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: An anti-entrapment, anti-vortex swimming pool and/or wading pool drain cover having a discus or wheel-like configuration with a relatively large radius, substantially larger than the radius of a pool drain which the drain cover is intended to cover, so that the disk extends out over the pool floor or other surface having the drain, radially beyond the drain, the disk carrying beneath it a plurality of evenly spaced radial ribs which define between them channels opening at the periphery; the ribs support the cover on the surface in which the drain is located so that the disk periphery stands off that surface for water flow intake beneath through the side inlets; the ribs and channels control water flow beneath the disk so that water flows relatively evenly in the channels from the periphery and then into the drain without potential for pool user entrapment and substantially without vortex creation.

Abstract: A vacuum surge suppressor for swimming pool safety valves. These valves normally sense and then instantly relieve excessively high vacuum levels in the pool's drain line. Such high vacuum levels occur when an individual becomes trapped by the suction at the pool's drain port which is connected to the drain line. The valve relieves the high vacuum level in the pool's drain line and the suction at the drain port by bleeding air into the pool's drain line, causing the pump connected to the drain line to lose prime. However, the safety function and indeed the entire function of the pool's drain system can be disabled by a short duration vacuum surge which occurs when the pump starts. The present invention suppresses the surge before it reaches the safety valve, thereby permitting the pool and the valve to function despite the presence of such short duration surges.

Abstract: A system for use in a spa for controlling air flow to jets of the spa having a water pump directing water to a water input of a jet nozzle; and a valve directing exhaust air from the water pump to an air input of the jet nozzle, the valve being operated by a vacuum generated at the intake of the water pump, whereby when the water pump is operating and pumping water to the jet nozzle, the valve is opened for directing the exhaust air from the water pump to the jet nozzle. The valve is an air-check valve that has a piston for closing the valve under spring pressure and operative in response to a vacuum for overcoming the spring pressure so as to open the valve.

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 spa pool assembly has a pool that has an enclosing wall defining an interior. The assembly further includes a jet nozzle unit removably coupled to the enclosing wall and positioned in the interior, the jet nozzle unit housing a plumbing system and at least one jet nozzle. The assembly further includes a control unit that houses a pump that is coupled to the jet nozzle unit. Alternatively, a pump unit is removably received inside a channel provided in the wall and has a jet nozzle that is directed at the interior of the pool when the pump unit is received inside the channel. The jet nozzle unit, the control unit, the pump unit and the pool are separate modular units that can be assembled together quickly and conveniently.

Abstract: A filtration unit for a swimming pool having a basin. The unit includes a filtration compartment that communicates with the water in the basin and is secured to a side wall of the pool. The filtration compartment is spaced apart from a pumping compartment by a passageway. The passageway possesses a water-tight wall and sealed connections for the pump's suction and delivery pipes. The two compartments are closed by a lid which has perforations over a third duct compartment that communicates with the pumping compartment whereby ambient air can freely enter the duct. In one application of the invention the unit can be straddle mounted upon the wall of an existing pool. In another application the unit can be integrated into a sidewall of a pool as the pool is being erected.

Abstract: The present invention entails a prefabricated safety device and method for installing the device in any swimming pool and that is capable of eliminating dangerous vacuum pressure created in the main drain line of a pool when an object or person becomes trapped against the drain or other suction line inlet of a swimming pool recirculating pump system. The vacuum elimination safety device is prefabricated and is a complete kit (unit) that can easily be installed directly onto the main drain suction line of any swimming pool recirculating pump system.

Abstract: A spa water delivery system comprising a reciprocating pumping structure to pump water for reception in a spa zone; and driver structure, including a solenoid body element and a solenoid plunger element, the elements being relatively movable; at least one of the elements containing passage structure to receive water in communication with water to be pumped to the zone.

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 spa system which emp loys a removable drain cover. Removal of the drain cover will cause a proximity switch to turn off the circulation pump in the spa. In a preferred embodiment, the removable drain cover has a magnet attached to it and a magnetically actuable reed switch is attached to the drain body in proximity to the drain cover. Removal of the drain cover with the magnet attached will cause the reed switch to change state which opens a circuit controlling the operation of the spa pump thereby shutting down the spa circulation system. As a result, the spa circulation system cannot be operated without the drain cover in place. This reduces the likelihood of unwanted objects being drawn into the drain. Furthermore, should the spa user's hair become entangled in the drain cover or the drain pipe, the spa pump may be turned off by simply removing the drain cover thereby permitting the entangled user to be released.

