistry balance of a fluid system, and more specifically to systems and methods for maintaining the pH levels of an aquatic system such as a pool or a spa.

BACKGROUND

Pool owners face a variety of issues when attempting to maintain the water quality of their pools and spas. Many parameters impact whether a pool remains clean and usable; one such factor is the pH level of the water in the pool. If the water's pH value is outside an optimal range, the pool water can inactivate the pool's chlorine, damage vinyl liners within the pool, corrode pipes, and cause the pool to appear murky or cloudy.

When the water's pH value is outside the optimal pH range, pool owners typically add either acidic or alkaline pool chemicals to the water to adjust the pH value. Such pool chemicals may be provided in the form of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, muriatic acid, and sodium bisulfate. Unfortunately, adding the pool chemicals can be inconvenient for the pool owners, as they may need to dose the pool with the pool chemicals several times to bring the pool water's pH into the optimal range. Further, the use of other chemicals, e.g., sanitizers, can raise the pH of the pool outside of the optimal range.

At the same time, pool owners may use high-efficiency heaters to warm their pools. The high-efficiency heaters are typically provided as condensate heaters that produce a waste condensate. Oftentimes, the waste condensate comprises water, carbon dioxide, and acids; as such, the waste condensate is acidic. The waste condensate is typically neutralized with a neutralizing agent (e.g., limestone or magnesium oxide) before being disposed of via a drain provided proximate to the heater. Unfortunately, simply disposing of the waste condensate and/or using chemicals to neutralize the waste condensate may increase the environmental impact of using the pool heater. The present systems and methods overcome many of the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art discussed above. The systems described include several examples of a heater that can generate a waste condensate that is provided to a pool or spa. The waste condensate can be used to adjust or control a pH value of the water of the pool or spa.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a heater for a pool or a spa is provided. The heater is provided in the form of a housing with an outlet disposed in the housing. The outlet is in fluid communication with the pool or spa. The heater also includes a first dosing mechanism that is designed to meter or provide an amount of a waste condensate generated by the heater to the pool or spa. The waste condensate, by virtue of being imparted with an acidic pH, can alter the pH value of water in the pool or spa. The heater is also in electrical communication with a controller. The controller is designed to control the first dosing mechanism and can direct the first dosing mechanism to provide at least a portion of the waste condensate to the pool or spa. In some instances, the waste condensate is provided to the pool or spa via the outlet. The controller is in communication with a measurement device configured to monitor the pH value of the pool or spa.

In some instances, the heater further comprises a sensor designed to monitor the pH of the waste condensate generated by the heater.

In other instances, a pH monitor is provided that is in fluid communication with the waste condensate and/or the pool water and is designed to monitor the pH level of the waste condensate and/or the pool water.

In some instances, a second dosing mechanism is configured to provide at least one of a neutralizing agent and a dilutant to the waste condensate if the pH level of the waste condensate is below a certain threshold value.

In other instances, the heater further includes a neutralizing cartridge in fluid communication with the outlet. In such instances, at least a portion of the waste condensate flows through the neutralizing cartridge. In further instances, the neutralizing cartridge is in fluid communication with a drain.

In some instances, the heater is provided as a condensing heater.

In other instances, the neutralizer cartridge provides at least one of a neutralizing substance or a dilutant to the waste condensate if the pH value of the waste condensate is below a predetermined value.

In some instances, the heater further comprises a waste condensate collection mechanism configured to store the waste condensate prior to delivery of the waste condensate to the pool or the spa.

In some instances, the first dosing mechanism is in fluid communication with a filter, or a filter system designed to remove particulate matter from the waste condensate, and the waste condensate is provided to the filter before being provided to the pool or the spa.

In another aspect, a method for controlling a pH value of a pool is provided. The method comprises providing a pool heater in the form of a housing and a heat exchanger. The housing includes a waste condensate outlet. The heat exchanger and the waste condensate outlet are in fluid communication with the pool. The method further includes operating the heater, during which time the heater generates a waste condensate, and collecting the waste condensate. The method also includes dosing the pool with at least a first portion of the waste condensate via the waste condensate outlet until the pH level of the pool reaches an optimal pH range.

In certain instances, the optimal pH range is from about 7 to about 8. In some instances, the optimal pH range is from about 7.4 to about 7.8. In other instances, the optimal pH range is from about 7.4 to about 7.6.

In some instances, the waste condensate is provided to a drain remote from the pool when the pH level of the pool is within the optimal pH range.

In other instances, a drain is in fluid communication with the waste condensate outlet, and a signal is provided to the heater to direct the waste condensate to the drain.

In certain instances, the method further comprises neutralizing at least a second portion of the waste condensate.

In other instances, the method further comprises providing a signal from a control system to the pool heater to direct the waste condensate to a waste condensate collection mechanism.

In some instances, the method further comprises providing a control system in communication with the pool heater and providing a dosing mechanism configured to meter an amount of waste condensate provided to at least one of the pool, a waste condensate tank, and a drain. The control system determines the amount of waste condensate provided to the at least one of the pool, the waste condensate tank, and the drain by the dosing mechanism.

In yet another aspect, a heater system for a pool or spa is provided. The heater comprises a housing with an outlet coupled thereto. The outlet is in fluid communication with the pool or spa. A collection mechanism is in fluid communication with the outlet, and the collection mechanism is designed to collect waste condensate generated by the heater during operation. The heater further includes a controller in electrical communication with the heater. The controller is designed to direct at least a portion of the waste condensate to the pool or the spa via the outlet. Once provided to the pool or spa, the waste condensate can alter a pH value of the water of the pool or the spa.

In some instances, the waste condensate can impart the water of the pool or spa with a more acidic pH.

In other instances, the heater system also comprises a first dosing mechanism designed to meter an amount of the waste condensate provided to the pool or the spa.

In some instances, the heater system also comprises a dilutant tank configured to administer a dilutant to the waste condensate.

In other instances, the collection mechanism is designed to retain up to about 10 gallons of the waste condensate.

In some instances, the collection mechanism is provided within the housing of the heater.

In some instances, the collection mechanism is provided upstream of the outlet of the heater.

In other instances, the collection mechanism is provided downstream of the outlet of the heater.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a heater for a pool or spa;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a pool and spa system, the pool and spa system including the heater of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the heater of FIG. 1, with a portion of the housing removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a heater capable of producing a waste condensate, the heater including a waste condensate neutralizer cartridge coupled to a bottom surface of the heater;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a pool and spa system including a heater capable of producing a waste condensate, the heater having a side panel removed for clarity;

FIG. 6 is another schematic representation of a pool and spa system including a heater capable of producing a waste condensate, the heater drawn such that a bottom surface of the heater is visible; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a method for controlling a pH value of a pool.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments are described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings, which is limited only by the claims that follow the present disclosure. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced, or of being carried out, in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the disclosure.

