Abstract: A prefabricated swimming pool including a pool frame having a plurality of vertical frames and horizontal frames connected between the vertical frames, and pool body fabricated from a synthetic resin sheet having a base unit and a circumferential side wall and supported by the pool frame. Storing and carrying of the swimming pool is simple and handy, and there is no possibility that the circumferential side wall is inclined or collapses, ensuring a safe and stable use.

Abstract: An inflatable device with a liquid-powered air pump includes a pump housing a liquid chamber and an air chamber, each having an input port and an output port. A turbine axle extends between the liquid chamber and the air chamber. The end of the turbine axle, residing in the liquid chamber, includes a number of liquid turbine blades while the end of the turbine axle, residing in the air chamber, includes a number of air turbine blades. A nozzle, which is preferably adjustable, is connected to the input port to the liquid chamber. Introduction of liquid into the liquid input port turns the liquid turbine blades and thus the air turbine blades via the axle. Air is drawn from the air input port and forced through the air output port. The pump assembly may be connected to or integrated with an inflatable device to simultaneously fill a liquid container and a separate air bladder of the inflatable device.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting to an end of tubing. The fitting includes a fitting body having a generally tubular construction with a first end adapted for leakproof connection to another component. A second end has a socket connector with tapered interior sidewall portions forming a truncated conical shape such that an end of a tube can be inserted into the socket connector and tightly wedged therein to form a leakproof seal. At least a portion of the fitting body is made of a light-transmitting material such that material lodged within the fitting body is visible from the exterior of the fitting body.

Abstract: A retainer for a pool liner has an elongate retaining element includes a longitudinal holding channel for accommodating a liner bead, the channel having an upper wall with a downwardly extending second flange, a rear wall and a bottom wall with a forwardly positioned upwardly extending first flange. The area between the second flange and the first flange forms a slot for insertion of the bead into the channel. A third flange is positioned outside of said channel on the upper wall. An elongate resilient cap has a first hooked peripheral edge portion for hooking over the second flange, and an opposed second hooked peripheral edge portion for hooking over the third flange. The cap can be retained by snapping the hooked portions over the respective second and third flanges. The first peripheral edge portion has an outwardly disposed shoulder extending toward the first flange.

Abstract: A circular above-ground self-supporting pool, comprising a flexible and impervious pocket, the circular upper edge of which is provided with a buoyant inflatable annular hoop, wherein said inflatable hoop consists of several pneumatically independent inflatable annular chambers.

Abstract: An above ground swimming pool is made up of a plurality of posts, wherein each post is a blow-molded unit having a base portion and a top portion with a coping seat. A plurality of coping members also blow-molded are each telescopically received one end to the other at the coping seat of the top of each post, and a one-piece fastener engages the overlapping telescopic ends of the coping members to the top of the post. A bracket is provided at the base of the post, the bracket having a rail for receiving track segments wherein an elongated flexible metal wall is inserted. The coping member retains the top of the flexible wall against the post.

Abstract: An above ground swimming pool support structure is made up a plurality of posts, wherein each post is a blow-moulded unit having a base portion and top portion with a planar shoulder. A plurality of universal coping members also blow-moulded are interconnected end to end at selective angles, one end abutting the other at the planar shoulder of each post. A plurality of holes are provided at the opposite ends of the coping members. The connection of the adjacent coping members at the selective angles is maintained by pins inserted into aligned holes at the respective interconnected ends of the adjacent coping members, such that an endless top rail supported by the posts can be formed using the universal coping members for coping a flexible pool panel end to end of an above ground swimming pool in a preselected size. The advantages include the reduced manufacturing cost resulted from the limited number of moulds for manufacturing the moulded components and reduced labour required for erecting the pool.

