Abstract: A steam shield for controlling the flow of steam and condensate in the vicinity of a steam head. The steam shield has a generally flat portion with a hole of appropriate size and shape to accommodate a steam head, an inner lip portion formed around the flat portion, and an outer lip portion formed around the inner lip portion. The inner lip portion incorporates a reservoir for retaining condensate. The outer lip portion incorporates a surface with a drip barrier rail for directing the flow of condensate away from the wall upon which the steam shield is disposed.

Abstract: A filter including one or more regenerative plates which can be moved along the surfaces of filter grids to simultaneously create turbulence and physically dislodge a filter media cake within the filter by use of an externally extending driver rod, so as to regenerate the filter media.

Abstract: A rotary multi-port valve assembly is disclosed. The valve is made up of a valve body having a central bore and three peripheral openings substantially equidistant of the center; and a rotor rotatably mounted within the bore of said valve body, said rotor having a platter with a center and three peripheral through-holes, such that two through-holes are aligned with two openings of the valve body when the valve is assembled. The rotor is rotatable through 90.degree. to obtain two fluid control positions. The rotary valve is ideally adapted for use within a filtration system.

Abstract: A pump for use with a hydrotherapy tub or spa is provided wherein the compression of the pump seal located between the impeller and the drive shaft opening is controllable such that a minimum compression and thus minimum heat generation occurs at a no-load or dry condition of the pump, but maximum compression and thus maximum sealing occurs at a full-load condition. The impeller is mounted on the drive shaft in an axially movable manner with the impeller eye facing the motor so that axial loading by the impeller under load is toward the motor thus compressing the interposed seal.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement is provided for the sealing members of a plastic bodied pump. The cooling arrangement comprises a metal cup-shaped member which is mounted to the pump housing to hold a stationary member of the seal. The metal member is exposed to the dry side of the seal and surrounds the drive shaft. A flinger, which may take the form of a disk, is carried on the shaft on the dry side of the seal closely adjacent to the exposed portion of the metal member to provide a localized air flow to assist in the cooling of the metal member, and thus, the seal members.

Abstract: A combination skimmer and filter apparatus for filtering water drawn from the surface of a water-filled spa is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing that is attached to a side wall of the spa, a filter positioned within the housing, a strainer basket that is positioned within the housing and above the filter, an access door that is releasably coupled to the housing and that opens for access to the filter and strainer basket, and a weir plate that is pivotably coupled to the top of the access door.

Abstract: An air control valve is provided for use in a spa to regulate the flow of air to a hydrotherapy jet in which a recessed control knob is accessible at a rim of the spa to actuate a movable valve member to selectively constrict or dilate an air flow passage through the valve body which has an air intake opening underneath the spa rim to isolate the noise associated with the intake opening from the user.