Patent ID: 12215896

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained 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. 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 is 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 discussion 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. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the disclosure.

According to the teachings herein, a device including a sacrificial anode is provided. The device is designed to protect at least one component of a pool system or a spa system from corrosion or deterioration. The device is also designed to provide a notification to a user when the sacrificial anode is depleted. The device including the sacrificial anode may be coupled to any pool device or spa device, including filters, pumps, fluid conduits, robotic cleaners, and heaters. Preferably, the device including the sacrificial anode is in fluid communication with a heat exchanger of a heater such that the heat exchanger is protected from corrosion.

Referring now toFIG.1, a device100provided in the form of a body102, a sacrificial anode104, a cavity106, and a sensor108at least partially disposed within the cavity106is shown. As stated above, the device100is designed to protect a component of a pool system or a spa system from corrosion and may provide a notification to a user whenever the sacrificial anode104is depleted.

The body102of the sacrificial anode may be provided in the form of a three-dimensional U-shaped structure including a substantially flat top109. Alternatively, the body102may be provided in the form of a cylinder, a sphere, a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, or other three-dimensional shapes. The cavity106may be disposed in the body102and extend at least partially therethrough. In some embodiments, the body102may be provided in the form of the sacrificial anode104. In other embodiments, the body102may provide a frame, surface, or other structure via which the sacrificial anode104can couple to the device100via known methods.

The sacrificial anode104may be designed to help prevent the corrosion of other materials in a pool system or a spa system. Like the body102, the sacrificial anode104may be provided in the form of an enclosed structure having a U-shaped curved portion that terminates at the flat top109. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the sacrificial anode104may be provided in other shapes than those described herein. When the sacrificial anode104is in a “use” state (i.e., when the sacrificial anode104has not been depleted), the sacrificial anode104may render the device100substantially waterproof such that water will not enter the device100. In comparison, when the sacrificial anode104is in a “worn away” or depleted state, water may enter the device100and be detected by the sensor108.

The sacrificial anode104may be provided in the form of a metallic component comprising at least one metal. The at least one metal may be provided as any metal with a more negative electrochemical potential than the metals used to construct the other components of the pool and spa. For example, if the sacrificial anode104is designed to protect a copper heat exchanger, the sacrificial anode104may be composed of any metal with a more negative electrochemical potential than copper. As a non-limiting example, the sacrificial anode104may be composed of magnesium, aluminum, zinc, iron, tungsten, nickel, combinations thereof, or alloys thereof. Preferably, the sacrificial anode104comprises zinc.

In some embodiments, the sacrificial anode104may be removably coupled to the device100. For example, the sacrificial anode104may couple to the body102. In such embodiments, before the device100is used, the sacrificial anode may be coupled to the device100. Then, when the user wishes to replace the sacrificial anode104, the user may remove the sacrificial anode104from the device100and couple a replacement sacrificial anode104to the device100. In other embodiments, the device100may be provided in the form of a single-use device wherein the sacrificial anode104is not removably coupled to the device100. In such an embodiment, after the sacrificial anode104is depleted, the user may replace the entire device100.

Referring still toFIG.1, the cavity106may be substantially isolated from an outside environment by the body102and/or the sacrificial anode104. When the cavity106is substantially isolated from the outside environment, water may not enter the cavity106. For example, the cavity106may be substantially or entirely surrounded by the sacrificial anode104when the sacrificial anode104is in use to substantially isolate the sacrificial anode104from the outside environment. The cavity106may be provided in the form of a shape that substantially mirrors the shape of the sacrificial anode104. For example, the cavity106may be provided in the form of a U-shaped opening in the body102of the device100. In other embodiments, including in embodiments wherein the sacrificial anode104is provided in another shape, the cavity106may be otherwise shaped (e.g., spherically shaped).

In the use state, the sacrificial anode104may surround the cavity106by a distance “D.” The distance D may be measured in a variety of manners and may be dependent on the shape of the cavity106and/or the sacrificial anode104. In some embodiments, the distance D can be determined by measuring the thickness of the sacrificial anode104that surrounds the cavity106. In embodiments wherein the thickness of the sacrificial anode104is not uniform, the distance D can be determined by measuring the thickness of the sacrificial anode104at a thinnest portion of the sacrificial anode104. In some embodiments, the distance D may be determined by measuring the distance from the cavity106to the water in which the device100is inserted. For example, in such embodiments, the thickness D may be determined by the minimum distance that exists between the outermost boundary of the cavity106and the water surrounding the device100.

