Abstract: A pool access apparatus for moving a disabled person between a pool deck and a pool includes an arm supported for pivotal motion about a base axle and a seat supported for pivotal motion about a seat axle carried by the arm. A driver pivots the arm between a deployed position suspending the seat at least partially within the pool, and a stowed position suspending the seat in a position displaced laterally from the pool. The apparatus may include a chain-driven seat attitude maintenance linkage, an anchoring system comprising a sub-plate embedded in or disposed below the deck to which a base plate of the apparatus is removably connectable, and/or a wheeled portability kit that is removably connectable to the base plate.

Abstract: This application relates to the field of swimming pool access.

Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool structure, the swimming pool structure including a circulation system having a piping assembly and a pump for cyclically communicating water through the piping assembly. The device includes an insert coupled in fluid communication to the piping assembly, a piston carried within the insert for reciprocal movement between a lowered position and a raised position in which the piston is above the insert, a nozzle in the piston is unobstructed, and the piston is in one of a plurality of indexed orientations. The piston rotates to an adjacent indexed orientation in response to reciprocation between the raised and lowered positions in response to the cyclical application of water through the chamber. Upper and lower engagement assemblies prevent rotational movement of the piston with respect to the insert in the raised and lowered positions of the piston.

Abstract: A corner for a pool providing a transition of the corner angle therein and thereby providing for ease of installation, improved aesthetics, improved operation, and simpler maintenance.

Abstract: A vertical pipe has an upper end and a lower end. The vertical pipe is adapted to be coupled to a pool water outlet. A T-coupler has horizontal first and second legs and a downward extending vertical third leg receiving the T-coupler. Transparent first and second sleeves are attached to the first leg and second legs. Each sleeve has an end cap. An inner cylinder is provided within the second sleeve. The inner cylinder has closed and open ends. A power cylinder is provided within the first sleeve. A gasket hydraulically seals the first sleeve from the second sleeve and the T-coupler. A light source is coupled to the power cylinder extending into the T-coupler. Apertures are provided in the second sleeve. The apertures face upwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A portable, submersible table and bench assembly suitable for use on land as well as in bodies of water having sloped or uneven bottom surfaces. The table and bench assembly includes a pair of benches and a central table mounted on a support frame that includes a plurality of hollow, adjustable support members or legs that are slidably received within the support frame. The hollow, adjustable support members extend downwards for contact with the ground or a sloped bottom swimming pool. The support frame includes a plurality of spaced apart perforations on the surface of downwardly extending risers that allow the entry and drainage of water, as well as adjustment of the height of the adjustable support members or legs. In addition to being light and portable, the hollow structure permits water to enter and drain through perforations and accordingly resist buoyancy when the table is immersed in water.

Abstract: An apparatus and kit for installing an object in a swimming pool are provided. Included are a receptacle, one or more gaskets, and a top deck anchor. The receptacle holds a substance such as concrete, to which the top deck anchor is attached. The gasket is attached to the top of the receptacle. A method of installing an object into a swimming pool is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable poolside chair comprises a chair assembly, a height-adjustable support mechanism, and a weighted base. The chair assembly comprises an outdoor padded chair with a tilting back portion and is constructed of lightweight, waterproof materials. The weighted base comprises a pair of horizontally adjustable hooks which are extended around a lip of a pool. The base also comprises a pair of rollers for transportation of the chair. The adjustable support mechanism comprises a height adjustable pneumatic cylinder and also provides a swivel function. In use, the base is placed in a desired location and the hooks are extended around the lip of the pool and secured in place using tightening knobs, thereby providing additional stabilization of the chair in a poolside position.

Abstract: An assembly and method for capturing debris before it enters a skimmer mechanism in a pool are described, herein. A basket filter assembly is comprised of a frame assembly, which is constructed of water- and rust-proof material that has a mesh material placed around and attached to it. The basket filter assembly is then attached to a U-shaped arm, by which it is lowered into position over the skimmer mechanism. The other end of the arm is then attached to a weighted stand such that it holds the assembly in place.

