Abstract: A new automatic pool skimmer cleaning system includes an auto clean skimmer, debris basin, and pump. A check valve line runs from the side of the skimmer to the debris basin. When the pump is run, suction on the check valve line opens the valve and allows water and accumulated debris in the skimmer to flow into the debris basin, where debris is caught in a debris basket. The filtered water is returned to the skimmer. Debris accumulates in the debris basin over a season and is occasionally emptied. The system's pump operates independently of the pool's filtration system and is run when the filtration pump is cycled off. For vacuuming, a vacuum attachment connects to the check valve line and allows vacuumed water to be passed directly through the debris basin and debris basket and then returned to the filtration system, avoiding the need to backwash the filter.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing water contained in a spa is provided which comprises installing a chlorine generating cell including a diamond electrode in a filter compartment of the spa, employing a resin-filled calcium remover bag to reduce the hardness of the water, adding salt to the water; and operating the chlorine generating cell to generate chlorine and other sanitizing agents for sanitizing the water.

Abstract: Power supplies for pool and spa equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply includes a buoyant housing, a peripheral float, at least one solar cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy, and a power cable for interconnecting the power supply and pool/spa equipment. In other embodiments, first and second inductive power couplings are provided for powering pool and spa equipment. The power couplings can also be installed using existing plumbing features of the pool or spa.

Abstract: A filtration unit for a swimming pool or spa, is disclosed, the filtration unit including a support base (20); a filter housing (30) mounted on top of the support base; and a recess (21) in the support base, the recess adapted to receive a pump (60), at least in part. A multi-port valve (50) is laterally mounted to the filter housing wherein an orbital control arm (54) of the multi-port valve may be moved in a substantially vertical plane to select alternative operations of the filtration unit. The unit may further include a top with space for electronic controls and/or chemicals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water play structure comprising play facilities to enable water-play, which includes a first storage tank having the play facilities provided therein, the first storage tank configured to receive water, a second storage tank connected with the first storage tank via a passage, and a cleaning unit provided in the passage provided between the first storage tank and the second storage tank, to purify the water supplied to the first storage tank from the second storage tank.

Abstract: A pool skimmer inlet is sized and shaped to replace a standard pool skimmer plate. The skimmer inlet includes a replacement plate adapted to replace the standard filter plate and a body attached to the replacement plate. The body is formed with at least one cavity housing a sensor for monitoring pool conditions and an electronic sensor monitoring said sensor and generating appropriate electronic signals. Indicators may be mounted on the body together with one or more meshes that prefilter the water before it flows to a main filter.

Abstract: A natural filtering system for the treatment of swimming pool water and/or treatment processes in other applications involving the use of water (aqueducts, wells, drinking water purification plant, filtering plant for the collection of rain water, etc.), which can be installed inside compensation tanks in the case of swimming pools or in storage tanks or decantation tanks for other applications, and where the compensation tank (26) is filled with a filtering mass (14), comprising microparticles of high-efficiency quartz sand or similar or other material suitable for treating water, and where the mass is supported by at least one plate (15) extending over the entire surface of the compensation tank, and where the plate rests on at least one micromesh net made from high-density polyethylene, and where the water in the compensation tank (26) is purified by gravity-fed sprays (12) and by feeding stabilised and non-stabilised disinfectants (22) and pH correctors (23) into the compensation tank.

Abstract: Filters and methods of filtering debris from fluid are detailed. A vortex of debris-laden fluid may be created within a filter, causing certain debris (including, for example, leaves) to settle therein. Some versions of the filters may include two stages, one having a perforated tube and a second having a generally frustoconically-shaped tube, which may or may not be perforated.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pool system including ventilation for offending gases from the pool.

Abstract: A valve system for insertion between a cleaner hose and a pool suction line is mounted in a wall of the pool or skimmer box and comprises a valve with a gate pivoted in a housing which receives the end of the cleaner hose when the gate is open which is thereby juxtaposed in line with the pool suction line located in the pool wall or skimmer box. The juxtaposed ends of both the cleaner hose and the pool suction line have mating tapers and the valve rotates so that the tapered end of the inserted cleaner hose rotates into sealing engagement with the tapered end of the pool suction line. Further the gate of the valve closes automatically when the cleaner hose is withdrawn.

Abstract: A self cleaning system for a swim spa and a hot tub including a container for holding water having a weight bearing floor and sides. A basin may be positioned in the floor of the container and is integral with the container. A perforated cover may be set into the basin. A suctioning means can be positioned in the basin under the perforated cover to allow for the suctioning of water and debris through the perforated cover.

