WO2016074749A1

WO2016074749A1 - Controlling water installations by a remote server through a network access point

Info

Publication number: WO2016074749A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/074672
Authority: WO
Inventors: David GIMÉNEZ PALLARÈS; Òscar PENELO ARIAS; Domènec MELENDO CASADO; Daniel BUJALANCE COLL
Original assignee: Fluidra S.A.
Priority date: 2014-11-14
Filing date: 2014-11-14
Publication date: 2016-05-19

Abstract

Water installation controlling apparatuses and methods are disclosed. The apparatuses comprise an interface module, connectable to water installation devices, network access modules, configured to be connected to network access points, and an apparatus tunneling module, configured to establish secure socket layer tunnels (SSL) with remote servers through the network access points. The water installation controlling apparatuses are configured to control the water installation devices based on instructions received from the remote servers.

Description

CONTROLLING WATER INSTALLATIONS BY A REMOTE SERVER THROUGH A NETWORK ACCESS POINT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to water installations and more specifically to apparatuses, systems and methods for controlling water installations.

BACKGROUND Water installations, such as swimming pools, artificial spas, fish farms or the like, require that a number of their parameters is controlled at any given time. For example, in case of swimming pools, the temperature, the quality, or the quantity of water needs to be monitored and controlled as well as, e.g. the lighting of the pool (internal lighting) or its surrounding. Typically, these parameters are controlled by separate control devices (or water installation devices) that are arranged with the water installation. Example control devices are thermostats, pumps, water purification equipment etc. Each control device typically has its own control panel which is arranged with the device. In some cases, the control devices may be connectable to communication networks, such as the Internet. The control panel of a particular device may then be remotely controlled via e.g. a wifi connection. In some cases, the control devices may be connected to the internet via a router. If the router is protected by a firewall, only outgoing requests may be allowed by the router. It may then not be possible to access those devices remotely, without appropriately configuring the firewall to allow such accesses. Unless the router is so configured, any incoming request to connect to the controlling devices are typically blocked by the firewall. As a consequence, the user may be required to make modifications, such as hardware modifications or software configurations, in the existing IT infrastructure of the user. Otherwise, a user needs to be at the vicinity of the water installation in order to control at least some of the devices or parameters that affect the functioning of the water installation.

There is a need for a platform that at least partially solves the aforementioned problems. SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a water installation controlling apparatus is disclosed. The water installation controlling apparatus comprises an interface module, a network access module and an apparatus tunneling module. The interface module is connectable to one or more water installation devices. The network access module is configured to be connected to a network access point. The apparatus tunneling module is configured to establish a secure socket layer (SSL) tunnel with a remote server through the network access point. The water installation controlling apparatus is configured to control the one or more water installation devices based on instructions received from the remote server via the SSL tunnel. By establishing a secure socket layer tunnel with a remote server it is possible to control, i.e. actuate on, manage or regulate, the water installation devices from a remote location securely. As it is the water installation controlling apparatus that establishes the connection, it is not required by the remote server to know the configuration of the network access point of the water installation controlling equipment. Therefore, no modifications to the configuration of the network access point are required in order for the remote server to connect to the water installation controlling apparatus. The interface module is the connection point between the water installation controlling apparatus and the water installation devices. Therefore, any controlling instructions generated at the remote server may be translated to controlling commands of the water installation devices through the interface module. The remote server may also configure, program or reprogram the water installation controlling apparatus to generate commands to control the water installation devices at predetermined times or based on predetermined events. Furthermore, the water installation controlling apparatus may comprise a user interface so that such configuration may also be performed by an authorized individual directly on the water installation controlling apparatus without the use of the remote server. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface may provide access to the remote server for the authorized individual, e.g. via a web page, so that any user commands inserted by the authorized individual may be registered at the water installation controlling apparatus as instructions received by the remote server. Therefore, the remote server may always be informed of the status of the water installation devices and the water installation controlling apparatus may only receive instructions from the remote server.

In some examples, the interface module may comprise a communication module configured to exchange information with the one or more water installation devices. The interface module may thus not only act as a connection point but also as an information exchange point with the water installation devices. It can, therefore, send instructions to and also receive information, e.g. status information, from the water installation.

