5. A pool controller system for controlling operation of a pool service system including a water heater, a water filter, and for providing a semi-automated water fill capability, comprising:
an electrically actuated valve connected to a water supply line, the valve responsive to electrical valve control signals to open and close, wherein the valve in an open state releases water from the water supply line into a pool water holding structure, and in a closed state prevents water from flowing from the water supply line into the pool water holding structure;
an electronic controller system for coupling to the water heater and a recirculation pump for controlling operation of the water heater and the recirculation pump and recirculation of water through the water filter and the water heater, said electronic controller system responsive to manually entered user commands through a control panel to generate the valve control signals, the controller system for actuating the fill valve to the open state in response to a predetermined user fill command, and for automatically closing the valve upon elapsement of a predetermined fill time interval to provide the semi-automated water fill capability.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the controller is further responsive to user commands manually entered through a control panel for setting the fill time interval.
7. In a spa or swimming pool installation, including a water holding structure, a method for releasing water into the water holding structure, comprising:
manually entering a water fill command for the spa or swimming pool installation through an electronic control panel connected to an electronic control system to actuate a water supply valve connected to a water supply line for the water holding structure of the spa or swimming pool installation;
electrically opening the valve in response to the user command to release water into the water holding structure; and
automatically closing the valve in response to electrical signals from the electronic control signal after a predetermined time interval has elapsed after opening the valve.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising:
manually setting the predetermined time interval during a programming mode.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:
storing in an electronic memory a time value corresponding to the predetermined time interval.
10. The method of claim 7 further comprising:
automatically closing the valve if the water level reaches an overfill level during the predetermined time interval.
11. In a spa or swimming pool installation, including a water holding structure, a method for replenishing water in the water holding structure, comprising:
in response to a user identification of a low water condition in the water holding structure, electronically actuating a water supply valve connected to a water supply line to release water into the water holding structure of the spa or swimming pool installation;
automatically closing the valve after a predetermined time interval has elapsed after actuating the valve.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:
manually setting the predetermined time interval during a programming mode.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
storing in an electronic memory a time value corresponding to the predetermined time interval.
14. The method of claim 11 further comprising:
automatically closing the valve if the water level reaches an overfill level during the predetermined time interval.
15. A pool or spa service system for providing a semi-automated water fill capability to replenish water in the pool or spa, comprising:
an electrically actuated valve connected to a water supply line connected to the pool or spa, the valve responsive to electrical valve control signals to open and close, wherein the valve in an open state releases water from the water supply line into the pool or spa, and in a closed state prevents water from flowing from the water supply line into the pool or spa;
an electronic controller system responsive to manually entered user commands through a control panel to generate the valve control signals, the controller system actuating the fill valve to the open state in response to a predetermined user fill command, and automatically closing the valve upon elapsement of a predetermined fill time interval to provide the semi-automated water fill capability.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller system is further responsive to user commands manually entered through a control panel for setting the fill time interval.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller system further comprises:
an electronic memory for storing a time value corresponding to the predetermined time interval.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the control panel includes a user-actuated button to enter the user commands, and the controller system monitors a state of the button to detect user actuations.