SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND CONTROLLING WATER CLARITY

Abstract

A system, method and apparatus for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity especially useful in pools, spas, and contained bodies of water.

Claims

1. A system for determining and controlling water clarity in a treatable body of water contained in a water containment apparatus comprising: a body of water contained in a water containment apparatus having a plurality of sides; a first transparent window positioned within one side of the water containment apparatus and a second transparent window positioned within an opposite side of the water containment apparatus; a light source capable of lighting up the water contained in the water containment apparatus wherein the light source is positioned outside of the water containment apparatus near the first transparent window; a light sensitive detection circuit positioned outside of the water containment apparatus near the second transparent window; and a control unit capable of receiving an output signal from the light sensitive detection circuit for determining a clarity level of the body of water.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a local indicator connected to the control unit and positioned close to the body of water for indicating the clarity level of the body of water based on the output signal from the light sensitive detection circuit.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a remote indicator connected to the control unit and positioned remotely from the body of water for indicating the clarity level of the body of water based on the output signal from the light sensitive detection circuit.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the remote indicator is wirelessly connected to the control unit.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the water containment apparatus comprises at least one of a spa, a pool, a water trough, a water cistern, and a water tank.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a water treatment system connected to the body of water and the control unit wherein the control unit is also capable of computing and sending a target signal to the water treatment system to treat the body of water.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the control unit is capable of continually receiving signals from the light sensitive detection circuit and capable of continuously communicating with the water treatment system to maintain a predetermined level of an active disinfectant within said body of water wherein said predetermined level of active disinfectant is determined based on the clarity level of the body of water.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the water treatment system comprises a chlorine or bromine generator and the control unit continually communicates with the chlorine or bromine generator to maintain a specific free chlorine level within the body of water where the specific level of free chlorine or bromine is determined based on the clarity level of the body of water.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein the water treatment system comprises at least one of a bromine generator, a chlorine generator, a filtration device, a chemical injection system, a UV treatment system, or another type of water treatment system or device.

10. A method for determining and controlling water clarity in at least one of a spa and pool comprising the steps of: a) providing a water chamber having opposing open ends and a water inlet and water outlet located between the opposing open ends where the water inlet is located near one of the opposing open ends of the water chamber and the water outlet is located near the other of the opposing open ends of the water chamber, a first transparent lens covering one of the opposing open ends of the water chamber, and a second transparent lens covering the other of the opposing open ends of the water chamber; b) directing water from said at least one of a spa and pool through the water chamber; c) employing a light source positioned at one of the opposing open ends of the water chamber located near the water inlet to light up water contained within the water chamber; d) providing a light sensitive detection circuit positioned at the other of the opposing open ends of the water chamber located near the water outlet; and e) employing a control unit to receive an output signal from the light sensitive detection circuit to determine a clarity level of the water in the water chamber.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of f) utilizing the control unit to compute and send a signal to a water treatment system connected to said at least one of a spa and pool to treat water in said at least one of a spa and pool.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein steps b) through f) are continuously repeated to maintain a predetermined level of an active disinfectant within said at least one of a spa and pool wherein said predetermined level of active disinfectant is determined based on the clarity level of the water in the water chamber.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of providing a local indicator connected to the control unit and positioned close to said at least one of a spa and pool for indicating the clarity of the water within said at least one of a spa and pool.

14. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of providing a remote indicator connected to the control unit and positioned remotely from said at least one of a spa and pool for indicating the clarity of the water within said at least one of a spa and pool.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of utilizing the control unit to compute a signal to send to a water treatment system comprises the step of utilizing the control unit to compute and send a signal to at least one of a bromine generator, a chlorine generator, a filtration device, a chemical injection system, and a dissolved air floatation unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The subject invention will hereafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing a prior art open loop chorine generator control system used in salt water spas and/or a prior art open loop sanitation control system used in fresh water spas or pools;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of an apparatus for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary closed loop system of the present invention for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity in a spa or pool;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention for determining and controlling water arity or water opacity shown alone without being connected to a control unit;

[0022] FIG. 5 is another exemplary embodiment of a water clarity monitoring and control system of the present invention for monitoring and controlling water clarity in a treatable body of water;

[0023] FIG. 6 is yet another embodiment of a water clarity monitoring and control system of the present invention for monitoring and controlling water clarity in a treatable body of water having an apparatus for monitoring and controlling water clarity integrated into an existing filtration system for a pool or spa; and