Abstract: In a swimming pool in which water is circulated by a pump, a schoolboy child is liable to be absorbed into a discharge port, which is dangerous. A sensor which has a load cell is provided at the back of a water-permeable cover in the discharge port. If a human body of the child is absorbed into the discharge port and contacted with the cover, the load cell is pressed by the water-permeable cover to transmit a signal to a control circuit in which it is determined whether or not pressure variation applied to the sensor is normal or abnormal. If abnormality is determined therein, an alarm is sounded to inform a watcher of the accident and the pump is stopped to release the child from the discharge port.

Abstract: A method for preventing an obstruction from being trapped by suction to an inlet of a pool filter pump system, and a lint trap cover therefor. The cover is for installation on a lint trap unit located upstream of a pool filter pump, and is configured to vent air into the lint trap unit when a vacuum level within the unit exceeds a specified vacuum limit, as is the case if the drain or another inlet connected to the lint trap unit is partially or completely obstructed, such as by a child or foreign object. The rapid influx of air eliminates the vacuum within the pump and suction lines and, therefore, the resulting unsafe condition. The lint trap cover preferably has a damped mode of operation so that the pump system does not recover before the obstruction is removed. The cover can be manufactured as original equipment for the lint trap unit, or an existing cover can be modified to include the components required for venting the lint trap unit without requiring any modifications to the remaining pump system.

Abstract: A swimming pool includes a swimming tank, which stores water for swimming; and an upstream tank, which stores water to be supplied into the swimming tank. The pool further includes a downstream tank, which stores the water streamed from the upstream tank through the swimming tank; and a pump, which forces the water stored in the downstream tank to the upstream tank. The water in the upstream tank has an energy head that is higher than the water in the swimming tank so as to generate water current in the swimming tank.

Abstract: A pump which is designed to be mounted within a recirculating water system where a portion of the recirculating water is diverted (bypass water) and cause to flow through the motor chamber with this recirculating water to absorb heat that is produced during the operation of the motor. The heated bypass water is then added back to the recirculating water. The pump includes an electric motor which is mounted within a pump motor chamber of a motor housing and is completely enclosed therein. The pump motor chamber is filled with oil thereby submerging of the electric motor in oil. A water conducting tube is mounted within the pump motor chamber and surrounds the electric motor. The tube inlets water from the pressure side of the pump impeller, conducts this bypass water entirely through the tube and then discharges the bypass water into the inlet of the recirculating water to the pump impeller.

Abstract: A swimming pool includes a swimming tank, which stores water for swimming; and an upstream tank, which stores water to be supplied into the swimming tank. The pool further includes a downstream tank, which stores the water streamed from the upstream tank through the swimming tank; and a pump, which forces the water stored in the downstream tank to the upstream tank. The water in the upstream tank has an energy head that is higher than the water in the swimming tank so as to generate water current in the swimming tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping and filtering water from a swimming pool that includes a caisson that is divided into three compartments. A filtering unit is contained in one compartment (A) and contains pool water to be filtered. An adjacent compartment (B) contains a pump having a inlet connected to the filtering unit. Compartment (B) communicates with a third compartment (C). A cover encloses the three compartments and has perforations that permit cooling air to enter compartment (C) and thus pass into compartment (B) to cool the pump. Water passing into compartment (C) is passed to a sanitary drain.

Abstract: A swimming pool management system that is adapted for use with a dispenser connected to a pool for dispensing a substance into the pool upon the actuation thereof. The swimming pool management system includes a sensor positioned downstream of the dispenser for monitoring a level of the substance within the pool. A controller is connected to the dispenser and the sensor for actuating the dispenser only when certain conditions are met.

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 skimmer valve system for a swimming pool includes a skimmer mounted in a wall of the swimming pool that has an intake port coupled via a primary suction pipe to the suction system of the swimming pool, and further includes a valve mounted in the intake port of the skimmer, and a secondary suction pipe coupled into the primary suction pipe. The other end of the secondary suction pipe terminates at a coupling in a wall of the pool or a similarly convenient location for connecting a conventional pool cleaner. Adjusting the valve controls the division of the total suction between the skimmer and the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning system includes a pump, a first tube coupling a suction port of the pump in fluid communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning device which draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the pool, and a skimming device including an entrainment nozzle. The entrainment nozzle is coupled by a second tube to a coupling device which diverts a small portion of pool return water pumped from an outlet port of the pump. Most of the pool return water is pumped into a rotary distribution valve, various outlets of which are connected to various pool cleaning heads embedded in an inner surface of the pool. A vacuum canister having a removable cover to allow access to a removable debris trap disposed in the vacuum canister between an inlet and an outlet thereof is coupled between a suction inlet of the pump and the main drain or mobile cleaning device.