Additionally, while the following discussion may describe features associated with specific devices or embodiments, it is understood that additional devices and/or features can be used with the described systems and methods, and that the discussed devices and features are used to provide examples of possible embodiments, without being limited.

The systems and methods described herein provide a mechanism to control or adjust the pH level of a pool or a spa using waste condensate generated by a heater. To help a pool or a spa maintain an optimal water chemistry balance, water within the pool or the spa should be maintained within an optimal pH range. Advantageously, as described herein, at least a portion of the waste condensate generated by the heater may be provided to the pool or the spa such that the pH level of the water may be maintained within the optimal range.

Referring to FIG. 1, a heater 100 for a pool or a spa is provided. The heater 100 may be provided in the form of a housing 102 defining a body 104. The housing 102 may be coupled to or have an inlet 105, an outlet 106, a plurality of air intakes 108, and a vent 110. The inlet 105, the outlet 106, the air intakes 108, and the vent 110 may be disposed in the body 104 of the housing 102 and extend at least partially or entirely therethrough.

The heater 100 may be provided as a heater adapted for use with a pool or a spa, including, by way of example, a gas heater, a condensing heater, and/or a hybrid gas-electric heater. During operation, the heater 100 may generate waste condensate at various rates (e.g., a rate of about 2 gallons to about 3 gallons per hour). The waste condensate generated by the heater 100 can be used to control or adjust the pH level of a pool or a spa, although the heater 100 may generate more or less waste condensate depending upon operating conditions and the thermal efficiency of the heater. For example, the waste condensate generated by the heater 100 may be acidic (i.e., the waste condensate may have a pH value of less than about 7.0). Preferably, the heater 100 is provided as a high-efficiency heater that generates an acidic waste condensate. A high-efficiency heater may be a heater that, for example, has a thermal efficiency of at least about 90%, or at least about 92%, or at least about 94%, or at least about 96%, or at least about 98%.

The body 104 of the housing 102 may be provided in the form of a rectangular prism that substantially encloses the components retained within the heater 100. The body 104 may also be provided in other shapes and forms (e.g., with a profile including rounded edges), as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In some instances, the body 104 may be composed of a durable material (e.g., metal or plastic) adapted to withstand environmental conditions when the heater is located in an outside environment 112.

The housing 102 and various components of the heater 100 retained within the housing 102 are in fluid communication with the inlet 105, the outlet 106, the air intakes 108, and the vent 110. The air intakes 108 may be provided in the form of apertures or channels that extend through the body 104 of the housing 102. The inlet 105, outlet 106, and the vent 110 may be provided in the form of tubing or pipes that extend outwardly from an interior (not illustrated) of the body 104 and away from the housing 102. The air intakes 108 may be adapted to provide the housing 102 with air from the outside environment 112 such that the temperature of the heater 100 can be regulated and/or oxygen can be provided to a combustion chamber (not illustrated) of the heater 100. The vent 110 may be in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and may vent gaseous byproducts of the combustion process to the outside environment 112.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the inlet 105 may be adapted to receive water from the pool or spa imparted with a first temperature. The inlet 105 may be in fluid communication with a heat exchanger, a heat pump, and/or a heating element (not illustrated) of the heater 100 such that the water may be provided to the heat exchanger, heat pump, and/or heating element. After the water is provided to the heat exchanger, heat pump, and/or heating element, the temperature of the water may be increased to a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature. The water imparted with the second temperature may then be provided to the outlet 106 and, eventually, to the pool or spa.

Generally, the inlet 105 and the outlet 106 are in fluid communication with a pool system, a spa system, or a combination pool-spa system, such as a pool and spa system 130 illustrated in FIG. 2. More specifically, the inlet 105 and/or the outlet 106 may be in fluid communication with one or more of a pool, a spa, a pump, a filter, a chlorinator, chemical feeders, valves, sensors, drains, and other pool and spa system components that are known in the art.

In some instances, the heater 100 may be provided in the form of the UltraTemp ETi® Hybrid Heater provided by Pentair, Inc. and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,732,536, 10,400,466, 11,142,923, and 11,686,118, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In other instances, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, the heater 100 may be provided in the form of the MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heater, provided by Pentair, Inc. and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/650,611, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the pool and spa system 130 is provided. The system 130 is provided in the form of one or more of a pool 132, a spa 134, a pump 136, a filter 138, the heater 100, a chlorinator 140, valves 142, drains 144, and fluid conduits 146. The components of the system 130 are in fluid communication with each other via the conduits 146, which may be provided in the form of tubing or piping adapted to fluidly couple the components of the pool and spa system 130 to each other. Water from the pool 132 and the spa 134 may flow to and from the pump 136, the filter 138, the heater 100, the chlorinator 140, the valves 142, and/or the drains 144 via the conduits 146. As noted by the arrows in FIG. 2, the water in the pool and spa system 130 may flow from the drains 144 to the pump 136, the filter 138, the heater 100, and the chlorinator 140, before being provided back to the pool 132 or the spa 134. Alternatively, the valves 142 may be opened and closed via known methods such that the water can circulate through the pool and spa system 130 without being supplied to some components of the pool and spa system 130. In alternative instances, the system 130 may be provided with fewer components than illustrated, or the pool and spa system 130 may be provided with additional components. In yet other instances, the position and location of the conduits 146 may be altered such that the fluid path via which the water flows to and from the pool 132 and the spa 134 is altered.

The pool 132 and the spa 134 may be any pool or spa that is known in the art. By way of example, the pool 132 and/or the spa 134 may be provided as a fresh-water system, a salt-water system, an indoor system, an outdoor system, and the like. In some instances, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the pool 132 and the spa 134 may be provided as a single body connected by a fluid pathway 148. In alternative instances, the pool 132 and the spa 134 may be provided as separate bodies without being coupled together by the fluid pathway 148. In yet other instances, the pool 132 and the spa 134 may not be in fluid communication, or one of the pool 132 or the spa 134 may not be provided as part of the pool and spa system 130.

The pump 136 may be provided in the form of a single-speed pump, a two-speed pump, or a variable-speed pump. The pump 136 may be designed to facilitate the flow of water through the pool and spa system 130 via the conduits 146. For example, the pump 136 may draw water from the pool and spa system 130 through the drains 144, and then provide the water to the filter 138, the heater 100, and/or the chlorinator 140 via the conduits 146. Eventually, the pump 136 may cause the water to return to the pool 132 or the spa 134 via return inlets 150 that are coupled to the pool 132 and the spa 134.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the filter 138 may be provided in the form of a sand filter, a diatomaceous earth filter, a cartridge filter, or hybrid filter. Water may be pumped into the filter 138 by the pump 136 such that contaminants and debris can be removed from the water of the pool and spa system 130. For example, the filter 138 may generally remove particulate matter from the system 130, which can clog other components of the system 130 and/or cause the water of the pool and spa system 130 to appear cloudy. The chlorinator 140 may be provided in the form of an in-line chlorinator or an off-line chlorinator. The chlorinator 140 may be designed to dose the water flowing through the system 130 with chemicals to help the pool maintain a consistent and desired value of chlorine within the water of the pool 132 or the spa 134. The chlorinator 140 may be provided with, by way of example, chlorine tablets, chlorine granules, liquid chlorine, and/or salt to supply the chlorinator 140 with a source of chlorine. In some instances, the chlorinator 140 may be omitted due to the use of condensate provided by the heater 100.

