AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING POOL JET FITTING

Abstract

In accordance with an embodiment, a pool jet fitting can include a housing and a redirector coupled to the housing. The housing can include a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body along a first direction. The bore is configured to receive a water flow. The redirector is disposed within the bore of the housing. The redirector can define an opening through which the water flow moves. The redirector can include an actuator that is configured to automatically move the opening from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by a heater. The water flow through the opening has a first trajectory when the opening is in the first configuration and a second trajectory when the opening is in the second configuration. The second trajectory is different than the first trajectory relative to the first direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/589,702 filed Jan. 23, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Swimming pools include pool filter systems that circulate the pool water so as to remove debris, and to prevent algae outbreaks and pH swings. Typically pool filter systems include a pool pump that draws the pool water from the pool through a drain/filter and back to the pool through a plurality of returns. Many returns take the form of jet fittings, each having a rotatable eyeball that directs the return flow of the pool water toward the surface of the pool. Such an orientation creates surface agitation to thereby force the debris to the filter, and to create an audible sound that is desired by the pool owner.

Many pool filter systems include heaters that are configured to heat the pool water that is being circulated through the system. Because the jet fittings direct the return flow of the pool water toward the surface of the pool, a large amount of heat is lost to the atmosphere when the pool water is being heated. Such a system has drawbacks and inefficiencies. For example, a large amount of energy (i.e. electricity or gas) is wasted, and the amount of time it takes to heat the pool water to the desired temperature is unnecessarily long. Accordingly, an improved pool jet fitting that reduces at least one of the drawbacks of the current system may be desired.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment, a pool jet fitting can include a housing and a redirector coupled to the housing. The housing can include a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body along a first direction. The housing body can include a coupler that is configured to mate with a coupler of a wall mount so as to releasably couple the housing to the wall mount. The bore is configured to receive a water flow. The redirector is disposed within the bore of the housing. The redirector can define an opening through which the water flow moves. The redirector can include an actuator that is configured to automatically move the opening from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by a heater. The water flow through the opening has a first trajectory when the opening is in the first configuration and a second trajectory when the opening is in the second configuration. The second trajectory is different than the first trajectory relative to the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the pool filter systems and pool jet fittings of the present application, there is shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic of a pool filter system including a pump, a heater, and a plurality of pool jet fittings that are configured to receive water from the pump and direct the water into the pool, the pool jet fittings are configured to automatically adjust so as to change the trajectory of the water flow through the fittings when the heater is heating the water flow;

FIG. 1B is a schematic showing the flow of water through the pool filter system shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pool jet fitting constructed in accordance with an embodiment, the pool jet fitting coupled to a wall mount that is typically mounted in a wall of a pool and including a housing and a redirector coupled to the housing;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the wall mount shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a front elevation view of the wall mount shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of the wall mount shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the housing shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a front elevation view of the housing shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a side elevation view of the housing shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the redirector shown in FIG. 2, the redirector including an insert, a valve positioned within the insert, and an actuator configured to manipulate an opening defined by the valve to change the trajectory of the water flow as it moves through the opening from a first trajectory to a second trajectory when the water flow is being heated by the heater;

FIG. 5B is a back perspective view of the redirector shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a back elevation view of the redirector shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a side elevation view of the redirector shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5E is a front elevation view of the redirector shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5F is a front perspective exploded view of the redirector shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5G is a side exploded view of the redirector shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a side partial cut away view showing the redirector in a first position such that water flow moves through the opening of the redirector along a first trajectory;

FIG. 6B is a side partial cut away view showing the redirector in a second position such that water flow moves through the opening of the redirector along a second trajectory;

FIG. 7 is a side partial cut away of a redirector constructed in accordance with another embodiment, the redirector including an actuator that has a rotatable panel;

FIG. 8A is a side schematic view of a redirector constructed in accordance with another embodiment, the redirector including an insert that is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the first direction, and a thermostatic element that is configured to move the insert from a first position to a second position;

FIG. 8B is a side schematic view of the redirector of FIG. 8A showing the insert in the second position;

FIG. 8C is a side schematic view of a redirector constructed in accordance with another embodiment, the redirector including an insert in the form of a valve and a thermostatic element that is configured to move the insert from a first position to a second position;

FIG. 8D is a side schematic view of the redirector of FIG. 8C showing the insert in the second position;

FIG. 9A is a rear perspective schematic view of a redirector constructed in accordance with another embodiment, the redirection including an insert that is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the first direction, a thermostatic element that is configured to move the insert from a first position to a second position, and a biasing member that is configured to bias the insert toward the first position;

FIG. 9B is a plan schematic view of the redirector shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a side schematic view of the redirector of FIG. 9 in the first position;

FIG. 9D is a side schematic view of the redirection of FIG. 9C in the second position;

FIG. 10A is a side schematic view of a redirector constructed in accordance with another embodiment, the redirector including an insert that rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the first direction and a thermostatic element that is configured to move the insert from a first position to a second position;

FIG. 10B is a back plan view of the redirector of FIG. 10A in the first position

FIG. 10C is a side schematic view of the redirector of FIG. 10A in the second position;

FIG. 10D is a back plan view of the redirector of FIG. 10A in the second position

FIG. 11A is a side schematic view of a redirector constructed in accordance with another embodiment, the redirector including an insert, a hood coupled to the insert, and a thermostatic element that is configured to move the hood from a first position to a second position; and

FIG. 11B is a side schematic view of the redirector of FIG. 11A showing the hood in the second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a pool filter system 10 is configured to filter and/or heat water of a pool 12 in an efficient and economical manner. The pool filter system 10 includes a plurality of pool jet fittings 14 mounted to at least one, such as four walls of the pool 12, a pool drain 18 mounted to a floor of the pool 12, a pool filter 22 disposed along an upper portion of one of the walls of the pool 12, a heater 26 that is configured to heat the water, and a water pump 28 that is configured to receive water from the pool filter 22 and/or the pool drain 18, and subsequently return the water to the pool 12 through the pool jet fittings 14. As shown in FIG. 1A, the pool filter system 10 further includes piping 32 that operatively connects each of the pool jet fittings 14, the pool drain 18, and the pool filter 22 to the heater 26 and water pump 28. As shown, water flow enters the heater 26 and water pump 28 at a supply 40 and returns the water flow to the pool 12 at a return 44. The water pump 28 is configured to return either heated water (if the heater 26 is heating the water) or non-heated water (if the heater 26 is not heating the water).

