Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for an improved underwater vacuum cleaning system. Urging elements are provided on a vacuum head to encourage debris, especially large pieces of underwater debris, to matriculate under the head or otherwise toward the vacuum opening, rather than traveling over the head or otherwise NOT toward the vacuum opening. Various embodiments of engagement elements are disclosed between the vacuum head and a vacuum hose to improve the connection therebetween.

Abstract: An improved telepole device having attachment means for attaching swimming pool cleaning, and other tools. The improved telepole device preferably includes an inner tube which freely slides within an outer tube, and a locking device to temporarily secure the inner tube in a desired position within the outer tube. A preferred lightweight design may be at least partially hollow along the length of the tube(s), and durability may be provided by inner/reinforcement wall(s) that extend across the hollow portion(s) of one or both of the tubes. On the end of the outer tube through which the inner tube slides/extends is a collar element attached thereto and comprised of a locking device having a detent mechanism for “locking” the inner tube in place within the outer tube. Preferably, the collar's opening and the profile of the inner tube have one or more sides that, due to their relative position with respect to each other, can prevent the inner tube from rotating within the collar.

Abstract: An improved telepole device having attachment means for attaching swimming pool cleaning, and other tools. The improved telepole device preferably includes an inner tube which freely slides within an outer tube, and a locking device to temporarily secure the inner tube in a desired position within the outer tube. A preferred lightweight design may be at least partially hollow along the length of the tube(s), and durability may be provided by inner/reinforcement wall(s) that extend across the hollow portion(s) of one or both of the tubes. On the end of the outer tube through which the inner tube slides/extends is a collar element attached thereto and comprised of a locking device having a detent mechanism for “locking” the inner tube in place within the outer tube. Preferably, the collar's opening and the profile of the inner tube have one or more sides that, due to their relative position with respect to each other, can prevent the inner tube from rotating within the collar.

Abstract: Features of an improved water chemistry test kit include, without limitation, a test block, colored liquid reagents, and color comparison displays. At least one ridge, wall, semipermeable barrier, etc. within the vial causes water and chemical reagents to more quickly and thoroughly when the test block is agitated. At least one drain hole is positioned in a wall/side of each vial, with its bottom edge located at the fill level necessary to conduct the water sample. A valve or valves enables a user to easily drain sample water from the vial down to the proper test level. Adjacent to each vial is a color comparison display.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining member for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining member is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining member from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. Preferably, the retaining member is formed from at least two different materials. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from aluminum and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends permanently assembled into the end of a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure.

Abstract: A telepole for swimming pool cleaning is disclosed as including an inner tube and a locking device to temporarily secure the inner tube in a desired position within an outer tube. A preferred lightweight design may be at least partially hollow, and durability may be provided by inner/reinforcement wall(s) in one or both of the tubes. A collar element is disclosed as “locking” the inner tube in place within the outer tube. The collar's opening and the profile of the inner tube are disclosed in a relationship that prevents the inner tube from rotating within the collar. The inner tube is disclosed as having a series of holes along its length to receive a pin element of a detent mechanism. The end of the outer tube opposite the collar is disclosed as having multiple sets of attachment holes to receive attachable and detachable swimming pool cleaning tools.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for an improved underwater vacuum cleaning system. Urging elements are provided on a vacuum head to encourage debris, especially large pieces of underwater debris, to matriculate under the head or otherwise toward the vacuum opening, rather than traveling over the head or otherwise NOT toward the vacuum opening. Various embodiments of engagement elements are disclosed between the vacuum head and a vacuum hose to improve the connection therebetween.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. Preferably, the retaining means is formed from at least two different materials. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from aluminum and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends permanently assembled into the end of a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure.