Abstract: A system for providing heating air bubbles to a heated tub or spa positioned within a heated water circuit having heater and pump means. Included is an ambient air input conduit including a blower. Also included is a heat exchanger positioned within a fluid integral closet, the heat exchanger having a central fluid transfer coil and heat sink in thermal communication. The heat sink projects outwardly within the interior of the air closet, the air closet having as its input an output of said ambient air input conduit, the fluid transfer coil having as its input and output a by-pass of the hot water circuit. Further included in the system is an internal air conduit having as its input the output of said air closet and, as its output, the heated spa or tub.

Abstract: A portable spa having a vertically rigid side wall, and a flexible inner including inflatable seat chambers which may be connected in series for filling with a fluid and inflatable backrest chambers which are partially filled with fluid and air.

Abstract: A dome-shaped device usually four to five feet in diameter with a continuous channel section formed integrally around its perimeter. The device is of a unitary construction and is typically formed of a synthetic substance, such as polyethylene. The unique design of the device and particularly the density of the material comprising the device, enables it to be submersed just below the surface of the water to achieve a maximum stability. The unitary construction serves also to optimize the conduction process that is involved in the transfer of the solar energy through the walls of the device to heat the surrounding pool water. The channel section formed around the periphery of the device acts, in part, as a stabilizer to preclude against undesirable movements and sustain the degree of buoyancy necessary to maintain the unit in a submersed attitude without restricting its ability to freely bob up and down in the water.

Abstract: An electric water heater for preformed spas and baptismal pools includes an elongated horizontally disposed tubular heat exchanger having a water inlet in a first end wall and a water outlet adjacent the opposite second end wall and defining a water flow path provided with an electric heating element extending longitudinally therethrough from the first end wall for heating the water. A pump having an inlet communicating with the flow path through the second end wall has a first outlet directing some of the water from the flow path to the heat exchanger outlet in a direction away from the heat exchanger to provide a venturi action causing additional water to flow directly out the heat exchanger outlet without passing through the pump and a second outlet which directs a small counterflow of water into the heat exchanger towards the first end wall to break up and keep in circulation scale and sediment.

Abstract: A water supply and heating package, for a hot tub, spa, or pool comprising(a) a support,(b) water circulating structure carried by said support and including a pump and connections circulating water from and toward the interior of the hot tub, spa or pool,(c) said structure including an electric motor connected in driving relation with said pump, and including a shunt duct connected with said water circulating structure and located to receive heat generated by operation of said motor to heat a side stream of said water passing through said shunt duct.Also, the apparatus may include a foamed plastic sheet or sheets wound in a spiral to form multiple layers, and defining an insulative, upstanding side wall of a tub, and a bottom wall attached to the side wall.

Abstract: Water heating methods and apparatus feed a combustible mixture of gas and air to an axial inlet of a cylindrical radiant surface burner and conduct water to be heated through a heat exchanger encompassing that cylindrical radiant surface burner as a cylindrical structure having first passages for combustion gases therethrough substantially radially of the cylindrical radiant surface burner and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A compact portable unit for servicing and treating the water of a swimming pool. The unit has a front section and a rear section connected together by an upper section to form a saddle which is set over a side wall of the swimming pool. The front section is submerged in the water contained by the pool and contains a skimmer, a scummer, a filter, and a recycling outlet. The front section may also be provided with footholds, lights, and handrails. The rear section contains a pump and electrical apparatus for operation of the unit. The unit may be equipped with a water heater and is readily installed and removed.

Abstract: A solar heating apparatus for a tank of water is disclosed which comprises a plurality of substantially planar, light absorbent strips positioned substantially vertically in spaced relationship in the water. The plurality of strips functions as a light trap for solar radiation.

Abstract: A self-standing inflatable bath is provided which is constructed in a manner somewhat similar to the construction of an inflatable rubber raft, and which is intended to be placed on a solid surface, such as a patio, deck, and the like; or to be floated in a swimming pool, ocean, lake, or other body of water. The bath is filled with water, or water is circulated through the bath. Pressurized steam is introduced into the bath to inflate the bath and to heat the water in the bath. The steam also serves to create bubbles in the bath water for therapeutic effects. The bath may be used as a whirlpool bath for further therapeutic effects.

