Abstract: The insect trap for a pool skimmer basket comprises a cylindrical container and a basket cover plate. The insect trap for a pool skimmer basket may be an insert for a skimmer of a swimming pool that provides an exit path for insects caught in a skimmer basket. The basket cover plate may replace an original skimmer basket cover with the cylindrical container removably coupled to a bottom surface of the basket cover plate such that the cylindrical container hangs down into pool water. A plurality of apertures located in the cylindrical container and on the basket cover plate may allow the insects to crawl between an inner surface and an outer surface of the cylindrical container and through the basket cover plate. A plurality of luminescent rings coupled to the basket cover plate may guide the insects at night.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment structure for a swimming machine is disclosed. The attachment structure is configured to interact with a frame of a pool. A user may interact with a locking switch to transition the attachment structure between a locked and an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the swimming machine may be rotated about an axis to direct a generated current in a number of directions.

Abstract: The poolside caddy may have an enclosure, one or more cup holders, and one or more phone holders. The poolside caddy may be a container for holding one or more beverage containers, one or more personal electronic devices, or both at a pool side venue. The poolside caddy may be placed at an edge of an inground pool where the one or more beverage containers and the one or more personal electronic devices may be adapted to be accessible by a user while the user is in the inground pool. The poolside caddy may be configured to prevent the one or more beverage containers and the one or more personal electronic devices from being knocked into the inground pool. The poolside caddy may be weighted to prevent the poolside caddy from moving.

Abstract: A protective cover for preventing water and debris from entering a pool ladder anchor socket embedded in a pool deck surface, the socket having a hollow sleeve portion, an aperture, a flange surrounding the aperture, and a tightening projection projecting upwardly from the flange, the protective cover comprising a cap and a plug formed of compressible elastic material, the plug is inserted through the aperture to create a watertight seal which protects the sleeve portion, while the cap has a cap recess which is aligned with and encloses the tightening projection, allowing the cap to achieve flush contact with the flange.

Abstract: Inflatable skateboarding ramp with an inflatable base that gives shape to the ramp, a semi-rigid surface located on the upper face of the inflatable base with one or two entrance platforms, as well as a rolling area and means for fixing the semi-rigid surface and the inflatable base.

Abstract: A method for mechanically lowering a person into and out from a structure having a water level, a deck, and an interior wall includes a waterproof lift and drive assembly, and the steps of connecting the lift to a base housing having an upper surface such that, in a lowered state, a lifting beam is at least partially contained within the base housing and, in a raised state, at least a portion of the lifting beam is above the upper surface at a given height, fixing the base housing to a wall of the structure to place the upper surface below the waterline such that, in the lowered state, the lifting beam and the seat assembly are completely submerged in the water and, in the raised state, the bottom seat surface is above the waterline and deck sufficient to permit a person to sit upon the chair.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment structure for a swimming machine is disclosed. The attachment structure is configured to interact with a frame of a pool. A user may interact with a locking switch to transition the attachment structure between a locked and an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the swimming machine may be rotated about an axis to direct a generated current in a number of directions.

Abstract: A heating device is well-functioning, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing and convenient to use at the same time. It includes a frame having an upper face, which connects the rear and front faces and which generally has a step-shaped shape having at least two levels, which, in use, are at different respective heights and the highest level of which opens onto the rear face while the other levels are distributed substantially uniformly between a base of the frame and the highest level, such that, in use, a user may access the pool by successively walking on the levels of the step-shaped shape by climbing the levels from the ground to enter the pool and by descending the levels to the ground to leave the pool. The device also includes an air-water heat pump, arranged in an internal volume of the frame, which is defined between the base and the rear.