Abstract: A pool cover hanging assembly includes a plurality of pool cover hanging devices. Each pool cover hanging device includes a rim engaging element including a pool wall abutting portion, a horizontally adjustable member coupled to the pool wall abutting portion at a first end, and a vertically adjustable connecting member coupled to the horizontally adjustable member. Each device also includes a vertically extending rod having a top end and a bottom end, the rod lying parallel to the exterior surface of the pool sidewall and being coupled at the top end to the vertical member of the rim engaging element. A rack arm is removably coupled to the vertically extending rod, wherein the removable rack arm is adapted to support a pool cover in a stored position.

Abstract: A lifting chair having a chassis and a seat designed to move with respect to the chassis between a raised position and lowered position. A handling system drives the seat from the lowered position to the raised position and vice versa, and has a main winch and a secondary winch that are fixed to the chassis and, for each winch, a flexible link is provided. One of the ends of the flexible link is fixed to the seat and the other end is fixed to the drum of the winch. The flexible link connected to the main winch is tensioned and the flexible link connected to the secondary winch is relaxed. A synchronisation device is provided for driving the winding and unwinding of the flexible link connected to the secondary winch by a length equal to the length of winding and unwinding of the flexible link connected to the main winch.

Abstract: A liquid displacement device (3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73) comprises one or multiple inflatable containers (3,13,23,233,338,336,43,53,63,66,67,73,74), and an attachment (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,66,75) for attaching the liquid displacement device to a liquid storage vessel (1) wherein, when inflated and attached to an inner surface (11) of the liquid storage vessel (1), the liquid displacement device displaces liquid in the liquid storage vessel. The one or more containers (3, 13,23,23a,33a,33b,43,53, 63,66,67,73,74) may reside entirely or partially below the surface (2) of the liquid within the liquid storage vessel (1). The attachment comprises a tether (66) or suction means (4,14,24,34,45,55,65,75) such as suction cups. The container comprises a single compartment (3,13,53,63), or multiple compartments (23,23a, 33a, 33b,43,66,67,73,74) connected such that gas can flow between them. The device may be a toy including a storage compartment (35,50,68).

Abstract: A swimming pool chair for use within a pool has a base that interfaces with the floor of the pool. A seat portion of the swimming pool chair has an adjustable height and an adjustable angle to compensate for variations in water depth and variations in pool floor angles, thereby providing a comfortable seating position for the user in many locations within the pool.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is includes a support section and a punted section that has an underdrain mounting member. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for facilitating the quick exchange of one pool appliance for another. The device includes a housing, which spans the opening in the upstanding wall of an above ground pool. The opening is typically used by existing above ground pools for water intake and outlet, filtering, water leveling and the like. On the interior side of the pool, the waterside, the housing includes a quick release receptacle adapted to fit a variety of pool appliances. The receptacle includes means to conduct electricity usable for such pool appliances. On the exterior side of the pool, the housing includes an adapter designed to accept a pool power head. The power head connects to a residential or similar power source and is converted to a usable power supply for pool appliances. The receptacle allows exchange of appliances to be made even while the connective portion of the appliance is underwater.

Abstract: A spa enabled to permit a user to conduct hands-free mobile telephone calls while immersed in the spa, comprising a Bluetooth enabled audio system contained in one or more watertight compartments, including a microphone and one or more speakers, whereby the Bluetooth enabled audio system is adapted to be paired with and wirelessly communicate with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to permit hands-free use in the spa.

Abstract: A retrofit, submersible swimming pool deck deployable in existing swimming pools without altering the pool infrastructure. The submersible deck includes: (a) a panel, which is configured to be moved reversibly between a lowered state that is substantially parallel to a floor of the swimming pool and a raised state that is substantially flat and horizontal; and (b) at least one motor, operationally coupled to the panel, wherein the motor is configured to effect the reversible movement of the panel between the lowered state and the raised state.