Abstract: A collapsible, gas-inflatable hot tub which is for use in locations where hot water is not accessible or where hot baths are not available. The water of the hot tub is solar heated by making the walls of the water-holding receptacle black, and by providing an insulating cover for the water-holding receptacle that keeps the heat in until a bath is taken. The bottom of the receptacle is connected to a perforated hose for supplying forced air to the bottom of the receptacle in order to form air bubbles. The hot tub is reinforced by transverse ribs at the bottom.

Abstract: A steady state swimming pool heat exchanger designed to warm the water in swimming pools by the conducting of heat from the constant heat reservoir of the earth into the water in the pool through a heat-conducting rod sunk vertically into the earth beneath the pool. Attached to the rod is a contact plate, mounted on the floor of the pool, which transfers heat energy from the rod to the water. In temperate climates, the earth maintains a constant level of heat of 65 to 70 degrees at a depth of approximately 10 meters. The contact between the earth and the water in the pool provides a steady state transfer of heat to warm the water when the water temperature is below that of the earth reservoir. A non-conducting cover is provided to restrict the heat flux when heating or cooling of the water is not desired.

Abstract: An interdome enclosure system takes advantage of the latent heat of condensation for energy efficiency. The system includes, in combination with a humid environment, such as a heated pool and an outer enclosure housing the pool, an inner enclosure disposed within the outer enclosure and over the pool and a differntial fan operated heat exchanger for creating an atmospheric pressure within the space between the inner and outer enclosures which is positive relative to the atmospheric pressure within the inner enclosure. The heat exchanger includes a pair of conduits disposed in heat exchange relationship to one another. Assisted by an inlet fan, one conduit communicates dry, fresh cool air from the exterior of the outer enclosure into the space between the enclosures, while the other conduit, assisted by an exhaust fan, communicates moisture-laden, warm air from the inner enclosure directly to the exterior of the outer enclosure.

Abstract: A heat exchanger unit for use with spas or hot tubs. The unit is constructed to be installed in a side wall of a portable spa or hot tub. The unit has an exposed front plate or panel, and the unit is constructed so as to limit the temperature to which this panel can reach. The heater unit includes a finned tube construction and a blower with a double impeller. Flue gases enter into one end of the blower unit, and fresh air enters this end and also the opposite end so that the flue gases mix with fresh air. The discharge from the blower is through louvers in the front panel. The temperature of the front panel does not rise above a limiting value. The heat exchanger unit is automatically controlled and controls the temperature of the water in the spa or hot tub. A control is provided including a pitot tube positioned in the blower outlet whereby to shut down the system in the event of absence or failure of flow of gases which could allow the temperature to rise above the limiting value.

Abstract: Solar heated spa cover made from vacuum formed plastic material to form a first piece with a series of interconnected parallel U-shaped channels and a second top piece solvent or heat welded to the top of walls separating the channels. The spa water is heated by circulating water from and to the spa through the channels of the spa cover.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus having a spa shell or like vessel containing water or like liquid, a water heating element, a heat chamber molded into the seat of said spa, said seat having conduits therein for the passage of water from the heat chamber to the spa shell, said heat chamber having conduits provided therein which are connected to the heater element which heater element would consist of a commercially and generally available home electrical or gas water heater, with said liquid contents of said spa shell being circulated by a pump whereby the water is pumped from said heat chamber to the interior of the spa shell.

Abstract: The efficiency with which the water in pools and spas may be heated is greatly improved by circulating water through a heat exchanger such that heated water is introduced at or near the lowest point in the body of pool or spa water and by removing water to be heated from a point near the surface notwithstanding that the heated water rises to form a warm layer at the surface. When the body of water is heated to a selected temperature, the flow direction is reversed so that water is withdrawn from the low point and, after heating, is returned to a point nearer the surface. That method has the advantage that it can be practiced with conventional pool and spa plumbing systems with minimum modification to permit a reversal of pool and spa inlet and outlet opening connection to the external water cleaning conduit. Water flow and control in the external circuit remains the same. System operation and practice of the method is enhanced by the inclusion of a solar energy collector and valves of unique design.

