Power Supplies For Pool And Spa Equipment
Power supplies for pool and spa equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply includes a buoyant housing, a peripheral float, at least one solar cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy, and a power cable for interconnecting the power supply and pool/spa equipment. In other embodiments, first and second inductive power couplings are provided for powering pool and spa equipment. The power couplings can also be installed using existing plumbing features of the pool or spa.
1 . A floating power supply for powering pool or spa equipment, comprising:
a buoyant housing having a base wall, a plurality of side walls and a top wall defining an inner chamber;
a peripheral float positioned about a periphery of the housing;
at least one solar cell positioned on the housing;
circuitry positioned within the inner chamber; and
a power cable extending from the inner chamber and connectable to a device in a pool or spa remote from the power supply;
wherein the at least one solar cell and the power cable are in electrical communication with circuitry to provide power to the remote device via the power cable.
2 . The floating power supply of claim 1 , further comprising an antenna positioned on the housing and in electrical communication with the remote device in the pool or spa to permit wireless communication with the device.
3 . The floating power supply of claim 2 , wherein the antenna is in electrical communication with the circuitry in the housing.
4 . The floating power supply of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral float is defined by a chamber filled with air.
5 . The floating power supply of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral float comprises a material that permits floatation in water.
6 . The floating power supply of claim 1 , wherein the at least one solar cell is positioned on the housing in a position to maximize exposure to sunlight.
7 . The floating power supply of claim 1 , further comprising a rechargeable battery positioned in the housing and in electrical communication with the circuitry, the floating power supply charging the rechargeable battery.
8 . The floating power supply of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a pool cleaner.
9 . The floating power supply of claim 1 , wherein the device includes a rechargeable battery rechargeable by the floating power supply.
10 . The floating power supply of claim 1 , further comprising a skimmer including a water inlet, a debris channel, and a receptacle, the skimmer skimming debris from pool or spa water.
11 . The floating power supply of claim 10 , wherein the skimmer further comprises a pump for creating suction and diverting debris into the receptacle.
12 . The floating power supply of claim 10 , wherein the receptacle comprises a removable bag attached to the power supply.
13 . The floating power supply of claim 10 , wherein the receptacle comprises a compartment formed in the floating power supply.