In some instances, the chlorinator 140 may be replaced and provided as a chemical dosing system (not illustrated). The chemical dosing system may be adapted to provide at least one chemical to the water flowing through the conduits 146, or the chemical dosing system may provide the at least one chemical directly to the pool and spa system 130. In such instances, the chemical dosing system may be provided as the IntelliChem® Water Chemistry Pool Controller provided by Pentair, Inc. and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,191,498, 10,990,115, and 11,687,103, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/342,675, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some instances, the chemical dosing system may be omitted due to the use of condensate provided by the heater 100.

The conduits 146 coupling the components of the pool and spa system 130 together, including the return inlets 150, drain conduits 152, and the valves 142 may be designed to ensure that the components of the system 130 are in fluid communication. Advantageously, at least a portion of the waste condensate generated by the heater 100 can be provided to any of the conduits 146 or directly to the pool 132 or the spa 134. Thus, the waste condensate generated by the heater 100 may be used to help control or adjust the pH level of the water of the pool and spa system 130 such that the pH level remains in an optimal range. The optimal range of the pH values for the water of the pool and spa system 130 may be about 7 to about 8, or about 7.2 to about 7.8. Preferably, the optimal range of the pH values for the water of the pool and spa system 130 may be about 7.4 to about 7.6.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the pool and spa system 130 and/or the various components of the pool and spa system 130 (including the heater 100) may optionally be in communication with a control system or controller 154. The controller 154 can be provided in the form of a data-processing device configured to transmit and receive data from the pool and spa system 130. The controller 154 may include a processor 156 and a memory 158.

The processor 156 includes an input 164 that is configured to receive information via process signals (e.g., signals from a measurement device, such as a first measurement device 170 and/or a second measurement device 171) and may process signals and/or received data and determine instructions to be sent back to the system 130 via an output 166.

The output 166 may take the form of a process control action. Example process control actions may include sending signals to a first dosing mechanism 214 associated with the heater 100 (see FIG. 3) to change the amount of waste condensate provided to the pool 132 or spa 134. Other process control actions may include routing the waste condensate to a neutralizer cartridge 208 (see FIG. 3) such that any excess waste condensate generated by the heater 100 can be neutralized before being provided to the pool and spa system 130 or a drain in fluid communication with the heater 100. In some instances, only a partial stream of the waste condensate is neutralized. Additional process control actions may include routing the waste condensate to a filter system (e.g., filter systems 415, 515 of FIGS. 5 and 6) to filter contaminants such as particulate matter from the waste condensate before the waste condensate is provided to the pool or spa system 130. In some instances, the filter system may be provided within the heater 100 and may filter the waste condensate before combining the waste condensate with heater water generated by the heater 100. Other process control actions may include providing the waste condensate to the filter 138 before the waste condensate is provided to the pool or spa system 130. Yet other process control actions may include routing the waste condensate from the heater 100 to a waste condensate collection mechanism 232 (see FIG. 3) before the waste condensate is provided to the pool or spa system 130, such that any excess waste condensate generated by the heater 100 can be stored for future use, either to help control the pH level of the system 130 or for other uses. Further process control actions may include routing the waste condensate from the heater 100 directly to a drain or to the waste condensate collection mechanism 232 (which may be located exterior to the housing 102) and then to a drain.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the memory 158 can be configured to store data received from the system 130. The memory 158 includes software 160 and data 162, and the memory 158 is designed for the storage and retrieval of processed information to be processed by the processor 156. The memory 158 can be implemented as a stand-alone memory unit and/or as part of a processor included in the controller 154. In some instances, the memory 158 may retain historical information regarding a consumer's usage of the pool 132 or spa 134 such that changes in the pH value of the pool 132 or the spa 134 can be predicted by the controller 154. For example, the memory 158 may retain information related to the bather load of the pool 132 or the spa 134, the size of the pool 132 or the spa 134, historical trends in the pH value of the pool 132 or the spa 134, historical trends related to at least one parameter of the water of the pool and spa system 130 (as described herein), and the like. In some such instances, the controller 154 may use this information as input 164 to adapt or change the amount of waste condensate provided to the pool 132 or the spa 134.

The controller 154 may operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, and/or may read executable software instructions from the memory 158 or a computer-readable medium (e.g., a hard drive, a CD-ROM, flash memory), and/or may receive instructions via the input 164 from a user (e.g., through a user device or a display 1000 in communication with the controller 154 via a cloud 1002 and a network 1004), or another source logically connected to a computer or device, such as another networked computer, or server, or a logically connected network 1004. For example, the network 1004 may be used to control the heater 100 via the controller 154 either on-site or remotely.

In one non-limiting instance, the network 1004 may be coupled to the memory 158 and/or the controller 154, which may include program instructions that are stored in the memory 158 and executable by the processor 156 to perform one or more of the methods described herein, such as controlling the heater 100 or one or more components of the heater 100.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the network 1004 can be provided in the form of a network interface, a local network, or other communication connection and is not limited to the plurality of communication connections. One skilled in the art will recognize that a communication connection can transmit and receive data using a plurality of communication protocols, including but not limited to wired, wireless, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, GPS, RS-485, RF, MODBUS, CAN, CANBUS, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Ethernet TCP/IP, RS-232, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Firewire, Thread, proprietary protocol(s), or other communication protocol(s) as applicable. In some instances, the network 1004 is located proximate to one or more components of the pool and spa system 130.

The network 1004 can include the Internet, intranets, extranets, wide area networks (“WANs”), local area networks (“LANs”), wired networks, wireless networks, cloud networks (such as the cloud 1002 in FIG. 2), or other suitable networks, or any combination of two or more networks, Ethernet networks, and other types of networks. The networks, such as 1002 and/or 1004, may be configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the display 1000 or a user device, such as a mobile phone having an application, to either receive information and/or transmit information to the controller 154 and/or one or more components of the system 130.