When the sacrificial anode104is in the use state, the distance D may be any value greater than about 0 mm. In turn, when the distance D is greater than about 0 mm, water from the outside environment may be prevented from entering the cavity106. Over time, as the device100is in use, the sacrificial anode104may be worn away or depleted, thereby reducing the value of the distance D. Once the distance D reaches about 0 mm, the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted state, and water from the surrounding environment may enter the cavity106. When the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted state, the sacrificial anode104and/or the device100needs replacement.

Referring still toFIG.1, the sensor108may be provided within or coupled to the cavity106. Generally, the sensor108may detect when water enters the cavity106, thereby detecting when the sacrificial anode104is depleted and needs replacement. The sensor108may be provided with a first portion110A and a second portion110B. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the portions110A,110B are positioned parallel to each other, extend partially into the cavity106, and are separated by a gap G. Further, the portions110A,110B may be oriented substantially vertically and perpendicular to the flat top109of the body102. In alternative embodiments, the portions110A,110B can also be positioned substantially horizontally with respect to the flat top109. In yet other embodiments, the portions110A,110B may be positioned in other orientations that allow the sensor108to determine when the water has breached the cavity106, as described herein.

The sensor108may be provided in various forms such that the sensor108can detect when the cavity106is breached by the water. In some embodiments, the sensor108may be provided in the form of an electrode. In such embodiments, the portions110A,110B may be electrode plates composed of a conductive material. A voltage may be applied across the portions110A,110B such that, when water enters the cavity106, an electrical current may be transmitted across the gap G and detected by the sensor108. Thus, the transmission of the electrical current across the gap G may provide a signal that the sacrificial anode104needs replacement.

In other embodiments, the sensor108may be provided in the form of a wear sensor. In such embodiments, the portions110A,110B may be provided in the form of components that will change states when contacted by water (e.g., the portions110A,110B may undergo a resistivity change, which can be measured by the sensor108).

In some embodiments, the sensor108may include a communication means (not illustrated) that may allow the sensor108to communicate with another device, such as a pool automation system124(seeFIG.2). The sensor108may communicate with the other device via a wired connection or a wireless connection. The sensor108may use the communication means to transmit information related to the state of the sacrificial anode104. For example, the sensor108may, via the communication means, communicate with the other device when the sensor108measures a first value indicating that the sacrificial anode104is in the use condition. In addition, the sensor108may communicate with the other device when the sensor108measures a second value indicating that the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted state. In alternative embodiments, the communication means is coupled to the device100and is in communication with the sensor108.

The sensor108may be designed to measure at least one parameter related to the portions110A,110B. In some embodiments, the sensor108is provided in the form of a meter capable of measuring electrical values associated with the portions110A,110B. For example, the sensor108may be provided in the form of an ammeter, a voltmeter, an ohmmeter, or a combination thereof. As an additional example, the sensor108may be provided in the form of a magnetometer capable of measuring the strength of a magnetic field associated with the portions110A,110B. In other embodiments, the sensor108may be provided in the form of a component that indicates an “on/off” state. For example, the sensor108may be provided as a circuit that is activated when a predetermined current flows across the gap G between the portions110A,110B.

When the sacrificial anode104is in the use state, the gap G between the portions110A,110B may be filled with air, or the gap G may be provided in the form of a vacuum. Preferably, in the use state, there is no electrical communication between the portions110A,110B of the sacrificial anode104, and the current flowing between the portions110A,110B may be at an about zero value. Alternatively, if there is electrical communication between the portions110A,110B, the current flowing between the portions110A,110B may be at a first non-zero value. As the device100is used, the sacrificial anode104may be depleted. After the cavity106is breached by the water, the current flowing between the portions110A,110B may change to a second value. The change from the first value to the second value may be detected by the sensor108, which may then provide a signal indicating that the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted state (e.g., partially depleted or completely depleted).

Referring now toFIG.2, the device100is provided within an aquatic system such as a pool or spa system120. The system120includes a pool103filled with water122, the pool automation system124, a wireless network126, and a user device128viewable by a user130. The device100is in fluid communication with the water122of the pool103.