Abstract: A thermally insulative buoyant swimming pool cover floats on the surface of the pool for covering the pool and for retaining the heat within the pool. Sinking means, such as weights or a mechanical pull-down structure, may be secured to the pool cover along certain predetermined action lines such as fold lines. In one embodiment, an inflatable and deflatable bladder is coupled to the weights. The bladder is dimensioned relative to the weights such that when inflated it overcomes the negative buoyancy of the weights to retain the pool cover in the fully covered position. However, when the bladder is deflated, the weights overcome the positive buoyancy of the cover along the certain fold lines causing the cover to be at least partially pulled below the surface of the pool and folded while at the same time being retracted against one of the side walls of the pool. Pool water is circulated over or through channels of the pool cover to provide solar heating.

Abstract: A pump for a spa or swimming pool adapted to heat the liquid being pumped includes a rigid plastic housing fabricated from (1) a first housing part having a volute portion defining a suction chamber enclosing a pump impeller and having an outlet therefrom and a boss defining an inlet thereto and (2) a second housing part having a discharge outlet and a tubular inlet. A sleeve extends between the tubular inlet and volute portion boss to define a suction inlet to the suction chamber. A body extension inserted between the first and second housing parts defines a pressure chamber surrounding the suction inlet and suction chamber and in communication with the suction chamber outlet and discharge outlet. An electrical heater is positioned in the pressure chamber to heat the liquid pumped by the impeller and is controlled by temperature and pressure sensing devices positioned in the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A system for heating a hot tub or spa from an existing potable hot water supply is disclosed. The system uses a heat exchanger element which isolates the potable hot water supply from the hot tub water. A failure in the heat exchanger does not cause intermixing of the potable and hot tub water and thus the system meets local plumbing codes. The heat exchanger consists of a center pipe surrounded by two concentric tubular sleeves. The center pipe carries the potable hot water from the hot water system. Surrounding the center pipe is an annular sleeve which has a plurality of longitudinal slots located on the inner surface adjacent to the center pipe. The sleeve is, in turn, surrounded by an outer jacket through which the hot tub water flows. A failure in the center pipe or the sleeve causes water to flow out through the slots, alerting the owner of the heating system that a failure has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting solar energy by heating a liquid to be subsequently used for heating purposes. The liquid is injected near the top of an inflated structure and when flowing downward (by gravity) within a solar panel which is supported by the inflated structure, the liquid absorbs solar energy.

Abstract: A swimming pool construction incorporating solar heating means to heat the pool water to a desired level. The pool includes a surrounding safety fence supported by a plurality of fence supports which are hollow and which include internal passageways. The pool water is passed through the pool support passageways whereupon it absorbs heat from the sidewalls of the fence supports, the surfaces of which have been heated by solar radiation. The fence supports can be made of plastic or other materials, but preferably are dark for improved absorptivity. The pool water can be passed serially through each of the fence supports and suitable thermostat control means can be provided to limit the water temperature increase.

Abstract: A passive solar system for temperature control of the air inside homes and other buildings, comprising a pool of water to receive, store and dispense energy from direct sunlight passing through a glass wall, to strike the surface of the water in the pool. The pool has open connecting passage under its bottom and vertically along one of its sides, to form a convective conduit in which cold air is heated by the stored heat of the pool. Adjustable passages are placed through interior walls for convective flow of the pool-heated air into all desired parts of the building. The glass wall is advantageously placed for maximum incidence of heating sunlight upon the pool in winter, and maximum shading of the pool in the summer. A retractable eave may be provided to enhance these effects. During summer days, the pool serves as a heat sink, cooling the interior air.