Referring again to FIG. 2, suitable connections 172 coupling the controller 154 to the heater 100, the first measurement device 170, the second measurement device 171, and/or other components of the pool and spa system 130 may include transmitters that allow process signals, such as electrical signals, to be transmitted. In some aspects, the electrical signals may be transferred via a wired connection or through a wireless network connection (e.g., the network 1004). Other hardware elements may be included in the controller 154, for example, transducers, analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, and digital-to-analog (D/A) converters that allow process information to be recognizable in computer form, and computer commands accessible to the process. For the sake of clarity, only the connections 172 between the heater 100, the controller 154, the first measurement device 170, and the second measurement device 171 are illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the pool and spa system 130 may also include the first measurement device 170 configured to measure at least one parameter of the water of the pool and spa system 130. The first measurement device 170 may be provided in or coupled to the drain conduits 152, the return inlets 150, and/or the conduits 146. Preferably, the first measurement device 170 is provided upstream of the heater 100 such that the measurement of the at least one parameter of the water is carried out before the waste condensate is provided to the water. For example, in FIG. 2, the first measurement device 170 is positioned and located in a fluid flow path upstream of the heater 100.

The first measurement device 170 may be provided in the form of at least one sensor that can detect at least one parameter of water from a pool or a spa, including at least one of a turbidity level, a total dissolved solids level, a pH level, an alkalinity level, a cyanuric acid concentration, an oxidation-reduction potential, a heavy metal concentration, a microbial concentration, an algae concentration, an ozone concentration, a total chlorine level, a free chlorine level, a contaminant concentration, or a combined chlorine level of the water sample. Preferably, the at least one parameter measured by the first measurement device 170 includes the pH level of the water of the pool and spa system 130. The first measurement device 170 may be provided in the form of a test strip, a drop test, a series of drop tests, a spectrometer, a colorimeter, an ammeter, or combinations thereof. As an additional example, the first measurement device 170 may be provided in the form of the ChemCheck® Water Quality Measuring System provided by Pentair, Inc. and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,752,893, 8,459,100, and 11,754,545, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

As previously described, the first measurement device 170 may be in communication with the controller 154. As such, when the first measurement device 170 measures at least one parameter of the water (e.g., a pH level of the water), a measured value of the at least one parameter is provided as the input 164 to the controller 154. The measured value can then be compared against threshold values retained in the memory 158 of the controller 154. In some instances, if the measured value is at or above a first threshold value, the controller 154 may direct the first dosing mechanism 214 (see FIG. 3) to provide the waste condensate, or an additional amount of the waste condensate, to the pool 132 or the spa 134. In some instances, if the measured value is below a second threshold value, the controller 154 may direct the first dosing mechanism 214 to provide less (or no) waste condensate to the pool 132 or the spa 134. In some instances, when the measured value is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the controller 154 may not alter the amount of waste condensate provided to the pool 132 or the spa 134. In yet other instances, the controller 154 may consider a plurality of parameters of the at least one parameter when determining the amount of waste condensate that the first dosing mechanism 214 will provide to the pool 132 or the spa 134.

Moreover, the pool and spa system 130 may also include the second measurement device 171 configured to measure at least one parameter of the water of the pool and spa system 130. The second measurement device 171 may be provided in or coupled to the drain conduits 152, the return inlets 150, and/or the conduits 146. Preferably, the second measurement device 171 is provided downstream of the heater 100. In such instances, the second measurement device 171 may determine either at least one parameter of the waste condensate or at least one parameter of a water stream that has been dosed with the waste condensate before the streams are provided to the pool 132 or the spa 134. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second measurement device 171 is positioned and located in a fluid flow path downstream of the heater 100. The second measurement device 171 may be provided in the form of at least one sensor that can detect at least one parameter of water and/or the waste condensate, including at least one of a turbidity level, a total dissolved solids level, a pH level, an alkalinity level, a cyanuric acid concentration, an oxidation-reduction potential, a heavy metal concentration, a microbial concentration, an algae concentration, an ozone concentration, a total chlorine level, a free chlorine level, a contaminant concentration, or a combined chlorine level. Preferably, the at least one parameter measured by the second measurement device 171 includes the pH level of the water and/or the waste condensate of the pool and spa system 130. The second measurement device 171 may be provided in the form of a test strip, a drop test, a series of drop tests, a spectrometer, a colorimeter, an ammeter, or combinations thereof. As an additional example, the second measurement device 171 may be provided in the form of the ChemCheck® Water Quality Measuring System provided by Pentair, Inc. and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,752,893 and 8,459,100, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/801,434, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Referring now to FIG. 3, selected interior components of the heater 100 are illustrated. The interior components of the heater 100 may be provided in the form of a heat exchanger 200, a heat exchanger inlet conduit 202, a heat exchanger outlet conduit 204, a waste condensate outlet 206, an optional neutralizer cartridge 208, and a control board 210 positioned and disposed within an interior 212 of the housing 102. The heat exchanger 200, the waste condensate outlet 206, and the neutralizer cartridge 208 may be in fluid communication with the inlet 105 and the outlet 106.

Water is provided to the heat exchanger 200 via the inlet 105. The water may flow through the inlet 105, into the heat exchanger inlet conduit 202, and then to the heat exchanger 200. Once the water is introduced to the heat exchanger 200, the water may be warmed by the heater 100. After the water is warmed by the heat exchanger 200, the water may then flow out of the heat exchanger 200 and to the outlet 106 via the heat exchanger outlet conduit 204.

As the water is heated in the heat exchanger 200, the waste condensate may be generated. In some instances, the heat exchanger 200 may produce between about 2 gallons to about 3 gallons of the waste condensate during each hour of operation, although the heat exchanger 200 could produce more or less waste condensate per hour depending on the efficiency of the heater and/or the heat exchanger 200. The waste condensate generated by the heater 100 and/or the heat exchanger 200 may be acidic, in that the waste condensate may be generated with a pH value of less than about 7. For example, the waste condensate generated by the heater 100 and/or the heat exchanger 200 may be imparted with a pH value of about 2 to about 7, or about 3 to about 5, or about 3.1 to about 4.2. For example, the waste condensate may be imparted with a pH value of less than about 7, or less than about 6, or less than about 5, or less than about 4, or less than about 3. Because the waste condensate generated by the heat exchanger 200 may be acidic, the waste condensate may be utilized to control or alter the pH level of the pool 132 or the spa 134 (see FIG. 2).

Without being bound to a particular theory, the waste condensate may be generated as a byproduct of a combustion reaction that occurs within the heat exchanger 200. In particular, the waste condensate generated by the heater 100 may comprise water, carbon dioxide, and other acidic components. As the carbon dioxide or the other acidic components dissolve in the water of the waste condensate, the waste condensate will be imparted with a lower pH value through known chemical processes.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the waste condensate generated by the heater 100 and/or the heat exchanger 200 may be provided to one or more locations including the outlet 106, the heat exchanger outlet conduit 204, to the optional neutralizer cartridge 208, the waste condensate collection mechanism 232, the filter system (not shown), and/or a drain (not shown). In some instances, the waste condensate may be provided to the outlet 106, to the heat exchanger outlet conduit 204, the neutralizer cartridge 208, the waste condensate collection mechanism 232, the filter system, and/or the drain via the first dosing mechanism 214. The first dosing mechanism 214 may be in fluid communication with any of the heat exchanger outlet conduit 204, the outlet 106, the neutralizer cartridge 208, the waste condensate collection mechanism 232, the filter system, and/or the drain.

