Abstract: An elongate beading for attaching a pool liner to a pool wall includes a substantially planar liner attachment portion having an outer surface for attachment to a pool liner and a hook portion having a pair of opposed first and second legs interconnected by a connector portion. The first and second legs and connector portion have inner surfaces defining a channel and the first leg is substantially coplanar with the liner attachment portion. The second leg defines with the connector portion a downwardly facing shoulder and includes a narrowing intermediate its ends which defines first and second sections, the second section being the free end portion which is separable from the first section. The free end portion tapers outwardly from the narrowing towards its free end, includes a plurality of spaced apart raised ribs on its surfaces and terminates in an enlarged protuberance.

Abstract: A modular stair unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall includes a vertical wall having opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels and being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of the contiguous wall panels at its joinder therewith and at least two planar steps extending downwardly and protruding from the vertical wall into the pool, the top step being recessed below the top of the vertical wall and at least one of the steps defining a seating area for supporting a person seated thereon. A plurality of hydrotherapy jets are spaced apart along the vertical wall above the seating area and below the water line of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A modular occupant bench unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall includes a vertical wall having opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels and being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of the wall panels and an elongate bench protruding from the vertical wall between the top and bottom thereof into the pool substantially beyond the plane formed by the vertical wall of the pool, the upper side of the bench defining an occupant seating area and the underside being spaced from the floor of the pool. A plurality of hydrotherapy jets are spaced apart along the vertical wall above the upper side of said bench and below the water line of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A modular occupant bench unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall includes a vertical wall having opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels and being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of the wall panels and an elongate bench protruding from the vertical wall between the top and bottom thereof into the pool substantially beyond the plane formed by the vertical wall of the pool, the upper side of the bench defining an occupant seating area and the underside being spaced from the floor of the pool. A plurality of hydrotherapy jets are spaced apart along the vertical wall above the upper side of said bench and below the water line of the swimming pool.

Abstract: The spa disposed outside the wall of the swimming pool is attached to the swimming pool, i.e., uses a part of the wall system of the swimming pool, by means of a special panel formed with an undercut or recessed portion that accepts a integrally formed at the top of the molded plastic spa. The result is a continuous flow of the wall system footing sad surrounding deck. The perimeter of the molded plastic modular spa shell is supported by panels that also incorporate the deck support system preferably an X-type brace support system used around the swimming pool. A continuous, homogenous concrete bond beam is poured around the entire perimeter of the pool and integrated spa. Operation of the pool and the spa (in either the spa spillway waterfall mode or spa mode) may be controlled by manually manipulating the valving system or by electronically activated motorized valves.

Abstract: A modular seat unit devised to be lowered into and secured to the perimeter wall at the shallow end of a swimming pool is provided. The modular seat unit affords a swimming pool owner with an in-pool seating accessory which is conveniently attached to a swimming pool wall and used by an occupant while still in the swimming pool. The pre-formed seating module is devised to include hydrotherapy water/air jets to produce pressurized, therapeutic water turbulence and includes conveniently accessible means for controlling the water flow to the seat cavity. An adapter to hold the pole of an umbrella to shelter the seat's occupant from the sun's rays is integrated into the module.

Abstract: A modular seat unit to be incorporated into the perimeter wall of a swimming pool is provided. The modular seat is devised to afford a purchaser the option of incorporating the unit into a swimming pool by removing one or more modular wall panels which forming the perimeter of the swimming pool and substituting therefor and securing the seat unit into position in place of the omitted vertical wall panel or panels thereby integrating the seat into the perimeter of the swimming pool. The seat unit is provided with a console accessible to the seat occupant to locate controls such as for water flow from the swimming pool supply into the seat recess. The seating area is devised to include hydrotherapy air jets to produce therapeutic water turbulence. An adapter to hold the pole of an umbrella to shelter the seat occupant from the sun's rays and to function as a safety guard is also provided in the horizontal surface of the seat module. The construction provides a seat for an occupant to rest in the pool.

Abstract: A versatile swimming pool coping having at least three horizontal securing channels which open inward to the pool when the coping is positioned at the top of a swimming pool wall for accommodating a plurality of accessories for the swimming pool. The coping is contoured to provide a smooth transition at the corner formed at the juncture of the top of the vertical wall and the horizontal deck around the swimming pool. In a particular embodiment the coping accommodates the bead, of a one-piece vinyl liner which covers the floor and vertical walls, in the bottom channel, a decorative element such as a decorative or light providing strip in a middle channel, and the bead of an accessory which is relatively frequently installed and removed in an upper channel. Also integrally formed as a part of the coping are means to secure the coping at the top of a swimming pool wall. The successive channels above the liner bead holding channel are set back step-wise.

