Spiropyrans are one of the most popular classes of photochromic compounds that change their optical and structural properties in response to external inputs such as light, protons and metal ions, making them ideal molecules for the fabrication of multifunctional stimuli-responsive materials. Nowadays, the emphasis in polymeric materials incorporating spiropyran units, focuses on the effectiveness of their reversible response to external photonic stimuli. Photo-control of a range of key characteristics for flow systems, such as wettability, permeability, photo-modulation of flow by photo-actuation of valves, photonic control of uptake and release of guests using films and coatings, and colorimetric sensing of various species, are highlighted and discussed.