Abstract: An electrolytic cell assembly for connection to a liquid flow line includes an electrode set, a cell housing supporting the electrode set, a cell retainer attached to the flow line and in fluid communication with the flow line, and a connection for detachably connecting the housing to the cell retainer in an operating position.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a heater assembly includes a heater housing structure defining an elongated heater chamber having a first port and a second port and defining a wetted side on the interior of the heater chamber and a non-wetted side on the exterior of the heater chamber. A resistive heater element is has an active region disposed within the heater chamber, free of any brazed or welded bulkhead members. The housing structure includes a first heater terminal opening and a second heater terminal opening, a first terminal end of the heater element passed through the first terminal opening from the wetted side to the non-wetted side, and a second terminal end of the heater element passed through the second terminal opening from the wetted side to the non-wetted side. First and second seal members are disposed on the non-wetted side respectively onto the first terminal end and the second terminal end and in contact with respective first and second seal surfaces defined on the housing structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for circulating water in a bathing installation with a water circulation flow path and a tub for holding bathing water is described. A pump is submerged in a chamber in the circulation flow path so that the pump when operated provides a positive pump pressure to pump water through the circulation flow path from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. Thermal contact is provided between a pump housing surface and water in the chamber to allow heat transfer between the pump housing surface and water in the chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a temperature sensor includes housing, and a solid state temperature sensing device disposed within the housing. A first wiring conductor makes electrical connection from outside the housing to a first terminal of the sensing device. A second wiring conductor makes electrical connection outside the housing to a second terminal of the device. The housing is an over-molded plastic structure encapsulating the sensing device and portions of the first and second wiring conductors. The plastic structure is fabricated of a thermally conductive material. A method for fabricating a temperature sensor positioning a sensor assembly including an elongated circuit board, a solid state sensing device mounted to a tip of the circuit board, and a portion of a cable assembly electrically connected to the circuit board within a mold assembly defining a housing cavity.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a heater assembly includes a heater housing structure defining an elongated heater chamber having a first port and a second port and defining a wetted side on the interior of the heater chamber and a non-wetted side on the exterior of the heater chamber. A resistive heater element is has an active region disposed within the heater chamber, free of any brazed or welded bulkhead members. The housing structure includes a first heater terminal opening and a second heater terminal opening, a first terminal end of the heater element passed through the first terminal opening from the wetted side to the non-wetted side, and a second terminal end of the heater element passed through the second terminal opening from the wetted side to the non-wetted side. First and second seal members are disposed on the non-wetted side respectively onto the first terminal end and the second terminal end and in contact with respective first and second seal surfaces defined on the housing structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for circulating water in a bathing installation with a water circulation flow path and a tub for holding bathing water is described. A pump is submerged in a chamber in the circulation flow path so that the pump when operated provides a positive pump pressure to pump water through the circulation flow path from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. Thermal contact is provided between a pump housing surface and water in the chamber to allow heat transfer between the pump housing surface and water in the chamber.

Abstract: A fitting adapted for installation into an opening of a support structure includes a housing structure having a longitudinal extent with a head region. An exemplary embodiment of the housing structure has an interference feature whose outer shape configuration generally matches a shape configuration of the opening, the interference feature oversized relative to the opening. The housing structure further includes a seal surface disposed generally transverse to the longitudinal extent. A component such as a light source may be disposed within the housing structure.

Abstract: A spa jet comprising a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and an aeration chamber therebetween, are all disposed in a housing. One seal forms a watertight seal between the first nozzle and the housing, and another seal forms a watertight seal between the second nozzle and the housing. A ring is affixed to the second-nozzle downstream end, and a third nozzle is pivotally mounted in the ring. A retainer is mounted to the ring and it frictionally secures the third nozzle in any one of a continuum of angular positions. The ring can be a ball-bearing ring, whereby the third nozzle can freely rotate in the ball-bearing ring under the force of a water stream exiting the third nozzle. A non-circular opening in the third nozzle assists in rotating the third nozzle even when centered in the ring. A barrel, comprising the first and second nozzles and the aeration chamber, has latching tabs formed thereon, and the housing has a retaining profile formed therein for engaging the latching tabs.