[0024] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method of the present invention for determining and controlling water clarity in a pool or spa.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention is directed to a system, method, and apparatus for determining, controlling and continuously monitoring the water clarity or water opacity of a treatable body of water such as the water contained in a spa, a pool, or any other body of water that needs to maintain a certain level of sanitation depending on its purpose. Any of the systems, methods, or apparatus that are described herein may be used to measure water clarity (i.e the clearness of the water) or water opacity (i.e. the opaqueness of the water). Either measurement of the water can be used to determine if the water needs more treatment, less treatment, or no treatment.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing a prior art open loop chlorine generator control system used in salt water spas and/or a prior art open loop sanitation control system used in fresh water spas. In this open loop system 10, water from a spa (or pool) is drawn through a filter 12. Once the water passes through filter 12, it is directed to, and passes through, a generator 14 such as a chlorine generator (in the case of a salt water spa or pool) or a sanitizer injector (in the case of a fresh water spa or pool). The generator 14 has a timer control 16 associated with it which is adjusted or set manually. After passing through the generator 14, the water is returned to the spa or pool via a circulation pump 18. This system is referred to as an open loop system because the generator 14 controls chlorine or bromine generation (in a salt water pool or spa) or the sanitization amount or level (in a fresh water pool or spa) is controlled or set manually with no automatic feedback loop to reset the generator 14. The present invention is directed to a system and method for determining and controlling water clarity or opacity that provides automated feedback to automatically adjust the generator 14.

[0027] The present invention also includes an apparatus for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention of an apparatus 20 for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity. Apparatus 20 includes a water chamber 22 having opposing open ends, a water inlet 24, and a water outlet 26. Opposing open ends of water chamber 22 are each covered with a transparent lens 28, 30. A light source 32 is positioned at one opposing end of the water chamber 22 while a light detection circuit 34 is positioned at the other opposing end of the water chamber 22. The light detection circuit 34 detects light contained within the water in the water chamber 22 and sends an output signal to a control unit 36 which determines the water clarity or water opacity of the water contained in the water chamber 22. The control unit 36 then determines whether the water in the spa or pool needs more treatment, less treatment, or no treatment based on the water clarity or water opacity and sends a signal to a treatment system to adjust treatment of the water if necessary.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary closed loop system of the present invention for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity in a spa or pool. System 40 for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity includes a filter 42 though which water enters the system. After filtration, the water passes through a generator 44 before being drawn into the circulation pump 46. The generator 44 may be a chlorine or bromine generator (which uses salt in the water in a salt water spa or pool to create either chlorine or bromine via electrolysis) or a sanitizer injector (which injects a chemical sanitizer such as bromine, chlorine, or some other chemical into fresh water contained in a fresh water spa or pool). After passing through the circulation pump 46, the water is directed into the water inlet 24 of the water chamber 22. Light source 32 lights up water contained in the water chamber 22 by shining light through transparent lens or window 28. Light detection circuit 34 detects light within the water through transparent lens or window 30 and sends a signal to control unit 36. Control unit 36 determines water clarity or water opacity and whether the water in the water chamber needs more treatment, less treatment, or no change in treatment. Control unit 36 then computes the proper signal to send to generator 44 to adjust generator 44 to properly treat the water. Control unit 36 may use an algorithm to maintain water clarity while minimizing on time of the generator 44. In effect, it hunts for the lowest use level of the generator that works to maintain water clarity. If at some point the water clarity begins to deteriorate, control unit 36 resets to the maximum level until water clarity returns. As water clarity is restored, the control unit 36 begins to back down on the run time of the generator 44 thereby hunting for the proper use level of generator 44. In FIG. 3, solid lines represent water connections and water flow through those connections while dashed lines represent electrical connections.

[0029] As an example of how this system might be implemented, consider a chlorine generator system used in a salt water spa that is set to run 10 hours per day under moderate use conditions. Assume the owner goes on vacation and the use of the spa drops to zero use. If the system of the present invention determines that the water is clear, the system may reduce output by 10% daily from the chlorine generator until the system determines that there is an increase in the opacity of the water. Once the system detects an increase in the opacity of the water, it may increase output by 10% for one day. In the event that opacity of the water continues to increase, it may continue to increase output from the chlorine generator until opacity of the water stabilizes or begins to decrease. The system of the present invention can be used as a stand alone means of feedback or as a means of augmenting the open loop control systems currently used in the prior art.