Abstract: A floating device acting as a target for enhancing the accuracy of a urine stream. When placed inside a toilet bowl, the target provides visual stimulation and cognitive reinforcement in response to contact with urine. The target may comprise a hull with a cavity. A reactive substance may be placed in the cavity of the hull. The reactive substance may provide a visual stimulation or cognitive reinforcement when contacted by the urine stream. A top portion may be fit against the hull to retain the reactive substance in the cavity of the hull. A barrier layer may cover at least a portion of the hull and/or the top portion. The barrier layer may be semi-permeable or selectively permeable to water when contacted by a urine stream from a user.

Abstract: An above-ground swimming pool is provided. The pool includes a bottom surface with side walls extending upwardly therefrom to define an inner volume for receiving water. The pool further includes top edge portions mounted on a top perimeter of the side walls and caps mounted between adjacent top edge portions. The pool also includes at least one water module adapted to connect to and operate with the above-ground swimming pool. The water module has a module base connectable to the top perimeter of the side wall of the swimming pool, a module casing extending upward from the module base and having a distal opening; and a supply system provided within the module casing and having a discharge opening for supplying water out of the supply system and through the distal opening of the module casing to enter an inner volume of the above-ground swimming pool.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to monitor and control operation of an aquatic facility comprising a water basin, a water supply subsystem, and other subsystems. A simplified, centralized, scalable control subsystem comprises a base controller including with inputs and outputs and a human-machine interface. Sensors are operatively connected to the base controller and adapted to directly or indirectly sense one of a pre-selected set of parameters related to the operation of the aquatic facility. Actuators are operatively connected to the base controller and adapted to directly or indirectly actuate one of a pre-selected set of operations of the aquatic facility. The base controller is programmable relative to setpoints or other operational criteria of the aquatic facility; and actuation of at least a base subset of the actuators and graphical representation of the facility and the water supply, and the at least one subsystem, and the pre-selected operations of the aquatic system.

Abstract: Arrangements for mounting pool fittings and methods for mounting pool fittings, for example, return fittings, to pool walls are provided. The arrangements and methods facilitate the installation and maintenance of pool fittings by preventing the undesirable rotation of the fitting during installation or maintenance. Aspects of the invention are characterized by mounting plates having one or more projections or recesses that engage one or more projections or recesses on the pool fitting to restrict rotation of the fitting. Mounting plates having one or more restricting projections or recesses are also disclosed. Aspects of the invention are not limited to return fittings, but can be adapted for use with any structure mounted to a pool wall, for example, to an insulated pool wall.

Abstract: A liner for an above-ground frame pool is provided. The liner includes a bottom wall and a sidewall coupled to the bottom wall and defining a water cavity together with the bottom wall. The sidewall has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the sidewall includes a translucent portion facilitating viewing between the water cavity and an exterior of the above-ground frame pool. The translucent portion has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An air passageway system (100) includes an annular air delivery passageway (132), a linear air delivery passageway (112b), and one or more air injection passageways (134a-1341, 116). The annular air delivery passageway (132), the linear air delivery passageway (112b), and the one or more air injection passageways (134a-1341, 116) are constructed from flexible polyvinyl chloride walls.

Abstract: A LED lighting device (80) is installable on a standard wall fitting (10). The LED lighting device (80) includes an inductive power transmitter (84) including a housing (146), a tee top (112) on the housing (146) including a flat inductive power transfer face (120), and an inductive transmitter coil (154) located within the tee top (112). A LED lamp module (86) of the LED lighting device (80) includes a LED lamp body (184) containing one or more LEDs (180), a threaded male portion (131) formed on the LED lamp body (184) and shaped to threadably engage the standard wall fitting (10), an inductive power receiver pad (132) located adjacent a flat surface (120) of the threaded male portion (131), and an inductive power receiver coil (166) located in the LED lamp body (184). When the LED lighting device (80) is installed on the standard wall fitting (10), the LED lamp module (86) is wirelessly powered by the inductive power transmitter (84).