Abstract: A folding wading pool has in an unfolded condition a floor encompassed by an annular sidewall. The floor has a plurality of lower creases diverging outwardly from a central location toward the sidewall. The sidewall has a spaced plurality of upright creases. The lower and the upright creases can be folded to: (a) contract said sidewall by folding said upright creases, and (b) collapse said floor by (i) articulating said lower creases about said central location, and (ii) swinging said sidewall toward said floor.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool assembly includes an inflatable swimming pool with a surrounding wall which confines an accommodation space and which terminates at an upper surrounding edge portion to define an opening. A flexible cover has an upper major wall to rest on the upper surrounding edge portion to cover the opening, and a flap portion to be pulled over to be disposed beyond, and outwardly and downwardly of the upper surrounding edge portion when the flexible cover is stretched. A flexible sheet member has a peripheral edge portion which is in sealing attachment to the upper major wall to confine an inflatable space therebetween to be inflated to stretch the flexible cover. An inflating valve is disposed to inflate or deflate the inflatable space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination hydrotherapy swim pool structure including a plurality of side rods assembled with a plurality of transverse rods to form a swim pool support frame. An enclosure is mounted on the side rods and the transverse rods. Thus, the present invention forms a simple swim pool that can be assembled and dismantled easily and quickly. The enclosure is formed with multiple water inlet/outlet holes, and a water output control device has multiple connecting pipes each connected to the water inlet/outlet hole for ejecting water beams, thereby massaging the human body in a hydrotherapy manner. An air cushion is mounted on the periphery of the swim pool support frame, thereby keeping the water temperature of the hydrotherapy swim pool structure, and providing a comfortable sensation to the user, so as to achieve the hydrotherapy massaging effect with comfort and safety.

Abstract: Support systems for vessels such as above-ground swimming pools are disclosed. Each system may include one or more buttresses adapted to support substantially the entire vertical height of the side wall or each of a series of side walls of the pool. The buttresses, which flare along their lengths, closely match the support they provide each side wall to the outward water pressure present-along its height for enhanced reliability. The diminished space required for installation of the disclosed buttresses reduces the surface area required for their associated pool.

Abstract: An end cap coping for a swimming pool of sufficiently low profile to allow a pool cover to be extended thereover. The end cap coping includes a body having a channel with holes in a bottom thereof for receiving fasteners extending in to a wall of the pool. An enlarged edge of the body includes a slot for retaining a bead of a liner for the pool. The end cap coping is positioned above a target water level for the pool, but below tracks supporting a cover of the pool. A cover is provided for the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in swimming pools or other impoundments (hereinafter, “swimming pools”), for use in patios, gardens, open spaces, and around homes, which have an upper frame that supports a membrane which contains the contents of the pool, which upper frame is connected to support legs.

Abstract: A spa system preferably provides for equipment to be self-contained in at least one enclosure that is preferably above the ground level when the spa system is installed in the ground. The enclosure could either be pre-fabricated and coupled to the spa system or modular and ready to be coupled to the spa system. Furthermore, the enclosure could be located under the shell in one or more places in an upper portion of the interior space between the inner portion of the shell and the framework, so as to be above ground level when the spa system is installed. Moreover, at least one support wall could define the enclosure, or a modular second support wall could define the enclosure, so as to maintain the enclosure preferably above the ground level when the spa system is installed in the ground. Additionally, the spa system of the present invention preferably provides at least one removable panel above the ground level for easy access to the equipment.

Abstract: Support systems for vessels such as above-ground swimming pools are disclosed. Each system may include one or more buttresses adapted to support substantially the entire vertical height of the side wall or each of a series of side walls of the pool. A strapless support system to provide a pool having a deep end is also disclosed. The buttresses, which flare along their lengths, closely match the support they provide each side wall to the outward water pressure present along its height for enhanced reliability. The diminished space required for installation of the disclosed buttresses reduces the surface area required for their associated pool.

Abstract: A prefabricated swimming pool including a pool frame having a plurality of vertical frames and horizontal frames connected between the vertical frames, and pool body fabricated from a synthetic resin sheet having a base unit and a circumferential side wall and supported by the pool frame. Storing and carrying of the swimming pool is simple and handy, and there is no possibility that the circumferential side wall is inclined or collapses, ensuring a safe and stable use.