Abstract: A system in which human waste in toilet water is decomposed and the treated water is circulated as wash water includes a toilet bowl body portion, a soil water storage tank configured to store the soil water discharged from a toilet bowl temporarily, a pump configured to pump up and deliver the soil water in the soil water storage tank, a reaction treatment tower containing filter elements as a microorganism carrier and performing a biological treatment by dispersing the soil water fed from the pump from an upper portion of the tower to bring the same into contact with the filter element, a water storage tank under the reaction treatment tower and configured to receive and store water passed through the reaction treatment tower, and a pump configured to pump up the water in the water storage tank and deliver the same as the wash water.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer maintenance apparatus (10) includes an elongate tubular handle (12) having a hook end (14) and an opposed sealing end (16). The sealing end includes a sealing structure such as a spherical ball (116) defining a sealing surface effective to seal a skimmer suction port to prevent a flow of water through the skimmer suction port. The hook end supports a metal wire hook (32) which extends from the handle and which is adapted to lift a debris collection basket, a skimmer diverter or a skimmer lid present at the skimmer. The apparatus is also useful for safely probing the skimmer for animals or insects.

Abstract: An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water.

Abstract: System for attaching a membrane on a cleaning device for swimming-pools. The invention concerns a system for attaching a net to a swimming-pool cleaning device, enabling the net to be held perfectly taut and to be correctly and fully attached to a separate container from the cleaning device that can easily be inserted into the device by the user. The invention device consists of a separate container (1) open at each end (2) to enable water to flow through it and containing two hollow half-boxes (3) that can be attached to each other in order to seal the box completely and hold the net in place inside the separate container, either in the body of the separate box, attached by fixing clasps or in line between the two sections of pipe that are attached to the pool pump, by means of conical terminals (6) that can be inserted into the pipe. The device of which the invention consists is designed specifically for the vacuum cleaners cleaners used for cleaning maintenance for the water in artificial pools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biological treatment of water in swimming pools. The method requires neither chlorine nor other toxic chemicals in the pool water, since near-surface pool water is mechanically purified in a first water circuit and suspended matter situated in the pool water is first retained in a biological filter (9) in a second water circuit and organic matter contained in said suspended matter, such as algae or detritus, and also organic matter dissolved in the pool water, are mineralized by the action of bacteria, wherein the phosphorus contained in the organic matter is catabolyzed to form dissolved reactive phosphate that is then bound by adsorption in an anion exchanger (14).

Abstract: A filter element for positioning in a filter compartment of a spa includes a plastic mesh outer cylinder and a plastic mesh inner cylinder, the inner cylinder being positioned coaxially with respect to the outer cylinder to define an annular interior chamber with a filter element of annular cross-section disposed in the chamber and having keyed landings formed on the top and bottom thereof, which respectively mate and interlock with one or more keyed landings on top and bottom caps of the filter element. The apparatus may further include a plurality of vertically disposed mesh compartments interlinked in a ring and disposed within the filter element, the compartments being filled with a selected filter medium or filter media.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process to implement and maintain water bodies larger than 15,000 m3 for recreational use, such as lakes or artificial lagoons, with excellent color, transparency and cleanness properties at low cost, which comprises the following steps: a.—providing a structure able to contain a large water body larger than 15,000 m3; b.—feeding the structure of step (a) with inlet water having iron and manganese levels lower than 1.5 ppm and turbidity lower than 5 NTU; c.—measuring water pH, ideally it should be within a range lower than 7.8; d.—adding an oxidizing agent to the water contained in the structure of step (a), with which a 600 mV minimal ORP is controlled in water for a minimal period of 4 hours and in maximal cycles of 48 hours; e.—adding a flocculating agent in concentrations within 0.

Abstract: A filter element for a pool or spa including a sintered plastic outer cylinder of a first diameter, a sintered plastic inner cylinder of a second diameter less than said first diameter; the inner cylinder being position coaxially with respect to the outer cylinder to define an annular interior chamber; and a selected granulated filter medium or combination of media residing in the annular interior chamber.

Abstract: A filter element for a pool or spa including a sintered plastic outer cylinder of a first diameter, a sintered plastic inner cylinder of a second diameter less than said first diameter; the inner cylinder being position coaxially with respect to the outer cylinder to define an annular interior chamber; and a selected granulated filter medium or combination of media residing in the annular interior chamber.

