A SAFETY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SWIMMING POOLS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a safety system for swimming pools, and in particular, swimming pools which include a pumping system.

Background of the Invention

Swimming pools (including hot tubs, spa baths and the like) are found in many places including the backyards of homes, and, in recreational facilities and tourist resorts which are generally open to the public.

Most swimming pools will include a pump for pumping water out of the pool via an outlet and through a cleaning or filtration system, before returning the water back into the pool via an inlet. As water is being pumped out of the pool, a suction is created at the outlet of the pool.

Tragically, persons have drowned after being inadvertently caught in the suction at the swimming pool's outlet. Children are particularly at risk of drowning in this manner because they lack the strength to release themselves from the suction force generated by the pump.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to alleviate the problem described above in relation to the prior art.

The present invention involves several different broad forms. Embodiments of the invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described.

In a first broad form, the present invention provides a system for use with a swimming pool, the swimming pool including a basin, and, a pump for pumping water out of the basin via an outlet and for pumping water in to the basin via an inlet, the inlet and outlet being in fluid communication via a piping system; and the system including: a sensor for sensing when flow of water between the outlet and inlet is impeded during operation of the pump; and a first switching means operatively connected to the sensor whereby the first switching means is adapted to automatically deactivate operation of the pump when the sensor detects an obstruction in the flow of water between the outlet and the inlet.

Typically a filtration system and/or chlorination system may be disposed between the basin inlet and outlet.

Typically the piping system includes a suction line through which water is piped outwardly of the basin by the pump, and, a return line via which water is piped into the basin by the pump.

Preferably, the power supply includes a mains power supply. Typically, the power supply may conveniently be fed in a series configuration from a salt-chlorinator timing device or any other suitable device which may be drawing power from the mains power supply.

The first switching means may be variable between at least a closed and an opened position wherein when it is arranged in the closed position it activates the pump by closing a circuit between the power supply and the pump. Conversely, when the first switching means is arranged in the opened position, the power supply is automatically disconnected from the pump so as to deactivate the pump. Typically, the first switching means includes a vacuum switch.

Preferably, the sensor includes a vacuum tube having a first end in fluid communication with the suction line, and a second end operatively connected with the first switching means. The vacuum tube may typically be connected to the suction line via a "tee-piece" fitting. Typically, the vacuum tube may include a uni- directional valve which may enable fluid to flow through the valve in a direction from the switch end of the vacuum tube towards the suction line. Typically, when a blockage occurs in the outflow of water from the pool, a relatively high vacuum condition arises in the vacuum tube whereby, the relatively high vacuum actuates the vacuum switch into the opened position. Conversely, when there is no blockage in the outflow of water from the pool, a relatively low vacuum condition arises in the vacuum tube, whereby the vacuum switch remains in the closed position.

Preferably, the vacuum switch may be programmed to commence operation after a delay interval at initial start up of the present invention. Advantageously, this takes into account initial fluctuations in pressure within the piping system of the swimming pool during initial start up before pressure in the piping system normalises. Typically the delay interval may be at least approximately 5 seconds.

Preferably, the present invention includes a means of manually re-setting the system once power has been disconnected from the pump. Once re-set, the vacuum condition within the vacuum tube may be restored to its initial state, and/or, the first switching means may be returned to its closed state to enable the power supply to be connected to the pump.

Preferably, the present invention may also include an alarm which may be adapted to output an audible or visual alert whenever a blockage is detected in the outflow of water from the pool. The alarm typically includes a loudspeaker for outputting audible alerts, and/or, a light source for outputting a visual alert. The alarm may also be powered from the mains power supply. The alarm may be muted for instance, by using an electro-mechanical switch to selectively disconnect power to

either the loudspeaker or light source. Typically, the alarm may be programmed to re-set after a time interval wherein the time interval may be pre-programmed or user-selected. Typically the timer interval may be approximately 30 minutes.