Abstract: A light demarcation system applicable to a predefined area of any water surface, such are being delimited by a bottom portion and by a pair of longitudinal walls and a pair of transverse walls of a length suitable for defining a water polo field, wherein the pair of transverse walls have a length smaller than the pair of longitudinal walls. The light demarcation system comprises one or more light profiles, each made up of a plurality of sequentially arranged light elements, in predefined positions inside and/or outside of the water polo field, and an electronic control system operatively connected by wireless or wired connectors to the light profiles for management of the operation of the light profiles.

Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second spa cover portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first spa cover portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second spa cover portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second spa cover portions, which face the water at the interior of the spa tub when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second spa cover portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.

Abstract: An oxidizer generating apparatus comprising a cylindrical housing and an electrode assembly attached at one end of the housing comprising at least three vertically disposed electrodes, the electrodes being spaced apart so as to define a water flow path between them, the electrodes comprising titanium outer electrodes and at least one inner diamond electrode.

Abstract: At least one socket in a swimming pool allows for the mounting of at least one pool accessory by way of a post mounted in the socket. In some embodiments, the socket is located in the bottom of the pool. In some embodiments, the socket is coupled to an electricity source to provide electricity to the post or pool accessory. In some embodiments, the socket is coupled to an air source to provide bubbles. In some embodiments, the socket is coupled to a fog source to provide a fog supply. In some embodiments, the socket is coupled to a water source to provide water flow to the post or pool accessory. In some embodiments, the fluid supplied to the post includes a scent. In some embodiments, the socket includes a light source and the post includes optical fibers to transmit light from the light source through the post.

Abstract: A swimming starting block including a push-off plate for supporting feet of a swimmer during a start, and a sensor connected to the push-off plate which detects at least changes in pressure on the push-off plate induced by the swimmer. The sensor includes a substantially elongated conductor for electromagnetic signals, connected at a first circumferential side to the push-off plate and at an opposite second circumferential side to a sensor-support plate arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from the push-off plate. The push-off plate moves with respect to the sensor-support plate, in response to pressure changes induced by the swimmer, to induce a disturbance into electromagnetic signals sent through the conductor. The elongated conductor can be connected to a signal source for transmitting the electromagnetic signals through the conductor. The conductor can be connected to a signal detector, wherein the signal detector detects disturbances in the electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing entanglement and bunching of a retracting or extending cable (10, 11) for a swimming pool cover, comprises a shaft (4) with a roller (5, 6) to guide the cable. The roller slidably rotates on the shaft so that it rotates and moves axially in response to any forces provided by the cable when being retracted or extended, to minimize entanglement and bunching.

Abstract: Pop-up fountain embodiments are provided which successfully combine aesthetics, utility and ease of installation and are thus especially suited for installation into spas, hot tubs, pools and the like. Different embodiments include a fountain body and a fountain valve which is slidingly received in the body. The valve terminates in a cap which substantially fills an aperture of the body when the valve is in a quiescent position. Applied water pressure forces the valve into an energized position where the form of the valve directs water laterally in an aesthetically-pleasing pattern. The valve preferably includes a deflector which is arranged below the cap and configured to control and enhance the lateral deflection.

Abstract: An anchor for a rectangular tube employs a wedge assembly, whereby rotation of an adjustment bolt of the wedge assembly moves an upper and lower wedge member together, and the wedge engagement with a central wedge member causes said central wedge member to move toward engagement with the tube, thereby securing the tube within a base body. Clevis pins and corresponding key hole slots mount the wedge assembly to a base, while allowing easy removal of the wedge when desired.

Abstract: A lightweight submersible stanchion is disclosed that provides a lightweight yet durable mounting system that will allow pool users to support a wide variety of accessories such as a stool, table, ice bucket or wine cooler bucket, or volleyball/badminton net, for example. The submersible stanchion includes a pedestal base, and a column which includes an accessory attachment element. The pedestal base and/or the column can fill with water upon being submerged. The column couples to the accessory attachment element at a distal end to the pedestal base and extends in a perpendicular direction from the base. The accessory attachment element couples to a distal end, which may be located below, at or above the surface of the swimming pool. In some embodiments, the submersible stanchion can further include detachable weights, for added stability, for example.