Abstract: A pool cleaner which includes a body, a passage through the body with an inlet to and an outlet from the passage, a flow interrupting device in the passage between the inlet and the outlet, and a float which is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the body and for rotational movement about the passage between first and second limiting positions.

Abstract: A variable speed pumping system and an associated method for moving water of an aquatic application. The variable speed pumping system includes a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water. A variable speed motor is operatively connected to drive the pump. A sensor senses a parameter of the operation performed upon the water. A controller controls speed of the motor in response to the sensed parameter of operation.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and an arrangement for controlling the variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes an auxiliary device operably connected to the arrangement for controlling, and an arrangement for providing two-way communication between the arrangement for controlling and the auxiliary device. The arrangement for controlling is capable of receiving a parameter from the auxiliary device through the arrangement for providing two-way communication. In one example, the arrangement for controlling is capable of independently controlling the variable speed motor without receipt of a parameter from the auxiliary device. In addition or alternatively, the arrangement for controlling is operable to selectively alter operation of the motor based upon the parameter.

Abstract: The pool filter cleaner is a device for simultaneously cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of a conventional cylindrical pool filter. The pool filter cleaner includes first and second elongated pipes, each having an upper end and a lower end. A hose connector provides fluid connection between an external hose, the upper end of the first elongated pipe and a first end of a cross pipe. A second end of the cross pipe is in fluid communication with the upper end of the second elongated pipe. A sprinkler head is mounted on the lower end of the first elongated pipe, and a nozzle is mounted on the lower end of the second elongated pipe. A cap is slidably mounted on the first elongated pipe, the cap being adapted for covering and sealing an upper opening of the pool filter when the sprinkler head is inserted within the pool filter.

Abstract: This invention describes a ring shaped adapter that is adapted to fit within a pool skimmer and have a pressure cap that will prevent debris from inadvertently being deposited within the pump system of the pool under construction. The ring shaped adapter and pressure cap will allow the pool to be drained using the pump system, without any additional equipment.

Abstract: An improved power conduit for use with automatic pool cleaners particularly configured to avoid the formation of persistent coils and/or knots. Embodiments in accordance with the invention are characterized by the use of at least one axially stiff elongate member together with axially flexible and axially swivelable means for coupling said stiff member between a stationary power source fitting and a cleaner. The axially flexible and axially swivelable means can be implemented in a variety of ways, e.g., a flexible elongate hose member and a swivel coupling.

Abstract: A handheld surface skimmer with flotation support to lighten the load on the operator. Other improvements include a hinge or swivel for ease of positioning the skimmer, and optional brushes to allow cleaning the sides of a swimming pool. If desired, a drawstring may be added to raise the skimmer's screen element for movement around the pool and for stowage.

Abstract: A system, a device and a method for maintaining water quality in a pool or similar water container for use by people which is characterized in that a pressure sensor is arranged to sense the pressure variations inside a main water container 1 and to provide a pressure variation signal to a control and processing unit 3. The control and processing unit is connected with a dispensing module and is adapted to generate and transfer control signals to said dispensing modules. The control signal depends on the detected pressure variation signal. The system for water treatment comprises also a water treatment circulation loop 3A-D at least one controllable chemical dispensing module 8A-D, 9A-D. The circulation loop is adapted to pump water from the main water container 1, around the circulation loop 3A-D, and back into the main water container 1 via the dispensing module for dispensing a chemical treatment agent.

Abstract: A flow selection device for removal of detritus from a body of water, the device including at least one inlet manifold having a forward face with an opening, at least one outlet located in an upper rear portion of the device and at least one chamber located between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet and defining an annodated flow path between the opening in the forward face and the at least one outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide new design innovations that significantly improve the performance of the currently-available pool accessories. Each element of the system has unique features that provide benefits in use, although is some instances, maximum benefit is provided when all the elements are used as one cohesive system.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer which has two independent pieces, a first piece and a second piece, fixed to one another orientably. The first piece forms a first guide tunnel for water in the swimming pool and has a first axis of symmetry in its longitudinal direction. The second piece has a body with a cylindrical wall and has a second axis of symmetry in its longitudinal direction. The first and second pieces are suitable for being fixed to one another in several possible angular positions in which the inclination, between the first and second axes at the level of the first and second pieces, varies from 90° to 90°+? max when the first axis, at the level of the first piece, has an inclination varying from the horizontal to an angle ? max below the horizontal, the second axis being vertical.