Abstract: A lift transporting a person into and out from a water-containing structure having an interior wall includes a waterproof base assembly attached to the wall and having at least a portion thereof submerged in the structure, a waterproof seat assembly and a drive assembly. The seat assembly includes a lifting beam movably disposed with respect to a base housing and defining a seat arm chamber and a chair assembly comprising a chair arm movably connected to the lifting beam within the seat arm chamber to travel between a stowed position and a deployed position and a chair movably connected to the chair arm to travel between a stowed position and a deployed position. The drive assembly is operatively connected at least to the lifting beam and raises and lowers the lifting beam with respect to the lifting arm chamber and rotates the lifting beam with respect to the lifting arm chamber.

Abstract: A drive mechanism which is adapted for use with a swing device includes two symmetrically-disposed electromagnetic driving units and a control unit. The electromagnetic driving units are adapted to be pivotally connected to a bottom of the swing device. The control unit is electrically connected to the electromagnetic driving units for controlling the electromagnetic driving units to be alternately activated and deactivated, so as to generate an intermittent magnetic force to drive swinging movement of the swing device. The swing device including the drive mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cover and a method for automatically producing a cover having at least one cover panel for covering a container, the method using a mold having an open state and a closed state. The method operates in three steps. First, by opening the mold to the open state and assembling therein, free of mechanical fasteners, of at least two functionally different cover elements. Second, closing the mold to the closed state and injecting therein at least one substance that solidifies for forming a structural material which forms a third cover element. Third, opening the mold to the open state and retrieving the cover thereout ready for use. The cover is void of mechanical fasteners and has at least two functionally different cover elements which include at least a belt and a reinforcement structure.

Abstract: A device that selectively closes an inlet opening in a face frame of a throat in a pool skimmer, the throat having an outlet opening in a wall of a chamber of the pool skimmer, the throat being in a water flow communication with the chamber, the chamber accessible through a removable lid, the device comprises a body sized larger than the inlet opening, a support member sized and shaped to be positioned, during use of the device, in a contact with the wall of the chamber and adjacent the outlet opening of the throat, and an elastic member being in a first connection with the body and in a second connection with the support member, the elastic member further being in a tension during use of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus to quickly position a start assist device for backstroke swimmers and remove said start assist device once the apparatus detects or is signaled that the swimmer has left to prevent injuries and obstructions caused by the start assist device. A mechanical embodiment of such an apparatus and a motorized embodiment of such an apparatus with a data input system to position the start assist device according to the individual swimmers needs and means to signal the start event are disclosed.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.

Abstract: Coping arrangements and methods for mounting coping arrangements for swimming pools and related structures are provided. The coping arrangements include an elongated base member shaped and adapted to be received by a wall of a swimming pool; and a plurality of elongated top members, each of the plurality of elongated top members are adapted to be replaceably mounted to the elongated base member, and each of the plurality of elongated top members having an exposed contour different from each of the other elongated top members. The different exposed contours of the top members of the coping arrangement may comprise different cross-sectional. Methods for changing a coping arrangement, coping arrangement kits, coping members, and methods for installing a pool are also disclosed.

Abstract: An accelerator used for increasing water circulation velocity through a swimming pool's filtration/heating system. It comprises one or more rigid elongated and open-ended tubular sections; one end formed at a 90-degree angle into a flange inserts into the pool vacuum intake or skimmer port. The other end may be any variety of shapes, with multiple vents or openings. When the flange end is attached to the vacuum intake, the accelerator sits parallel to the pool wall with its base close to the pool bottom. The base may have protrusions perpendicular to the body to act as feet on the wall. The accelerator can be adjusted to variable lengths with sections locking into place with male and female adapters. The accelerator's sections should have small drilled holes at intervals along their length for the safety of pool equipment and swimmers. The lowest portion of the accelerator body has a drainage hole.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus and associated methods for raising a user in a body of water. The lifting apparatus includes a platform configured to receive a wheelchair. The apparatus is reconfigurable between a raised configuration; a lowered configuration; and a storage configuration. The apparatus is configured to maintain the platform in a substantially horizontal orientation in the raised, lowered and storage configurations.