The pool103may be provided in the form of, by way of example, a residential swimming pool, a commercial swimming pool, a freshwater swimming pool, and/or a saltwater swimming pool. In some embodiments, the pool103may be provided in the form of a spa or as a combination pool and spa system. The water122of the pool103may comprise saltwater or fresh water. In addition, the water122may be provided with pool chemicals that are used to maintain the water chemistry of the pool. For example, the pool chemicals may be provided in the form of chlorine, bromine, cyanuric acid, oxidizers, pH adjusters, alkalinity adjusters, and the like. Furthermore, the water122may comprise various contaminants, including algae, human body oils, and oils from suntan lotions. The combination of pool chemicals and contaminants within the water122may create an environment wherein the water122can corrode metallic components of the system120. The device100, and particularly the sacrificial anode104within, is designed to help protect against such corrosion.

Referring still toFIG.2, the device100and/or the sensor108may be connected to the pool automation system124via a wired network and/or a wireless network. The device100and/or the sensor108may transmit at least one signal to the pool automation system124via the network. For example, the sensor108may transmit a first signal of the at least one signal to the pool automation system124when there is air within the gap G. The first signal may thereby indicate to the pool automation system124that the sacrificial anode104is in the use state and does not need replacement. In comparison, when water breaches the cavity106, a second signal of the at least one signal may be provided to the pool automation system. Thus, the second signal may indicate to the pool automation system124that the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted state and needs replacement.

The pool automation system124may also connect to one or more user devices128via the wired or wireless network126. The pool automation system124may transmit and/or receive data from the user devices128. The user device128may be provided in the form of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smart phone, a cellular phone, and/or other electronic communication devices. Information regarding the status of the sacrificial anode104may be transmitted to the user device128by the pool automation system124in a variety of manners. For example, the information may be transmitted via a text message, a multimedia message, an email notification, an automated phone call, a message provided within a pool automation app, and the like.

Various users130may be provided information from the pool automation system124by the user device128. For example, the user130may be a residential pool owner, an operator of a commercial pool, a pool serviceperson, a pool salesperson, a pool supply manufacturer, and the like.

As will be explained in more detail with reference toFIG.4, the pool automation system124may be provided in the form of various components or modules that allow the pool automation system124to interpret the signals and data provided from the sensor108and the user device128and to communicate with the sensor108and the user device128.

Turning toFIG.3, the sacrificial anode104is depicted in the depleted state. As time passes while the device100is being used, the sacrificial anode104is consumed or worn away as it protects other metals in fluid communication with the water122. In the depleted state, the sacrificial anode104no longer fully surrounds the cavity106and the distance D has been reduced to about 0 mm. As such, the water122of the pool103enters the cavity106. When the water122of the pool103enters the cavity106, the gap G between the portions110A,110B at least partially fills with the water122, which is detected by the sensor108. The sensor108may then transmit a signal to the pool automation system124indicating that the sacrificial anode104is depleted or worn away.

When the pool automation system124receives a signal from the sensor108indicating that the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted state, the pool automation system124may transmit a notification to the user device128via the network126. The notification may be sent via a text message, a multimedia message, an email notification, an automated phone call, and/or a message provided within a pool automation app. For example, the notification may be provided in the form of a text alert containing text such as “the sacrificial anode of your device is worn away and needs replacement,” or other similar text. As an additional example, the alert may be provided in the form of a graphical icon that indicates that the sacrificial anode104is depleted. In some embodiments, the notification may be sent to an application executed at the user device128. The application may be designed to indicate to the user130that the sacrificial anode104needs replacement. The application executed at the user device128may be provided in the form of an application developed by a manufacturer or a supplier of the device100.

In some embodiments, the pool automation system124may transmit one or more hyperlinks to the user device128that are configured to allow the user130to buy or purchase a new sacrificial anode104. The one or more hyperlinks may link to a website of the sacrificial anode104manufacturers, and the website may be designed to allow the user130to purchase a new sacrificial anode104. Alternatively, the one or more hyperlinks may execute programming that purchases a new sacrificial anode for the user130when the user130clicks or selects the one or more hyperlinks.

In some embodiments, the pool automation system124transmits the notification and the one or more hyperlinks to the user device128in the same message. In other embodiments, the pool automation system124transmits the notification and the one or more hyperlinks to the user device128in different messages.

The pool automation system124may be designed to place one or more functions of the pool automation system124into a lockout mode until the sacrificial anode104is replaced. The lockout mode refers to a mode that disables the one or more functions of the pool automation system124until the sacrificial anode104is replaced. Thus, the one or more functions of the pool automation system124are stopped and/or temporarily disabled by the pool automation system124when the pool automation system is in the lockout mode. Such lockout modes, as enabled by the pool automation system124, may be designed to help protect the various components of the pool103from degradation after the sacrificial anode104is depleted.