Abstract: Advantageous apparatus, are provided for facilitating maintenance of a automated pool cleaning device. More particularly, an improved automated pool cleaning device is provided, according to the present disclosure. The device, generally, includes a facially accessible quick-release roller assembly, a bucket-type filter assembly, and a windowed top access lid assembly. The improved roller assembly and filter assembly are easily accessible for maintenance purposes. Furthermore, the windowed lid assembly provides visual feedback as to when the filter assembly needs to be cleaned.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus, for preventing contaminants of water from entering a pool from a pool inlet having a screw-on cap, includes a stretchable elongated member and a securing member. The stretchable elongated member includes an open end portion, a closed end portion, and a body portion extending between the open end portion and the closed end portion. Further, the securing member is coupled to a periphery of the open end portion. The securing member is capable of being disposed on a peripheral edge of the pool inlet to enable removable coupling of the stretchable elongated member to the peripheral edge of the pool inlet via the screw-on cap for enabling accumulation of the contaminants of water in the stretchable elongated member.

Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag is provided having an open end adapted to receive debris from the pool and a closable end defining at least one discharge passage for the bag. The pool cleaner further comprises a securing apparatus disposed along at least a portion of the closable end. For example, the securing apparatus can have at least two separable members selectively movable between an unsecured position to permit opening of the discharge passage, and a secured position having at least a portion of the first end is disposed between the at least two separable members to permit closing of the discharge passage. In addition or alternatively, the debris bag can comprise a seam disposed at a location spaced apart from the open end for defining at least one discharge passage for the bag. In addition or alternatively, the securing apparatus can comprise a clasp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swimming pool safety system including a housing having a first opening for coupling to a pump, a second opening for coupling to a pool drain, and a third opening for receiving water form a surface of a pool. The present invention may include a skimmer basket positionable in the housing, where the skimmer basket defines a debris-retaining region and a member having a passage therethrough. A method of use of the present invention is also provided in which the housing may be configured to reduce an entrapment force experienced at a pool drain, and to further provide a fluid flow path through the debris-retaining region of the skimmer basket to place the first opening of the housing in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere. A collector vessel may also be included, the collector vessel having an adjustable extension element to modify a resulting entrapment force.

Abstract: A skimming screen for a swimming pool filtration system is disclosed. The skimming according to the invention includes a support frame having a central opening and a mesh fabric or screen material attached to the support frame so as to extend over substantially the entire area of the central opening. The support frame and the screen material are shaped and dimensioned to cover the intake orifice of the suction line when a strainer basket is removed for cleaning. A method of using the skimming screen to facilitate cleaning of the strainer basket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device to allow animals trapped in a swimming pool skimmer to escape via a helical ramp integrally attached to a skimmer cover with an exit hole in the top. The invention provides for the replacement of an existing skimmer cover with the said invention to provide a simple hassle free solution to the drowning of small animals that get caught in the skimmer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic pump (10) hydraulic portion body (1) capable of cooperating with a pump electric motor body (1c), said hydraulic portion body (1) including a pre-filter body (1a) comprising: an upper portion (2), and a lower portion (3), and said upper portion (2) and lower portion (3) of said pre-filter body being independent of each other and mounted in a sealed (6a) removable attachment (6b, 6c), the orientation of both of said upper portions (2) and lower portion (3) of the pre-filter body relatively to each other being adjustable in rotation relatively to each other according to several positions, preferably in at least 3 different positions, still preferably at least 4 different positions, still preferably according to any position.

Abstract: A device to allow animals trapped in a swimming pool skimmer to escape via a helical ramp integrally attached to a skimmer cover with an exit hole in the top. The invention provides for the replacement of an existing skimmer cover with the said invention to provide a simple hassle free solution to the drowning of small animals that get caught in the skimmer assembly.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer maintenance apparatus (10) includes an elongate tubular handle (12) having a hook end (14) and an opposed sealing end (16). The sealing end includes a sealing structure such as a spherical ball (116) defining a sealing surface effective to seal a skimmer suction port to prevent a flow of water through the skimmer suction port. The hook end supports a metal wire hook (32) which extends from the handle and which is adapted to lift a debris collection basket, a skimmer diverter or a skimmer lid present at the skimmer. The apparatus is also useful for safely probing the skimmer for animals or insects.