Abstract: A prefabricated swimming pool including a pool frame having a plurality of vertical frames and horizontal frames connected between the vertical frames, and pool body fabricated from a synthetic resin sheet having a base unit and a circumferential side wall and supported by the pool frame. Storing and carrying of the swimming pool is simple and handy, and there is no possibility that the circumferential side wall is inclined or collapses, ensuring a safe and stable use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination hydrotherapy swim pool structure including a plurality of side rods assembled with a plurality of transverse rods to form a swim pool support frame. An enclosure is mounted on the side rods and the transverse rods. Thus, the present invention forms a simple swim pool that can be assembled and dismantled easily and quickly. The enclosure is formed with multiple water inlet/outlet holes, and a water output control device has multiple connecting pipes each connected to the water inlet/outlet hole for ejecting water beams, thereby massaging the human body in a hydrotherapy manner. An air cushion is mounted on the periphery of the swim pool support frame, thereby keeping the water temperature of the hydrotherapy swim pool structure, and providing a comfortable sensation to the user, so as to achieve the hydrotherapy massaging effect with comfort and safety.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assembling components for water retention tanks, such as swimming pools for example, characterised in that it consists in: producing parts or elements of the pool or shell (1) with one edge (7) oriented outwards, over at least part of their periphery, and outer structural elements (2, 3a, 3b, 4) with a groove (8) oriented inwards; providing a sealing joint (9) at the bottom of said groove; and engaging therein the adjacent outer edges (7) of two contiguous shell elements (1), such that they are urged to rest on said joint (9), under the pressure of water introduced in the pool thereby assembling the set of shell (1) elements, and thus producing the junction of said shell (1) parts or elements and sealing said junction.

Abstract: A spa pool has an enclosing wall that has at least one inflatable chamber, and a plumbing system retained in the interior of the wall. The plumbing system includes a plurality of jet nozzles, and a plurality of hoses that couple the plurality of jet nozzles. The wall can have two openings that communicate the interior with the exterior of the spa pool, the two openings including a first opening coupled to an inlet for receiving water into the interior from a pump, and a second opening coupled to an outlet for delivering water from the interior to a pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in swimming pools or other impoundments (hereinafter, “swimming pools”), for use in patios, gardens, open spaces, and around homes, which have an upper frame that supports a membrane which contains the contents of the pool, which upper frame is connected to support legs.

Abstract: An above ground swimming pool support structure is made up a plurality of posts, wherein each post is a blow-moulded unit having a base portion and top portion with a planar shoulder. A plurality of universal coping members also blow-moulded are interconnected end to end at selective angles, one end abutting the other at the planar shoulder of each post. A plurality of holes are provided at the opposite ends of the coping members. The connection of the adjacent coping members at the selective angles is maintained by pins inserted into aligned holes at the respective interconnected ends of the adjacent coping members, such that an endless top rail supported by the posts can be formed using the universal coping members for coping a flexible pool panel end to end of an above ground swimming pool in a preselected size. The advantages include the reduced manufacturing cost resulted from the limited number of moulds for manufacturing the moulded components and reduced labour required for erecting the pool.

Abstract: A portable containing structure comprising a series of interlocking panels that, when constricted form the containing structure. These panels may be used to form such structures as a pool (swimming or wading) and may also be used to form an ice rink, spa, sandbox, window box, etc. The structures so formed are strong and utile and are easy to construct and deconstruct.

Abstract: An automatic pool cover box includes a front wall having a plurality of elongated extrusions, each extrusion having a first side wall, an opposite second side wall, a first coupler on the first side wall and a second coupler on the second side wall. Adjacent extrusions are coupled together using a respective first coupler and second coupler. A second side wall of one of the extrusions defines a bottom edge of the front wall. A rear wall includes a plurality of elongated extrusions, each extrusion having a first side wall, an opposite second side wall, a first coupler on the first side wall and a second coupler on the second side wall. Adjacent extrusions are coupled together using a respective first coupler and second coupler. A second side wall of one of the extrusions defines a bottom edge of the rear wall which is at least intermittently connected with the bottom edge of the front wall.

