Abstract: For mounting outside and against a wall of a swimming pool, a brace made from a single sheet of stainless steel has plural members, which are unitary with one another and which have reinforcing flanges. Each brace is cut from such a sheet via a laser, which may be computer-controlled, and a subsequent bending operation provides said brace with flanges, as and where indicated above. Hence, dimensional uniformity and consistent flatness from one brace to another can be easily achieved.

Abstract: For clamping one end of a first, cylindrical strut to a second, cylindrical strut crossing the end of the first strut, a clamp comprising two clamping members, each having a first portion adapted to fit one half of the end of the first strut and a second portion unitary with its first portion and adapted to fit one half of the second strut. Each clamping member has a reinforcing rib extending along its first clamping portion and extending onto its second clamping portion. Embossments of the reinforcing rib of each clamping member define margins of fastener-receiving apertures, which receive fasteners drawing the respective members tightly around the respective struts.

Abstract: In an adjustable pedestal for a starting platform for one end of a swimming pool, two telescoping members, namely an upper, inner, tubular member and a lower, outer, tubular member, are fastened releasably to each other so as to define a generally upright column of an adjustable length. An upper step is mounted to an upper bracket and a lower step is mounted to a lower bracket. Certain bolts are used for fastening the upper and lower members releasably to each other and for mounting the upper bracket, to which the upper step is mounted, releasably to the column. Other bolts are used for mounting the lower bracket, to which the lower step is mounted, to the column. In some applications, the lower step, lower brackets, and bolts for mounting same are omitted.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.