Abstract: An arrangement comprising a plurality of wall panels connected end-to-end to form the swimming pool is strengthened and is afforded with means to retain alignment, and prevents the wall panels from buckling. Horizontal stiffening members are positioned in cut-outs formed in vertical support posts secured to the panels and in the vertical flanges at the ends of the panel modules to which brace members are also attached. The stiffening members are contained within the cut-outs and abut against the back of the wall panel at the top. Vertical Z-shaped post or rib members secured to the modular panels are provided with a bottom tab which may be staked in position facilitates alignment of the panels. A longitudinal stiffening member positioned at the bottom of the wall panels is optionally used and adds substantial additional strength and alignment means to the pool structure.

Abstract: A flexible easily installed and low maintenance swimming pool coping providing the transitional element between horizontal pool deck and the vertical pool wall. The coping is provided with upper and lower horizontal channels and has a depending bifurcated lower end and is secured at the pool by slipping the bifurcated part over the top of the pool wall. A pool liner bead is accommodated in the lower channel and a decorative protective or functional insert is retained in the upper channel. The coping cross section is formed to permit it to be readily flexed around small radii in either direction for various pool profiles. A yoke with an interlock is provided for insertion at any desired location into the interior of the coping crown to prevent buckling or distortion of the crown. An interlocking leveling element to retain contiguous sections of the coping in alignment is also provided for insertion within the coping.

Abstract: An improved bead for swimming pool covers or swimming pool domes is provided with locking features which afford substantially improved capability for holding the swimming pool cover or dome secured in a holding groove positioned peripherally around the swimming pool.The groove into which the bead is positioned may be part of the swimming pool coping that is provided with upper and lower horizontal channels and is secured at the top of the pool wall. Where a coping structure with two bead receiving grooves or channels is used, a pool liner bead is retained in the lower channel and the bead of the cover or dome is retained in the upper channel. Sufficient gripping force by the bead in the coping channel is provided by the bead configuration to prevent dislodging of the bead by forces pulling on the member attached to the bead.

Abstract: A system for controlling ground water level in a particular surrounding area is disclosed. In particular, a dewatering system to safeguard the integrity of an in-ground swimming pool against damage or disruption caused by excess water accumulating at or near the soil surrounding the swimming is described. Such contiguous ground water, when it rises to an undesirably high level, for example, such as at a level higher than the level of water in a swimming pool, as a consequence of the resulting hydrostatic pressure, will cause adverse effects. The invention provides a system for the removal of ground water accumulating in a given area in excess of a predetermined level, such as around a swimming pool, until the desired level is restored.

Abstract: A floating therapy apparatus or "spa" is provided which is adapted to be floating in and to utilize the filtration and heating systems of a conventional swimming pool comprising a substantially water impermeable enclosure, which is immersed and supported in a conventional swimming pool, having only the upper peripheral edge of said enclosure above the surface of said pool. A water supply inlet is used to circulate heated filtered water from said pool filtration system into said enclosure, the spa water may be discharged into the main pool and/or a water return may be used to discharge water from the enclosure. Valving means for channelling substantially all or at least a disproportionately high amount of the capacity of the swimming pool water heater water is used as the feed water for said enclosure.

Abstract: A swimming pool having sidewalls constructed from a series of prefabricated modular panels connected at the ends to enclose the interior of the pool. The panels are preferably formed of foamed synthetic resinous composition and of a limited number of configurations or modules which are interchangeably adapted for use in forming pools having a plurality of shapes, e.g. a straight panel, a concave curved panel and a convex curved panel. Each panel is adapted to mate and lock with the adjoining panel, and with an upper and with flanges and rib arrangements which are functional as well as serve to strengthen the panel. In a specific embodiment, a tongue is formed on the flange on one side and a mating groove on the flange on the other side of each panel for instant connecting and interlocking of adjacent panels when they are assembled in forming the pool wall. A sealing strip may be placed within the groove and abuts on the tongue of the adjoining panel thereby precluding leakage between the panels.

Abstract: A swimming pool having sidewalls constructed from a series of prefabricated modular panels connected at the ends to enclose the interior of the pool. The panels are preferably formed of foamed synthetic resinous composition and of a limited number of configurations or modules which are interchangeably adapted for use in forming pools having a plurality of shapes, e.g. a straight panel, a concave curved panel and a convex curved panel. Each panel is adapted to mate and lock with the adjoining panel, and with an upper end with flanges and rib arrangements which are functional as well as serve to strengthen the panel. In a specific embodiment, a tongue is formed on the flange on one side and a mating groove on the flange on the other side of each panel for instant connecting and interlocking of adjacent panels when they are assembled in forming the pool wall. A sealing strip may be placed within the groove and abuts on the tongue of the adjoining panel thereby precluding leakage between the panels.