Abstract: A liquid level control system utilizes a sensor that is attached to a fixed support relative to a liquid container and transmits radio-frequency signals to a remotely located liquid supply system depending upon fluctuations in the liquid level. In the context of a swimming pool, the sensor housing is attached to a sidewall of the pool, at the desired water level. A sensor circuit located within the housing floats at the liquid level, and as changes occur, movement of the floating sensor results in the transmission of signals to either activate or deactivate a supply valve that supplies replacement water to the pool. A small opening located at an upper portion of the sensor housing cooperates with the floating sensor to dampen the motion of the sensor, providing a more accurate reading of the liquid level.

Abstract: A frame for portable above-ground swimming pools and, more particularly, a frame for above-ground swimming pools having a top rail, formed in sections, that is pivotally attached to the frame vertical supports. Each top rail section is installed at the top of the vertical supports in a vertical position that is about 90° from a horizontal axis, allowing access to the interior area of the pool frame for installation and attachment of the sheet metal swimming pool wall. Once the top rails sections are assembled, the frame is free-standing and the pool wall may be installed and attached to the frame without partial disassembly of the frame or removal and replacement of the top rail sections. Once the swimming pool wall and liner are installed, the top rail sections are rotated 90° along the horizontal axis, securing the wall and liner, and are locked into place. The invention further provides a method for installing an above-ground swimming pool in the sequential steps described above.

Abstract: A device for retaining garden beds, retaining water, and/or blocking plant roots, with the device having two connected reinforcing members with a liquid permeable member positioned between the reinforcing members. A method of building a garden bed includes using the device around the perimeter of a bed. A method for building a pond or stream includes using the device around the perimeter of the pond or stream. Finally, a method of blocking root travel includes burying the device to block travel.

Abstract: A stairway for a swimming pool fabricated by a rotational molding technique having a set of stairs in its front face and a hollow reservoir therein that communicates with the pool. A separate box also formed by a rotational molding technique is attached to the back of the stairway and contains a pump. A filtering system is contained inside the stairway and is attached to the pump to circulate pool water therethrough.

Abstract: A swimming pool deck and pool wall support that includes a unitary shell member defining two vertically extending chambers each filled with concrete. At a first end of the shell member the chambers are connected by a web. The shell member further defines a gap extending from the web to a second end of a shell member and separating the chambers. The support may be utilized as part of a swimming pool deck and pool wall support system. A method of supporting a swimming pool deck and pool wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liner for swimming pools and, more particularly, a flexible plastic liner for above-ground swimming pools that is attached to the upper edge of the swimming pool wall. The pool liner of this invention has a plastic “beading” around its circumference, or border, which has a removable J-hook portion in connection with a bead portion. This beading arrangement allows the liner to be attached to pool walls that have “bead receivers” for attachment of beaded liners and to pool walls that have no bead receivers. The beading has perforations provided therein to facilitate the removal of the J-hook portion from the bead portion to convert the beading from a J-hook type liner to a bead type liner for insertion into a bead receiver.

Abstract: A sun shade pool typically used by small children in an above-the-ground environment for use in the out-of-doors and method therefore is disclosed which is directed to an inflatable pool and a removable sun shade canopy mounted upon the inflatable pool for blocking direct sun light. The inflatable pool can be multiple-tiered in height and include a bottom wall. The removable sun shade canopy is attachable to and detachable from a top surface of the inflatable pool by a plurality of hook and loop fasteners. The sun shade pool can be fashioned from polyvinylchloride sheeting, include a plurality of inflation air valves for inflating the pool and canopy, and a drain plug for rapidly draining water from the pool. In its most fundamental embodiment, the sun shade pool exhibits a construction including an inflatable pool having a sidewall sealed to a bottom wall for containing a fluid. A removable sun shade canopy for covering a top surface of the inflatable pool is also included.

Abstract: A drain for a swimming pool. The pool has an opening adjacent a lower surface of the pool and a plug on an inner surface of the pool to close or open the drain. A hose is connected at one end to the opening adjacent a lower surface of the pool and the other end of the hose has a discharge tray connected thereto.

