Above-Ground Swimming Pool With Decorative Wall Panels
An above-ground swimming pool including structural paneling defining a pool perimeter, a plurality of structural vertical posts regularly spaced apart along the pool perimeter and retaining the structural paneling, a structural ledge supported by the structural vertical posts and retaining the structural paneling at a top end thereof along the pool perimeter, and a plurality of decorative panels installed so as to substantially hide the structural paneling from view is addressed.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/539,100 filed on Jan. 27, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to water pools, more specifically to above-ground swimming pools.
2. Background Art
Above-ground swimming pools are usually composed of a flexible wall of sheet metal supported by upright posts. A desired pool shape is commonly maintained by a rail member or ledge supporting the top of the wall and by a base member supporting the bottom of the wall. Above-ground swimming pools are commonly manufactured in a variety of shapes such as circular, oval, octagonal, etc.
One of the main reasons why people choose to buy an above-ground swimming pool rather than an in-ground swimming pool is cost. It is well known that above-ground is the cheapest pool construction option. However, a typical above-ground swimming pool, with its metallic posts, ledge and base member supporting a sheet metal wall, is often difficult to esthetically integrate in a backyard.
A number of above-ground pool manufacturers have chosen to provide more esthetically pleasing above-ground swimming pools with a structure entirely made of wood. This design is often qualified as being elegant, adding a decorative touch to a backyard. However, these wood pools are less durable than standard above-ground swimming pools, since the wood has a tendency to warp and degrade over time. In addition, wood pools generally require appreciably more maintenance than standard swimming pools. Moreover, the assembly of a wood structure is generally a lot more complex than that of a standard above-ground swimming pool structure.
Accordingly, there is a need for an esthetically pleasing above-ground swimming pool that is durable, requires minimal maintenance and is relatively easy to assemble.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONIt is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved above-ground swimming pool.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an above-ground swimming pool comprising structural paneling defining a pool perimeter, a plurality of structural vertical posts regularly spaced apart along the pool perimeter and retaining the structural paneling, a structural ledge supported by the structural vertical posts and retaining the structural paneling at a top end thereof along the pool perimeter, and a plurality of decorative panels installed so as to substantially hide the structural paneling from view.
Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a decorating kit for an existing above-ground swimming pool, the swimming pool including structural paneling, a plurality of structural vertical posts and a top structural ledge, the kit comprising a plurality of decorative vertical posts designed to be attached over the structural vertical posts so as to substantially hide the structural vertical posts from view, a plurality of decorative panels designed to be retained by adjacent decorative vertical posts so as to substantially hide the structural paneling from view, and a decorative ledge designed to be attached to the decorative vertical posts so as to substantially hide the top structural ledge from view.
Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling an above-ground swimming pool comprising the steps of installing a plurality of structural vertical posts in a regularly spaced-apart manner along a desired pool perimeter, installing structural paneling along the desired pool perimeter so that the structural paneling is retained by the vertical posts, installing a structural ledge defining the desired pool perimeter on top of the vertical posts, the structural ledge retaining the structural paneling along a top end thereof, and installing a plurality of decorative panels over the structural paneling so that the structural paneling is substantially hidden from view.
Further yet in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an above-ground swimming pool comprising a skeleton structure adapted to hold a body of water, and a decorative panel assembly applied to the pool outwardly of the skeleton structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSHaving thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof and in which:
Referring now to
However, the swimming pool 10 of the present invention is given a more esthetically pleasing appearance through a plurality of decorative wall panels 20, preferably mimicking vertical wood boards, hiding the structural paneling 14 from view. Similarly, decorative posts 22 hide the structural posts 19 and a decorative ledge 24 hides the structural ledge 16. Both the decorative posts and ledge 22, 24 also preferably mimic the appearance of wood.
Referring to
The decorative panel 20 is preferably designed so as to mimic the appearance of one or more adjacent vertical wood boards. While it is preferred that a plurality of adjacent engaged panels extend between adjacent decorative posts, it is also considered to have a single wide panel between adjacent decorative posts. The decorative panels 20 must be thin enough to allow sufficient bending, or otherwise narrow enough, so that the decorative panels 20 can closely follow the round perimeter of the pool 10. The decorative panels 20 can have a minimal thickness since their contact with the structural paneling 14 ensures the structural stability of the assembly.
Referring to
The decorative panels 20 are thus supported by the decorative posts 22 as described above so as to be in contact with the structural paneling 14 through the supports 32. The decorative panels 20 may also be supported along a top end thereof by the decorative ledge 24. It is also considered to have the decorative panels 20 supported by the structural ledge 16 or by the base member 12, or both, in a rail in a manner similar to a standard structural paneling support (see
While this embodiment has been described with respect to a circular pool, a similar construction could be used with a polygonal pool as well as with a pool of a different shape. With a pool having a polygonal or another straight edge perimeter, the decorative panels 20 can be substantially thicker and wider since they are not required to bend in order to conform to the pool perimeter between adjacent decorative posts.
