Balboa Instruments, Inc.

Cindy Otto

David J Cline

Stefan Daystrom

Allan Pinkul

Paul Rosenau

A method of programming a microcomputer based controller system for a bathing installation. The microcomputer is configured to receive input command and sensor information from a plurality of input devices including a control panel and a bathing installation sensor, and acts on the input information operating according to a program running on the microcomputer which performs control functions for a plurality of bathing installation functions, including operating a water heater and a water pump of the bathing installation.

Controller system for pool and/or spa

A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system acts as a power distribution system for controlling the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads. The emergency switch closure also remotely induces a ground fault, tripping the GFCI. A sensing circuit allows the controller system to sense the presence of the emergency switch system, and issues a warning and prevents normal operation of the pool and spa system if not connected. A gas pressure sensor monitors the natural gas line, and the heater is disabled and a warning given under low pressure conditions. Abnormal filter backpressure triggers a warning when the filter needs service. A temperature sensor has parallel sensing elements in a common housing to provide separate sensing circuits.

A control system for bathers with ground continuity and ground fault detection includes an electronic controller which controls operation of electrically powered devices such as an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus determines the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing. The system includes ground continuity detection, ground current detection and ground fault detection circuits. The ground continuity detector detects continuity of the electrical ground and provides an electrical detector signal to the controller indicative of a ground continuity status. The ground current detector detects a current flow in the electrical ground line and provides a detector signal to the controller indicative of the current flow detection. The ground fault detection circuitry detects a current imbalance in high power conductors, and disconnects high power outputs from the respective spa devices when a current imbalance is detected, without disconnecting power from the controller.

Techniques for detecting ground failures in bathing installations

A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. The presence of water in the heater housing is detected electronically, by turning on the heater, and monitoring the temperature sensors for unusual temperature rises or other faults for a period of time thereafter. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus can also be used to determine the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing. An independent circuit apparatus is connected to the water temperature sensor apparatus and to a power relay, automatically causing high voltage power to be disconnected from the heater assembly when the water temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The independent circuit apparatus requiring a manual reset once the water temperature has dropped below a predetermined level to allow the high voltage power to be reconnected to the heater assembly. The system includes ground continuity detection, ground current detection and ground fault detection circuits.

Control system for bathers

A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system controls the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads. The emergency switch closure also remotely induces a ground fault, tripping the GFCI. A sensing circuit allows the controller system to sense the presence of the emergency switch system, and issues a warning and prevents normal operation of the pool and spa system if not connected. A gas pressure sensor monitors the natural gas line, and the heater is disabled and a warning given under low pressure conditions. Abnormal filter backpressure triggers a warning when the filter needs service. A temperature sensor has parallel sensing elements in a common housing to provide separate sensing circuits.

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Fountain Valley, CA, United States of America

Cindy Otto