A first function of the one or more functions of the pool automation system124may comprise heating the water122of the pool103by utilizing a heater (e.g., a heater300and/or a heater400as provided inFIGS.5and6). Because heat exchangers312,412of the heaters300,400may be composed of copper, a copper alloy, or other metals, the heat exchangers312,412may be vulnerable to degradation or corrosion when the sacrificial anode104is depleted. Therefore, the lockout mode of the pool automation system124may disable the heaters300,400until the sacrificial anode104is replaced to protect the heat exchangers312,412. In addition, an alert may be sent to the user device128indicating that the heaters300,400have been temporarily disabled until the sacrificial anode104is replaced.

In some embodiments, the user130may override the lockout mode of the pool automation system124to re-enable the one or more functions. In such embodiments, a notification or alert may be provided to the user device128warning the user of the risk of damage to components of the pool103(e.g., the heat exchangers312,412) if the lockout mode is disabled.

After the user130deploys a new sacrificial anode in the pool103, the measured value of the sensor108may be reset and/or returned to the first value. For example, the sensor108may detect air within the gap G. Once the sensor108returns to the first value (e.g., when the air is detected in the gap G), the pool automation system124may disable the lockout mode and re-enable one or more functions disabled by the lockout mode (e.g., heating the water122of the pool103).

The pool automation system124may be designed to provide a message or an alert to the user containing information about the operational status of the device100including, for example, an estimated total lifetime of the sacrificial anode104, an estimated remaining lifetime of the sacrificial anode104, and/or the rate of degradation or wear of the sacrificial anode104. For example, the pool automation system124may estimate or determine when the sacrificial anode104was first deployed and estimate or determine a time until which the sacrificial anode104of the device100will be depleted. The time in which the sacrificial anode104was first deployed may be manually entered into the pool automation system124, or automatically detected by the pool automation system124(e.g., through plug-and-play type functionality).

By way of example, a process or method by which an estimation of the total or remaining lifetime of the sacrificial anode104is provided. For example, a first sacrificial anode104may be deployed within the pool103and consumed in approximately 12 months, representing a first deployment and use cycle of the sacrificial anode104. After the sacrificial anode104completes the first deployment and replacement cycle, the pool automation system124collects and stores the life cycle information such that the life cycle information can be used in a predictive manner. Thus, in this example, the pool automation system124may determine that the sacrificial anode104needs to be replaced approximately once a year and may provide an alert to the user130before the expiration of a second deployment and replacement cycle.

The pool automation system124may also use a variety of factors to determine the estimated lifetime of a deployed sacrificial anode104besides the deployment cycles of the sacrificial anode104, including, but not limited to, an elapsed time, the flow rate of the water122through the system120, and one or more water chemistry parameters (e.g., a pH level, a chlorine level, a total alkalinity level, a calcium hardness level, a cyanuric acid concentration, a total dissolved solids concentration, etc.) of the water122. Specifically, the pool automation system124may use this information to estimate the depletion rate of the sacrificial anode104, and in turn, use the depletion rate to estimate the remaining lifetime of the sacrificial anode104. In addition, the pool automation system124may compile a data log that includes one or more flow rates, one or more chemistry parameters of the water122, bather load, the temperature of the water122, and other associated parameters. The pool automation system124may also compare a length of the sacrificial anode replacement cycle with other parameters to calibrate the estimated lifetimes for the sacrificial anode104.

In some embodiments, the device100may be designed to estimate the remaining lifetime of the deployed sacrificial anode104. In such embodiments, the estimate may be provided by the device100to the pool automation system124and then to the user130via the user device128.

Referring now toFIG.4, a block diagram of the pool automation system124is shown. The pool automation system124is provided in the form of a transmitter200, a receiver202, a processor204, a memory206, and software208, which is designed to store and execute methodologies and functions described herein.

The transmitter200may be provided in the form of a device that can transmit information from the pool automation system124to another device. For example, the transmitter200may be adapted to transmit information from the pool automation system124to the device100, the sensor108, and/or the user device128. In addition, the transmitter200may be provided as a wired transmitter or a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, the transmitter200may be configured to transmit signals or information to other components of the system120, such as the heaters300,400.

The receiver202may be provided in the form of a device that can receive signals, data, and/or information from another device. For example, the receiver202may be adapted to receive at least one signal from the device100, the sensor108, and/or the user device128. As described herein, the at least one signal may indicate the status of the sacrificial anode104(e.g., when the sacrificial anode104is depleted). In addition, the receiver202may be in communication with the device100, the sensor108, and/or the user device128via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the receiver202may also be adapted to receive information from other devices coupled to the pool automation system124, such as the heaters300,400.