The pool filter system 10 may be configured to filter and/or heat water for any pool configuration as desired. For example, the pool filter system 10 may filter and/or heat water through a pool 12 that is substantially square shaped as illustrated or through an alternatively shaped pool, such as a kidney shaped pool. The pool filter system 10 may be configured to filter and/or heat water of a pool 12 that is configured as a swimming pool as illustrated, or any other pool as desired, such as a hot tub or a Jacuzzi bathtub. The pool filter system 10 may include any number of pool jet fittings 14. For example, while the illustrated embodiment of the pool filter system 10 includes ten pool jet fittings 14, it should be understood that the pool filter system 10 may include a single pool jet fitting 14 up to any number of pool jet fittings 14 depending on the size of the pool 12.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the pool jet fittings 14 may be mounted to the wall of the pool 12, proximate to, but below the surface of the water. As shown, the pool jet fittings 14 may be configured such that water flow through the pool jet fittings 14 is directed toward the pool surface to thereby agitate the pool surface. The agitation of the pool surface not only directs any debris found on the pool surface toward the pool filter 22, but it also creates a sound that is often times desired. For example, such a sound may indicate that the pool filter system 10 is operating, and/or may be relaxing.

Now referring to FIG. 2, each pool jet fitting 14 is configured to be releasably coupled to a respective wall mount 50 that is mounted to a wall of the pool 12. The pool jet fitting 14 and the wall mount 50 together define a pool jet fitting assembly 54. As shown in FIG. 2, the assembly 54 defines a distal end D, a proximal end P, and a center axis C that extends along a longitudinal direction L between the proximal end P and the distal end D. The pool jet fitting 14 is configured to automatically adjust between an agitation or first position when the water flow is not being heated by the heater 26, and a heating or second position when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26. The automatically adjusting pool jet fitting 14 automatically adjusts the trajectory of the water flow through the pool jet fitting 14 when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 so as to reduce heat loss to the atmosphere. That is, the pool jet fitting 14 is configured to automatically redirect the water flow into the pool instead of toward the surface of the pool so that the amount of heat lost to the atmosphere is reduced when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26.

As shown in FIG. 2, each pool jet fitting 14 includes a housing 60 that is configured to couple to the wall mount 50, a redirector 62 positioned within the housing 60, and a cap 63 that is coupled to the distal end of the housing 60 to thereby retain the redirector 62 within the housing 60. The redirector 62 is configured to automatically redirect the trajectory of the water flow through the pool jet fitting 14 from a first trajectory to a second trajectory upon the application of heat to the water flow by the heater 26.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, the wall mount 50 may be a pre-existing or standard wall mount already attached to the wall of the pool 12. Therefore, the pool jet fitting 14 may be sized and configured to be coupled to a wall mount 50 of a pre-existing pool. It should be understood, however, that the wall mount 50 may be a standard wall mount to be used in a newly built pool or a new wall mount that is different than the current standard wall mounts. As shown in FIG. 3A, the wall mount 50 includes a wall mount body 80 that defines a tubular portion 84 and a shoulder 88 that extends radially outward from a distal end of the tubular portion 84. The wall mount body 80 further defines a bore 92 that extends through the wall mount body 80 from the proximal end to the distal end of the body 80. The bore 92 is configured to receive the water flow from the water pump 28.

The tubular portion 84 is configured to be glued or otherwise affixed within a bore defined by the wall of the pool 12. As shown in FIG. 3C, the tubular portion 84 has a length D₁ that is defined between the proximal end of the tubular portion 84 and an inner surface of the shoulder 88. The length D₁ of the tubular portion 84 is between about 1.25 inches and about 1.75 inches, and typically is about 1.5 inches for standard wall mounts 50. When the wall mount 50 is affixed to the pool wall, the tubular portion 84 will extend into the wall until an inner surface of the shoulder 88 abuts the surface of the pool wall.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the wall mount 50 further includes a coupler, such as internal threads 96 that extend out from an inner surface 100 of the bore 92 of the wall mount body 80 proximate to a distal end of the wall mount 50. The threads 96 are configured to engage threads of the housing 60 so as to releasably couple the housing 60 to the wall mount 50. It should be understood, however, that the wall mount 50 is not limited to threads 96, and that the wall mount 50 may include any coupler that is capable of releasably coupling the housing 60 to the wall mount 50.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the wall mount 50 further includes a lip 104 that extends out from the inner surface 100 of the bore 92 proximal to the threads 96. The lip 104 is configured to act as a stop and prevent over insertion of the housing 60 when the housing 60 is inserted into the bore 92 and coupled to the wall mount 50.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, the housing 60 includes a tubular body 120 having a distal end 121, a proximal end 122 spaced from the distal end along a first direction (i.e. the longitudinal direction L), and a bore 124 that extends through the body 120 from the distal end 121 to the proximal end 122 along the first direction. The tubular body 120 is configured to be releasably coupled to the wall mount 50 such that when coupled, the bore 124 of the housing 60 is in line with or otherwise coaxial with the bore 92 of the wall mount 50. Therefore, like the wall mount 50, the housing 60 is configured to receive the water flow from the water pump 28. As shown, the tubular body 120 defines a first coupler, such as external threads 128 that extend out from an external surface 132 of the body 120 proximate to the proximal end 122 of the housing 60. The threads 128 are configured to engage the internal threads 96 of the wall mount 50 to thereby releasably couple the housing 60 to the wall mount 50. In particular the housing 60 is threaded into the bore 92 of the wall mount 50 until the proximal end of the housing 60 abuts the lip 104 within the bore 92. At this point, the housing 60 will be fully coupled to the wall mount 50.