Referring to
Referring to
In order to have a stable structure and to minimize a necessary thickness of the decorative panels 120, it is preferred that the decorative panels 120 come in contact at their center with the structural paneling 114. This signifies that ends of the decorative panels 120, i.e. where the decorative panels 120 will be retained by the decorative posts 122a, b, will be set at different distances from the structural paneling in pools having different diameters. To compensate, the structural post 119a, b are preferably radially adjustable, as shown in
Referring to
Each decorative panel 120 is thus supported along both ends by adjacent decorative posts 122, which are attached to the structural posts of the pool. The decorative and structural posts support the decorative ledge 124, which also retains the top decorative panel 120 along a top edge thereof.
While this embodiment has been described with respect to a round structural perimeter, a similar construction could be used with a polygonal structural perimeter or one with a different shape. With a pool having a polygonal or another straight edge structural perimeter, each horizontal decorative panels 120 extending between adjacent decorative posts 122 can be retained in close relationship with the structural paneling 114, as in the previous embodiment. Thus, the decorative panels 120 in this case can be thinner since they are supported by the structural paneling 114.
Since the two above-described embodiments involve adding decorative coverings to standard structural elements of a swimming pool, it is also considered to provide some or all of the decorative elements together in a kit to be installed on an existing standard above-ground swimming pool.
In both embodiments described, the structural part of the swimming pool (base member, structural posts, structural paneling, plates, structural ledge) are installed in the manner known in the art of standard above-ground swimming pools. The decorative panels are then installed over the structural paneling in the following manner. If the decorative panels are retained directly on the structural posts, then each decorative panel is simply slid into place. In that case, it may be necessary to install the decorative panels before installing the structural ledge. If decorative posts are used, then a first decorative post is attached on a structural post. One end of a decorative panel is then preferably connected to the decorative post using the means described above. The other end of the decorative panel is preferably connected to an uninstalled decorative post, which is then attached on the next structural post. All decorative panels are preferably installed the same way, one end connected to an installed decorative post and the other end to a decorative post to be installed afterwards, in order to facilitate the installation process. The decorative ledge is then attached over the structural ledge.
Referring to
Adjacent structural panels 160 are connected by the side flanges 171. Thus, with this type of assembly, the need for posts, a base member and a structural ledge is eliminated. The structural panels 160 are self-standing and retain the decorative panels on their own.
In all the embodiments, the decorative panels, posts and ledges are preferably manufactured from any adequate plastic or composite material by extrusion or heat-forming. The decorative covering elements could also be manufactured from real wood and derivative products. The assembly complexity of this improved above-ground swimming pool is comparable to that of a standard above-ground swimming pool. Moreover, this improved above-ground swimming pool requires less maintenance than a traditional wood pool, while providing a more esthetically pleasing appearance than a standard above-ground swimming pool.
While in all the embodiments the decorative panels, posts and ledges have been represented as mimicking the appearance of wood boards, it is also considered to have other decorative patterns, such as, for example, the appearance of tiles or rocks.
The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary. Those skilled in the art will therefore appreciate that the forgoing description is illustrative only, and that various alternatives and modifications can be devised without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An above-ground swimming pool comprising:
- structural paneling defining a pool perimeter;
- a plurality of structural vertical posts regularly spaced apart along the pool perimeter and retaining the structural paneling;
- a structural ledge supported by the structural vertical posts and retaining the structural paneling at a top end thereof along the pool perimeter; and
- a plurality of decorative panels installed so as to substantially hide the structural paneling from view.
2. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, further comprising a base member retaining the structural paneling at a bottom end thereof along the pool perimeter.
3. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 2, wherein the base member also retains the decorative panels at a bottom end thereof along the pool perimeter.
4. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the structural ledge retains the decorative panels at a top end thereof along the pool perimeter.
5. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein a single decorative panel extends between and is retained by adjacent structural vertical posts.
6. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of decorative panels connected to one another extend between and are retained by adjacent structural vertical posts.
7. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of decorative panels are connected to one another side by side.
8. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of decorative panels are connected to one another one on top of the other.
9. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein each structural vertical post is hidden from view by a decorative vertical post.
10. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 9, wherein a single decorative panel extends between and is retained by adjacent decorative vertical posts.
11. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of decorative panels connected to one another extend between and are retained by adjacent decorative vertical posts.
12. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the structural ledge is hidden from view by a decorative ledge.
13. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 12, wherein the decorative ledge retains the decorative panels at a top end thereof along the pool perimeter.
14. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein each of the decorative panels is shaped so as to mimic a series of horizontal wood boards.
15. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein each of the decorative panels is shaped so as to mimic a series of vertical wood boards.
16. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein each of the decorative panels is shaped so as to mimic a single wood board.
17. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the pool perimeter is round, and the decorative panels are at least in partial contact with the structural paneling so as define a second round perimeter in close relationship with the pool perimeter.
18. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the pool perimeter is polygonal, and the decorative panels are at least in partial contact with the structural paneling so as to define a second polygonal pool perimeter in close relationship with the pool perimeter.
19. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the decorative panels are installed so as to obtain a second perimeter having a different shape than the pool perimeter.
20. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the decorative panels are made from extruded plastic.
21. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 1, wherein the decorative panels are made from thermoformed plastic.
22. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 9, wherein each decorative vertical post is shaped so as to mimic at least one wood board.
23. The above-ground swimming pool according to claim 12, wherein the decorative ledge is shaped so as to mimic a plurality of wood boards.
24. A decorating kit for an existing above-ground swimming pool, the swimming pool including structural paneling, a plurality of structural vertical posts and a top structural ledge, the kit comprising:
- a plurality of decorative vertical posts designed to be attached over the structural vertical posts so as to substantially hide the structural vertical posts from view;
- a plurality of decorative panels designed to be retained by adjacent decorative vertical posts so as to substantially hide the structural paneling from view; and
- a decorative ledge designed to be attached to the decorative vertical posts so as to substantially hide the top structural ledge from view.
25. The kit according to claim 24, wherein the decorative ledge retains the decorative panels at a top end thereof.
26. The kit according to claim 24, wherein each decorative panel is composed of a plurality of smaller panels connected to one another.
27. The kit according to claim 26, wherein each of the smaller panels is shaped so as to mimic a single wood board.
28. The kit according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of smaller panels are connected to one another side by side.
29. The kit according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of smaller panels are connected to one another one on top of the other.
30. The kit according to claim 24, wherein each of the decorative panels is shaped so as to mimic a series of horizontal wood boards.
31. The kit according to claim 24, wherein each of the decorative panels is shaped so as to mimic a series of vertical wood boards.
32. The kit according to claim 24, wherein the structural paneling defines a pool perimeter, and the decorative panels are at least in partial contact with the structural paneling so as to define a second pool perimeter in close relationship to the pool perimeter.
33. The kit according to claim 24, wherein the structural paneling defines a pool perimeter, and the decorative panels are installed so as to obtain a second perimeter having a different shape than the pool perimeter.
34. The kit according to claim 24, wherein the decorative panels are made from extruded plastic.
35. The kit according to claim 24, wherein the decorative panels are made from thermoformed plastic.
36. The kit according to claim 24, wherein each decorative vertical post is shaped so as to mimic at least one wood board.
37. The kit according to claim 24, wherein the decorative ledge is shaped so as to mimic a plurality of wood boards.
38. A method for assembling an above-ground swimming pool comprising the steps of:
- installing a plurality of structural vertical posts in a regularly spaced-apart manner along a desired pool perimeter;
- installing structural paneling along the desired pool perimeter so that the structural paneling is retained by the vertical posts;
- installing a structural ledge defining the desired pool perimeter on top of the vertical posts, the structural ledge retaining the structural paneling along a top end thereof; and
- installing a plurality of decorative panels over the structural paneling so that the structural paneling is substantially hidden from view.
39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the plurality of decorative panels are installed so as to be retained by the structural vertical posts.
40. The method according to claim 38, wherein the installation of the decorative panels includes for at least one of the plurality of decorative panels a step of installing a first decorative vertical post over a first of the plurality of structural vertical posts, connecting an edge of the decorative panel to the first decorative vertical post, connecting an opposed edge of the decorative panel to a second decorative vertical post, and installing the second decorative vertical post over a second of the plurality of structural vertical post.
41. The method according to claim 38, further comprising a step of installing a decorative ledge over the structural ledge so as to hide the structural ledge from view.
42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the decorative ledge is installed so as to retain the decorative panels along a top end thereof.
43. The method according to claim 38, wherein a step of installing a base member along the pool perimeter is performed, and the structural paneling is installed so as to be retained also by the base member.
44. The method according to claim 43, wherein the decorative panels are installed so as to be retained by the base member.
45. An above-ground swimming pool comprising a skeleton structure adapted to hold a body of water, and a decorative panel assembly applied to the pool outwardly of the skeleton structure.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 24, 2005
Publication Date: Nov 22, 2007
Inventor: Jerome Foy (Quebec)
Application Number: 10/582,146
International Classification: E04H 4/04 (20060101);