Abstract: A whirlpool bath is provided with a bathtub body, a circulating pump, a hot water circulation path disposed between said bathtub body and said circulating pump, a plurality of blow-off nozzles which are mounted on said respective terminal ends of the hot water circulation path, and an air intake portion connected to the hot water circulation path to permit blowing of air-mixed hot water into said bathtub body from the blow-off nozzles and control means for selectively controlling the degree of opening of each blow-off nozzle, the degree of opening of the air intake portion and the number of revolutions of said circulating pump to provide blow-off of the hot water in various modes which are different in the blow-off amount and pressure. Namely, the whirlpool bath is capable of giving various kinds of massaging effect including a stimulating effect and a relaxing effect to a bather.

Abstract: A debris cleaning accessory for a spa tub having high pressure water jets directed into the tub includes an adapter selectively attachable to one of the spa jets to supply water into a conduit. A nozzle disposed in the conduit has an inlet communicating with the adapter and an outlet which opens into a passageway between the adapter and the outlet of the conduit. Another passageway communicates with the conduit at the location of the nozzle outlet. A hose has an outlet which communicates with the second passageway and an inlet which may be placed in the water within the spa tub. A mesh filter bag is attached to the outlet of the conduit and collects debris received from the hose while filtered water passes through the bag back into the spa tub.

Abstract: A net for removing debris is mounted on a frame which is extendable across the width of a swimming pool. The frame has a rounded or ball-type element at each lower end which rotates about an axis to facilitate travel and to protect the swimming pool surfaces from damage as the swimming pool cleaning device is moved through the water during a cleaning operation. Handles are provided for pulling the net through the water by persons on opposing sides of the pool. The pool may be cleaned in a single pass across the length of the pool. The net may be completely or partially rolled up about at least one of the side members of the frame.

Abstract: The device is made from a textile article (1), made up of at least one layer of non-woven material capable of filtering, the said article is designed to make up a pocket or sleeve, open at one end and closed at the other, this article being mounted inside an open support (2) communicating with the liquid and connected to a liquid suction and delivery system in order for the article (1) to filter the liquid.

Abstract: A flexible hose has ribbed portions concatenated with cylindrical smooth tions. The ribbed portions provide flexibility and resilience to the hose. Flotation cuffs for buoyancy and wheel cage cuffs for reducing friction are mounted on selected smooth portons of the hose. A fitting removeably attaches to a ribbed portion forming the end of the hose to allow rotatable attachment of the hose to other apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing floating debris from the surface of a pool of liquid disposed in a container comprising a bracket adapted to be fastened adjacent a wall of the container and having an arm extending interiorly over the pool of liquid, the arm being adjustable horizontally and further comprising a vertically extending member directed perpendicularly with respect to the surface of the pool of liquid for receiving a strainer member, the strainer member comprising a net through which the liquid flows during circulation of the liquid. Preferably, the strainer member has a shaft receivable in the vertically extending member and the vertically extending member comprises a hollow cylinder having an interior diameter and at least two circumferentially disposed holes therein spaced apart, the shaft of the strainer member being receivable within the interior diameter of the hollow cylinder and having two spring loaded projections receivable in the holes in the cylinder for securing the strainer member thereto.

Abstract: A pool pump primer has an elongated housing that enables a user to prime a pool pump and the elongated housing has a distal end thereon defining an outlet from the primer and the primer has an inlet on one side thereof closely adjacent the outlet to be locatable below the water level in a skimmer chamber of a swimming pool. The pump has an imperforate piston stroked up and down by a piston rod for drawing fluid from the skimmer chamber through the inlet to fill the elongated housing during an upstroke and for discharging priming fluid from the tubular housing during a downstroke for flow thereof through the distal end into a water supply line connected to the pool pump for priming the pump.

Abstract: A mobile floating swimming pool skimmer having a flotation apparatus with a skimmer head assembly and a flexible conduit assembly interconnecting said skimmer head assembly with the swimming pool vacuum system. A leaf canister is incorporated into the flexible conduit assembly.

Abstract: A pool skimmer for removing debris from the surface of a pool. The skimmer comprises a frame and netting and spans the width of the pool. The frame further comprises two handles and upper and lower members offset by two arms supported by the handles. The netting is provided in excess so that it billows out and follows the frame when the frame is moved from one end of the pool to the other. The upper and lower members further comprise sections that telescope so that the skimmer can accomodate pools of different widths and contours.