Abstract: An aboveground pool decking system that entails a platform that mounts to and over the conventional top rail of an aboveground pool, creating a smooth, level and gap-free transition from the deck to the edge of the pool. The platform includes an extension that fills the gap that is required between the top rail and deck to allow for maintenance and repairs to the pool and installation of a pool cover. With the extension, the pool deck is permitted to abut against the outer edge of the platform. The platform is configured to be securely attached to and stable on the top rail, yet easily removed to re-expose the gap between the rail and deck for repairs, maintenance and installation/removal of a pool cover. Various embodiments are possible for the platform that further promote the aesthetic and functional advantages of the invention.

Abstract: A height adjustable false bottom for multi-purpose pools. The apparatus has a device for adjusting the height of the false bottom, where a plurality of supporting legs, which are pivotable and have a variable length, are used for the height adjustment. The supporting legs are preferably formed as rotatable spindle drives.

Abstract: A protective cover for inflatable swimming pools having a plurality of inflated, wall forming rings fabricated from polyvinylchloride or similar materials. The protective covering, preferably a tough, durable synthetic fabric such as nylon, includes a top wall, a side wall, and a bottom wall, with at least two reinforcement straps connecting opposing sides of the bottom wall for added strength.

Abstract: A trampoline convertible for use as a swimming pool includes a substantially rigid frame having a top member, a bottom member and a plurality of posts fixed between the top member and the bottom member to secure the members in spaced relationship to each other. A mat having a perimeter is planarly suspended relative to the top member. Also included is a shell having an outer perimeter and being insertable within a space defined by the frame. A plurality of shell attaching devices secures the shell to the frame. Overlapping the shell, a liner is included which is also positionable within the space defined by the frame. A plurality of liner attaching devices secures the liner to the frame. The trampoline is converted to a swimming pool by inverting the trampoline, securing the shell and the liner to the frame, and introducing water into the space defined by the frame and within the liner.

Abstract: A collapsible spa unit is disclosed including a base and a peripheral wall mounted to and extending above the base. The wall includes a plurality of discrete panels that are releasably interconnected to define an enclosed area. There is a liner that extends across an upper surface of the base and across an inside surface of each panel for holding water within the enclosed area. A conduit having jets is formed through the peripheral wall and the liner for conducting water into the enclosed area of the spa. A suction line is formed through the peripheral wall in the liner for discharging water out of the enclosed area. A pump located outside of the panels, and communicably interconnected with the conduit and suction line, draws water out of the enclosed area through the suction and reintroduces water into the enclosed area through the conduit.

Abstract: A perimeter skimming gutter for a swimming pool includes a gutter having a gutter wall preferably formed of sheet material and arranged for disposition toward the interior of the swimming pool. The gutter wall includes a fastener receiving member. A wall covering preferably including either a tile or vinyl surface facing is attachable with a fastener that extends through the wall covering to the gutter wall and is releasably received in mating relation by the fastener receiving member. The fastener thereby retains the wall covering in abutment with and in covering relation to the sheet material of the gutter wall.

Abstract: A foldable and simplified water tank characterized by a cylindrical shape and a side wall formed by a sheet made from synthetic resin, and the stiffness of said sheet, measured in accordance with the measuring method prescribed in Japan Industrial Standard L-1096 is from 100 to 1000. The water tank can be made to stand up by itself by only pouring water into it.

Abstract: An above-ground swimming pool base structure for supporting the swimming pool. The base structure comprises a plurality of base units so that when linked together, they form a shape matching the contour of the above-ground swimming pool. Each base unit comprises an upper and lower surface. The lower surface is adapted to rest on the ground and the upper surface is adapted to receive a bottom portion of the above-ground swimming pool wall. The base units are made of a flexible and compressible material that can withstand pressure caused by temperature variations.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool fabricated from polyvinylchloride or similar materials, and having supporting netting, preferably fabricated from a tough, durable synthetic such as nylon cord. The netting is disposed under the floor of the pool and extends over the outside vertical side wall of the pool to provide support against deformation when the pool is filled with water. A safety cover, fabricated from nylon, includes a number of hooks that attach to the upper cord of the netting to secure the cover in position when the pool is not in use.