Abstract: A flexible quilt collects and absorbs solar energy, and transfers heat to the underlying ground, water or other medium. It includes insulating gastight compartments which are located between an upper film and a lower film. The upper film has a high transmissability of ultraviolet and infrared energy directed downwardly therethrough, and it is reflective of infrared energy impinging on its lower surfaces. The lower film is absorbtive of solar energy and is modified to enhance the thermal conductivity through its thickness. To promote heat transfer to the underlying medium, the lower film is deformed to increase its surface area, a plurality of downward projections extending from each area of the lower film associated with each gastight compartment.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed for controlling the temperature of a liquid such as water flowing into a container such as a bathtub or the like. The device also controls the level of liquid within the container and includes a solid state circuit in conjunction with a temperature sensing device for maintaining the temperature of the liquid within the container to a preselected level. The control device includes a plurality of switches for preselecting the required temperature and liquid level. Switches are also provided for selecting the use of the bathtub as a bath or as a shower. The flow and mixing of water into the bathtub and the flow of water out of the bathtub is accomplished by solenoid flow control valves responsive to the control device. The invention may be applied to industrial, commercial, medical or residential applications and the like.

Abstract: A swimming pool heater temperature control system is disclosed. The control system is designed to optimize the use of a conventional heater as a supplemental heat source for a solar heated swimming pool. The temperature control system operates by automatically adjusting the temperature settings of the heater to conform to the temperature vs. time profile of an optimum solar collector heating system. An embodiment is disclosed which employs two thermostats in conjunction with a time clock actuated switch to control the heater temperature profile as a function of time. Other embodiments are also described which employ a plurality of thermostats in conjunction with time clock actuated switches to provide a heater temperature profile which more closely matches that of an optimum solar collector heating system.

Abstract: A vertical, post and panel fence substantially surrounds a swimming pool, at about ground level, the posts extending downwardly into sockets and the fence barring entry to animals or children while warming pool water circulated therethrough to ambient temperature and heating it to higher temperature by solar energy.The low cost panels are each formed of two edge-joined, corrugated sheets at right angles to each other. The vertical grooves form unobstructed, thin, vertical, water chambers fed at the bottom by the pool pump to flow upwardly at no more than 3 psi, and 60-70 gallons per hour for discharge from the top back to the pool.Flexible shower pipes, and hydraulic head pressure relief pipes normally extend upwardly from the fence, the latter to prevent bulge of the low pressure panels. The length of exposed fence is proportionate to pool capacity.

Abstract: An improved horse therapy spa unit is provided which comprises a unitary housing which defines a preferably open-topped water-tight horse therapy compartment and integral hot water and cold water chambers on opposite sides thereof. A water heater and a water refrigerator are disposed in the housing. Water circulation pumps, valves and conduits interconnect the chambers, heater, refrigerator and horse therapy compartment. A water aerator is included in the circulation system and upper and lower sets of jet spray nozzles are positioned in the walls of the therapy compartment. A control panel on the outside of the housing controls the circulation and temperature regulating systems. A hand-held pulsed jet spray unit may be included in the housing, as may radiation lamps disposed in ports in the therapy compartment, a container for medicine and/or disinfecting chemicals, a feed bag and a feed storage compartment.

Abstract: A swimming pool heater temperature control system is disclosed. The control system is designed to optimize the use of a conventional heater as a supplemental heat source for a solar heated swimming pool. The temperature control system operates by automatically adjusting the temperature settings of the heater to conform to the temperature vs. time profile of an optimum solar collector heating system. An embodiment is disclosed which employs two thermostats in conjunction with a time clock actuated switch to control the heater temperature profile as a function of time. Other embodiments are also described which employ a plurality of thermostats in conjunction with time clock actuated switches to provide a heater temperature profile which more closely matches that of an optimum solar collector heating system.

Abstract: A valve has a body with multiple openings and a rotary valve member rotatable in a body cavity to control flow through the openings. A fixed closure member extends over one of the body openings, and a valve member control extends through the closure. A drain passage has a first portion in the fixed closure and a second portion in the rotary valve member. Those portions are brought into registration when the rotary member is in one position of flow control.