Abstract: A filtration grid cover pre-impregnated with a filtering media such as diatomaceous earth is provided. The cover may have a pouch configuration sized and configured to receive a filtration grid of a diatomaceous earth filtration system. The entry aperture of the cover may be positioned at a top edge, side edge or bottom of the cover. The filtering media may be pre-impregnated on an inner surface or an outer surface of the cover. Various means of enclosing the filtration grid in the cover is disclosed or are disclosed such as with buttons, hooks and loops, adhesives, etc.

Abstract: A system and method is described for destroying microbes in water from bathing apparatuses, such as swimming pools, using heat. Part of the stream from the pool is diverted, heated to an antimicrobial temperature, and recombined as a merged stream before it reenters the pool at a safe temperature. Further embodiments include addition of chemical antimicrobial agents, a controller, a storage vessel, and a cooler. Operating costs will increase little, if any, as compared with a conventional system.

Abstract: The specification relates to a method that will reduce the associated maintenance expenses of a hot tub or pool filtration system, extend the service life of disposable hot tub and pool filters, and extend the service life of a hot tub or pool filtration system by placing a mesh cloth over the intake port to the hot tub or pool filtration system.

Abstract: A skimming screen for a swimming pool filtration system is disclosed. The skimming according to the invention includes a support frame having a central opening and a mesh fabric or screen material attached to the support frame so as to extend over substantially the entire area of the central opening. The support frame and the screen material are shaped and dimensioned to cover the intake orifice of the suction line when a strainer basket is removed for cleaning. A method of using the skimming screen to facilitate cleaning of the strainer basket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A temporary emergency water storage system provided for use in emergencies, such as hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, winter storms and other natural disasters in which municipal and/or fresh water supplies are cut off or rendered impure or un-potable. The temporary water storage can also be used to provide a supply of water in times of man made disasters, such as war or acts of terrorism or vandalism which can render municipal water supplies suspect or unusable. The temporary emergency water storage device is used in conjunction with the building's bathing pools. The bathing pool's water supply provides the source of the potable water that is stored prior to plan use. The temporary emergency water storage system includes a flexible storage bag for storing the protected potable water and pump for dispensing the potable water.

Abstract: A pool filter for use in pool piping or other fluid conveyance system. The pool filter may include a housing defining a fluid chamber for receiving one or more filters. Multiple openings may be defined in the housing for receiving and removing fluid from the fluid chamber. The openings may be approximately the same size and may be located on the housing at similar elevations and/or radial sectors. One or more footings may be joined to the housing. Each footing may include a base portion for receiving anchor members to anchor the housing to a support surface. The footings may be designed to transfer to the support surface predetermined lateral or other forces imposed upon the pool filter by events such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The footings may be separate components joined to the housing by tabs and/or mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: The invention provides a shield for attachment to a swimming pool skimmer to prevent debris in the pool water from entering the skimmer. The skimmer shield has a closure member in the form of a door that can be opened or closed to allow unrestricted flow into the skimmer when necessary. The shield mounts in the skimmer opening using a pair of tapered flanges and releasable lock in the form of a screw.

Abstract: An aerobic spa system comprising a water source providing water, an ozone source providing ozone, an ozone introduction mechanism adapted to introduce at least some of the ozone into the water, an ozone saturation mechanism adapted to cause at least some of the ozone to be dissolved into the water, a substantially enclosed chamber receiving water containing dissolved ozone; and a user at least partially disposed inside the chamber who comes into contact with the water containing dissolved ozone.

Abstract: A device for selectively removing water-submerged debris is provided. The device comprises a settling chamber, a water intake tube having an inlet end terminating in an intake valve, a closure assembly, drain valve, a handle, a first filter, a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, a second filter, and means for selectively powering the pump. The pump draws debris and water through the intake valve into the chamber and then pulls the water from the chamber through the second filter to exit through the pump outlet.

Abstract: A cruising aeration apparatus and a method are described. The cruising aeration apparatus comprises an aeration device for circulating the water in an aquatic pool, at least one conducting element connected to the aeration device for conducting the aeration device along a traveling route, and a controller. The at least one conducting element can be a rope or a float loop used as a separation line of a swimming pool. The pool water is drawn and pressurized by the aeration device and then ejected from nozzles of the aeration device. The nozzles on the front side and the rear side of the traveling route of the aeration device produce different counterforce. The aeration device is driven along the traveling route by the difference between the counterforce of the front side and the rear side of the traveling route. At least one switch is installed to control the opening and the closing of the nozzles, and is located on the side of the aeration device providing larger counterforce.