The tubular body 120 further defines a second coupler, such as external threads 140 that extend out from the external surface 132 of the body 120 proximate to the distal end 121 of the housing 60. The threads 140 are configured to engage threads of the cap 63 so as to releasably affix the cap 63 to the distal end of the housing 60. It should be appreciated, however, that the housing 60 is not limited to threads 128 and 140, and that the housing 60 may include any coupler that is capable of releasably coupling the housing 60 to the wall mount 50 and the cap 63 to the housing 60.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the housing 60 further includes a lip 144 that extends out from an inner surface 142 of the bore 124 proximate to the proximal end of the housing 60. The lip 144 is configured to act as a stop and prevent over insertion of the redirector 62 when the redirector 62 is placed within the bore 124 of the housing 60. Moreover, when the cap 63 is coupled to the external threads 140 of the housing 60 the redirector 62 will be locked or otherwise held within the bore 124 of the housing 60 between the cap 63 and the lip 144.

Now in reference to FIGS. 5A-5G, the redirector 62 is configured to be disposed within the bore 124 of the housing 60. The redirector 62 defines an opening 148 through which the water flow received by the housing 60 moves. As shown, the redirector 62 includes an insert 150, a valve 154 that defines the opening 148 and is positioned within the insert 150, and an actuator 158 that is configured to automatically move the opening 148 from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by the heater 26. The water flow through the opening 148 can have a first trajectory when the opening 148 is in the first configuration, and the water flow through the opening 148 can have a second trajectory when the opening 148 is in the second configuration. The second trajectory can be different than the first trajectory relative to the first direction. For example, the first trajectory can be toward the surface of the pool and the second trajectory can be away from the surface of the pool. It should be appreciated, however, that the first and second trajectories can be along directions other than those described. For example, the second trajectory can be parallel to the surface of the pool rather than away from the surface of the pool.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5G, the insert 150 can be rotatable relative to the housing 60. As shown, the insert 150 can include an insert body 250 that defines a passageway 254 that extends longitudinally through the body 250 along a second direction. The second direction can be parallel to the first direction or angular offset relative to the first direction. The direction in which the second direction extends depends on the orientation of the insert 150 within the housing 60. The insert body 250 is substantially cylindrical and defines an outer surface 257 that curves radially inward as the body 250 extends distally.

The insert 64 is configured to be disposed within the bore 124 of the housing 60. The insert 64 is configured to be disposed within the bore 124 of the housing 60 such that the insert 64 is capable of rotating relative to the housing 60. Therefore, when the pool jet fitting 14 is coupled to the wall mount 50, the insert 64 can be rotated so as to position the insert such that the passageway 254 of the insert 64 is directed or otherwise extending towards the pool surface. Water flow from the water pump 28 will then be directed to the surface of the pool to create the desired agitation. It should be appreciated, however, that the insert 64 can be configured to not be capable of rotating relative to the housing 60, as desired.

The passageway 254 of the insert 64 may be sized to receive the valve 154 such that the valve 154 rotates along with the rotatable insert 64, when the rotatable insert 64 is rotated. Therefore, the opening 148 of the valve 154 can face the surface of the pool 12 when the insert 64 is rotated to face the surface of the pool 12. It should be appreciated, that while the opening 148 of the valve 154 is aligned along the second direction, that the valve 154 can be positioned within the insert 64 such that the opening 148 of the valve 154 is angularly offset with respect to the second direction.

As shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G, the valve 154 includes a valve body 264, and a plurality of flexible members 268 that extend distally from the valve body 264. As shown in FIGS. 5F-5G, each member 268 extends from the body 264 such that the members 268 together define a substantially cone shaped structure. That is, as the members 268 extend distally they extend toward the center axis of the valve 154. As shown, the valve 154 can further include a plurality of extendable sections 270 that each extend between and are coupled to a respect pair of adjacent members 268. The valve body 264, flexible members 268, and extendable sections 270 can be integrally formed as a monolithic structure or can be individual components made separately and subsequently assembled.

Each member 268 is configured to flex and includes a flexing portion 288 that extends distally from the valve body 264. Each member 268 is substantially triangular in shape and defines a distal end 292 and a proximal end 296 that is wider than the distal end 292. As shown, together the distal ends 292 of the members 268 define the opening 148 which in the illustrated embodiment is star shaped. The valve 154 including the body 264, the members 268, and the extendable sections 270 may be made of any material as desired. For example, the valve 154 including the body 264, the members 268, and the extendable sections 270 may be made of a plastic material.

Each member 268 is configured to flex, such that when the flow rate of the water from the water pump 28 increases, the members 268 flex outwardly to thereby increase the dimension of the adjustable opening 148. That is, each flexing portion 288 pivots about a respective hinge 300 so as to widen the adjustable opening 148 from a first or initial dimension, to a second or expanded dimension. Because the valve 154 includes an adjustable opening 148, the valve 154 is configured to maintain a predetermined outflow velocity of water through the pool jet fitting 14 as the flow rate of the water flow from the water pump 28 changes. The predetermined outflow velocity may correspond to a range of velocities having a minimum velocity at which the water flow is visible or otherwise agitates the surface of the pool.

At least one such as two or three of the members 268 are also configured to flex inward to thereby redirect the water flow through the opening 148 from the first trajectory to the second trajectory. For example, when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26, the at least one member 268 can flex inwardly toward the center of the opening 148 to thereby redirect the water away from the surface of the pool. The trajectory of the water flow through the opening 148 when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 can depend on the initial position of the valve 154 and insert 64 and the amount the at least one member 268 is flexed.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5G, and 6A-6B, the actuator 158 is in communication with the at least one flexible member 268 and is configured to automatically apply a force to the at least one flexible member 268 when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 to thereby redirect the water flow from a first trajectory 304 relative to the first direction to a second trajectory 308 relative to the first direction that is different than the first trajectory 304 as the water flow moves through the opening 148. The actuator 158 can also be configured to automatically remove the force that is applied to the at least one flexible member 268 when the water flow is no longer being heated by the heater 26 to thereby redirect the water flow from the second trajectory 308 back to or at least substantially back to the first trajectory 304. Therefore it can be said that the actuator 158 is configured to automatically move the opening 148 from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by the heater 26. As shown in FIG. 6A, the first trajectory 304 can be at a first angle relative to the first direction, and as shown in FIG. 6B the second trajectory 308 can be at a second angle relative to the first direction. The first angle can be greater than the second angle. The first angle can be great enough such that the first trajectory 304 is substantially toward the surface of the pool so as to provide adequate agitation to the surface of the pool. The second angle can be such that the second trajectory 308 is away from the surface of the pool. It should be appreciated, however, that the second trajectory 308 can be toward the surface of the pool but at an angle relative to the first direction that is less than the first angle. Moreover it should be appreciated that the second trajectory can be parallel to the surface of the pool and substantially along the first direction.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5G and 6A-6B, the actuator 158 can include a thermostatic element 312 and at least one such as two tethers 316 that couple the thermostatic element 312 to the at least one flexible member 268. The actuator 158 can further include a panel 318 coupled to the at least one flexible member 268 and the tethers 316 can be coupled to the panel 318 so as to be configured to apply a downward force to the at least one flexible member 268 to thereby move the opening 148 from the first trajectory 304 to the second trajectory 308. The panel 318 can be coupled to an outer surface of the at least one flexible member 268 or to an inner surface of the at least one flexible member 268. It should be appreciated, however, that the panel 318 can be indirectly coupled to the at least one flexible member 268 such that a structure is between the panel 318 and the at least one flexible member 268 or the panel 318 can be coupled to the at least one flexible member 268 such that the panel 318 is floating or otherwise resting against the at least one flexible member 268.