In some examples, when the one or more water installation devices comprise multiple water installation devices, the interface module may be connectable to the multiple water installation devices. As a result, it may control individually the various devices of the water installation. Furthermore, it may receive information from each device. In some examples, the communication module may further comprise multiple ports. At least one port may be connectable to a water installation device. Providing physical ports allows for the devices to be connected directly to the water installation controlling apparatus. However, in other examples, some devices may be connected through a custom interface that may implement a communications protocol for use with a controller, e.g. programmable logic controller (PLC), such as a Modbus™ adaptor.

In some examples the at least one port may be connectable to a controller of the one or more water installation devices. Therefore it may control directly the functions of the device. Alternatively or additionally, it may receive status information of the device.

In some examples the communication module may further comprise a wireless module configured to be connected to at least one water installation device in a wireless manner. This allows for the water installation controlling apparatus to be remotely located from the water installation. For example, when the water installation is an outdoors installation, the water installation controlling apparatus may be located indoors in a weather protected environment.

In some examples, the network access module may be configured to be connected to a router of the network access point. The water installation controlling apparatus may establish the SSL tunnel to the remote server when connected to the router. This communication may remain active since the network access module may send data through the tunnel to the router every few seconds. Thus the connection may not close due to inactivity. The communication is not initiated by the server and therefore the remote server neither needs to know beforehand the IP address of the water installation controlling apparatus, nor is it required to open ports on the router to make the connection. The network access module may be connected to the router in a wired or a wireless manner. They may both be part of a local area network.

In some examples, the instructions received from the remote server may be generated based on a command received from a user device. A user may therefore connect to the remote server, either directly or through a wired or wireless connection, and transmit a command to the remote server. The server may then generate the control instruction and pass it to the water installation controlling apparatus through the SSL tunnel. In another aspect, a water installation system is disclosed. The water installation system may comprise one or more water installation devices and a water installation controlling apparatus. The water installation controlling apparatus may be configured to control at least one of a pool, e.g. a swimming pool, an artificial spa, a fish farming installation or other controllable water- containing installation or water-related installation, such as irrigation facilities.

In some examples the one or more water installation devices may comprise multiple water installation devices. For example, the one or more water installation devices may comprise water pumps, water temperature controllers, lighting installations or any other controllable device associated with a water installation or affecting the environment of the water installation.

In some examples the water installation system may further comprise the remote server configured to generate the instructions for controlling the water installation devices. The remote server may comprise at least an application server, configured to receive commands generated by an application installed in a user device. Therefore, a user may connect to the remote server via an app installed at the user^'s terminal, for example at the user^'s mobile phone, tablet or other portable communication device, or at the user^'s personal computer.

In some examples, the remote server may comprise at least a web server. The web server may be configured to control the manner in which a user device is connected to at least one device of the water installation. The web server may associate a user or a user device with one or more devices of the water installation and handle permissions to access and control the one or more devices. It therefore ensures that no unauthorized access to the water installation devices may take place. In some examples, the remote server may comprise at least a server tunneling module. The server tunneling module may be configured to establish the secure socket layer tunnel with the apparatus tunneling module based on a request from the apparatus tunneling module. The server tunneling module may not initiate a request or a connection on its own motive. It establishes the SSL tunnel once an appropriate request is received by a water installation controlling apparatus.

In some examples the remote server may comprise at least a database to store user data, water installation data, communication data, statistical data and/or control data. Therefore, the remote server may also act a repository of all the information required for establishing connections and for storing statistical or historical data associated with the connections or the devices. In some examples, the water installation system may further comprise a user device, configured to connect bidirectionally to the remote server. The user device may generate commands that may be processed at the remote server to generate controlling instructions for the water installation devices. Therefore, a user may only need to access the user device, e.g. a mobile phone, tablet or personal computer, in order to control remotely the water installation devices. The user device may comprise an interactive user interface to display the water installation status and/or control elements of the water installation devices. In some examples the water installation system may further comprise multiple pairs of water installation devices and water installation controlling apparatuses, and multiple user devices. Each user device may be associated with at least one of the pairs of multiple water installation devices and water installation controlling apparatuses. The remote server may thus be configured to connect bidirectionally with the multiple user devices and establish multiple SSL tunnels with the respective pairs to allow remote control of said multiple water installation devices. Therefore a single remote center may be used to handle the SSL connections and the command requests from the user devices. In another aspect, a method of controlling at least one water installation device is disclosed. The method comprises establishing a secure socket layer (SSL) tunnel between a remote server and a water installation controlling apparatus through a network access point; receiving an instruction from the remote server through said SSL tunnel at the water installation controlling apparatus; and controlling by the water installation controlling apparatus at least one water installation device based on said received instructions.