Preferably, the present invention includes a second switching means for manually deactivating operation of the pump. Typically, when the second switching means is in operation, the first switching means may be bypassed whereby, the pump may not be automatically deactivated upon detection of an obstruction in the outflow of water from the swimming pool. Preferably, the second switching means may be actuated by a user so as to manually deactivate the pump by for instance disconnecting the power supply from the pump. Typically, the means of actuating the second switching means may be a mechanical button which when pressed, may cause the second switching means to deactivate the pump in an emergency.

Typically, the present invention may further include an operational mode switch whereby, a user may use the operational mode switch to selectively alternate between operation of the first switching means and the second switching means. The manual operation of the second switching means may be advantageous for instance where the user is required to conduct routine maintenance upon the pool and it is not desirable for the pump to be switched off automatically whenever an obstruction in the outlet is detected. That is, when cleaning a swimming pool, obstructions in the flow of water through the suction line are to be expected. Typically, a key may be required in order to adjust the operational mode switch between automatic and manual operational modes. Typically, when the key is removed, the first switching means remains always connected whereby the pump will be automatically deactivated when an obstruction is detected. Preferably, the manual operation mode of the second switching means may only be operational when the key is inserted. Alternatively, or in addition to the use of a key, the present invention may include an electronic keypad operatively connected with the operational mode switch wherein the keypad enables the operational mode switch to be adjusted between automatic and manual operational modes when a use

enters a correct code or password into the keypad.

Typically the present invention includes a housing for accommodating the present invention.

Typically, the present invention includes a user control panel including at least one of the following:

(a) the operational mode switch;

(b) a mute button for muting the alarm; (c) a re-set button for re-setting the automatic deactivation circuit;

(d) an emergency stop button for stopping the pump when functioning in either of the manual or automatic operating modes;

(e) a digital and/or analogue pressure gauge which may provide a visual representation of a pressure value in the suction line. Typically the pressure gauge may be operably connected to the sensor and may be adapted to output a pressure value by reference to the received sensor value.

Typically, the user control panel may be disposed on an outside surface of the housing.

In a second broad form, the present invention provides a method of operating a swimming pool, the swimming pool including a basin, and, a pump for pumping water out of the basin via an outlet and for pumping water in to the basin via an inlet, the inlet and outlet being in fluid communication via a piping system; and the method including the steps of: sensing when flow of water between the outlet and inlet is impeded during operation of the pump; and automatically deactivating operation of the pump when the sensor detects an obstruction in the flow of water between the outlet and the inlet.

Brief Description of the Drawing

The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention installed to a swimming pool system;

- Figure 2 depicts a housing and control panel which is used in accordance the first embodiment;

Figure 3 is an electrical schematic of one aspect of the first embodiment.

Modes for Carrying out the Invention

Figure 1 depicts a first embodiment of the present invention including a pool basin (1), a pump (2) for pumping water out of the basin via an outlet (1a) and for pumping water in to the basin (1) via an inlet (1b). The inlet (1b) and outlet (1a) are in fluid communication via a piping system (3). The system also includes a pressure sensor (4) for sensing when flow of water between the outlet (1a) and inlet (1b) is impeded during operation of the pump (2).

The piping system (3) includes a suction line (3a) through which water is piped outwardly of the basin (1) by the pump (2), and, a return line (3b) via which water is piped into the basin (1) by the pump (2). A filter (7) and salt cell (8) are connected in a series configuration with the piping system (3) between the pump (2) and the inlet (1b) of the pool basin (1).

Power is supplied to the embodiment via a salt chlorinator timing device (9) which

in turn is powered from a mains power supply (10). The embodiment is interfaced with the pump (2) via a 10 amp socket and interfaces with the salt chlorinator timing device (9) via a 10 amp 3 pin plug.

The first embodiment includes a vacuum switch (6a) which is variable between at least a closed and an opened position. When arranged in the closed position, the vacuum switch (6a) activates the pump motor (2) by closing a circuit between the power supply (10) and the pump (2). Conversely, when the vacuum switch (6a) is arranged in the opened position, the power supply (10) is disconnected from the pump (2) so as to deactivate the pump (2).