The thermostatic element 312 includes an actuator housing 320 and a moveable rod 324 that is moveable relative to the actuator housing 320 between a first position in which the tethers 316 are slack, and a second position in which the tethers 316 apply the force to the at least one flexible member 268. The actuator housing 320 can include a proximal cylindrical body portion 330, a distal hollow body portion 334, and a shoulder 338 between the proximal body portion 330 and the distal body portion 334. The distal body portion 334 can define a cavity that contains an expandable material such as wax. The moveable rod 324 extends into the cavity of the distal body portion 334 such that when the water flow is heated by the heater 26 the wax within the cavity melts and expands to thereby move the rod 324 to the second position. When the water flow is no longer being heated by the heater 26, the wax solidifies and contracts thereby providing space for the rod 324 to return to the first position. It should be appreciated, however, that the thermostatic element 312 can include other configurations. For example, the thermostatic element 312 can include expandable materials other than wax.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5G and 6A-6B, the actuator 158 further includes a holder 340 that is configured to couple the thermostatic element 312 to the valve 154 such that the thermostatic element 312 is elongate along the second direction and the rod 324 moves along the second direction. The holder 340 can include a cylindrical or ringed member 344 that mates with a groove defined by the valve body so as to couple to the valve body. The holder 340 further includes a distal holder portion 348 that is configured to mate with a distal end of the moveable rod 324, and a proximal holder portion 352 that is slidably coupled to the proximal body portion 330 of the actuator housing 320. The holder 340 includes at least one such as four spokes 354 that couple the distal holder portion 348 to the ringed member 344, and at least one such as four spokes 356 that couple the proximal holder portion 352 to the ringed member 344.

The proximal holder portion 352 defines a channel 360 that extends along the second direction and receives the proximal body portion 330 of the actuator housing 320 such that the proximal holder portion 352 is translatable along an outer surface of the proximal body portion 330 along the second direction. The proximal holder portion 352 at least partially holds the thermostatic element 312 at least partially within the valve 154. The channel 360 and the proximal body portion 330 are illustrated as being cylindrical though it should be appreciated, that the channel 360 and the proximal body portion 330 can have other configurations so long as the proximal holder portion 352 is translatable along the proximal body portion 330.

The distal holder portion 348 defines a recess 364 that receives the distal end of the rod 324. As the rod 324 moves to the second position the rod 324 engages the recess 364 and pushes the thermostatic element 312 proximally relative to the holder 340 to thereby remove the slack from and subsequently apply tension to the tethers 316.

As shown, the actuator 158 further includes a biasing member 370 such as a spring that is disposed about the proximal body portion 330 between the proximal holder portion 352 and the shoulder 338. The biasing member 370 is configured to apply a biasing force against the shoulder 338 of the thermostatic element 312. While the biasing member 370 is illustrated as a spring it should be appreciated, that the biasing member can have other configurations. For example, the biasing member 370 can be a rubber insert.

In operation, the redirector 62 is originally positioned within the bore of the housing 60 such that the first trajectory 304 of the water flow through the opening 148 is toward the pool surface. When the water flow is heated by the heater 26, the wax within the thermostatic element 312 melts and forces the rod 324 to the second position. As the rod 324 moves to the second position the distal end of the rod 324 engages and pushes against the recess 364 of the distal holder portion 334 to thereby push the thermostatic element 312 proximally relative to the holder 340 such that the tethers 316 are pulled proximally and the panel 318 applies a downward force to the at least one flexible member 268. The force against the at least one flexible member 268 will move the opening 148 to the second configuration and redirect the water flow through the opening 148 to the second trajectory 308 as shown in FIG. 6B. When the water flow is no longer being heated by the heater 26, the wax within the thermostatic element 312 solidifies and allows the rod 324 to move back to the first position as shown in FIG. 6A. When the rod 324 moves back to the first position, the biasing member 370 biases the thermostatic element 312 distally relative to the holder 340 such that the tethers 316 are returned to their slacked position and the downward force is removed from the at least one flexible member 268. With the force removed, the water flow through the opening 148 will return to the first trajectory 304. This process can occur each time the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 for a period of time. In this way the redirector 62 automatically moves the water flow through the opening 148 between the first trajectory 304 and the second trajectory 308.

It should be appreciated that the redirector 62 can include actuators that have other configurations. For example, in another embodiment and in reference to FIG. 7, the redirector 62 can include an actuator 380 that includes a panel 384 that is pivotally coupled to either the valve 154 or the insert 150 at a pivot 388 that defines a pivot axis that extends perpendicular to the first direction. The actuator 380 can further include a thermostatic element 392 that is configured to move the panel 384 about the pivot 388 and apply the downward force to the at least one flexible member 268. The panel 384 can include a distal panel portion 396 that extends distal to the pivot 388 and is configured engage the at least one flexible member 268. The panel 384 can further include a proximal panel portion 400 that extends proximal to the pivot 388 and is configured to be contacted by the thermostatic element 392.