The first dosing mechanism 214 may be provided in the form of any mechanism that is designed to deliver a metered amount of a fluid. For example, the first dosing mechanism 214 may be provided in the form of an injector that is in fluid communication with a source of the waste condensate (e.g., a waste condensate collection mechanism 232). By way of non-limiting example, the first dosing mechanism 214 may be provided in the form of a piston-plunger mechanism, a mechanical diaphragm, a hydraulic diaphragm, a flow control valve, a blend valve, a fixed orifice, a venture meter, a metering pump, a piston valve, and/or a micro-doser.

The first dosing mechanism 214 may be in electrical communication with the control board 210, the controller 154, and/or the network 1004 (shown in FIG. 2). Like the controller 154 (see FIG. 2), the control board 210 may include a processor 216 and a memory 218. The memory 218 includes software 220 and data 222 and is designed for the storage and retrieval of processed information to be processed by the processor 216. The processor 216 includes an input 224 that is configured to receive process signals (e.g., signals from the first measurement device 170 or a sensor 234) via the input 224. The control board 210 may operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, and/or may read executable software instructions from the memory 218 or a computer-readable medium (e.g., a hard drive, a CD-ROM, flash memory), and/or may receive instructions via the input 224 from a user, or another source logically connected to a computer or device, such as the controller 154 or another networked computer, server, or cloud (e.g. the cloud 1002 of FIG. 2). For example, the server may be used to control the heater 100 via the control board 210 on-site or remotely.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the processor 216 may process the process signals and the input 224 to generate an output 226. The output 226 may take the form of a process control action substantially similar in form and function to the process control actions of the output 166 of the controller 154. For example, process control actions associated with the output 226 may include sending signals to the first dosing mechanism 214 associated with the heater 100 to change the amount of waste condensate provided to the pool 132 or the spa 134. As an additional example, another process control action associated with the output 226 may include routing the waste condensate to the neutralizer cartridge 208 such that any excess waste condensate generated by the heater 100 can be neutralized before being provided to the pool or a drain in fluid communication with the heater 100.

In some instances, the controller 154 may direct or control the actions of the control board 210. For example, commands from the controller 154 may be provided to the control board 210. The control board 210 may then relay the commands to the components of the heater 100 (e.g., the first dosing mechanism 214). In other instances, the heater 100 may not be provided with the control board 210. In such instances, the actions of the heater 100 (and/or the various components of the heater 100) may be controlled by the controller 154.

In other instances, the network 1004 (see FIG. 2) may be coupled to the memory 218 and/or the control board 210, which may include program instructions that are stored in the memory 218 and executable by the processor 216 to perform one or more of the methods described herein, such as controlling the heater 100 or one of the heater components. In addition, the control board 210 may be in communication with the display 1000 and the cloud 1002 (also see FIG. 2). The functionality of the display 1000, the cloud 1002, and the network 1004 with respect to the control board 210 may be substantially identical as described with respect to the controller 154 of FIG. 2.

In some instances, the memory 218 may retain historical information regarding the consumer's usage of the pool 132 or the spa 134 such that changes in the pH value of the pool 132 or the spa 134 can be predicted by the control board 210. For example, the memory 218 may retain information related to the bather load of the pool 132 or the spa 134, the size of the pool 132 or the spa 134, historical trends in the pH value of the pool 132 or the spa 134, historical trends related to at least one parameter of the water of the pool and spa system 130, and the like. In some such instances, the control board 210 may use this information as input 224 to adapt or change the amount of waste condensate provided to the pool 132 or the spa 134 by the heater 100.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the heater 100 is optionally provided with the neutralizer cartridge 208, although in other versions of the heater 100, the neutralizer cartridge 208 may not be provided. In some instances, the neutralizer cartridge 208 is upstream of and in fluid communication with the first dosing mechanism 214. The neutralizer cartridge 208 may be provided in the form of a cylindrical tube that is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 200 and/or the first dosing mechanism 214, although other shapes and forms for the neutralizer cartridge 208 are foreseeable. The neutralizer cartridge 208 may retain a neutralizing agent (not illustrated) within a body 228 of the neutralizer cartridge 208. The neutralizing agent may act to reduce the acidity of the waste condensate generated by the heat exchanger 200. The neutralizing agent may be provided in the form of particles, tablets, and/or an aqueous solution and may be provided as an alkaline chemical or compound. For example, the neutralizing agent may be provided in the form of calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium hydroxide, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonia, or mixtures thereof.

The neutralizing agent may be utilized to impart the waste condensate generated by the heater 100 with a higher pH value when the controller 154 and/or the control board 210 determines that the pH level of the waste condensate is below a predetermined value (e.g., as detected by the sensor 234) and/or when the pH value of the pool 132 or the spa 134 is in the optimal range. For example, the controller 154 and/or the control board 210 may direct the heater 100 to provide the waste condensate to the neutralizer cartridge 208 when the pH level of the pool 132 or the spa 134 is within the optimal pH range. As an additional example, the controller 154 and/or the control board 210 may direct the first dosing mechanism 214 to provide a portion of the waste condensate to the neutralizer cartridge 208 when not all the waste condensate generated by the heater 100 is needed to adjust or control the pH level of the pool and spa system 130. As a further example, the controller 154 and/or the control board 210 may direct the first dosing mechanism 214 to provide a portion of the waste condensate to the neutralizer cartridge 208 when the pH level of the waste condensate is below the predetermined value. Thus, the neutralizer cartridge 208 may provide the heater 100 with processes that the heater 100 can use to adjust the pH level of the waste condensate before the waste condensate is provided to the pool and spa system 130 or a drain.

In some instances, the neutralizer cartridge 208 may impart the waste condensate with a pH value of about 4.5 to about 9.5. For example, the neutralizer cartridge 208 may impart the waste condensate with a pH value of greater than about 5, or greater than about 5.5, or greater than about 6, or greater than about 6.5, or greater than about 7. For example, the neutralizer cartridge 208 may impart the waste condensate with a pH value of about 5 to about 7.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the heater 100 is optionally provided with a waste condensate filter system (not shown) within the housing 102, although in other instances of the heater 100, the filter system may not be provided. In further instances, the filter system is provided outside of the heater 100 and is in fluid communication with the waste condensate outlet 206. For example, the filter system may be provided as the filter 138 (see FIG. 2). In some instances, the filter system is positioned upstream of the first dosing mechanism 214 and/or downstream of the waste condensate collection mechanism 232, although the filter system can be positioned upstream of the waste condensate collection mechanism 232.

