Abstract: Insulated portable spas and processes for insulating spas are described herein. The processes can include filling the undercabinet cavity of the spa with insulative fiberglass while the spa is in an upright position. The insulative fiberglass can be blown-in through sidewalls of the box frame. The portable spas can include an insulative air barrier at the bottom of the spa.

Abstract: A spa tub system comprising a spa tub and at least one compartment integrated into the frame of the spa tub. The compartment includes a hatch which is attached to the compartment using a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a bearing trough, a bearing cam, and a cam stop. The hatch is pivoted to open and close and can open to a predefined angle. At this predefined angle, the hatch cannot be removed. When the hatch is pivoted to a pivot angle less than the predefined angle, the hatch can be removed.

Abstract: A spa assembly includes a base pan; a frame assembly; and a spa shell supported on the base pan and the frame assembly. The spa shell includes a bottom and at least one side defining an open internal volume, an interior surface oriented toward the open internal volume, an opposing exterior surface, and a rim surrounding the at least one side, the rim defining an internal cavity. The exterior surface of the bottom of the spa shell has a foam material applied thereon. The foam material applied to the bottom of the spa shell and the base pan comprise corresponding interlocking features that align the spa shell within the base pan. The internal cavity of the rim has the foam material applied thereto. The foam material in the rim has a groove formed therein, the groove being configured to receive the frame assembly.

Abstract: A spa can include one or more variable features or functions that can be controlled by a user using a gesture recognition sensor. The gesture recognition sensor can be located proximate to the spa and optionally out of the normal range of motion of a user in a basin of the spa. Predetermined gestures detected by gesture recognition sensor can be interpreted as a command to alter a predetermined feature or function of the spa. Also disclosed is a method of controlling one or more variable features or functions of the spa using the gesture recognition sensor.

Abstract: A spa tub system comprising a spa tub and at least one compartment integrated into the frame of the spa tub. The compartment includes a hatch which is attached to the compartment using a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a bearing trough, a bearing cam, and a cam stop. The hatch is pivoted to open and close and can open to a predefined angle. At this predefined angle, the hatch cannot be removed. When the hatch is pivoted to a pivot angle less than the predefined angle, the hatch can be removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clip design for a spa tub. The spa tub includes a frame defining a receptacle. The frame having a wall including one of a projection or a clip and a panel including the other one of the projection or the clip. Receipt of the projection by the clip removably connects the panel to the frame advantageously simplifying the mechanism by which access is gained to the inner workings of the spa tub, thereby streamlining inspection, maintenance, and repair thereof.

Abstract: A rim for engaging a vessel wall of an existing liquid-containing vessel, wherein the vessel wall defines a liquid-containment area, and wherein the vessel is open ended could includes a rail cap comprising a cap surface and two spaced apart rail cap walls attached to and depending from the cap surface defining a rail cap cavity adapted to engage the vessel wall. The rim could include a plurality of rim segments and a segment seam cap for positioning over a seam formed between adjacent rim segments.

Abstract: A vessel for containing liquid includes a floor perimetrically surrounded by a plurality of upwardly projecting walls; at least one exit port incorporated into at least one of the walls proximate to an upper edge of the at least one wall; and a liquid circulation pump apparatus. The liquid circulation pump apparatus includes a first conduit in fluid communication with the vessel; a circulation pump positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a supply conduit positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the circulation pump; and a diverter valve positioned downstream of the circulation pump and upstream of the supply conduit. The circulation pump is adapted to pump liquid from the vessel through the first conduit and deliver liquid through the supply conduit to the exit port. The diverter valve is adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the exit port.

Abstract: A vessel for containing liquid includes a floor perimetrically surrounded by a plurality of upwardly projecting walls; at least one exit port incorporated into at least one of the walls proximate to an upper edge of the at least one wall; and a liquid circulation pump apparatus. The liquid circulation pump apparatus includes a first conduit in fluid communication with the vessel; a circulation pump positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a supply conduit positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the circulation pump; and a diverter valve positioned downstream of the circulation pump and upstream of the supply conduit. The circulation pump is adapted to pump liquid from the vessel through the first conduit and deliver liquid through the supply conduit to the exit port. The diverter valve is adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the exit port.

Abstract: A vessel for containing liquid includes a floor perimetrically surrounded by a plurality of upwardly projecting walls; at least one exit port incorporated into at least one of the walls proximate to an upper edge of the at least one wall; and a liquid circulation pump apparatus. The liquid circulation pump apparatus includes a first conduit in fluid communication with the vessel; a circulation pump positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a supply conduit positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the circulation pump; and a diverter valve positioned downstream of the circulation pump and upstream of the supply conduit. The circulation pump is adapted to pump liquid from the vessel through the first conduit and deliver liquid through the supply conduit to the exit port. The diverter valve is adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the exit port.

Abstract: A rim for engaging a vessel wall of an existing liquid-containing vessel, wherein the vessel wall defines a liquid-containment area, and wherein the vessel is open ended could includes a rail cap comprising a cap surface and two spaced apart rail cap walls attached to and depending from the cap surface defining a rail cap cavity adapted to engage the vessel wall. The rim could include a plurality of rim segments and a segment seam cap for positioning over a seam formed between adjacent rim segments.

Abstract: A waterfall unit for use in a spa includes a body defining a bowl, a beveled arcuate outer edge surface which curves over the bowl and a water entrance port in communication with the bowl. The water entrance port is located in the bottom of the bowl. A deflector cap is spaced away from and over the water entrance port. Water flows upwardly through the water entrance port in a fountain-like manner. This water contacts the deflector cap which deflects the water and causes it to flow laterally and into the bowl. When the bowl fills with water, the water flows over the beveled outer edge surface to create a waterfall. The body further defines a flat back wall for mounting the waterfall unit against a spa wall. The body has a substantially curved body profile formed by the bowl and the beveled outer edge surface.

Abstract: A waterfall unit for use in a spa includes a body defining a bowl, a beveled arcuate outer edge surface which curves over the bowl and a water entrance port in communication with the bowl. The water entrance port is located in the bottom of the bowl. A deflector cap is spaced away from and over the water entrance port. Water flows upwardly through the water entrance port in a fountain-like manner. This water contacts the deflector cap which deflects the water and causes it to flow laterally and into the bowl. When the bowl fills with water, the water flows over the beveled outer edge surface to create a waterfall. The body further defines a flat back wall for mounting the waterfall unit against a spa wall. The body has a substantially curved body profile formed by the bowl and the beveled outer edge surface.

Abstract: A vessel for containing liquid includes a floor perimetrically surrounded by a plurality of upwardly projecting walls; at least one exit port incorporated into at least one of the walls proximate to an upper edge of the at least one wall; and a liquid circulation pump apparatus. The liquid circulation pump apparatus includes a first conduit in fluid communication with the vessel; a circulation pump positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a supply conduit positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the circulation pump; and a diverter valve positioned downstream of the circulation pump and upstream of the supply conduit. The circulation pump is adapted to pump liquid from the vessel through the first conduit and deliver liquid through the supply conduit to the exit port. The diverter valve is adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the exit port.