The thermostatic element 392 is substantially similar to and functions substantially similar to the thermostatic element 312. Therefore like the thermostatic element 312, the thermostatic element 392 includes an actuator housing 404 and a rod 408 moveable relative to the actuator housing 404 between a first position and a second position. When the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 the rod 408 moves to the second position and contacts the proximal panel portion 400 to thereby cause the panel 384 to rotate or otherwise pivot about the pivot 388. The distal panel portion 396 will then contact an outer surface of the at least one flexible member 268 and to thereby apply the downward force to the at least one flexible member 268 and redirect the water flow through the opening to the second trajectory. When the water flow is no longer being heated by the heater 26 the rod 408 moves back to the first position to thereby remove the force from the at least one flexible member 268 that is applied by the panel 384 and redirect the water flow through the opening back to the first trajectory. Therefore it can be said that the actuator 380 is configured to automatically move the opening 148 from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by the heater 26. The actuator 380 can perform this process each time the heater 26 heats the water flow for a period of time.

Now in reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, it should be appreciated that the redirector can have other configurations to move the opening from the first configuration to the second configuration. For example, the redirector can be configured change the trajectory of the water flow by rotating an insert rather than manipulating flexible members on a valve. For example, in another embodiment and in reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a redirector 420 can include an insert 424 that is rotatably coupled to the housing 60 within the bore of the housing 60 at a pivot 428. The pivot 428 defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The pivot 428 can be a pair of pins or any other structure that is capable of rotatably coupling the insert 424 to the housing 60. As shown, the insert 424 is rotatable relative to the housing 60 about the pivot 428.

The insert 424 can be substantially identical to the insert 64 shown in FIG. 5A. As shown, the insert 424 includes an insert body 450 that defines a passageway 454 that extends longitudinally through the body 450 along a second direction. The distal end of the passageway 454 can define an opening 456 through which the water flow exits. The second direction can be parallel to the first direction or angular offset relative to the first direction. The direction in which the second direction extends depends on the orientation of the insert 424 within the housing 60. Moreover, because the redirector 420 changes the trajectory of the water flow by rotating the insert 424, the second direction will change during operation.

The redirector 420 further includes an actuator 458 that is configured to automatically move the rotatable insert 424 between a first position when the water flow is not being heated, and a second position when the water flow is being heated. As shown, the water flow through the opening 456 has a first trajectory relative to the first direction when the insert 424 is in the first position, and the water flow through the opening 456 has a second trajectory relative to the first direction that is different than the first trajectory when the insert 424 is in the second position. Therefore it can be said that the actuator 458 is configured to automatically move the opening 456 from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by the heater 26.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the actuator 458 is in communication with the insert 424 and is configured to automatically apply a force to the insert 424 when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 to thereby move the opening 456 to the second configuration and redirect the water flow from a first trajectory relative to the first direction to a second trajectory relative to the first direction that is different than the first trajectory as the water flow moves through the opening 456. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the actuator 458 can include a thermostatic element 472 that is substantially similar to and functions substantially similar to the thermostatic element 312. Therefore like the thermostatic element 312, the thermostatic element 472 includes an actuator housing 474 and a rod 478 moveable relative to the actuator housing 474 between a first position and a second position. When the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 the rod 478 moves to the second position thereby causing the insert 424 to rotate about the pivot 428 and move to the second position. When in the second position, the water flow moves through the opening 456 along the second trajectory. When the water flow is no longer being heated by the heater 26, the rod 478 moves back to the first position thereby causing the insert 424 to rotate about the pivot 428 and move back to the first position. When in the first position, the water flow moves through the opening 456 along the first trajectory and toward the surface of the pool. The actuator 458 can perform this process each time the heater 26 heats the water flow for a period of time.

In another embodiment and in reference to FIGS. 8C and 8D, the redirector 420 can include an insert that is configured as the valve 154. As shown, the valve 154 can be rotatably coupled to the housing 60 within the bore of the housing 60 at a pivot 480. The pivot 480 can define a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. As with the insert 424, the actuator 458 can move the valve 154 between a first position when the water flow is not being heated by the heater 26 and a second position when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26. When in the first position, the water flow moves through the opening 148 defined by the valve 154 along the first trajectory and toward the surface of the pool. When in the second position, the water flow moves through the opening 148 along the second trajectory. Therefore it can be said that the actuator 458 is configured to automatically move the opening 148 from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by the heater 26. This process can be performed each time the heater 26 heats the water flow for a period of time.

Now in reference to FIGS. 9A and 9D, the redirector can be configured change the trajectory of the water flow by rotating an insert having a valve fixed within the passageway of the insert. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, a redirector 420a can be similar to the redirector 420 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and can include like structure unless otherwise described. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the redirector 420a can include an insert 424a that is rotatably coupled to the housing 60 within the bore of the housing 60 at a pivot that defines a pivot axis 428a. The pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The pivot can be a pair of pins or any other structure that is capable of rotatably coupling the insert 424a to the housing 60. As shown, the insert 424a is rotatable relative to the housing 60 about the pivot axis 428a.

The insert 424a can be substantially identical to the insert 64 shown in FIG. 5A and can include a valve 154 fixed to the insert 424a. As shown, the insert 424a includes an insert body 450a that defines a passageway 454a that extends longitudinally through the body 450a along a second direction. The redirector 420a can include a valve such as valve 154 fixed to the insert 424a within the passageway 454a. The distal end of the valve 154 defines an opening 148 through which the water flow exits. The second direction can be parallel to the first direction or angular offset relative to the first direction. The direction in which the second direction extends depends on the orientation of the insert 424a within the housing 60. Moreover, because the redirector 420a changes the trajectory of the water flow by rotating the insert 424a, the second direction will change during operation.

The insert 424a can further include a first plate 456a that extends from the insert body 450a and into the passageway 454a and a second plate 456b that extends from the insert body 450a and into the passageway 454a. The body 450a, first plate 456a, and second plate 456b can be molded as a monolithic structure or the first and second plates 456a and 456b can be separate component(s) that are attached to the body 450a. The first plate 456a can be positioned on a first side of the pivot axis and the second plate 456b can be positioned on a second side of the pivot axis that is opposite the first side. As shown in FIG. 9B, the first and second plates can be opposed to each other along a direction that is perpendicular to the first and second directions.