[0030] With respect to the components of the system, the light source could be an LED in its simplest form or any other light source such as, but not limited to, a laser light source, an infra-red light source, an incandescent light source, a fluorescent light source, etc. In its simplest form, the light sensitive detection circuit could be a photoresistor used as the gain resistor in an operational amplifier. In addition, the light sensitive detection circuit may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following: a photodiode, a phototransistor, and a photovoltaic cell. The lenses would most likely be acrylic, as acrylic is inexpensive and very resistant to pool and spa chemicals. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous and varied options for designing light sensitive detection circuits and the examples set forth here are not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0031] The exemplary apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 is ideally located/positioned after the filter and before the heater in an existing spa system. The apparatus can be easily removed, cleaned, and replaced if needed. If it is not practical to position the apparatus of the present invention before the chlorine generator in a salt water spa or before a sanitizer injection point/chlorine or bromine generator in a fresh water spa, it may be necessary to ignore the readings from the apparatus of the present invention when the generator or injector is operating. Chlorine (or bromine) generator control in a salt water spa and sanitizer feed control in a fresh water spa requires attention in the design of the present invention. In general, low opacity (clear water) means that minimal sanitizer is needed and the chlorine (or bromine) generator (in the salt water system) need only run minimally, and the sanitizer injector (in the fresh water system) needs only minimum output. With salt water spas, the design may be able to integrate measurements over time thereby decreasing run time of the generator as repeated clear measurements accumulate over time. If the opacity of the water increases, the generator can increase output until the opacity of the water decreases. With either fresh or salt water spas or pools, the controller may be able to maintain a stable sanitizer minimum output in clear water conditions that is needed to maintain a particular sanitizer level in a particular size of spa or pool.

[0032] It may be necessary to refrain from determining water clarity or water opacity using the system, method and apparatus of the present invention during certain periods of spa or pool operation including when a chlorine (or bromine) generator is running in a salt water spa or pool and when a sanitizer injector is running in a fresh water spa or pool. The generator or injector may create fine bubbles which could produce a false high opacity. It may also be necessary to refrain from determining water clarity or water opacity when the jets in the spa or certain pool filtration equipment is running since some such equipment may cause air to be trapped in the water which could also produce a false high opacity reading. There may also be a need to override or reset the readings for water clarity or water opacity in instances where the introduction of additives temporarily cloud the water.

[0033] The system for determining and controlling water clarity of the present invention may also allow for the degradation of the water chamber and its associated components by periodically recalibrating, either automatically or manually, and by adjusting output based on calibration measurements over time. Advantages of the system, method and apparatus of the present invention for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity include 1) providing feedback to an otherwise open loop control system at low cost, 2) increasing the life span of the chlorine (or bromine) generator (in the salt water systems) and decreasing sanitizer use in the fresh water systems while still maintaining safe sanitizer levels, 3) decreasing the likelihood of over chlorination/sanitation and resulting spa damage, and 4) the utilization of simple and inexpensive feedback measurement technology.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 50 of the present invention for determining and controlling water clarity or water opacity shown alone without being connected to a control unit. Apparatus 50 shown FIG. 5 includes a water chamber 52 (that can be made of one or more components) having opposing open ends, a water inlet 54, and a water outlet 56. Opposing open ends of water chamber 52 are each covered with a transparent lens 58, 60. A light source 62 is positioned at one opposing end of the water chamber 52 while a light detection circuit 64 is positioned at the other opposing end of the water chamber 52. The light detection circuit 64 detects light contained within the water in the water chamber 52 and sends an output signal to a control unit (not shown) which determines the water clarity or water opacity of the water contained in the water chamber 52. End caps 78, 80 are positioned over transparent lenses 58, 60 to provide protection and wiring strain relief for light source 62 and light detection circuit 64. The edges and backs of transparent lenses 58, 60 may be blacked out to prevent ambient light intrusion.

[0035] FIG. 5 is another exemplary embodiment of a water clarity monitoring and control system of the present invention for monitoring and controlling water clarity in a treatable body of water. Water clarity monitoring and control system 100 includes a body of water contained in a water containment apparatus 102 (such as, for example, but not limited to, a pool, a spa, a water trough, a water cistern, and a water tank), a light source 104 capable of lighting up the water contained in the water containment apparatus 102, at least one transparent window 106 positioned within the water containment apparatus 102, a light sensitive detection circuit 108 positioned near at least one transparent window 106 in the water containment apparatus 102, and a control unit 110 capable of receiving an output signal from the light sensitive detection circuit 108 for determining a clarity level of the body of water. FIG. 5 also shows another transparent window 107 contained within the water containment apparatus 102 where the Eight source 104 is positioned on the outside of the water containment apparatus 102 near the transparent window 107.