Referring still toFIG.4, the processor204may be designed to analyze at least one signal received from the device100and/or the sensor108. The processor204may execute programming included within the software208that will perform an analysis of the data received from the device100and/or the sensor108. After analyzing the at least one signal, the processor204may determine whether a notification should be transmitted to the user device128or another component coupled to the pool automation system124. For example, the processor204may transmit a notification to the user device128if a signal provided by the sensor108indicates that water is present in the cavity106of the device100. As an additional example, the processor204may determine not to transmit a notification if a signal provided by the sensor108that air is present in the cavity106of the device100. As yet another example, when the sensor108measures a first value that is associated with the sacrificial anode104being in the use state, the processor204may transmit information indicating that the sacrificial anode104does not need replacement.

The processor204may be designed to execute programming included in the software208that will allow the pool automation system124to estimate the total lifetime and remaining lifetime of the sacrificial anode104, in accordance with the teachings described herein. Further, the processor204may be designed to execute programming included in the software208that allows the processor204to estimate or determine the wear rate of the sacrificial anode104.

When the processor204determines a notification should be transmitted to the user device128, the processor204may communicate with the transmitter200. The processor204may communicate information to the transmitter200such that an alert or a message can be provided to the user130. Further, the transmitter200may also transmit one or more hyperlinks to the user device128when the processor204determines that a new sacrificial anode104is required.

The processor204is further adapted to transmit signals, via the transmitter200, which can place one or more functions of the pool automation system124into a lockout mode until the sacrificial anode104is replaced, as explained with reference toFIGS.2and3.

In some embodiments, the processor204refers to a single-core processor, a dual-core processor, a quad-core processor, a hexacore processor, an octacore processor, a decacore processor, any multi-core processor, and/or any such processor that is known to a person skilled in the art.

The memory206may contain the software208that is designed to be executed by the processor204. In addition, as explained with reference toFIG.3, the memory206may store information related to parameters associated with the use of the device100and/or parameters related to the characteristics of the swimming pool103. The memory206may provide this information as input to the processor204such that the processor204can estimate the total lifetime, the remaining lifetime, and/or the wear rate of the sacrificial anode. In some embodiments, the memory206may be adapted to store information related to the characteristics of other devices coupled to or in communication with the pool automation system124.

In some embodiments, the memory206is provided in the form of a read access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk memory, and/or any such memory that is known to a person skilled in the art.

Referring now toFIG.5, the heater300is provided in the form of a housing302, a body303, an inlet304, an outlet306, and the heat exchanger312. The inlet304and the outlet306are coupled to an inlet conduit308and an outlet conduit310, respectively. Further, the device100may be coupled to the heater300and provided therein.

The body303of the housing302may be provided with a profile including rounded edges that substantially covers the components retained within the heater300. The body303may also be provided in other shapes and forms, (e.g., in the form of a rectangular prism) as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the body303may be composed of a durable material (e.g., metal or plastic) that is adapted to withstand environmental conditions in an outside environment.

Generally, the inlet304and the outlet306may be in fluid communication with a pool system, a spa system, or a combination pool-spa system via the inlet conduit308and the outlet conduit310. For example, the inlet304and the outlet306may be in fluid communication with the system120provided inFIGS.2and3. More specifically, the inlet304and/or the outlet306may be in fluid communication with 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 turn, the components of the heater300, including the heat exchanger312, are in fluid communication with the water from the pool or the spa.

As described herein, because the heater300may be provided water from a pool or a spa, components of the heater300may be susceptible to corrosion. For example, the copper components of the heat exchanger312may be degraded by the pool water over time. However, because the heater300is coupled to the device100which includes the sacrificial anode104, the heat exchanger312may be protected from corrosion.

Referring still toFIG.5, the device100is coupled to a conduit (not illustrated) that is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger312. In other embodiments, the device100may be coupled to the heat exchanger312directly. In yet other embodiments, the device100may be coupled to the inlet304, the outlet306, the inlet conduit308, the outlet conduit310, or any other conduit that is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger312. Preferably, the device100is coupled to a conduit provided immediately before the heat exchanger312or is directly coupled to a component of the heat exchanger.