The redirector 420a further includes an actuator 458a that is configured to automatically move the rotatable insert 424a between a first position when the water flow is not being heated, and a second position when the water flow is being heated. As shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the water flow through the opening 148 has a first trajectory relative to the first direction when the insert 424a is in the first position, and the water flow through the opening 148 has a second trajectory relative to the first direction that is different than the first trajectory when the insert 424a is in the second position. Therefore it can be said that the actuator 458a is configured to automatically move the opening 148 from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by the heater 26.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the actuator 458a can be positioned on the first side of the pivot axis and in communication with the insert 424a and in particular with the first plate 456a. The actuator 458a is configured to automatically apply a force to the insert 424a, and in particular to the first plate 456a when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 to thereby move the opening 148 to the second configuration and redirect the water flow from a first trajectory relative to the first direction to a second trajectory relative to the first direction that is different than the first trajectory as the water flow moves through the opening 148 as shown in FIG. 9D. As shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the actuator 458a can include a thermostatic element 472a that is substantially similar to and functions substantially similar to the thermostatic element 312. Therefore like the thermostatic element 312, the thermostatic element 472a includes an actuator housing 474a and a rod 478a moveable relative to the actuator housing 474a between a first position and a second position. When the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 the rod 478a moves to the second position thereby causing the insert 424a to rotate about the pivot 428a and move to the second position. When in the second position, the water flow moves through the opening 148 along the second trajectory. When the water flow is no longer being heated by the heater 26, the rod 478a moves back to the first position thereby allowing the insert 424a to rotate about the pivot 428a and move back to the first position. When in the first position, the water flow moves through the opening 148 along the first trajectory and toward the surface of the pool. The actuator 458a can perform this process each time the heater 26 heats the water flow for a period of time.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the redirector 420a can further include a biasing member 480a that can be positioned on the second side of the pivot axis and in communication with the insert 424a and in particular with the second plate 456b. The biasing member 480a is configured to automatically apply a force to the insert 424a and in particular to the second plate 456a when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26. Therefore when the water is no longer being heated the actuator retracts and the biasing member 480a causes the insert to move back to the first position as shown in FIG. 9C. The biasing member 480a can include a guide 484a coupled to the housing 60, a rod 486a translatable within the guide 484a, and a spring 488a disposed about the rod 486a. As shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the rod 486a is configured to move between an extended position when the insert 424a is in the first configuration and a retracted position when the rotatable insert 424a is in the second configuration, whereby the spring 488a urges the rod 486a toward the extended position when the rod 486a is in the retracted position.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9C and 9D, the actuator 458a is positioned on the first side of the pivot axis and coupled to the housing 60 such that the actuator 458a is configured to abut the first plate to thereby cause the rotatable insert 424a to pivot in a first pivot direction about the pivot axis, and the biasing member 480a is positioned on the second side of the pivot axis opposite the first side and coupled to the housing 60 such that the biasing member 480a is configured to abut the second plate to thereby bias the rotatable insert 424a in a second pivot direction about the pivot axis opposite the first pivot direction. Therefore, the insert 424a can automatically move between the first and second positions when heat is being applied to the water flow. It should be appreciated that the biasing member can have other configurations and is not limited to the illustrated structure. For example, the biasing member can be a hydraulic strut or a torsion spring.

In another embodiment, the redirector can be configured to change the trajectory of the water flow through the opening by rotating an insert about an axis that is substantially parallel to the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, a redirector 520 can include an insert 524 that is rotatably coupled to the housing 60 within the bore of the housing 60. The housing 60 can include a bearing 525 and the insert 524 can be coupled to the bearing 525 such that the insert 524 is rotatable about an axis 526 that is substantially parallel to the first direction.

As shown, the insert 524 includes an insert body 550 that defines a passageway 554 that extends longitudinally through the body 550 along a second direction. The distal end of the passageway 554 can define an opening 556 through which the water flow exits. The second direction can be parallel to the first direction or angular offset relative to the first direction. The direction in which the second direction extends depends on the orientation of the insert 524 within the housing 60. Moreover, because the redirector 520 changes the trajectory of the water flow by rotating the insert 524, the second direction will change during operation.

As shown, the insert 524 further includes a stop 558 that extends from the body 550. The stop 558 can be a protrusion that defines a surface that is configured to be selectively engaged so as to prevent rotation of the insert 524 about the axis 526. When the stop 558 is not engaged, the insert 524 will continue to rotate about the axis 526.

The redirector 520 can further include an actuator 560 that is configured to automatically move the rotatable insert 524 between a first position (whereby the opening 556 has the first configuration) when the water flow is not being heated and a second position (whereby the opening 556 has the second configuration) when the water flow is being heated. As shown, the water flow through the opening 556 has a first trajectory relative to the first direction when the insert 524 is in the first position, and the water flow through the opening 556 has a second trajectory relative to the first direction that is different than the first trajectory when the insert 524 is in the second position.

As shown, the actuator 560 includes a thermostatic element 572 that is substantially similar to and functions substantially similar to the thermostatic element 312. Therefore like the thermostatic element 312, the thermostatic element 572 includes an actuator housing 574 and a rod 578 moveable relative to the actuator housing 574 between a first position and a second position. The actuator 560 further includes a member 582 that is coupled to or otherwise in communication with the rod 578 and is rotatable about a second axis 586 that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The member 582 has a length that is substantially equal to the diameter of the bore of the housing 60. The member 582 defines a first end portion 588 and a second end portion 592 that is opposite to the first end portion 588. The actuator 560 includes a first engagement member 602 that extends distally from the first end portion 588 and a second engagement member 606 that extends distally from the second end portion 592. The first and second engagement members 602 and 606 can be pins that are configured to engage the stop 558. That is, one of the first and second engagement members 602 and 606 is engaged with the stop when the insert 524 is in the first position, and the other of the first and second engagement members 602 and 606 is engaged with the stop 558 when the insert 524 is in the second position.

When the water flow is being heated by the heater 26, the thermostatic element 572 is configured to cause the member 582 to rotate about the second axis 586 such that the engagement member 602 or 606 becomes disengaged from the stop 558 so as to allow the rotatable insert 524 to rotate about the first axis 526 and the other of the first and second engagement members 602 or 606 subsequently engages the stop 558 to thereby prevent the insert 524 from rotating. While the insert 524 can rotate multiple revolutions about the first axis 526 when the member 582 is rotating about the second axis 586, it should be appreciated, that the insert 524 effectively rotates about 180 degrees.