Abstract: An apparatus for skimming the surface of body of liquid includes a hollow support member and an tubular collector member having a top opening and vertically slidable in the support member and connected to the suction input of a centrifugal pump. The support member either floats in the liquid body or is supported on the floor of the liquid body and is at a level that, in the dormant condition of the apparatus, the collector member opening is slightly above the liquid surface. Upon actuation of the pump, the suction lowers the collector member and draws the surface water over the edge of the collector member which may be covered by a filter bag for retaining debris.

Abstract: A pool cleaning method and apparatus in which a vortex is generated to concentrate foreign material at the center of the pool. The vortex can be generated by a pool scrubbing procedure carried out in a systematic manner. The scrubbing and vortex inducing procedure can be carried out by manual means. Large particulate matter is thus suspended in the vortex center and can be removed from the pool with a commercially avaiable strainer. Fine particulate sediment is then removed from the pool center by a manually reciprocated suction device which draws debris laden water from the floor of the pool through a disc shaped filter which retains microscopic particulates. Filtered water is then ejected through the top of the device's barrel assembly.

Abstract: A clamp assembly mounted against the wall of a swimming pool at water level has a folding hook shaped and dimensioned to moor the hose of a pool sweeper or other floating objects, and prevent its drifting toward a used section of the pool. The hook, when not in use, folds back flush into its mounting base plate out of harm's way of any swimmer or diver.

Abstract: A hollow, floatable, hydrodynamically shaped member supports a screen in canopy-like fashion and is secured to a harness for being lowered into and raised from an effluent stream such as in a closed sewage system. The member floats on the stream and floating substances therein are collected by the screen for subsequent analysis or the like, as may be required for pollution control or related purposes. The harness includes a line for tethering the floatable member so that said member rises and falls with the rising and falling of the stream level. The hollow, floatable member has a removable cap, whereby ballast can be added or removed for adjusting the buoyancy thereof.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer includes a paddle wheel that directs fluid and debris into a debris catcher. The paddle wheel is turned by a motor that is powered from an array of solar cells. A solar concentrator focuses solar energy onto the solar cells, and an alarm circuit includes a strain gauge on the debris catcher. The strain gauge forms one leg of a bridge circuit that is connected to a comparator having a feedback loop. The output of the comparator is connected to an alarm element either directly or remotely.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the sealing of component parts of equipment providing a path for liquid therethrough under reduced pressure and to the inclusion of a lip seal between the components with the lips directed outwardly of the joint between the components. More particularly the invention is concerned with the use of lip seals referred to in debris traps included in domestic swimming pool filtration equipment.

Abstract: An L-shaped swimming pool ladder guard having hooks for attachment to a swimming pool ladder to prevent an automatic pool cleaner from being entangled between the ladder and the pool wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the removal of all surface debris from the water surface of swimming pools comprising, a buoyant tube, arrayed along its entire length with a fibrous absorbent material affixed at each of the extreme ends of said tube. The entire central portion of the material between the extreme ends is permitted to hang loose and unfettered. The skimming apparatus is swept along the pool and then wound one end inside the other until the inner circle has been reduced to a diameter of two or three feet thereby concentrating the density of the debris which then can be easily removed.

Abstract: A suction pipe for a suction-type submerged pool cleaner has a spigot at one end for connection to the pool cleaner and a spigot at the other end for connection to a suction source. Part of the suction pipe extending from the suction head is formed into a substantially helical-like shape.

Abstract: A pool skimming arm for releasable attachment to a side of the water intake port of the pool has two elongated, planar walls disposed at 90.degree. to each other. The skimmer arm when attached to the water intake port, extends toward the center of the pool and acts to divert a larger percentage of the circulating water into the water intake port for filtration thereof. The end of the arm extending toward the center of the pool bends inwardly to prevent backwash of the water around the end of the arm instead of into the intake port as intended.

Abstract: A system for dispersing ozone includes at least first and second ozone-injection ports at spaced-apart locations and different elevations in a swimming pool, components for communicating ozone from a separate source of ozone to each of the ozone-injection ports, and flow control components for controlling the rate at which the ozone flows to each of the ports by enabling a user to separately adjust the rate at which the ozone flows to each of the ports in order to compensate for differences in hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: Aboveground swimming pools employ ladders for permitting pool ingress and egress. Attempts to employ automatic swimming pool cleaners in aboveground pools have heretofore resulted in the cleaner becoming stuck against the sides of the pool ladder. The invention consists of a deflector member, arcuately curved and formed of flexible material, which is placed on the pool bottom to extend between the side of the ladder and the pool wall. Two such deflector members may be used, one on each side of the ladder, to prevent the pool cleaner from becoming stuck.