According to some examples, the method may further comprise identifying a water installation device of the at least one water installation; receiving status information from said water installation device; and communicating said status information to the remote server. To be able to control a water installation device, the water installation device needs to be identified so that appropriate control instructions to be transmitted and correctly interpreted by the device. A plug-and-play mechanism may be employed to recognize and identify the devices before being allowed to be controlled by the water installation controlling apparatus. Furthermore, the status information allows the remote server to maintain logs and generate statistical data related to the water installation device.

In some examples, the method may further comprise relaying said status information to a user device, receiving a command from the user device to change the status of a water installation device of the at least one water installation, and generating an instruction to change the status of said water installation device. Therefore, the user may select a controlling command after being informed about the current status of the water installation device.

In some examples, the method may comprise establishing multiple SSL tunnels between a remote server and multiple water installation controlling apparatus, each of the multiple water installation controlling apparatus pertaining to at least one of multiple water installation devices, respectively. Thus the remote server may act as a controlling hub. Furthermore, the method may comprise identifying multiple user devices, each configured to control one or more devices of a water installation. In some examples, many user devices may control the same water installation. That may be the case in a family where many people independently wish to control an aspect of the water installation. In another example, a single user may control a plurality of water installations. For example, the authorized individual responsible for controlling the swimming pools of a sports complex with many swimming pools, or of many sports complexes, may do so through his/her terminal, e.g. a mobile communication device, before arriving at the sports complex or even remotely from a central controlling station supervising all the swimming pools.

The method of controlling may further comprise receiving multiple commands from the identified multiple user devices at the remote server, each associated with at least one of the water installation devices, generating multiple controlling instructions, each based on one of the received multiple commands, and transmitting each generated controlling instruction via the SSL tunnel to the water installation controlling apparatus configured to be controlled by the associated user device. Therefore, it is possible to control in parallel various devices of various water installations.

In another aspect, a computing device is disclosed. The computing device may comprise a memory and a processor. The memory may store computer program instructions executable by the processor. Said instructions may comprise functionality to execute a method of controlling at least one water installation device according to embodiments disclosed herein. In yet another aspect, a computer program product is disclosed. The computer program product may comprise instructions to provoke that a computing device implements a method of controlling a water installation device according to embodiments disclosed herein. The computer program product may be embodied on a storage medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a USB drive, on a computer memory or on a read-only memory) or carried on a carrier signal (for example, on an electrical or optical carrier signal). The computer program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the processes. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a hard disk. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or other means.

When the computer program is embodied in a signal that may be conveyed directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a water installation system according to an example.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a water installation system according to an example.

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of controlling at least one water installation device.

Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of controlling multiple water installation devices.

DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a water installation controlling apparatus according to an example. Water installation controlling apparatus 100 comprises an interface module 105, a network access module 1 10 and an apparatus tunneling module 1 15. The interface module 105 may be connectable to one or more water installation devices such as water pumps, water temperature controllers, thermostats, lighting installations or the like. The interface module may be configured to be physically connected to the water installation devices via a cable or it may be wirelessly connected to a wireless module of the water installation devices. The water installation may be a simple water container. Various independent devices may be used to control aspects of the water installation such as water temperature, lighting, water quantity, water quality etc. The water installation controlling apparatus may then be configured to be connected to one or more of such controlling devices. Therefore, a user needs not access each of these devices individually, but may access them remotely through a single controlling apparatus, the apparatus 100. For that purpose, the network access module 1 10 may be configured to be connected to a network access point such as a router. The router may be available in the vicinity of the water installation, e.g. in a building housing or being next to the water installation, and may be connected to a communication network such as the internet. The apparatus tunneling module 1 15 may then be configured to establish a secure socket layer (SSL) tunnel with a remote server through the network access point. For that purpose, the remote server may also be connected to the communication network. The water installation controlling apparatus 100 may be configured to receive controlling instructions from the remote server and through the SSL tunnel to control the water installation or the devices connected to the water installation.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a water installation system according to an example. Water installation system 200 comprises a water installation configuration 210, a water installation controlling apparatus 220, a remote server 250 and a user device 260. The water installation configuration may comprise a water installation 216 and one or more water installation devices 214. The water installation devices 214 may form part of the water installation 216 or they may be installed with or by the water installation 216. Alternatively, they may be connected to the water installation 216 to control or measure a property of the water installation 216 or of its environment. The water installation controlling apparatus 220 and the remote server 250 may be connected between them through an SSL tunnel connection that may be implemented through a communication network 240 such as the internet. A router 230 may provide access to the communication network 240 for the water installation controlling apparatus 220. The router may be protected by a firewall 235. A user may use a user device 260 to connect to the remote server 250 and control the water installation 210. The proposed solution establishes a secure communications gateway or tunnel via a communication network 240, such as the Internet, to enable bi-directional connections to water installation configurations 210 or devices 214 to control aspects of the water installations 216, that users may have behind routers, firewalls, etc.