Abstract: A hot tub cover and insulation system wherein insulating blanket for use on the surface of the water in a hot tub is provided with a framework for attachment to the hot tub cover to allow it to be easily removed, stored and reinstalled when the hot tub cover is removed for use of the hot tub.

Abstract: An inductive-coupling lighting system for use in high-moisture operating environments provides electromagnetic inductive coupling for simultaneous wireless (contactless) transfer of power and lighting-control commands.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of using an apparatus for biotechnical production. The method includes the receiving a flow of an amount of a raw material into a basin. The basin has a radius, and a circular or sectorial configuration. A speed of the flow is increased towards a center of the basin. Followed by, introducing a gas to the flow of the raw material at an active site of the basin to create predetermined conditions that take place in the active site. The location is adjacent the center. A reaction broth is created at the location by reacting the flow with the gas. The reaction broth is moved to and past the active site using a belt located in the basin. The belt has a first section angled upwardly toward the center of the basin.

Abstract: Herein described is a starting block (10) for swimming pools comprising a base portion (12), constrainable to the perimetrical structure of the swimming pool at one of its head vertical walls, an upper walkable portion (14), supported by the base portion (12) and aligned with the head vertical wall of the swimming pool so as to be used as a platform by a swimmer, and one or more handgrips (16), protruding from the base portion (12) towards the internal part of the swimming pool and useable by the swimmer during the starting stages of a swimming competition. To the starting block (10) there is operatively connected a means (18) for supporting the feet of the swimmer, provided with a moving system which allows such support means (18) to move between a first operating position and a second rest position, wherein such support means (18) is outside the swimming pool.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing water from gathering within the vertical well of the skim filter port of a swimming pool filtration system. A plug assembly is provided that has an expandable body and a shaft that extends below the expandable body. The plug assembly is inserted into the vertical well of a pool's skim filter port. The shaft under the expandable body is mechanically interconnected to the intake port within the vertical well. The expandable body is then expanded within the vertical well by being either vertically compressed or internally inflated. The expandable body fills the vertical well and prevents any significant amounts of water from collecting in the vertical well.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes two separate reservoirs wherein the first reservoir is molded into the body of the larger artificial body of water and filled using a standard pump from the main body of water. From the larger body of water, the water is then moved upward through the apparatus through the manual opening of a valve assembly. Once the valve assembly is opened, the water moves through the valve assembly and through a grate and into a second reservoir. From this second reservoir, the water is pulled by the force gravity over the spillway into the main body of water, creating a clean, sheer waterfall effect.

Abstract: Described is a portable swimming pool rail to help users enter and exit in-ground swimming pools. The portable swimming pool rail includes a continuous, rectangular frame having a first section that rests flush against a pool deck, and a second section perpendicular to the first section that is parallel to a pool wall. The second section extends underneath the surface of the water in the pool, and provides a surface for a user to grasp while resting. Further, the second section can serve as a step to help users exit the pool. The first section of the frame is weighted and is heavier than the second section so as to help maintain the position of the frame on the pool edge. The swimming pool rail can be placed anywhere alongside of a pool to provide an easily grasped surface for a user to hold.

Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool includes an insert and a piston having a nozzle. The piston is carried in the insert for reciprocal movement between a lowered position and a raised position in which the piston is in one of a plurality of indexed orientations and the nozzle is above the insert. The piston rotates to an adjacent indexed orientation in response to reciprocation of the piston between the raised and lowered positions in response to the cyclical application of water through the insert. Upper and lower engagement assemblies prevent rotational movement of the piston in the raised and lowered positions. The upper engagement assembly includes upper teeth, lower teeth, and channels formed in the upper teeth which guide the lower teeth through the upper teeth as the piston moves from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: A system for moving a user between a deck and a floor of a swimming pool is provided. The system includes a rail assembly with rails configured to extend between the deck and the floor of a pool, a seat assembly configured for rolling engagement with the rails, and a drive mechanism configured to translate the seat assembly along the rails.