Abstract: The specification discloses a removable swimming pool construction having a plurality of prefabricated side and deck panels which are supported on adjustable frame members, and are installed in a manner which imparts to the pool the appearance of a permanent pool construction. The deck panels are interconnected by rods which extend longitudinally under the deck panels through end flanges thereof, and include a tightening mechanism to align and draw the panels securely together. The deck panels include a tortuously extending water passageway therethrough which communicates with the water in the pool. A pump flows the pool water through the passageway, such that solar heat collected in the deck is transferred to the water, thereby heating the same and simultaneously cooling the deck surface. A flexible pool cover is mounted in one end of the pool, and is wound on a rotatable drum for extending and retracting the same over the surface of the water.

Abstract: A hollow heat exchanger tile (T) made of synthetic plastics material has a liquid inlet (5) and a liquid outlet (6) at peripherally spaced edge parts of a chamber (3) having a floor which rises towards the center of the tile and is shaped to promote liquid flow in a curved path between the inlet and the outlet. The tile is characterized in that the radially inward part of the chamber has at least one flared-ended hollow column (4) extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the tile and that one or other of the inlet or the outlet of the tile is formed by a tubular projection (6) from the edge of the tile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for decreasing the energy consumed by shower baths. The apparatus comprises a heat exchanger used to preheat incoming cold water with hot drain water and a local hot water heater used to elevate the temperature of the hot water feed to levels above about 170.degree. F. The local heater and heat exchanger cooperate to result in energy savings of approximately 50% or more.

Abstract: A combination fence and solar heater for swimming pools comprises a fence shaped for extending about the periphery of the pool to restrict ingress and egress therefrom. A tubular heat exchanger is formed in at least one section of the fence, includes an exterior surface adapted to absorb solar energy, and communicates with the water in the swimming pool. The number of heat exchanger fence sections can be varied in accordance with the climate in which the pool is located. A pump flows the water in the swimming pool through the heat exchanger fence sections during daylight hours, thereby simultaneously heating the water in the pool, and providing an attractive and protective safety barrier about the swimming pool.

Abstract: Tile construction for a swimming pool comprising an elongated tubular member having a longitudinal channel therein which can be filled with insulation material. The tubular member can have further separate channels with a plurality of orifices extending into the further channels and opening externally of the member. The orifices provide communication between the further channels and the exterior of the tubular member. The tubular member has a flat outer surface and the orifices open in the vicinity of the flat outer surface. A plurality of tubular members can be used to form the wall or bottom of the pool or a deck for the pool. The tubular member can have flanges with additional channels therein isolated from the other channels and which may or may not be provided with orifices for fluid flow. The tubular member can be constructed from a transparent resin material and the additional channels can have a liquid crystal coating for changing color with temperature change.

Abstract: A construction which permits existing swimming pools to be provided with a spa at low cost includes a removable partition which is mounted in the pool to define the space to be used as a spa. A special gasket forms a seal between the partition and the pool. Valves are installed in the existing pool suction pipe and pool return pipe to permit the flow to be diverted to the spa. No excavation is required to install the spa. An adjustable template is used to determine the proper size and shape of the removable partition. The pipe through which water enters the spa is provided at its end with a jet nozzle which includes a venturi for introducting air into the incoming stream of water.

Abstract: The invention consists in an immersible solar heat collecting means capable of being laid at the bottom of a pool where it can be walked upon. The substantially laminar portions of the collector each includes a surface of higher light absorbence than the other side thereof so that by folding or otherwise overlapping and rearranging the various portions a different number of higher light absorbence surfaces can be presented to the sun to heat the water at any particular time. Such an apparatus makes possible the controlled solar heating of a pool.

Abstract: A spa construction for use by humans comprising a shell for containing water and having a well for receiving the feet of the user. A seat is provided adjacent the well upon which the user can sit. A side wall is provided against which the user can rest his back. A first pump is provided having an inlet coupled into the bottom portion of the shell for withdrawing water from within the shell and an outlet coupled to the shell above the seat for introducing jets of water into the shell. An air inlet is provided for mixing air into the jets of water introduced into the shell. A filter and heater housing is carried by the shell and has disposed therein filter and heater elements. An additional pump is provided having an inlet coupled to the shell for drawing water from the shell into the filter and heater housing and discharging the same through an outlet coupled to the shell.