Abstract: An open water circulation system receptacle in a swimming pool is blocked with a cylindrical plug to prevent entry of unwanted detritus during pool construction and circulation system testing. The cylindrical plug is provided with removable longitudinal interior portions to permit fitting of piping into the receptacle for test connections, with the cylindrical plug in place.

Abstract: A perimeter skimming gutter for a swimming pool includes a gutter having a gutter wall preferably formed of sheet material and arranged for disposition toward the interior of the swimming pool. The gutter wall includes a fastener receiving member. A wall covering preferably including either a tile or vinyl surface facing is attachable with a fastener that extends through the wall covering to the gutter wall and is releasably received in mating relation by the fastener receiving member. The fastener thereby retains the wall covering in abutment with and in covering relation to the sheet material of the gutter wall.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a swimming-pool lining structure which is intended to be placed against the walls and bottom of a swimming-pool. The lining structure has metal wall panels and base sheets coated with plastic material on the surface facing the interior of the swimming-pool. The metal wall panels and the base sheets are jointed together with a profiled connection element at the vertical edge of each of the wall panels to form a junction region. The junction regions between said profiled connection elements and the ends of said wall panels and of said base sheets have an associated fluid plastic paste compatible with the wall panels.

Abstract: An auxiliary children's pool apparatus 10 for providing an adjustable height support enclosure above the bottom 101 of a conventional above ground swimming pool construction 100. The apparatus 10 includes a framework unit 11, a floor unit 12, an enclosure unit 13, and a netting unit 14. The framework unit 11 is adjustable to vary the height of the floor unit 12 relative to the bottom 101 of the pool 100.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool construction that gives high resistance to deformation of the sidewall when filled with water. The pool includes a central ring with a circular cross-section, and attached top and bottom rings having a cresent-shaped cross-section. The central ring provides the majority of the overall vertical height of the pool sidewall, with the top and bottom rings providing a stable addition to the height.

Abstract: A swimming pool assembly includes a plurality of connectors, a plurality of struts, and a plurality of horizontal poles of a rhombic cross-section. After connecting the horizontal poles to engagement slots of the connectors, the structural strength of the swimming pool assembly can be considerably increased. Spring retaining pin elements are disposed inside the horizontal poles at both ends to engage positioning poles of the connectors so as to achieve firm connection. The connectors are further provided with canopy pole insert holes for mounting a canopy framework. The canopy framework can be formed by utilizing a plurality of canopy poles, a connecting tube seat, and a canopy. A sprinkling structure including L-shaped bent pipes disposed inside the engagement slots of the connectors can further be installed on the swimming pool framework.

Abstract: A step support brace especially for a swimming pool stair assembly includes vertically extending positioning posts that extend from the top of each horizontal riser portion of the brace associated with a stair tread some or all of which are slidably positionable from front to back along the respective horizontal riser portion to accommodate various stair module types and styles. The posts may also be cut off to a desired length in order to be received within an opening formed in the bottom side of the stair tread. The support brace also has a front hinge structure that allows the hingeable connection to another support brace to form a V-shaped configuration, thereby providing greater stair tread support if necessary.

Abstract: Open pool forming a reservoir for liquid, especially swimming pool, of the out-of-ground type with a flexible wall (2) and an inflatable tubular chamber (3) constituting a floating ring which defines the opening of the pool, characterized in that, in the service position of the pool (1), the upper peripheral region (5) of the flexible wall (2) adjoining the tubular chamber (3) is inclined, relative to the remaining underlying part of the wall, towards the inside of the pool, by virtue of which the upper peripheral region (5) forms a frustoconical reentrant rim underlying the tubular chamber (3) and capable of holding the tubular chamber (3) up when the latter is subjected to a downwards force.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool having a plurality of vertical interior supporting webs extending between and connecting the inner and outer vertical side walls of the pool. The side walls and connecting webs are fabricated from polyvinylchloride or similar materials. A supporting shell, preferably fabricated from a tough, durable synthetic fabric such as nylon, includes a top gusset, a side wall, a bottom gusset, and a reinforcing bottom wall for added strength. A safety cover, also fabricated from nylon, includes a number of hooks that attach to loops on the shell to secure the cover in position when the pool is not in use.