Bi-directional communications may be established in a secure, encrypted form so that the information and the servers are safe from unauthorized access. The communications may be dynamically set regardless of whether the IP addresses of the devices are static or dynamic.

The communication between the remote server and the water installation controlling apparatus may not only be restricted to passing packets of information. A secure tunnel may allow controlling remotely the water installation controlling apparatus, for any purposes such as for programming, updating and for maintenance of the apparatus.

The proposed architecture requires a first computer system (e.g. a smart mobile phone or smartphone, a personal computer or a tablet) associated with the user, from which the user may generate commands to act on different remote devices associated with the installation of a pool, spa or similar (e.g. a water pump, heater, lighting, etc.) and receive data relevant to the state or other parameters (for example, if it is on or off, etc.). More specifically, the first computer system (hereinafter referred to as a "user device 260") may execute an application (app) that displays a graphical interface where the user can interact with displayed control elements. The user may interact in a form to control elements displayed on the user device that provoke the generation of control signals in the form of commands to the devices associated with the pool, spa or similar.

The commands involving actions to be taken by or on the devices associated with the water installation (pool, spa etc.), must first pass by a second computer system, hereinafter referred to as remote server. This transmission of information between the user device and the remote server may be done for example via a global communications network such as the Internet in https packets (SSL encryption). Typically, this server may be arranged remote from the installation of the water installation and may be able to control simultaneously several facilities.

The remote server 250 may comprise:

(i) an app server 252 (e.g. Tomcat), which may receive the commands generated by the app from the different user actions on the graphical user interface (GUI) of the user device 260. It may contain a login page to the entire system. On the other hand, it may contain information relevant to the association between users and water installation devices. Once users log in, different devices may appear associated with each user. After logging in, the users may have different options.

(ii) a web server 254 (e.g. Apache). The web server 254 is in charge of controlling the port forwarding and the communications that arrive from the water installation controlling apparatus 220. If the user requests to control a water installation device 214 associated with a water installation controlling apparatus 220 (described below), a website that serves the app server 252 may be launched, and the backend of the website may be responsible for communication with the water installation controlling apparatus 220 via a port used for secure web browser communication (such as e.g. port 443 used by the https protocol).

If the user requests to control a device with custom web-site embedded user interface (DWSUI) such as the AstraPool Mac™ manufactured by Fluidra S.A., the app server 252 (e.g. Tomcat™ Server) may initiate an encrypted communication between the app server 252 and the web server 254 (e.g. Apache™ HTTP Server) to initiate a reverse port forwarding process so that the water installation controlling apparatus 220 may provide the custom web-site of the DWSUI to the user device 260. (iii) An SSL tunneling module 256 to maintain an SSL tunnel with a third computer system (hereinafter referred to as water installation controlling apparatus 220). This SSL tunnel between the remote server 250 and the water installation controlling apparatus 220 may be established via a global communications network 240 such as the Internet, and the objective is to maintain a safe communication between them. It should be noted that the establishment of the SSL tunnel may be initiated by the water installation controlling apparatus 220 to the remote server 250 and not vice versa. That way the user may not need to modify the configuration of the firewall and/or the router. More specifically, the water installation controlling apparatus 220 may establish an SSL tunnel to the remote server 250 when it connects to a network 240. This communication may remain active since every few seconds data may be sent through the SSL tunnel to the router 230 so that the router 230 does not close the connection due to inactivity. Thus the server 250 never initiates communication and therefore neither needs to know beforehand the IP address of the water installation controlling apparatus 220, nor does it need to open any ports at the user^'s router 230 to establish the communication. From the established SSL tunnel, the server 250 may also make a series of pings to the water installation controlling apparatus 220 to check that this communication actually still exists, and avoid potential problems such as, for example, the water installation controlling apparatus 220 is without power and the SSL tunnel remains permanently open. Through this SSL tunnel instructions generated from the remote server 250 may be sent to the water installation controlling apparatus 220. In this case, an SSL port (e.g. port 443) may be used for two reasons: The first is that, being a port normally used for secure web pages (https protocol), the routers do not usually cut it. It is thus possible to ensure that communication between the water installation controlling apparatus and the remote server may not be cut by the router or by the operator of the router, if data exchange is detected. The second reason is that it allows secure communications by encapsulating the data sent under https headers. As the information under https headers is encrypted, it is not possible to detect that what is being sent from that port is not really web information. Therefore, if the router allows typical website traffic the water installation controlling apparatus will be able to communicate with the remote server without any problem. Nevertheless, one skilled in the art may appreciate that the water installation controlling apparatus 220 may send a request to connect to the remote server 250 using any port, provided that the remote server is configured to accept said request.