Abstract: A pool monitoring and control system is provided including a pool having a plurality of inputs and a plurality outputs. Also included is a pump for suctioning fluid from the outputs of the pool only during the activation thereof. A control assembly is connected between the pump and the pool. The control assembly includes at least one sensor adapted to generate an activation signal upon a parameter of the pool falling out of a predetermined range. Further, at least one dispenser is included for dispensing a parameter correction fluid upon the actuation thereof. In use, the control assembly, when the pump is activated, is adapted to actuate the dispenser if the activation signal is received.

Abstract: A valve designed to bleed air in to the suction line of a pool when the suction pressure exceeds a predetermined value. The valve is housed in a four port fixture in which the ports are designated as the first, second, third and forth ports. Each port has a central axis with all the central axes lying in a single plane. The central axes of the first and third port lie on a first straight line and the axes of the second and forth port lie on a second straight line. The first and second line cross one another orthogonally which places the first and third ports opposite one another and the second and forth port opposite one another. The second and forth ports each contain an individual moveable element which has a first and a second position. In the first position the moveable element blocks the port. In the second position the port is opened and will admit air into the valve.

Abstract: A spa water delivery system, the spa includes a wall structure exposed to a water reception zone, and combination comprising: a water delivery structure associated with the wall structure to deliver water to the zone; a manually operable signaling device carried by the wall structure to be operated by a bather in the water reception zone; a sensor spaced from the signaling device to be out of contact with spa water, and responsive to operation of the signaling device to produce a control signal; whereby the control signal may be used to control a flow characteristic of water flowing via the delivery structure to the zone.

Abstract: A pump which is designed to be mounted within a recirculating water system where a portion of the recirculating water is diverted and caused to flow through the pump with this recirculating water to absorb heat that is produced during the operation of the motor. The heated diverted water is then added back to the recirculating water system. The pump includes an electric motor which is mounted within a motor housing and is completely enclosed therein. An electrically insulative mounting arrangement mounts the motor relative to the motor housing preventing the conductance of electricity therebetween. The motor housing is filled with oil thereby submerging of the electric motor in oil. The motor housing is enclosed within a seal plate. Surrounding the motor housing is an annular chamber through which the liquid is caused to flow. A baffle arrangement is located within the annular chamber to direct the flow of the liquid so that all area across the surface of the pump housing has liquid flowing thereacross.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alternately providing and releasing suction to a plurality of pool drains or if desired alternately providing suction and liquid under pressure to pool drains to prevent one from becoming stuck to the drains. This includes introducing a valve arrangement between the drains and the suction pump which is continuously operated to control the flow between the drains and the pump.

Abstract: A waterfall fixture for expelling water in sheet form comprises a housing having a cavity divided into chambers by apertured plates extending across the cavity. The plates are apertured and spaced from each other and from the inlet and outlet of the fixture to define multiple chambers within the cavity separated from one another by the plates. A first plate is opposed to the inlet and acts as a screen to block debris and as a barrier to incoming water to distribute the water into a laminar flow through the chamber defined between the first plate and the inlet. A second plate is opposed to the first screen and helps to further distribute the water into laminar flow and may be valved to assure a perfect laminar sheet style water flow pattern.

Abstract: A safety device for avoiding entrapment at a water reservoir drain by using a vacuum operated switch to interrupt power to the reservoir pump and by using a pressure pump to generate a positive pressure to dislodge the obstruction from the drain should a blockage occur. In addition, a manual reset switch requires human intervention to re-activate the reservoir pump once the blockage condition is removed.

Abstract: A main drain system for use in a swimming pool installation including a swimming pool and a recirculating system. The recirculating system includes a skimmer device coupled to a pump and a filter assembly for recirculating the water in the swimming pool. The main drain system includes a vacuum module mounted adjacent the swimming pool, a conduit coupling the vacuum module to the pump, and a conduit coupling the vacuum module to the main drain.

Abstract: A pressurized-flow self-cleaning whirlpool tub system includes a plurality of water/air jets arranged to introduce air-entrained water jets into a tub basin and a suction outlet from which water in the tub basin is withdrawn. A water distribution circuit is connected to each of the water/air jets for delivering water to each water/air jet. A recirculation pump receives water from the tub basin, pressurizes the water, and delivers the pressurized water to the water distribution system. A cleaning-agent dispenser is provided to receive a cleaning agent in liquid or solid form and mix the cleaning agent with water from the pressurized water supply. In a cleaning mode of operation, a suction valve is closed and the cleaning agent is introduced into the water carrying conduits to effect pressurized cleaning of the water contacting surfaces of the water pathway.