Abstract: A weighting system for a swimming pool step assembly includes a pair of weights, a removable cap for each of the weights, and means for removably mounting the weights to the exterior sides of a swimming pool step assembly. The weighting system described herein is easily installed and removed by the user without having to remove the weights from underneath the pool step assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible portable pool chair is provided that can adapt to a pool wall and enable a user to be partially submerged while in a stable, upright position. The pool chair comprises a pool wall attachment assembly and a seat assembly pivotally connected to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for rendering a pool lift portable. The apparatus comprises a forewheel assembly comprising a forewheel attached to a base of a pool lift adjacent a forward edge of the base, and a jack comprising a jack wheels. The jack may be attached to the pool lift base in a position where the jack wheel is spaced from the forewheel, and the jack may be actuated to alternately lift and lower the apparatus by alternately moving the jack wheel between extended and retracted positions so as to rotate the pool lift base about the forewheel such that the pool lift base is in contact with a supporting surface when the jack wheel is in its retracted position, and such that the pool lift base is supported in a transport position spaced from the supporting surface by the forewheel and the jack wheel when the jack wheel is in its extended position. The apparatus may include a seat attitude maintenance linkage comprising a single-side two-link crank linkage having a long link spaced to prevent pinching.

Abstract: A step for ingress and egress from a swimming pool and/or a spa includes a tread including opposing side edges, a riser coupled with and extending substantially perpendicular from one of the side edges of the tread and an upper flange substantially perpendicular to said tread and coupled with and extending upwardly or downwardly from one of the opposing side edges of the tread opposite the riser. The upper flange is configured to be coupled with the riser of another step or a wall of the swimming pool or spa to form a stairway.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a crane for hoisting and moving a disabled person between a pool and an adjacent deck. The apparatus may include a post receptacle supported adjacent a pool and a post having a lower portion removably receivable in the post receptacle. The post may also have an upper portion that extends upward from the post receptacle when the lower portion of the post is received in the post receptacle. A turret sleeve may be supported on the post upper portion for rotation about a turret axis, and a turret arm may be carried by and extend radially outward from the turret sleeve. A seat may be carried by the arm. A turret driver may be operatively connected to the turret sleeve and configured to rotate the turret, arm, and seat about the turret axis. The apparatus may also include a remote controller configured to command the driver to rotate the turret, arm and seat about the turret axis.

Abstract: The self-supporting poolside child seat places a partially submerged child seat in a pool, and secures said child seat against a side of an above-ground swimming pool. The self-supporting poolside child seat includes straps that secure the child to the child seat as a safety precaution when in use in the water of said pool. A canopy extends from behind said child seat to provide shade to the child seated therein. Armrests extend from the child seat, and provide a means by which a tray may attach to the child seat for use as a surface to place food or toys thereon. Adjustable supports extend to the rear of the child seat and work in concert with diagonal supports to secure the child seat to the side of the above-ground swimming pool.

Abstract: Herein described is a starting block (10) for swimming pools comprising a base portion (12), constrainable to the perimetrical structure of the swimming pool at one of its head vertical walls, an upper walkable portion (14), supported by the base portion (12) and aligned with the head vertical wall of the swimming pool so as to be used as a platform by a swimmer, and one or more handgrips (16), protruding from the base portion (12) towards the internal part of the swimming pool and useable by the swimmer during the starting stages of a swimming competition. To the starting block (10) there is operatively connected a means (18) for supporting the feet of the swimmer, provided with a moving system which allows such support means (18) to move between a first operating position and a second rest position, wherein such support means (18) is outside the swimming pool.

Abstract: An oxidizer generating apparatus comprising a cylindrical housing and an electrode assembly attached at one end of the housing comprising at least three vertically disposed electrodes, the electrodes being spaced apart so as to define a water flow path between them, the electrodes comprising titanium outer electrodes and at least one inner diamond electrode.