[0036] System 100 also includes an optional local indicator 112 connected to the control unit 110 and positioned close to the body of water for indicating the clarity level or opacity level of the body of water, an optional remote indicator 114 connected to the control unit 110 and positioned remotely from the body of water for indicating the clarity level or opacity level of the body of water, and an optional generator control system 116 for controlling output to a chemical feeder generator or some other water quality control mechanism that is capable of treating the body of water. The local indicator 112 is particularly useful in the case of a closed spa or a closed cistern where water quality cannot be monitored without opening a lid or manway. The remote indicator 114 is particularly useful when the body of water is far away from the entity or individual that needs to monitor it. The remote indicator 114 can be accomplished via a hardwired remote indicator or via a handheld device using a computer or cellular phone network. The generator control system 116 may operate one or more of the following: filtration pumps, chemical feeders, chlorine or bromine generators, ozone or UV systems, or some other water quality improvement device or devices.

[0037] FIG. 6 is yet another embodiment of a water clarity monitoring and control system of the present invention for monitoring and controlling water clarity in a treatable body of water having an apparatus for monitoring and controlling water clarity integrated into an existing filtration system for a pool or spa. In this exemplary embodiment of system 200, water from a pool, spa, or other water containment apparatus flow through circulation pump 246 and into a water chamber 222. After passing through the circulation pump 246, the water is directed into the water inlet 224 of the water chamber 222. Light source 232 lights up water contained in the water chamber 222 by shining light through transparent lens or window 228. Light detection circuit 234 detects light within the water through transparent lens or window 230 and sends a signal to control unit 236 for determining a clarity level or opacity level of the body of water.

[0038] Like system 100 shown in FIG. 5, system 200 also includes an optional local indicator 212 connected to the control unit 236 and positioned close to the pool, spa, or water containment apparatus for indicating the clarity level or opacity level of the body of water, an optional remote indicator 214 connected to the control unit 236 and positioned remotely from pool, spa, or water containment apparatus for indicating the clarity level or opacity level of the body of water, and an optional generator control system 216 for controlling output to a chemical feeder generator or some other water quality control mechanism that is capable of treating the body of water. The local indicator 212 is particularly useful in the case of a closed spa or a closed cistern where water quality cannot be monitored without opening a lid or manway. The remote indicator 214 is particularly useful when the body of water is far away from the entity or individual that needs to monitor it. The remote indicator 214 can be accomplished via a hardwired remote indicator or via a handheld device using a computer or cellular phone network. The generator control system 216 may operate one or more of the following: filtration pumps, chemical feeders, chlorine or bromine generators, ozone or UV systems, or some other water quality improvement device or devices.

[0039] In FIGS. 5 and 6, solid lines represent water connections and water flow through those connections while dashed lines represent electrical connections. The purpose of system 100 and system 200 is to provide accurate readings and therefore requires that determination or measurement of water clarity or water opacity be performed at times of minimum interference. Items that might interfere with accurate determinations/measurements include operation of pumps or aerators, injection of chemicals, ambient light sources, temperature variations, etc. System 100 and system 200 either do not make determinations/measurements at these times or alternatively compensate for the variations in the determinations/measurements. Advantages of water clarity monitoring and control systems 100 and 200 of the present invention include 1) providing quantitative water quality information at a low price, 2) easy integration into new pool, spa, and water containment apparatus and easy retrofitting into existing pool, spa, and water containment apparatus, 3) ability to remotely indicate water quality information, and 4) ability to easily use in feedback control systems at low cost.

[0040] A flowchart showing an exemplary method 300 of the present invention for determining and controlling water clarity in a pool or spa is depicted in FIG. 7. In method 300, a water chamber is provided having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a transparent window in step 302. The water from a pool or spa is then directed through the water chamber in step 304 via the water chamber inlet and outlet. Next, in step 306, a light source is employed to light up the water in the water chamber and in step 308 a light sensitive detection circuit is positioned near the transparent window of the water chamber. A control unit is employed to receive a signal from the light sensitive detection unit to determine water clarity in step 310. An evaluation is made in step 312 to determine if the water clarity is at an acceptable level. If the water clarity is not at an acceptable level, a signal is sent to a water treatment system in step 314 to treat the water. Once treated, the water is again directed through the water chamber in step 304 and steps 304 through 312 are continuously repeated to monitor and adjust the water clarity. If the water clarity is at an acceptable level, water continues to be directed through the water chamber in step 304 and steps 304 through 312 are continuously repeated to monitor and adjust the water clarity.

[0041] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein shows various exemplary embodiments and the best modes, known to the inventor at this time, of the invention. These exemplary embodiments and modes are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following disclosure is intended to teach both the implementation of the exemplary embodiments and modes and any equivalent modes or embodiments that are known or obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art. Additionally, all included figures are non-limiting illustrations of the exemplary embodiments and modes, which similarly avail themselves to any equivalent modes or embodiments that are known or obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art.

[0042] Other combinations and/or modifications of structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the instant invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, can be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the scope of the instant invention and are intended to be included in this disclosure.