Like the filter 138, the filter system may be provided in the form of a sand filter, a diatomaceous earth filter, a cartridge filter, or a hybrid filter. Generally, the waste condensate filter system may remove contaminants (e.g., particulate matter) from the waste condensate that could clog other components of the pool and spa system 130 and/or cause the water of the pool and spa system 130 to appear cloudy if such contaminants are present in the waste condensate.

Further, the filter system may have at least one sensor or measuring mechanism (not shown) designed to be in electrical communication with the controller 154 and/or the control board 210. The sensor may be adapted to measure the contaminants within the waste condensate before the waste condensate is provided to the pool and spa system 130.

In some instances, an optional secondary waste condensate outlet 230 may be coupled to or in fluid communication with the waste condensate outlet 206. The outlets 206, 230 may be provided in the form of tubing or pipes designed to place components of the pool and spa system 130 into fluid communication. In such instances, a portion of the waste condensate that has passed through the neutralizer cartridge 208 (i.e., a neutralized waste condensate) may be provided to the heat exchanger outlet conduit 204, and/or a portion of the neutralized waste condensate may be provided to a drain via waste condensate outlet 206 or may be provided to the waste condensate collection mechanism 232.

Further, a second dosing mechanism (not illustrated) may be coupled to the secondary waste condensate outlet 230. Like the first dosing mechanism 214, the second dosing mechanism may be in electrical communication with the controller 154 and/or the control board 210. The second dosing mechanism may be adapted to meter the amount of neutralized waste condensate that is provided to the pool and spa system 130 and/or the drain. In some instances, the neutralized waste condensate may still be slightly or somewhat acidic and thus can be used to lower the pH level of the pool 132 or the spa 134. In other instances, the neutralized waste condensate may be imparted with a pH value of about 7 or above about 7. In such instances, a portion of the neutralized waste condensate may be provided to the pool and spa system 130 to impart the water of the pool and spa system 130 with a higher pH value. It should be appreciated that waste condensate can be neutralized to a smaller or higher degree based on various applications and the amount of neutralizing agent being utilized. In some instances, the condensate may be neutralized to a lesser degree, and thus the condensate is imparted with a lower pH.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the waste condensate collection mechanism 232 may be provided within or coupled to the heater 100. The collection mechanism 232 may be provided in the form of a vessel that is adapted to retain at least a portion of the waste condensate generated by the heater 100. The collection mechanism 232 is coupled to the heat exchanger 200 and is provided in a fluid flow path upstream of the first dosing mechanism 214, although the collection mechanism 232 may also be provided elsewhere (e.g., in a fluid flow path downstream of the first dosing mechanism 214 or proximate to the heater 100).

The collection mechanism 232 may store excess waste condensate generated by the heater 100 until a metered amount of the waste condensate is provided to the pool and spa system 130 by the first dosing mechanism 214 and/or the second dosing mechanism (if the second dosing mechanism provided). In some instances, the collection mechanism 232 is designed to retain up to about 10 gallons of waste condensate. For example, the collection mechanism 232 may be designed to retain at least about 0.5 gallons, or at least about 1 gallon, or at least about 2 gallons, or at least about 5 gallons, or at least about 8 gallons of waste condensate.

Additionally, the waste condensate collection mechanism 232 may be in fluid communication with the second measurement device 171 and/or at least one sensor adapted to measure at least one parameter or characteristic of the waste condensate. Each sensor of the at least one sensor may be in electrical communication with the controller 154 and/or the control board 210. For example, the first sensor (not shown) may be provided in a fluid flow path of the waste condensate prior to the waste condensate entering the collection mechanism 232. In some instances, the first sensor may be at or near an inlet (not shown) of the waste condensate collection mechanism 232. As an additional example, the waste condensate collection mechanism 232 may include a second sensor (not shown) provided in a fluid flow path of the waste condensate prior to the waste condensate leaving the collection mechanism 232. In some instances, the second sensor may be coupled to, positioned proximate to, or otherwise in fluid communication with an outlet of the waste condensate collection mechanism 232. Preferably, the first and second sensors are provided in the form of a pH meter or a pH probe that is configured to measure the pH value of the waste condensate. As yet another example, a third sensor (not shown) coupled to the collection mechanism 232 may be adapted to measure or determine the volume of waste condensate retained within the collection mechanism 232.

Measured values from the first, second, and/or third sensors may be provided to the controller 154 and/or control board 210 such that the controller 154 and/or control board 210 can provide a process control signal to the collection mechanism 232. For example, the process control signal may be provided to the collection mechanism 232 to alter the amount of the waste condensate stored within the collection mechanism 232, to alter the amount of the waste condensate that is provided to the drain, and/or to monitor the amount of waste condensate directed to the first dosing mechanism 214 prior to the waste condensate being directed to the pool 132 or the spa 134. In another example, the process control signal may be provided to alter the pH value of the waste condensate, such as directing the waste condensate to the neutralizer cartridge 208, if provided. In one instance, a process control signal may direct a portion of the waste condensate from the waste condensate collection mechanism 232 and to a drain once a measured amount of the waste condensate is provided to the pool and spa system 130.

In other instances, if the collection mechanism 232 is not provided, or if the collection mechanism 232 is full, or at any other time, the controller 154, the control board 210, and/or the first dosing mechanism 214 may direct a portion of the waste condensate to the drain (not illustrated) that is provided adjacent to or remotely from the heater 100. Preferably, if the neutralizer cartridge 208 is provided, the waste condensate is provided to the neutralizer cartridge 208 before being provided to the drain. The drain may be in fluid communication with a residential or commercial sewer system (not illustrated). As such, any excess waste condensate generated by the heater 100 may be disposed of via the residential or commercial sewer system. In some instances, the drain may be coupled to a fluid collection tank wherein the excess waste condensate can be collected for other uses, as desired by a user.

In some instances, the first dosing mechanism 214 may be provided with the sensor 234. Alternatively, the sensor 234 may be provided in a fluid flow path between the heat exchanger 200 and the first dosing mechanism 214. The sensor 234, like the first measurement device 170, may be adapted to measure at least one parameter of water (in this case, the waste condensate generated by the heat exchanger 200). Preferably, the sensor 234 is provided in the form of a pH meter or a pH probe configured to measure the pH value of the waste condensate. Measured values from the sensor 234 may be provided to the controller 154 and/or control board 210 such that the controller 154 and/or control board 210 can provide a process control signal to the heater 100. For example, the process control signal may be provided to the first dosing mechanism 214 to alter the amount of the waste condensate that is provided to the pool 132 or the spa 134 by the first dosing mechanism 214. As an additional example, the process control signal may direct the first dosing mechanism 214 to provide the waste condensate to the neutralizer cartridge 208 before the waste condensate is provided to the pool and spa system 130. As yet another example, the process control signal may direct the first dosing mechanism 214 to provide a dilutant to the waste condensate such that the pH level of the waste condensate may be altered, as explained in further detail herein.