(iv) a database 258: The database 258 of the server 250 may have different functions. It may store device information once they have been identified. This information may be used in the future to facilitate communications without the need to identify the devices in each connection. It may further store user information, types of users and/or legal agreements of acceptance of conditions from the part of the users. Therefore, users may not need to register each time they connect to the remote server 250. The database may also store information associating water installation devices with each user to ensure e.g. that the devices are accessed by authorized users. The database 258 may further store key performance indices (KPIs) sent by the various devices 214 to the remote server 250 to generate resulting statistics and controls. For water installation controlling apparatuses 220, it may store information to guarantee that water installation devices 214 are associated with the correct water installation controlling apparatus 220. Further to that, it may store all timing or device vs. device relationships that the user may have specified in the application manager of the app to facilitate automated controls. Additionally, it may store SSL keys for secure communication between the remote server 250 and the water installation controlling apparatuses 220. Finally, the water installation controlling apparatus 220 is the computer system to which all devices 214 associated with the water installation configuration 210 may be connected in a wired or wireless way. Once the water installation controlling apparatus 220 receives instructions from the remote server through the SSL tunnel, it may communicate them to the device 214 of the water installation 216 to which they are addressed to be executed. This water installation controlling apparatus 220 communication between different devices 214 of associated water installations 216 may be via a serial communications protocol, e.g. Modbus. In environments where the water installation controlling apparatus is used to control a DWSUI system or similar system, the communication with these devices may be established via a network with http requests once an IP address has been established, when a broadcasting algorithm has associated the water installation controlling apparatus 220 with e.g. the DWSUI systems.

The DWSUI systems may contain a number of preconfigured devices. Typically, DWSUI systems are only accessed via a local web server that may reside in the DWSUI system, so it may not be possible to control such systems from the Internet. With the use of a system as disclosed herein, it is possible to control the DWSUI systems via web through the remote server 250, using reverse port forwarding that may be initiated by the water installation controlling apparatus 220.

Fig . 3 is a flow diagram of a method of controlling at least one water installation device. In a first step 310 a secure socket layer (SSL) tunnel with a remote server through a network access point is established with apparatus 220. Then, in step 320, an instruction from the remote server through said SSL tunnel is received at apparatus 220. Then, in step 330, at least one water installation device is controlled by apparatus 220 based on said received instructions.

Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of controlling multiple water installations. In a first step 410 multiple SSL tunnels between a remote server and multiple water installation controlling apparatus are established. Each of the multiple water installation controlling apparatus 220 may pertain to one of multiple water installation configurations 210, respectively. Then, in step 420, multiple user devices 260 are identified. Each device may be configured to control one or more devices 214 of at least one of the water installations 216. Then, in step 430, multiple commands from the identified multiple user devices, each associated with at least one of the water installations are received by apparatus 220. In step 440, multiple controlling instructions, based on the received multiple commands are generated. In step 450, each generated controlling instruction is transmitted to the SSL tunnel corresponding to the water installation controlling apparatus 220 configured to be controlled by the associated user device. Although only a number of particular embodiments and examples have been disclosed herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, the disclosure covers all possible combinations of the particular embodiments described. Thus, the scope of the disclosure should not be limited by particular embodiments.

Further, although the examples described with reference to the drawings comprise computing apparatus/systems and processes performed in computing apparatus/systems, the disclosure also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the system into practice.