Abstract: A suction relief apparatus for relieving suction at a suction connection of a swimming pool or spa having a main valve member movable from an open to a closed position to relieve suction at the suction connection in the event of a blockage of the suction connection in the pool. The main valve remains closed until a reset valve is opened, at which time a spring returns the main valve to the open condition, enabling suction to resume at the suction connection of the pool. A switch responsive to increased suction indicative of an obstruction may be utilized to deactivate a suction pump motor. In an alternative embodiment, a frangible member may replace the main valve and reset valves to open a connection to ambient air atmosphere in the event of increased suction in the suction line resulting from an obstruction at the suction connection in the pool.

Abstract: A method of operating a filter system of a swimming pool in proportion to the degree of contamination of the water in said pool by processing a signal representative of the number of persons within the pool and other values characteristic of the pool and the filter system to derive a signal for controlling the output of said filter system.

Abstract: An improved filtration system for swimming pools and the like is disclosed, in which none of the water passing through the filter passes through the recirculating pump for the swimming pool. This is accomplished by connecting the water inlet of the filter directly with the floor drain and surface skimmer. The outlet from the filter is interconnected with an entrainment nozzle supplied with water under pressure from the recirculating pump for the pool. The pump withdraws water directly from the pool, and supplies that water under pressure to the entrainment nozzle, which then draws water through the filter from the outlet to mix such filtered water with the water supplied by the pump to the entrainment nozzle for return to a return outlet in the pool. As a consequence, water flowing through the filter is drawn through it by means of suction, rather than by supplying the water under pressure.

Abstract: A swimming pool main drain assembly comprises a cup-shaped fitting recessed in a pool bottom and having an open mouth substantially coplaner with the pool bottom. A port is provided in the fitting which communicates with the suction inlet of a circulation pump. A return port assembly is provided in the fitting which communicates with an outlet of the circulation pump. The return port assembly includes an outlet conduit which directs water in a substantially vertical direction out of the main drain and educts a portion of the pool water.

Abstract: In a spa water circulation system, the spa including wall structure facing toward a water reception zone and comprising a plurality of water pumps associated with the wall structure, the pumps spaced about the zone, and oriented to receive water intake from the zone and to discharge water streams into the zone; each pump including water pumping structure, and there being structure for controlling pumping operation of the structure.

Abstract: A pool pump controller includes a pneumatic pressure sensor having at least one port disposed to react to negative pressure within a pool's pump intake chamber. The sensor input port, which includes a check valve, is connected to a pump control switch through a pneumatic tube. The pump control switch combines aspects of a diaphragm switch and an opto-interrupter to provide high-reliability control of the pump motor in a watery environment.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for preventing a child or an object from being trapped by suction to a drain of a swimming pool filter pump system. The invention entails a safety valve capable of causing the filter pump to immediately lose its prime when a child or object becomes trapped against the drain of a swimming pool, so that the vacuum created by the filter pump is completely eliminated. The valve of this invention can be mounted directly to a suction line fluidically interconnecting the drain and the filter pump, and is constructed to permit air to rapidly flow into the suction line if a predetermined vacuum level is exceeded within the suction line, as is the case if the drain becomes partially or completely obstructed. The influx of air causes the filter pump to rapidly lose its prime, thereby completely eliminating the vacuum and the resulting hazardous condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a filter system of a swimming pool in proportion to the degree of contamination of the water in said pool by processing a signal representative of the number of persons within the pool and other values characteristic of the pool and the filter system to derive a signal for controlling the output of said filter system.

Abstract: A vacuum system for use in a swimming pool installation including a swimming pool and a recirculating system. The recirculating system includes a skimmer device and a main drain coupled to a pump and a filter assembly for recirculating the water in the swimming pool. The vacuum system includes a vacuum module mounted adjacent the swimming pool, a conduit coupling the vacuum module to the pump, and a hose coupling extending from the vacuum module in liquid communication with the swimming pool, the hose coupling adapted to receive a vacuum hose.

Abstract: A portable spa unit is disclosed, which unit includes a floor portion and a wall portion sealably connected to and extending upwardly from the floor portion to define an enclosed area for holding water. The wall portion includes an internal tubular framework and an outer skin that is supported by the framework. There are inlets and jets for communicably interconnecting the tubular framework and the enclosed area of the spa. A pump circulates water from the enclosed area of the spa into the framework through the inlets and then back into the enclosed area through the jets.