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

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, incorporating intermittent pop-up jet nozzles, the nozzles being adapted to intermittently rotate and project cleaning jets of water adjacent the inner surface of the pools. Wear and tear on the nozzle housing and related parts is minimized by use of a water delivery assembly in which the stop means for arresting upward movement of the nozzle are located in the lower part of the housing, thus eliminating bending moment of stress force against the housing and related parts. The inclusion of a retainer or cage within the housing provides other improvements in the operation of the water delivery assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus (42, 72) is used to fill a hose (36) with water (12), from which a secondary source of power is derived, and simultaneously to expel air from the hose while connected to the vacuum side of a pump (20) without loss of the prime in the pump. The apparatus comprises a housing (44, 74) submergeable in the water and having a pair of chambers (46, 48 & 76, 78) respectively having inlets (58, 80) and outlets (64, 86), with the inlets being open to the water and the outlets being coupled respectively to the pump and to the hose. Impellers (54, 100 & 56, 102) respectively in their chambers are coupled together by a shaft (52, 98) in which a first of the impellers (54, 100) is driven by a second of the impellers (56, 102) when water is drawn by the pump past the second of the impellers.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed having a pleated filter element, hollow perforated core, a lower annular end cap sealed to the bottom ends of the core and filter element and an upper circular end cap sealed to the top ends of the filter element and core. A hollow threaded nipple open at both ends extends coaxially downwardly from the annular end cap, the hollow interior of the nipple being continuous with the hollow interior of the core. A handle extends upwardly from the circular end cap.

Abstract: A skimmer-diverter assembly for use with swimming pools having water filtration and circulation systems. The skimmer-diverter assembly includes an elongated arm positioned adjacent the skimmer intake of the spool filtration and circulation system. A flow augmenting apparatus is used with the elongated arm to direct an augmented current flow along the arm to enhance the entrainment of debris and direct the debris toward the side wall of the pool and skimmer intake.

Abstract: A cleaner for removing floating debris from the surface of pools has a floating body with a central chamber within which is positioned a screen. An impeller at the front of the cleaner propels water rearward into the chamber, and propels the cleaner. The water passes through the screen and exits from the chamber. In one example the screen is mounted in a removable support structure, which can be removed through the rear of the body for emptying. The impeller is driven by a motor powered by a solar cell array and batteries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge nozzle for the discharge valve of a whirlpool tube having a water inlet duct and an air inlet duct, in which the water stream and air stream are mixed together as the result of an injector effect. In order to improve the hydropneumatic massaging effect, the water inlet duct is disposed axially and centrally with respect to the inner surface of an outer disk-shaped distribution element and is open to a radially outwardly leading circular discharge duct formed between the outer distribution element and an inner disk-shaped distribution element. The air inlet duct discharges air into a ring interstice defined between the inner distribution element and the tub wall or the valve body or valve housing of the discharge valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skimmer for swimming pools which includes a float having an opening for receiving debris on the surface of the pool, and a mesh rearwardly of the opening for catching the debris, the float being connected by a line to the pipe of an automatic suction cleaner near the suction cleaner for the float to be dragged behind the suction cleaner.

Abstract: An improved self-cleaning bathtub having a reservoir large enough for multiple usages and an improved unitary water diversion system is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for a piping system of a whirlpool tub where one or more outlet valves supply water and/or air into the interior of the tub. The outlet valves branch off from a cleaning-fluid circulation system using a delivery pump to circulate the cleaning fluid. When the cleaning fluid is circulated the outlet valves are in a closed position, receiving a flow of the cleaning fluid, but preventing the issuance of the cleaning fluid into the tub interior. The outlet valve has a water-supply line connecting into a water-distribution chamber disposed in a valve body, from which a water-outlet channel branches toward the tub interior. The water-outlet channel guides, in a watertight and axially movable manner, a sealing member passing through the water-distribution chamber.

Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaning apparatus has a surface supply hose connected to a floating unit and a further underwater hose that is connected at one end to the surface unit in fluid communication with the outlet of the surface hose and at its other outlet end to a non-buoyant cleaning unit. The underwater hose and the cleaning unit have jets directed in a downstream direction so that the cleaning unit moves through water in the pool and the underwater hose pushes the surface unit around. The cleaning unit carries a bag in which debris is collected. The surface hose also carries a jet to pull the surface unit around. The surface unit also has a jet which displaces and rotates the surface unit.

