Remotely controlling aspects of pools and spas

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.

1 . A method of remotely controlling at least one aspect of a first pool or spa, comprising:
 a. establishing communication with the Internet by at least one computerized server remote from the first pool or spa;   b. using the remote server, tracking a dynamic Internet protocol (IP) address of a networking device communicating with a controller of the first pool or spa;   c. causing control instructions to be communicated from the remote server to the networking device so as to control the at least one aspect of the first pool or spa; and   d. using the remote server, receiving information about the first pool or spa communicated by the networking device.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  in which the received information varies over time. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2  further comprising aggregating the received time-varying information for a selected period. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3  further comprising assessing the aggregated information and causing assessment information to be communicated to a user or servicer of the first pool or spa. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 3  further comprising:
 a. using the remote server, receiving time-varying information about a second pool or spa; and 
 b. aggregating the received time-varying information about the first and second pools or spas. 
 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5  further comprising assessing the aggregated information and causing assessment information to be communicated to a user or servicer of each of the first and second pools or spas. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising instructing configuration of the networking device for wireless communication with a router using a universal serial bus (USB) port or a secure digital (SD) card. 
     
     
         8 . A method of remotely controlling at least one aspect of a pool or spa, comprising:
 a. without using an Ethernet cable, configuring a networking device for wirelessly communicating with a router of an installation also including a pool or spa and a controller therefor;   b. effecting Internet-based communication between the router and a remote server capable of identifying the networking device; and   c. effecting transmission of control instructions from the remote server to the controller via the router and networking device so as to control at least one aspect of the pool or spa.   
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8  in which the act of configuring the networking device comprising using a universal serial bus (USB) or a secure digital (SD) card. 
     
     
         10 . A method of remotely controlling at least one aspect of a pool or spa, comprising:
 a. establishing communication with the Internet by at least one computerized server remote from the pool or spa;   b. causing control instructions to be communicated from the remote server via the Internet to a routerless system comprising a modem communicating with a controller so as to control the at least one aspect of the pool or spa; and   d. using the remote server, receiving information about the pool or spa communicated via the modem.   
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  further comprising effecting communication between the remote server and a mobile device configured for wireless communication with a cell phone network. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 10  in which the received information varies over time.