Abstract: An auto switching swimming pool/spa heater system, to be utilized with a pool and a spa, including a pool pump, a spa pump, and a single heater unit, the heater unit adapted to receive water flow from the pool pump and spa pump into an internal pool/spa flow control apparatus which directs water received from both the pool pump and the spa pump through a coiled heat exchange conduit of the heater unit, for subsequent heating thereof. The flow control apparatus including a bypass conduit with a spring loaded flow regulator valve therein adapted to enable water to bypass the heat exchange conduit upon an increase pressure build up of water directed towards the heat exchange conduit, water exiting the bypass conduit and water exiting the heat exchange conduit being directed through a single water outlet of the heater unit into the spa where heated water overflow passes from the spa into the pool, accordingly heating the pool.

Abstract: A suction fitting for use in a water circulation system, the fitting having a perforated body that is mounted to permit fluid flow through both front and rear perforated faces, and thereby minimize the possibility of complete blockage of the fitting by entrapped hair or skin. Operation of a circulating pump is controlled to prevent damage to equipment and property and also to minimize the possibility of serious personal injury or death. The suction fitting further includes a suction tube for connection to the pump, for circulating water in the tub or spa back through jets in the tub or spa, and a pressure sensor line connecting the water in the tub or spa to a water level sensor. The front face of the perforated body has a number of grooves, to provide fluid communication between the pressure sensor line and the suction tube, through one or more front-face perforations.

Abstract: A skimmer for an installation confining a pool of water through which surface water exits from the installation. The skimmer has a hollow dome with openings in the sides of the dome. The skimmer has a tray with a perforate floor extending under the base of the dome. Surface water cascades through the openings and downwardly within the dome to thence flow through the floor of the tray.

Abstract: Tub apparatus comprising a foamed, resiliently compressible, plastic tub wall having an inner side and an outer side, the tub having an interior to receive liquid, and ports extending through the side wall; a plastic pack having a cavity formed therein; a pump unit received in the cavity and protectively enclosed by the plastic pack; and tubular duct structure connected with the pump unit and extending from the cavity to the ports for circulating liquid between the tub interior and the pump unit.

Abstract: A control for a spa and swimming pool pump and heater assembly with diverter valves, includes a selectively actuable pump and spa heater actuator or relay having a first latching circuit, and having a separate first unlatching switch or relay contact, a selectively actuable pump and pool heater actuator or relay having a second latching circuit including the first unlatching switch or relay contact, and having a second unlatching switch or relay contact in the first latching circuit. The control also includes a diverter valve actuator in parallel to one of the pump and spa heater actuator or relay and pump and pool heater actuator or relay.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for generating turbulence in the water of a spa by a combination of water circulation and air bubble formation which system includes, in preferred form, a valveless trap for protection of the air blower in combination with an air flow distribution manifold having specially placed outlet ports and a floating weir in the water return circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating water in a spa which has a plurality of venturi jets, a hosing which includes a plurality of venturi jets and a high speed pump which circulates water through the housing and the venturi jets in the spa and a water thermostat. The thermostat is positioned in the water of the spa and connected to the high speed pump such that the high speed pump is activated to propel water through the venturi jets at high speed and thus heat it whenever the water temperature falls below a preset level.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool water flow system for filtering in and intermittently heating the pool water, and for interrupting water flow through the heat exchanger when no heating is required. The system improvement includes an improved water flow arrangement wherein pool water is drawn from the pool and, encountering a filter or chlorinator, is selectively diverted at a predetermined pool water outlet temperature into the heat exchanger. The water pump is thus used to pull water through the heat exchanger in counter circulating fashion only when the thermostat sensing pool water outlet temperature opens a control valve in the water flow path between the heat exchanger and the pump.

Abstract: A suction fitting for use in a water circulation system in which operation of a circulating pump is controlled to prevent damage to equipment and property and also to minimize the possibility of serious personal injury or death. The suction fitting includes a suction line connected to the pump, for circulating water in the tub or spa back through jets in the tub or spa, a pressure sensor line connecting the water in the tub or spa to a water level sensor, and one or more slots for water communication between the pressure sensor line and the suction line. When flow into the suction fitting is blocked, water is drawn out of the pressure sensor line and through the slots to the suction line, to permit detection of the blockage in the level sensor. The combination of the suction fitting, the pump and the water level sensor turn off the pump when the suction fitting is blocked or when the water level in the tub or spa is too high or too low.

Abstract: A vacuum system for use in a swimming pool installation including a swimming pool and a recirculating system. The recirculating system includes a skimmer device and a main drain coupled to a pump and a filter assembly for recirculating the water in the swimming pool. The vacuum system includes a vacuum module mounted adjacent the swimming pool, a conduit coupling the vacuum module to the pump, and a hose coupling extending from the vacuum module in liquid communication with the swimming pool, the hose coupling adapted to receive a vacuum hose.