Abstract: The present device includes a recoiling roll of screening in a shape of an elongate rectangular web which is affixed to a vertical, rotatable spool at one end and a wand collar at the other. The screen roll is vertically oriented on a mounting frame which is affixed to the side of the pool, preferably adjacent to the automatic skimming water trap. The device may also include an outer canister with wiper brushes for wiping away debris which has been accumulated on the screening as it is retracted.

Abstract: In a vessel such as a swimming pool, a turbine device is positioned on the bottom of the vessel to create an upward flow of water. The upward flow carries with it any larger debris, which are thereafter carried along the edge of the vessel and recovered by a skimmer. The turbine device is powered by the suction stream of a fluid circulation pump and filter system. Suction is thus created along the bottom of the vessel, which removes small debris. The upward flow of the turbine device is created by a plurality of spaced outlets which surrounds an impeller inlet. The outlets form high velocity streams which are spaced in a manner to exclude large debris from entering the impeller inlet.

Abstract: A skimmer for skimming water from a swimming pool or spa is provided with entraining means for entraining additional water from the pool or spa to thereby increase the flow of water into and out of the skimmer. The entraining means includes two nozzle members which cooperate with each other to jet an entraining stream of water through the skimmer. The skimmer is also provided with isolating means for isolating the entraining stream of water from the rest of the water flowing through the skimmer. The isolating means includes actuating means for selectively actuating and deactuating the isolating means such that the skimmer can be operated at a normal flow rate when the isolating means is actuated and at an increased flow rate when the isolating means is deactuated.

Abstract: Apparatus (42, 72) for filling a hose (36) with water (12) and simultaneously for expelling air from the hose while connected to the vacuum side of a pump (20) in preparation for cleaning debris from a swimming pool (10) without loss of the prime in the pump comprises a housing (44, 74) submergeable in the water and having a pair of chambers (46, 48 & 76, 78) respectively having inlets (58, 80) and outlets (64, 86), with the inlets being open to the water and the outlets being coupled respectively to the pump and to the hose. Impellers (54, 100 & 56, 102) respectively in their chambers are coupled together by a shaft (52, 98) in which a first of the impellers (54, 100) is driven by a second of the impellers (56, 102) when water is drawn by the pump past the second of the impellers. In one embodiment, elbow conduit (110) can be slid from a first position where water purges air from the hose to a second position where the hose is used to clean debris from the swimming pool.

Abstract: The floating skimmer has a body fitted with a floating weir and with a suction outlet in its base for connection to a suction hose. A float is provided to keep the body afloat. The float is hinged to a wall of the body. A scuttle valve is provided in a wall of the body and is connected to the float. If the body should rise in the water, the float drops and opens the scuttle valve to admit water to the body and scuttle it so that it sinks to its former level.

Abstract: A skimmer-diverter assembly for removing floating debris in a swimming pool has an alongated arm portion with a first flow diverter to establish a flow upwardly and inwardly along the upstream side of the arm, and a second diverter on the end of the arm to enhance the flow inwardly along the downstream side of the arm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable swimming pool skimmer which can be positioned at any point along the periphery of a swimming pool. The portable skimmer includes a weighted base member from which extends in on outward and downward direction a bracket for holding a skimmer basket. The bracket is vertically adjustable so that the skimmer basket is positioned slightly below the water surface to allow a skimming action. At the bottom of the basket, a fitting to which one end of a pool hose may be attached is provided. The other end of the pool hose is attached to a suction line from the pool pump and filter assembly, which suction line may be a part of a built in skimmer or another hose from the built in skimmer to another device, such as an automatic pool cleaner. In the latter situation, a restriction in the skimmer hose is provided to minimize the suction pressure which operates the pool cleaning device.