Claims

1 . A water installation controlling apparatus, comprising:

- an interface module, connectable to one or more water installation devices;

- a network access module, configured to be connected to a network access point;

- an apparatus tunneling module, configured to establish a secure socket layer (SSL) tunnel with a remote server through the network access point;

wherein, the water installation controlling apparatus is configured to control the one or more water installation devices based on instructions received from the remote server via the SSL tunnel.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the one or more water installation devices comprise multiple water installation devices, the interface module is connectable to the multiple water installation devices.

3. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the interface module comprises a communication module configured to exchange information with the one or more water installation devices.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, the communication module further comprising multiple ports, wherein at least one port is connectable to a water installation device.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said at least one port is connectable to a controller of the one or more water installation devices.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the communication module further comprises a wireless module configured to be connected to at least one water installation device in a wireless manner.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the network access module is configured to be connected to a router of the network access point.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the network access module is connected to the router in a wired or a wireless manner.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the instructions received from the remote server is generated based on a command received from a user device.

10. A water installation system, comprising:

- one or more water installation devices;

- a water installation controlling apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9.

1 1 . The water installation system according to claim 10, wherein the one or more water installation devices comprise at least one of a water pump, a water temperature controller and a lighting installation.

12. The water installation system according to any of claims 10 or 1 1 , wherein the water installation controlling apparatus is configured to control at least one of a swimming pool, an artificial spa, a fish farming installation or other controllable water-containing installation.

13. The water installation system according to any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising the remote server configured to generate the instructions for controlling the water installation devices.

14. The water installation system according to claim 13, wherein the remote server comprises at least an application server, configured to receive commands generated by an application installed in a user device.

15. The water installation system according to any of claims 13 or 14, wherein the remote server comprises at least a web server, configured to control the manner in which a user device connects to at least one device of the water installation.

16. The water installation system according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the remote server comprises at least a server tunneling module configured to establish the secure socket layer tunnel with the apparatus tunneling module based on a request from the apparatus tunneling module.

17. The water installation system according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the remote server comprises at least a database to store user data, water installation data, communication data, statistical data and/or control data.

18. The water installation system according to any of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a user device, configured to connect bidirectionally to the remote server, to generate commands processed at the remote server to generate said instructions.

19. The water installation system according to claim 18, wherein the user device comprises an interactive user interface to display the water installation status and/or control elements of the water installation.

20. The water installation system according to any of claims 18 to 19, further comprising:

- multiple pairs of water installation devices and water installation controlling apparatuses;

- multiple user devices, each associated with at least one of the pairs of multiple water installation devices and water installation controlling apparatuses, respectively;

wherein the remote server is configured to connect bidirectionally with the multiple user devices and establish multiple SSL tunnels with the respective pairs to allow remote control of said multiple water installation devices.

21 . A method of controlling at least one water installation device, comprising:

- establishing a secure socket layer (SSL) tunnel between a remote server and a water installation controlling apparatus through a network access point;

- receiving an instruction from the remote server through said SSL tunnel at the water installation controlling apparatus;

- controlling by the water installation controlling apparatus at least one water installation device based on said received instructions.

22. The method according to claim 21 , further comprising:

- identifying a water installation device of the at least one water installation;

- receiving status information from said water installation device;

- communicating said status information to the remote server.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:

- relaying said status information to a user device;

- receiving a command from the user device to change the status of a water installation device of the at least one water installation; and

- generating an instruction to change the status of said water installation device.

24. The method according to any of claims 21 to 23, comprising:

- establishing multiple SSL tunnels between a remote server and multiple water installation controlling apparatus, each of the multiple water installation controlling apparatus pertaining to at least one of multiple water installation devices, respectively;

- identifying multiple user devices, each configured to control one or more water installation devices;

- receiving multiple commands from the identified multiple user devices at the remote server, each associated with at least one of the water installation devices;

- generating multiple controlling instructions, each based on one of the received multiple commands; - transmitting each generated controlling instruction via the SSL tunnel to the water installation controlling apparatus configured to be controlled by the associated user device.

25. A computing device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores computer program instructions executable by the processor, said instructions comprising functionality to execute a method of controlling at least one water installation device according to any of claims 21 to 24.

26. A computer program product comprising instructions to provoke that a computing device implements a method of controlling at least one water installation device according to any of claims 21 to 24.