Optionally, the heater300may be provided with an indicator light314. The indicator light314may be provided in the form of an incandescent light, a compact fluorescent light, an LED light, and/or other lights that are known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator light is coupled to the body303of the heater300, although the indicator light314may be positioned and located elsewhere on the heater (e.g., on a control board of the heater). The indicator light314may be used to communicate information regarding the status of the heater300to the user130. For example, the indicator light314may be used to indicate when the heater300is operating in a normal condition. As an additional example, the indicator light314may indicate when the heater300has been disabled by the pool automation system124, such as when the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted state. As yet another example, the indicator light314may be used to indicate that the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted state.

The indicator light314may communicate the status information in a variety of manners. In some embodiments, the indicator light314may toggle between an on state and an off state when the status of the heater300and/or the device100changes. In other embodiments, such as when the indicator light314is provided in the form of an LED light, the indicator light314may change colors to indicate the status of the heater300and/or the device100. For example, the indicator light314may be green when the heater300is in the normal use condition and may be yellow when the pool automation system124has disabled the operation of the heater. As an additional example, the indicator light314may be green when the sacrificial anode104is in the use condition and red when the sacrificial anode104is in the depleted condition. As yet another example, the indicator light314may be green when at least about 40% of the estimated lifetime of the sacrificial anode104is remaining, yellow when between about 25% and about 40% of the estimated lifetime of the sacrificial anode104is remaining, orange when between about 0% and about 25% of the estimated lifetime of the sacrificial anode104is remaining, and red when the sacrificial anode is in the depleted state. While limited examples of the use of the indicator light314have been provided, other uses for the indicator light314may be provided.

In some embodiments, the heater300may 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 toFIG.6, the heater400is provided. The heater400may have a substantially similar function and operation as the heater300. The heater400may be provided in the form of a housing402, a body403, an inlet404, an outlet406, and the heat exchanger412that are coupled to an inlet conduit408, an outlet conduit410, and the device100, wherein each of the aforementioned components have substantially the same function and configuration as the similarly named components described with reference toFIG.5. Unlike the heater300, the heat exchanger412of the heater400may be provided as a hybrid gas-electric heat exchanger; specifically, the heater400may 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 U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/450,614, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Methods for using a device containing a sacrificial anode, such as the device100described herein, are provided. The methods may utilize any embodiment of the device100that is consistent with the teachings recited herein.

Referring now toFIG.7, a method500for notifying a user to replace the sacrificial anode104of the device100is illustrated. The method500includes a step502of providing a device including a sacrificial anode, a cavity, and a sensor at least partially disposed within the cavity. The method500also includes a step504of transmitting a signal for replacing the sacrificial anode to a pool automation system when the sensor detects water inside the cavity. In some embodiments, the sensor detects the water inside the cavity when a gap G between a first portion and a second portion of the sensor is at least partially filled with water. Optionally, the method also includes a step of transmitting a notification to a user device, wherein the notification includes information regarding the status of the sacrificial anode. Optionally, the status of the sacrificial anode may be operational information stating that the sacrificial anode is in the use state and/or that the sacrificial anode is depleted. In some embodiments, the pool automation system may transmit at least one hyperlink to the user. The at least one hyperlink may allow the user to purchase a replacement sacrificial anode. In some embodiments, the notification may be provided in the form of a text message, a multimedia message, an email notification, an automated phone call, and/or a message provided within a pool automation app. Optionally, the method may further include the step of the pool automation system entering into a lockout mode, wherein the lockout mode disables at least one function of at least one component coupled to the pool automation system. In such embodiments of the method500, the at least one component is provided in the form of a pool heater, wherein in the lockout mode the pool heater can no longer heat the water of a pool or spa. In some embodiments, the method may include the step of coupling the sacrificial anode to a pool heater.

In some embodiments, the device provided in the method500may include any of the components of the device100described herein. In other embodiments, the water may enter the device when the distance D between the sacrificial anode and the gap G is reduced to about 0 mm. In some embodiments, the sensor provided in the step504may comprise any of the sensors108described herein. In some embodiments, the pool automation system provided in step504may include any of the components of the pool automation system124described herein.

The method500may further comprise additional steps consistent with the teachings disclosed herein. In addition, the method500may also comprise fewer steps than those described above.

The present disclosure offers the following technical advantages over existing solutions: (a) timely notifying a user to replace a sacrificial anode in a depleted state with a new sacrificial anode; (b) disabling at least one function of a pool automation system (e.g., the heating of pool water by a pool heater) to protect the components of a pool or a spa from corrosion; (c) helping the user purchase a new sacrificial anode; and (d) estimating the total lifetime, the remaining lifetime, and the wear rate of the sacrificial anode.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the 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 disclosure are set forth in the following claims.