Abstract: A propelled floating swimming pool skimmer having a plurality of angularly related channels with gate means in each of the channels permitting ingress of water and floating leaves and debris into a central area of the body of the device. Nozzles around the periphery of the body propel the unit in desired directions which change automatically in a desired sequence so the unit will cover the entire pool surface. The entrapped leaves and debris are forced downwardly in a spiral path by downwardly-directed jets into a mesh bag in which the leaves and debris may be removed from the pool and, in another form, the leaves and the debris are drawn downwardly through a mesh basket and then through a flexible conduit to the swimming pool vacuum system. Propulsion is accomplished by water under pressure furnished through a flexible conduit to the unit from a suitable source.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimming and vacuuming system includes a passage plate for insertion in the passage interconnecting a pool filter to a pool. The passage plate has a skimmer weir positioned therein for drawing off scum from the upper surface of pool. An aperture is formed in the plate for enabling automatic vacuuming of the pool while simultaneously enabling skimmer weir action to occur. A weir basket is positioned in the skimmer well for collecting scum from the weir. A top mounting plate is secured in the skimmer well and contains a basket opening therein for enabling the top surface of the basket to be positioned in the plate. A hose opening is formed in the plate for enabling the vacuum hose to be connected thereto. A regulator valve is coupled to the pool suction pump for enabling the suction between the vacuum hose and the weir basket to be adjustably controlled.

Abstract: A strainer basket for a swimming pool having a basket top closure affording two flow paths thus-through to the basket, one via a coupling for a suction hose which is so disposed that the hose can be introduced to the skimmer through a lateral throat at the pool surface, and the other via a weir-gated enclosure carried by the basket closure. The relative flow area of these flow paths is controllable by a valve mechanism.

Abstract: A deflector apparatus easily and quickly mounted in position relative to an inlet opening of a swimming pool skimmer to deflect water and surface trash into the inlet opening and including a planar deflector member, an extensible member adapted to be positioned in the inlet opening to mount the deflector apparatus thereof, and readily adjustable mounting means on the deflector member and extensible member for mounting the deflector member in any one of multiple operative positions and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A swimming pool vacuum apparatus as described in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,443,264 can be improved by providing a plate holding an outlet nipple from the container of such an apparatus on the bottom of the container so that the position of the outlet nipple can be varied or changed by changing the position of the plate. The lid in such an apparatus is improved through the use of a peripheral groove on the lid facing the top of the container containing an O-ring which fits against the container so as to form a seal with it. Preferably spacers are provided limiting the amount that the O-ring can be compressed and holding the O-ring within the groove.

Abstract: The invention comprises a cleaning head for a swimming pool cleaning apparatus and a surface unit for the apparatus. The cleaning head is pressure operated, having a main jet through which water exits, thereby displacing the cleaning head through the pool. The cleaning head also has a bag with a mouth facing in the direction of movement, which catches leaves and other dirt particles as it moves through the water. A scraper is also provided, which is hingedly attached to the head. The surface unit has a body which is rotatably attached to an inlet member which in turn is also rotatably attached to an outlet member. The inlet member is connected by means of a surface hose to a water return inlet of the pool and the outlet member is connected to the cleaning head by means of an underwater hose. The body of the surface unit has two jets which are directed in the same direction, with one being smaller than the other; so that the body is displaced linearly and also rotated.

Abstract: An underwater fitting is provided to allow a controlled leak of water into a suction line between a filter installation and an automatic pool cleaner. The fitting is T shaped with the head of the T in the suction line and the leg of the T controlled by a tapered mandrel in an orifice which are adjustable to vary the effective orifice area. The mandrel is spring biased so that is can be pushed back in case of a complete stoppage of flow from the cleaner.

Abstract: A device for use with an automatic pool cleaner in a swimming pool which consists of a suction head and a suction pipe connecting the suction head to the filter of the swimming pool. The device comprises an attachment member adapted to be attached to the suction pipe of the pool cleaner, a buoyant member and means for connecting the bouyant member to the attachment member.

Abstract: A apparatus for injecting ozone into the water of a swimming pool comprising a movable head adapted to float on the water in a pool, a water-responsive drive coupled to the head, and at least one flexible conduit coupled to the head and having at least one opening therein. Water under pressure is supplied to the flexible conduit to cause it to move and to the water-responsive drive to cause it to propel the head through the water of the pool. Ozone is injected into the flexible conduit and out of the opening therein to mix with the water in the swimming pool.

Abstract: A skimmer weir is composed of an upper flap 10 and a lower flap 11 hinged together. The flap 11 is guided for up and down movement and is formed with serrations 9 engaging with serrations 15 to prevent upward movement after the flap 10 is tilted.

Abstract: Dusting of a solar pond having an upper wind-mixed layer is controlled by providing a vertically oriented drain on a downwind side of the pond. The drain has an upper, open, free-end spaced above the level of the surface of the pond in the absence of wind. When wind blows across the pond, surface water piles-up at the downwind side of the pond creating a hydraulic head relative to the open free end of the drain with the result that surface water and debris floating thereon are drawn toward and into the drain.