Abstract: A skimmer cover assembly includes a cover that is adapted to fit over the face flange of the skimmer or pool wall to prevent water from entering the skimmer assembly. The cover is secured to the skimmer by use of a draw bolt that is threaded at one end and includes a thumb screw or wing nut at a second end. The threaded end is adapted to be threaded into a support brace that is braced against an inside surface of the skimmer housing or to the skimmer housing itself. Tightening the draw bolt with the thumb screw draws the cover tightly against the face flange of the skimmer. The cover includes a gasket seal about its perimeter to form a watertight seal with the face flange of the skimmer. The draw bolt also has an o-ring that is positioned between the thumb screw and the cover to prevent water from leaking past the cover.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus and associated methods for raising a user in a body of water. The lifting apparatus includes a platform configured to receive a wheelchair. The apparatus is reconfigurable between a raised configuration; a lowered configuration; and a storage configuration. The apparatus is configured to maintain the platform in a substantially horizontal orientation in the raised, lowered and storage configurations.

Abstract: A pool lift comprises an actuator to lower and raise a seat carrying a user into and out of a pool. The seat is mountable to the actuator for either leftward or rightward movement, enabling use in a variety of pool configurations. The seat further folds when not in use to minimize the footprint of the device.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer formed to include an integral disinfectant dispenser. The disinfectant dispenser is adapted to enable infinite adjustment to the level of disinfectant dispensed into the normal flow of the pool water. The skimmer includes a valve that is used to adjust the flow of water distributed to the disinfectant dispenser. The flow rate of water entering the dispensing chamber is controlled by the valve, which controls the water level within the dispensing chamber. The amount of water exiting the dispensing chamber is controlled by a vertically extending elongated flow slit. The higher the water level in the dispensing chamber causes more exposure to the chlorine tablets, increasing the chlorine level in the dispensing water. Chlorinated water exits the flow slit and enters the skimmer main chamber.

Abstract: An anchor for a rectangular tube employs a wedge assembly, whereby rotation of an adjustment bolt of the wedge assembly moves an upper and lower wedge member together, and the wedge engagement with a central wedge member causes said central wedge member to move toward engagement with the tube, thereby securing the tube within a base body. Clevis pins and corresponding key hole slots mount the wedge assembly to a base, while allowing easy removal of the wedge when desired.

Abstract: A protective lid for a deck flange. The protective lid may include a cap and a shaft extending from the bottom of the cap. The cap may be rounded and in a dome shape. The shaft may be inserted into a deck flange. Due to the rounded dome shape of the cap, a tarp may be placed on to the protective lid without being torn or damaged.

Abstract: A chair lift apparatus adapted to transport an individual into and out of a water pool, the chair lift apparatus that includes a frame, a chair, a lift arm, having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the lift arm is rotatably attached to the frame and the second end portion of the lift arm is operatively attached to the chair, a linkage, and a linear actuator, having a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion located within a frame, the linear actuator is operable to move the linear actuator between a first actuator position and a second actuator position. There is a protective cover to provide protection from environmental damage and the space between the frame and the linear actuator does not constitute a pinch point when the chair is above the edge of the water pool.

Abstract: A detachable vented signaling alarm apparatus is provided which is capable of being attached to a skimmer basket commonly used with pool skimming systems. There are many different configurations and sizes of skimmer baskets with which the present apparatus is capable of attachment merely by drilling a hole generally centrally in the skimmer basket bottom. The detachable signaling alarm may be readily removed from the skimmer basket for various reasons such as pool vacuuming or maintenance and includes a vented stem for minimizing damage to the basket when debris has accumulated therein. An alarm of any type can be used with the vent mechanism for indicating when the skimmer basket is substantially blocked by debris by generating of an alarm condition responsive to airflow through the vent.

Abstract: A new swimming, wading and bathing pool that uses a camouflage pattern of layers to conceal debris, while helping the pool blend in to its environment. The camouflage pool is also used to conceal a person and or other objects wearing or covered in a similar camouflage pattern.