Abstract: A spa jet comprising a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and an aeration chamber therebetween, are all disposed in a housing. One seal forms a watertight seal between the first nozzle and the housing, and another seal forms a watertight seal between the second nozzle and the housing. A ring is affixed to the second-nozzle downstream end, and a third nozzle is pivotally mounted in the ring. A retainer is mounted to the ring and it frictionally secures the third nozzle in any one of a continuum of angular positions. The ring can be a ball-bearing ring, whereby the third nozzle can freely rotate in the ball-bearing ring under the force of a water stream exiting the third nozzle. A non-circular opening in the third nozzle assists in rotating the third nozzle even when centered in the ring. A barrel, comprising the first and second nozzles and the aeration chamber, has latching tabs formed thereon, and the housing has a retaining profile formed therein for engaging the latching tabs.

Abstract: A spa jet comprising a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and an aeration chamber therebetween, are all disposed in a housing. One seal forms a watertight seal between the first nozzle and the housing, and another seal forms a watertight seal between the second nozzle and the housing. A ring is affixed to the second-nozzle downstream end, and a third nozzle is pivotally mounted in the ring. A retainer is mounted to the ring and it frictionally secures the third nozzle in any one of a continuum of angular positions. The ring can be a ball-bearing ring, whereby the third nozzle can freely rotate in the ball-bearing ring under the force of a water stream exiting the third nozzle. A non-circular opening in the third nozzle assists in rotating the third nozzle even when centered in the ring. A barrel, comprising the first and second nozzles and the aeration chamber, has latching tabs formed thereon, and the housing has a retaining profile formed therein for engaging the latching tabs.

Abstract: A spa having a filter assembly mounted in a sidewall and accessible through the coping at the top periphery of the spa. The filter assembly has a plurality of filter elements and a chemical dispensing mechanism easily accessible and replaceable through the coping. The filter assembly is downstream of the pump and heater to prevent cavitation erosion of the pump impeller. A pressure valve allows water to by-pass the filter assembly when clogged or operated at high pump rates. The top of the filter assembly is concealed in a well defined in the coping and closed by a cover having a profile matching that of the coping.

Abstract: A whirlpool spa in which the spa filter and primary controls are mounted on an access door, which in turn is pivotally mounted along its bottom edge to the spa cabinet, whereby the primary controls and the spa filter are normally hidden from view but can readily be accessed by opening the access door.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pool wall assembly including first and second pool wall panels and a brace supporting the panels. Structure is included for securing the brace to only the first panel so that the first panel and brace may be aligned together prior to the securement of the second panel. Structure is also included for securing the second panel to at least one of the first panel and the brace. An anchor assembly secures the brace in position. The anchor assembly includes a stake which extends through and slidingly engages the brace and a wedge, telescopically received in the stake, which can be moved with respect to the stake into forcible engagement with the brace to maintain the brace in position. Each panel includes an integral bead extending from the lower portion of its face to define the line to which the pool side wall overlap extends. Also disclosed is a method of erecting a pool wall using the structure disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pool wall assembly including first and second pool wall panels and a brace supporting the panels. Structure is included for securing the brace to only the first panel so that the first panel and brace may be aligned together prior to the securement of the second panel. Structure is also included for securing the second panel to at least one of the first panel and the brace. An anchor assembly secures the brace in position. The anchor assembly includes a stake which extends through and slidingly engages the brace and a wedge, telescopically received in the stake, which can be moved with respect to the stake into forcible engagement with the brace to maintain the brace in position. Each panel includes an integral bead extending from the lower portion of its face to define the line to which the pool side wall overlap extends. Also disclosed is a method of erecting a pool wall using the structure disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pool wall assembly including first and second pool wall panels and a brace supporting the panels. Structure is included for securing the brace to only the first panel so that the first panel and brace may be aligned together prior to the securement of the second panel. Structure is also included for securing the second panel to at least one of the first panel and the brace. An anchor assembly secures the brace in position. The anchor assembly includes a stake which extends through and slidingly engages the brace and a wedge, telescopically received in the stake, which can be moved with respect to the stake into forcible engagement with the brace to maintain the brace in position. Each panel includes an integral bead extending from the lower portion of its face to define the line to which the pool side wall overlap extends. Also disclosed is a method of erecting a pool wall using the structure disclosed.