As shown, when the water flow is not being heated by the heater 26, the water flow moves through the opening 556 along the first trajectory and toward the surface of the pool. When the heater 26 is turned on and the water flow is being heated by the heater 26 the rod 578 moves to the second position thereby causing the member 582 to rotate about the second axis 586 and cause the first engagement member 602 to disengage from the stop 558 and the second engagement member 606 to subsequently engage the stop 558. The insert 524 rotates about the first axis 526 when the first and second engagement members 602 and 606 are not engaged with the stop 558. Eventually the second engagement member 606 will be in position and engage the stop 558 to thereby prevent the insert 524 from rotating. As shown, the insert 524 effectively rotates about 180 degrees and moves from a first position to a second position. When in the second position, the water flow moves through the opening 556 along the second trajectory. The actuator 560 can perform this process each time the heater 26 heats the water flow for a period of time.

In another embodiment and in reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the redirector can be configured to redirect the trajectory of the water flow by moving a hood within an insert. As shown, a redirector 620 can include an in insert 624 positioned within the housing 60. The insert 624 can include an insert an insert body 650 that defines a passageway 654 that extends longitudinally through the body 650 along a second direction. The distal end of the passageway 654 can at least partially define an opening 656 through which the water flow exits. The insert 624 further includes a cut out 658 proximate to a distal end at the bottom of the body 650.

As shown, the redirector further includes an actuator 660 that is configured to redirect the trajectory of the water flow through the opening 656 from the first trajectory to the second trajectory. The actuator 660 includes a hood 664 and a nitinol wire 670 coupled to the hood 664 and configured to move the hood 664 between a first position and a second position when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26. As shown, the hood 664 includes an upper hood part 664a and a lower hood part 664b that are each rotatably coupled to the insert 624 at a first pivot 668. The first pivot 668 defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The upper and lower hood parts 664a and 664b are configured to rotate about the pivot 668.

The nitinol wire 670 is configured to shorten or otherwise contract when the water flow is being heated by the heater 26. Conversely, the nitinol wire 670 is configured to lengthen or otherwise expand when the water flow is not being heated by the heater 26. When the wire 670 contracts the hood 664 is pulled proximally and rotated about the pivot 668 to thereby redirect the water flow through the opening 656 from the first trajectory to the second trajectory. When the wire 670 expands the hood 664 is pushed distally and rotated about the pivot 668 to thereby redirect the water flow through the opening 656 from the second trajectory back to the first trajectory. Therefore it can be said that the actuator 660 is configured to automatically move the opening 656 from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by the heater 26. It should be appreciated, however, that the actuator can have other configurations. For example, the actuator 660 can include a thermostatic element rather than the nitinol wire to move the hood 664 between the first and second positions.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications, combinations and/or substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the invention. In addition, features described herein may be used singularly or in combination with other features. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment may be used and/or interchanged with features described in another embodiment. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations of the invention can be made without departing from the broad scope of the appended claims. Some of these have been discussed above and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A pool jet fitting comprising:

a housing that includes a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body along a first direction, the housing body including a coupler that is configured to mate with a coupler of a wall mount so as to releasably couple the housing to the wall mount;

a rotatable insert positioned in the bore of the housing, the rotatable insert defining a proximal end and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end along a second direction, and including a passageway that extends through the movable insert along the second direction, the passageway configured to receive a water flow and defines an opening through which the water flow exits the rotatable insert; and

an actuator that is configured to automatically move the rotatable insert between a first position when the water flow is not being heated, and a second position when the water flow is being heated, wherein the water flow through the opening has a first trajectory relative to the first direction when the insert is in the first position, and the water flow through the opening has a second trajectory relative to the first direction that is different than the first trajectory when the insert is in the second position.

2. The pool jet fitting of claim 1, wherein the rotatable insert is rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The pool jet fitting of claim 2, wherein the actuator includes a thermostatic element that has an actuator housing, and a moveable rod that is movable relative to the actuator housing, wherein the moveable rod is in communication with the rotatable insert such that the rotatable insert rotates about the first axis as the rod moves.

4. The pool jet fitting of claim 3, further comprising a valve fixed within the passageway of the rotatable insert.

5. The pool jet fitting of claim 4, wherein the valve defines an adjustable opening through which the water flow exits the valve.

6. The pool jet fitting of claim 2, wherein the actuator is positioned on a first side of the first axis such that the actuator is configured to pivot the rotatable insert in a first pivot direction about the first axis, the pool jet fitting further comprising a biasing member positioned on a second side of the first axis opposite the first side and in communication with the rotatable insert such that the biasing member is configured to bias the rotatable insert in a second pivot direction about the first axis opposite the first pivot direction.

7. The pool jet fitting of claim 6, wherein the biasing member includes a guide coupled to the housing, a rod translatable within the guide, and a spring disposed about the rod.

8. The pool jet fitting of claim 7, wherein the rod moves between an extend position when the rotatable insert is in the first position and a retracted position when the rotatable insert is in the second position, whereby the spring urges the rod toward the extended position when the rod is in the retracted position.

9. The pool jet fitting of claim 6, wherein the rotatable insert defines a first plate positioned on the first side of the first axis and a second plate positioned on the second side of the first axis, and the actuator is configured to abut the first plate and the biasing member is configured to abut the second plate.

10. The pool jet fitting of claim 1, wherein the rotatable insert is a valve having a valve body and a plurality of flexible members that extend from the valve body, each flexible member having a distal end such that the distal ends together at least partially define the opening.

11. The pool jet fitting of claim 1, wherein the rotatable insert is rotatable about a first axis that is substantially parallel to the first direction.

12. The pool jet fitting of claim 11, wherein the rotatable insert effectively rotates about 180 degrees about the first axis as the rotatable insert moves between the first position and the second position.

13. The pool jet fitting of claim 12, wherein (i) the rotatable insert includes a stop, (ii) the actuator includes a thermostatic element, a member coupled to the thermostatic element and rotatable about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a first engagement member extending from a first end portion of the member, and a second engagement member extending from a second end portion of the member, (iii) the first engagement member is configured to be initially engaged with the stop, and (iv) the thermostatic element is configured to cause the member to rotate about the second axis such that the first engagement member becomes disengaged from the stop so as to allow the rotatable insert to rotate about the first axis and the second engagement member to subsequently engage the stop.