The sensor (4) includes a vacuum tube (4) having a first end in fluid communication with the suction line (3a), and a second end operatively connected with the vacuum switch (6a). The vacuum tube (4) is connected to the suction line (3a) via a "tee-piece" fitting (4b). The vacuum tube (4) includes a uni-directional valve (4c) which enables fluid to flow through the valve (4c) in a direction from the switch end of the vacuum tube (4) towards the suction line (3a). When a blockage occurs in the outflow of water from the pool (1), a relatively high vacuum condition arises in the vacuum tube (4) whereby, the relatively high vacuum actuates the vacuum switch (6a) into the opened position. Conversely, when there is no blockage in the outflow of water from the pool (1), a relatively low vacuum condition arises in the vacuum tube (4), whereby the vacuum switch (6a) remains in the closed position. In this embodiment, the vacuum tube (4) is factory set at -2OkPa and can be adjusted if necessary by a user.

In this embodiment, the vacuum switch (6a) is programmed to commence operation after a 5-second delay interval at initial start up so as to take into account initial fluctuations in pressure within the piping system (3) of the swimming pool during initial start up before pressure in the piping system (3) normalises.

The first embodiment includes a re-set button operatively connected to the

vacuum tube (4) which is used to manually re-set the system once power has been disconnected from the pump (2). Once re-set, the vacuum condition within the vacuum tube (4) is able to be restored to its initial state.

The first embodiment includes an alarm (11) which is fed from the mains power supply (10) and adapted to output an audible sound via a loudspeaker (11) whenever a blockage is detected in the outflow of water from the pool (1). The alarm (11) is able to be muted by a user activating an ON/OFF mute button (11a) which when pressed, is able to selectively connect and disconnect power to the loudspeaker (11). The alarm (11) is programmed to automatically re-set after a period of 30 minutes after being triggered.

The first embodiment also includes a second switching means (6b) to allow a user to manually deactivate operation of the pump (2). When the second switching means (6b) is in operation, the vacuum switch means (6a) is bypassed whereby, the pump (2) is not able to be automatically deactivated upon detection of a blockage in the outflow of water from the swimming pool (1). When the second switching means (6b) is manually triggered by the user, the power supply (10) is disconnected from the pump (2). The means of actuating the second switching means (6b) includes a depressible mechanical "Emergency Stop" button (12).

The "Emergency Stop" button is mounted at a location which is easily accessible to users in an emergency situation. For instance the button may be mounted at a side of the pool where it is readily visible.

The first embodiment includes an operational mode switch (13) whereby, a user is able to use the operational mode switch (13) to selectively interconnect or disconnect either one of the first automatic vacuum switch means (6a), or, the second manual switching means (6b) between the power supply (10) and pump (2) so as to effect automatic or manual switching modes respectively at any given time.

A key is required in order to adjust the operational mode switch (13) between automatic and manual operational modes. The manual operation mode is only able to be effected when the key is inserted in a key slot (13a). When the key is removed from the key slot (13a), the first vacuum switch means (6a) remains always connected whereby the pump (2) will be automatically deactivated when a blockage is detected. In alternative embodiments it is envisaged that an electronic keypad can be operatively connected with the operational mode switch wherein the keypad enables the operational mode switch to be adjusted between automatic and manual operational modes when a use enters a correct code or password into the keypad.

A housing (6) is also provided for accommodating the first embodiment and a user control panel is (14) disposed on an outward-facing surface of the housing (6) providing a user with at least the following: (a) the operational mode switch (13) to allow switching between automatic and manual modes;

(b) a key slot (13a) which is adapted to receive the key which activates the operational mode switch (13);

(c) a mute button (11a) for selectively muting the alarm (11); (d) a re-set button (15) for re-setting the automatic vacuum switching circuit (6a);

(e) an emergency stop button (12) for manually deactivating the pump (2) when functioning in either of the manual or automatic operating modes.

During installation, the housing (6) is mounted vertically in a substantially vibration- free location. The housing (6) can be made from a plastic material and have holes drilled in a bottom surface of the housing (6) to allow for the vacuum tube (4), and power cables (16,17) to be inserted into the housing (6) as required.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is

susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.