Modular integrated multifunction pool safety controller (MIMPSC)

In a swimming pool and/or spa hydraulic system including, at least one pool pump having inlet and outlet lines, a pool drain line a pool skimmer including a weir, at least one pool filter, a pool light, and a prior art Pool Controller, the improvement comprising a Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) integrated with said prior art Pool Controller, said MIMPSC comprising:

• combinatorial logic configured such that any one of several devices or means may be used to start the pool pump, but that any one of several other devices or means is able to automatically shut-down the pool pump, in the event of a system safety problem, regardless of which means was used to start the pool pump;
• a Startup Module comprising a timer, one or more relays, a freeze sensor, terminals, and a logical System Ready signal generating means, electrically connected to a power relay which feeds power to said pool pump;
• a Shutdown Module comprising at least one sensor selected from a group consisting of a suction sensor, a pressure sensor, and a pipe temperature sensor, and comprising a multiplicity of latching relays, terminals, a suction dump valve, and at least one local alarm, the Shutdown Module sensors and the suction dump valve being connected to suitable ports in the hydraulic system;
• a Pool Lights ON Module communicating with said pool light and comprising an ambient light sensor, a movement sensor, a sound sensor, terminals, and a Pool Lights control interface, the Pool Lights ON Module sensors being located adjacent said pool and/or spa or whirlpool and elevated above a water level thereof;
• an Alarm Interface Module comprising local alarms, terminals, and a suitable communications transmitter for triggering at least one Portable Intelligent Remote Alarm (PIRA);
• said Portable Intelligent Remote Alarm (PIRA) comprising a communications receiver, a multiplicity of unique voice and sound status and action messages, and related visual status indicators, said PIRA including at least one alarm in close proximity to said pool and/or spa or whirlpool or remotely thereof and having the ability to be activated via a modem/dialer;
• a pool Drain Module comprising an electrically controlled drain valve, a timer, terminals, and a means of causing the pump to startup when necessary, the drain valve being connected to a suitable port in the pool drain line;
• at least one Weir Stop comprising a physical barrier adapted to prevent the weir from becoming stuck in a blocking position, said weir stop being connected to interior side walls of said pool skimmer;
• and
• wherein the Modules are housed with said prior art pool controller in a cabinet or junction box in close proximity to said pool pump.