Abstract: A method and apparatus for making swimming pools wherein all the pool walls are formed from sheet metal panels joined together at welded junctions. The method and apparatus is characterized by constructing the bottom wall of the pool from a plurality of bottom wall panels provided with edge flange configurations that mate with edge flanges on adjacent panels and thereby facilitate alignment of the panels during assembly. The mating edge flanges of the panels are further adapted to locate the top surfaces of the panels in co-planar relationship to provide a flush pool bottom. In addition, the edge flanges of the panels are adapted to form weld receiving grooves that result in non protruding welded junctions between the panels.

Abstract: A method of making swimming pool walls with gutter and conduit constructions from sheet metal components that are fused together at welded junctions. The method is characterized by forming the individual components to specific configurations that are adapted for sequential assembly on a supporting structure. The configurations of the individual components are such that when assembled three of the components are fused together at a continuous single weld to effect a water tight closure for the gutter and conduit. This results in the elimination of one continuous welded seam and also simplifies the fabrication and assembly of the construction. The present method is further characterized by being adaptable to form a plurality of gutter and conduit types and capacities from standardized main components. In addition, the method is adapted to effect closer tolerances in alignment of the components during the assembly and welding thereof.

Abstract: A method for establishing a flow gradient along the gutter of a swimming pool of the type that includes a recirculating system for the pool water with said gutter comprising a portion of such system. The method comprises providing a plurality of gutter flow controllers at spaced locations around the perimeter of the pool. Each of such controllers includes an adjustable hydrastatic gate, the operation of which is responsive to the bias of an adjustable spring means. The gutter flow controllers are selectively adjusted to establish the desired flow gradient along the gutter.