In some instances, the first dosing mechanism 214 may be in fluid communication with or otherwise provided with a dilutant tank 236. The dilutant tank 236 may be provided in the form of a vessel wherein a solid, a liquid, or an aqueous dilutant can be retained until the dilutant is utilized by the first dosing mechanism 214. The dilutant may generally be provided as any substance that can reduce the concentration of acidic compounds in the waste condensate generated by the heat exchanger 200. For example, the dilutant may be provided as water. As an additional example, the dilutant may be provided as an alkaline aqueous solution. In some instances, the dilutant tank 236 may be in fluid communication with a source (not illustrated) that may provide additional dilutant to the dilutant tank 236 as the dilutant is consumed by the first dosing mechanism 214. In some instances, if the sensor 234 detects that the pH level of the waste condensate is at or below the predetermined value, the controller 154 and/or the control board 210 may provide a process control signal to the first dosing mechanism 214 such that a metered amount of the dilutant is provided to the waste condensate; in turn, the dilutant may impart the waste condensate with a higher pH value before the waste condensate is provided to the pool 132, the spa 134, or the drain.

Turning to FIG. 4, a heater 300 designed to generate a waste condensate that may be used to control or adjust the pH value of water associated with a pool or a spa is provided. The heater 300 may have a substantially similar function and operation as the heater 100. Further, similarly named and/or numbered components of the heater 300 may have substantially the same function and configuration as the similarly named and/or numbered components described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. In comparison to the heater 100, the heater 300 may be provided in the form of a housing 302 with a body 304 that includes a neutralizer cartridge 308 coupled to a bottom surface 310 of the housing 302. In addition, a second dosing mechanism 312 is coupled to the bottom surface 310 of the housing 302 and is in fluid communication with a waste condensate outlet 306 provided on or coupled to the bottom surface 310. As discussed with reference to FIG. 3, the second dosing mechanism 312 may direct a portion of the neutralized waste condensate to the heat exchanger fluid outlet conduit (not illustrated) such that the neutralized waste condensate may be used to help control or adjust the pH level of a pool or a spa.

Like the heater 100, the waste condensate generated by the heater 300 may be provided to a first dosing mechanism 314. In accordance with the teachings herein, the first dosing mechanism 314 may provide the waste condensate to the heat exchanger fluid outlet conduit and/or the neutralizer cartridge 308.

Turning next to FIG. 5, a heater 400 designed to generate a waste condensate that may be used to control or adjust the pH level of a pool or a spa 416 is provided. The heater 400 may have a substantially similar function and operation as the heaters 100, 300. Further, similarly named and/or numbered components of the heater 400 may have substantially the same function and configuration as the similarly named and/or numbered components described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. In comparison to the heaters 100, 300, a neutralizer cartridge 408 and a waste condensate filter system 415 of the heater 400 are disposed physically remote from the heater 400. Thus, the waste condensate generated by the heater 400 may be routed to an external conduit 410 that is in fluid communication with the neutralizer cartridge 408 and filtered by the filter system 415 before being provided to the pool or spa 416. Further, a waste condensate outlet 406 may be coupled to the neutralizer cartridge 408 and a second dosing mechanism 412. Like the second dosing mechanisms described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second dosing mechanism 412 may direct at least a portion of a neutralized waste condensate generated by the neutralizer cartridge 408 to the pool or spa 416. Alternatively, or additionally, the second dosing mechanism 412 may direct at least a portion of the neutralized waste condensate to a drain 418. The neutralized waste condensate may be provided directly to the pool or spa 416 via the waste condensate outlet 406, as illustrated, or the neutralized waste condensate may be provided to the heated water generated by the heater 400 before the waste condensate is provided to the pool or spa 416.

In some instances, the filter system 415 may be provided upstream of the second dosing mechanism 412 such that contaminants (e.g., particulate matter) may be filtered from the waste condensate before the waste condensate is provided to the second dosing mechanism 412.

The drain 418 may be in fluid communication with a residential or commercial sewer system (not illustrated). As such, any excess neutralized waste condensate generated by the heater 400 may be disposed of via the residential or commercial sewer system. In some instances, such as illustrated in FIG. 4, the drain may be provided remotely from the heater 400. In other instances, the drain 418 may be coupled to a fluid collection tank wherein the excess neutralized waste condensate can be collected for other uses, as desired by a user.

Like the heaters 100, 300 the waste condensate generated by the heater 400 may be provided to a first dosing mechanism 414. In accordance with the teachings herein, the first dosing mechanism 414 may provide the waste condensate to the heat exchanger fluid outlet conduit (not illustrated) and/or the neutralizer cartridge 408.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a heater 500 designed to generate a waste condensate that may be used to control or adjust the pH level of water of a pool or a spa is provided. The heater 500 may have a substantially similar function and operation as the heaters 100, 300, 400. Further, similarly named and/or numbered components of the heater 500 may have substantially the same function and configuration as the similarly named and/or numbered components described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. The heater 500 may be provided in the form of a housing 502 having a body 504 that includes a bottom surface 511. Like the heater 300, a neutralizer cartridge 508 may be coupled to the bottom surface 511 of the heater 500 and a second dosing mechanism 512 may be provided remote from the heater 500. Like the second dosing mechanisms described with reference to FIGS. 3-5, the second dosing mechanism 512 may direct at least a portion of a neutralized waste condensate generated by the neutralizer cartridge 508 to a pool or spa 516 via an external conduit 510. In addition, the waste condensate may be provided to a filter system 515 before being provided to the pool or spa 516. Alternatively, or additionally, the second dosing mechanism 512 may direct at least a portion of the neutralized waste condensate to a drain 518. The neutralized waste condensate may be provided directly to the pool or spa 516 via a waste condensate outlet 506, as illustrated, or the neutralized waste condensate may be provided to heated water generated by the heater 500 before the waste condensate is provided to the pool or spa 516.

The drain 518 may be in fluid communication with a residential or commercial sewer system (not illustrated). As such, any excess neutralized waste condensate generated by the heater 500 may be disposed of via the residential or commercial sewer system. In some instances, such as illustrated in FIG. 5, the drain may be provided remotely from the heater 500. In other instances, the drain 518 may be coupled to a fluid collection tank wherein the excess neutralized waste condensate can be collected for other uses, as desired by a user.