14. A pool jet fitting comprising:

an insert configured to be coupled to a pool wall, the insert defining a proximal end and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end along a first direction, and including a passageway that extends through the rotatable insert along the first direction, the passageway configured to receive a water flow;

a valve positioned in the passageway, the valve including a plurality of flexible members that extend distally through the passageway, each flexible member having a distal end, wherein the distal ends of the flexible members together at least partially define an opening through which the water flow moves; and

an actuator in communication with at least one of the flexible members, wherein the actuator is configured to automatically apply a force to the at least one flexible member when the water flow is being heated to thereby redirect the water flow through the opening from a first trajectory relative to the first direction to a second trajectory relative to the first direction that is different than the first trajectory as the water flow moves through the opening.

15. The pool jet fitting of claim 14, wherein the actuator is configured to automatically remove the force that is applied to the at least one flexible member when the water flow is no longer being heated to thereby redirect the water flow from the second trajectory at least substantially back to the first trajectory.

16. The pool jet fitting of claim 14, wherein the actuator includes a thermostatic element, and a tether that couples the thermostatic element to the at least one flexible member, wherein the thermostatic element has an actuator housing, and a moveable rod that is moveable relative to the actuator housing between a first position in which the tether is slack, and a second position in which the tether applies the force to the at least one flexible member.

17. The pool jet fitting of claim 16, wherein the actuator includes a panel that is coupled to at least two of the flexible members, and the tether is coupled to the panel.

18. The pool jet fitting of claim 16, wherein the actuator includes a holder that is configured to couple the thermostatic element to the valve, the holder having a distal holder portion that mates with the moveable rod, and a proximal holder portion that is slidably coupled to the actuator housing such that the rod pushes the thermostatic element proximally relative to the housing when the rod moves to the second position.

19. The pool jet fitting of claim 18, wherein the actuator housing defines a shoulder, and the actuator further includes a biasing member disposed between the shoulder and the proximal portion of the holder such that when the rod is moved to the first position, the thermostatic element is biased distally relative to the housing.

20. The pool jet fitting of claim 18, wherein the holder includes a cylindrical member that couples to the valve, at least one spoke that couples the cylindrical member to the distal portion, and at least one spoke that couples the cylindrical member to the proximal portion.

21. The pool jet fitting of claim 20, wherein the proximal portion defines a channel and the actuator housing extends through the channel such that the proximal portion is translatable along the actuator housing.

22. The pool jet fitting of claim 14, wherein the opening is an adjustable opening that is configured to automatically adjust between a first dimension and a second dimension to facilitate a predetermined outflow velocity of the water flow.

23. The pool jet fitting of claim 14, further comprising a housing that includes a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body, the housing body including a coupler that is configured to mate with a coupler of a wall mount of the pool wall so as to releasably couple the housing to the wall mount, wherein the insert is positioned within the bore of the housing and is rotatable relative to the housing.

24. The pool jet fitting of claim 14, wherein the actuator is a nitinol member.

25. The pool jet fitting of claim 14, wherein the actuator includes a panel pivotally coupled to the valve or the insert at a pivot, and a thermostatic element, the panel having a distal panel portion that is configured engage the at least one flexible member, and a proximal panel portion, the thermostatic element includes an actuator housing and a rod moveable relative to the actuator housing between a first position and a second position in which the rod contacts the proximal panel portion to thereby cause the panel to rotate about the pivot such that the distal panel portion applies the force to the at least one flexible member.

26. The pool jet fitting of claim 14, wherein the valve further includes a plurality of extendable sections, each extendable section coupled to a respective pair of adjacent flexible members.

27. The pool jet fitting of claim 26, wherein the flexible members and extendable sections are integrally formed as a monolithic unit.

28. A pool jet fitting comprising:

a housing that includes a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body along a first direction, the housing body including a coupler that is configured to mate with a coupler of a wall mount so as to releasably couple the housing to the wall mount, the bore configured to receive a water flow; and

a redirector disposed within the bore of the housing, the redirector defining an opening through which the water flow moves, the redirector including an actuator that is configured to automatically move the opening from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by a heater, whereby the water flow through the opening has a first trajectory when the opening is in the first configuration, and a second trajectory when the opening is in the second configuration, the second trajectory is different than the first trajectory relative to the first direction.

29. The pool jet fitting of claim 28, wherein the redirector includes a valve that defines the opening, the valve having a plurality of flexible members integrally formed with a plurality of extendable sections that couple adjacent flexible members together, the actuator is configured to apply a force to at least one of the flexible members when the water flow is heated.

30. The pool jet fitting of claim 28, wherein the redirector includes a rotatable insert that defines a passageway, and further includes a valve fixed to the rotatable insert within the passageway, the valve defining the opening.

31. The pool jet fitting of claim 30, wherein the opening is adjustable.

32. The pool jet fitting of claim 30, wherein the rotatable insert is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the first direction.

33. The pool jet fitting of claim 32, wherein the actuator is positioned on a first side of the first axis such that the actuator is configured to pivot the rotatable insert in a first pivot direction about the first axis, the pool jet fitting further comprising a biasing member positioned on a second side of the first axis opposite the first side and in communication with the rotatable insert such that the biasing member is configured to bias the rotatable insert in a second pivot direction about the first axis opposite the first pivot direction.

34. The pool jet fitting of claim 33, wherein the biasing member includes a guide coupled to the housing, a rod translatable within the guide, and a spring disposed about the rod.

35. The pool jet fitting of claim 34, wherein the rod moves between an extended position when the rotatable insert is in the first configuration and a retracted position when the rotatable insert is in the second configuration, whereby the spring urges the rod toward the extended position when the rod is in the retracted position.

36. The pool jet fitting of claim 33, wherein the rotatable insert defines a first plate positioned on the first side of the first axis and a second plate positioned on the second side of the first axis, and the actuator is configured to abut the first plate and the biasing member is configured to abut the second plate.

37. The pool jet fitting of claim 28, wherein the rotatable insert is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the first direction.

38. The pool jet fitting of claim 28, wherein the redirector includes an insert and a hood that together define the opening.

39. The pool jet fitting of claim 28, wherein the actuator is a nitinol member.