Like the heaters 100, 300, 400, the waste condensate generated by the heater 500 may be provided to a first dosing mechanism 514. In accordance with the teachings herein, the first dosing mechanism 514 may provide the waste condensate to the heat exchanger fluid outlet conduit (not illustrated) and/or the neutralizer cartridge 508.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a method 600 of controlling a pH value of water of a pool or a spa is provided. The method 600 may be used to impart the water with a higher pH value, with a lower pH value, or help maintain the pH value within an optimal range.

The method 600 may comprise a step 602 of providing a pool or spa heater having a housing, a heat exchanger, and a waste condensate outlet in fluid communication with the pool. The method 600 may also comprise a step 604 of operating the heater for a time period and generating a waste condensate. The method 600 may further comprise a step 606 of collecting at least a portion of the waste condensate.

In some instances, the step 606 includes collecting the waste condensate in a collection mechanism, such as the collection mechanism 232. After the collection mechanism is full, excess waste condensate may be directed to the drain, and/or the collection mechanism may be at least partially drained so that the collection mechanism may be refilled with additional waste condensate from the heater. In other instances, the collection mechanism may store the waste condensate until a portion of the waste condensate is delivered to the pool or the spa.

The method 600 also may include an optional step 608 of filtering the waste condensate for contaminants. In some instances, the contaminants targeted for removal by the filtering process include particulate matter. In some instances, the filtering of the waste condensate is carried out before the waste condensate is provided to the water of the pool or spa.

The method 600 may also include an optional step 610 of neutralizing at least a portion of the waste condensate. In some instances, the optional step 610 may be implemented when the waste condensate is imparted with a pH value that is too acidic (e.g., if the waste condensate is imparted with a pH value of less than about 2, or less than about 3). In other instances, the optional step 610 may be implemented when water from the pool or spa is imparted with a pH level within an optimal range. In addition, the optional step 610 may be implemented prior to the pool or spa being dosed with the waste condensate.

The method 600 may further comprise a step 612 of dosing the pool with at least a portion of the waste condensate via the waste condensate outlet. The pool may be provided waste condensate at least until the pH level of the pool reaches the optimal pH range. Various measurements may be taken in accordance with the test procedures outlined herein to determine the pH level at various intervals (e.g., before dosing the pool with condensate, after dosing the pool a first time with a portion of condensate, additional times after the pool has been dosed with a portion of condensate).

In some instances of the method 600, the optimal pH range of the pool or spa may be about 7 to about 8. In other instances of the method 600, the optimal pH range may be about 7.2 to about 7.8. In yet other instances of the method 600, the optimal pH range may be about 7.4 to about 7.6. In some instances of the method 600, the waste condensate is provided to a drain remote from the pool when the pH level is in the optimal pH range. In other instances of the method 600, a signal is provided to the heater to direct the waste condensate to the drain.

The method 600 may further comprise additional steps consistent with the teachings disclosed herein. In addition, the method 600 may comprise fewer steps than those described herein. Further, the method 600 may utilize any of the heaters 100, 300, 400, 500, and the various components of the heaters 100, 300, 400, 500 described herein.

The steps of the method 600 may be implemented using the controller 154, the control board 210, and/or the network 1004 to facilitate monitoring and/or metering the waste condensate into a pool or spa system such as the system 130.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the above disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the above disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the above disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A heater for a pool or a spa, the heater comprising:

a housing;

an outlet disposed in the housing, the outlet in fluid communication with the pool or the spa;

a first dosing mechanism designed to meter an amount of a waste condensate provided to the pool or the spa, wherein the waste condensate alters a pH value of water of the pool or the spa; and

a controller in electrical communication with the heater, wherein the controller is designed to control the first dosing mechanism to provide at least a portion of the waste condensate to the pool or the spa via the outlet.

2. The heater of claim 1 further comprising a measurement device designed to monitor a pH value of the waste condensate generated by the heater.

3. The heater of claim 2, wherein a neutralizer cartridge provides at least one of a neutralizing substance or a dilutant to the waste condensate if the pH value of the waste condensate is below a predetermined value.

4. The heater of claim 3 further comprising a second dosing mechanism in fluid communication with the neutralizer cartridge, wherein the second dosing mechanism is designed to meter an amount of neutralized waste condensate provided to a drain.

5. The heater of claim 1, wherein the heater is a condensing heater.

6. The heater of claim 1 further comprising a waste condensate collection mechanism configured to store at least a portion of the waste condensate prior to delivery of the waste condensate to the pool or the spa.

7. The heater of claim 1, wherein the first dosing mechanism is in fluid communication with a filter designed to remove particulate matter from the waste condensate, and the waste condensate is provided to the filter before being provided to the pool or the spa.

8. The heater of claim 1 further comprising a drain designed to direct the waste condensate away from the heater.

9. A method for controlling a pH value of pool water via a waste condensate from a pool heater, comprising:

providing the pool heater including a housing, a heat exchanger, and a waste condensate outlet, wherein the heat exchanger and the waste condensate outlet are in fluid communication with the pool water;

operating the pool heater and generating the waste condensate;

collecting the waste condensate;

dosing the pool water with at least a first portion of the waste condensate via the waste condensate outlet until the pH value of the pool water reaches an optimal pH range; and

sending a second portion of the waste condensate to a drain.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the optimal pH range is from about 7.2 to about 7.8.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the optimal pH range is from about 7.4 to about 7.6.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the second portion of the waste condensate is provided to a drain remote from the pool when the pH value of the pool water is in the optimal pH range.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising providing a signal from a control system to the pool heater to direct the waste condensate to a waste condensate collection mechanism.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising:

providing a control system in communication with the pool heater; and

providing a dosing mechanism configured to meter an amount of waste condensate provided to at least one of the pool, a waste condensate tank, or the drain,

wherein the control system determines the amount of waste condensate provided to the at least one of the pool, the waste condensate tank, or the drain.

15. The method of claim 9 further comprising neutralizing at least a second portion of the waste condensate.

16. A heater system for a pool or a spa, comprising:

a heater provided with a housing;

an outlet coupled to the housing, the outlet in fluid communication with the pool or the spa;

a collection mechanism in fluid communication with the outlet, the collection mechanism designed to collect waste condensate generated by the heater during operation; and

a controller in electrical communication with the heater, wherein the controller is designed to direct at least a portion of the waste condensate from the collection mechanism to the pool or the spa via the outlet, and the waste condensate alters a pH value of water of the pool or the spa.

17. The heater system of claim 16, further comprising a first dosing mechanism designed to meter an amount of the waste condensate provided to the pool or the spa.

18. The heater system of claim 17, further comprising a dilutant tank configured to administer a dilutant to the waste condensate.

19. The heater system of claim 16, wherein the collection mechanism is designed to retain up to about 10 gallons of the waste condensate.

20. The heater system of claim 16, wherein the collection mechanism is provided exterior to the housing of the heater.