Abstract: A skimmer cover assembly includes a cover that is adapted to fit over the face flange of the skimmer or pool wall to prevent water from entering the skimmer assembly. The cover is secured to the skimmer by use of a draw bolt that is threaded at one end and includes a thumb screw or wing nut at a second end. The threaded end is adapted to be threaded into a support brace that is braced against an inside surface of the skimmer housing or to the skimmer housing itself. Tightening the draw bolt with the thumb screw draws the cover tightly against the face flange of the skimmer. The cover includes a gasket seal about its perimeter to form a watertight seal with the face flange of the skimmer. The draw bolt also has an o-ring that is positioned between the thumb screw and the cover to prevent water from leaking past the cover.

Abstract: A flexible safety barrier edge material contacts a wall of a poolside raised obstacle with a hollow loop crossection. The loop portion is slit at multiple intervals to permit the individual sections to conform to relatively sharp inside or outside corner contours of the obstruction. A continuous stainless steel cable is guided around the respective portion of the pool cover periphery in the vicinity of the obstruction, by passing it through fabric webbing loops sewn at the edge of the pool cover. This cable is attached to a top surface of the pool wall deck using pool anchors with split loops having a cable receiving slot. The cable is looped thru said turnbuckle and secured via cable clamps and then tightened by the use of turnbuckles at either end of the cable.

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

Abstract: A cup holder for use with an above-ground swimming pool of the type having a rigid side wall. The cup holder is formed rigid plastic and includes a beverage container retainer and a pool attachment element. The beverage container retainer includes a top wall with a cup-holding aperture. Extending downward from the front of the top wall is a connecting member which connects the top wall to a horizontal cup supporting member located underneath and parallel to the horizontal top member. Extending upward from the back of the beverage container member is another vertical member connecting to the pool attachment element. The pool attachment member comprises a horizontal shelf which rests on the ledge of the side wall of the pool. At the back of the pool attachment member and extending down is a hook for attaching the cup holder to a lip of the pool's side wall's ledge.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to outdoor furniture, and more particularly to seats configured for use in and around swimming pools and other bodies of water.

Abstract: A putting green whose perimeter is level with the top of a concrete-sided pool having a decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and an apron surrounding the pool having at least partially flat surface, the putting green overlying a deck including a) a waterproof surface comprising decking surface members having lengths and ends, the lengths being sized to the dimensions of the pool and the surface being at the same level as the pool apron; b) supports including i. cross members which are perpendicular to the lengths of the decking surface members; ii. underlying joists that form a sturdy base for the cross members; and iii. joist hangers being secured to the sides of the pool below the decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and being sunk into the concrete side of the pool; and c) a putting green comprising at least the layers of gravel, sand and artificial grass.

Abstract: The installation and removal of a portable but sturdy pool barrier fence uses the hardware installed for attaching a safety pool cover during the pool use season. Multiple rectangular panel frames support a mesh fabric. Spaced anchors mounted in said deck adapted to support a cover or said fence when said cover is removed. The fence has rectangular sections formed by upper, lower and side frame members enclosing the fencing material. Each lower frame member in the fence sections has a centrally located rib extending longitudinally along a top surface thereof. Anchor clips, preferably Z-shaped clips, are located and attached to the deck at the anchors in the deck. Each of the anchor clips has a keyway for engaging a respective rib on the lower frame member of the rectangular fence section to secure the fence to the deck.

Abstract: A pool net mounting device is disclosed. The mounting device includes a pool net holding portion having a hollow cylindrical tube adapted to receive and secure a pool net in a plurality of angular orientations. The pool net mounting device also includes a mounting portion adapted to be removably attached to a cylindrical object such as a pool ladder rail. The net holding portion and the mounting portion are removably attached to each other in a variety of angular positions so that a wide range of configurations is achieved for orienting a pool debris net at a desired angular orientation and height. The net holding portion includes a number of apertures and slots therein for receiving a spring loaded pin, a common feature of pool nets. Alternative pool net attachment features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination unit for hydrotherapy and exercise having a rubber dampening pad containing pre-drilled holes for the interchanging of exercise devices such as treadmills, bicycles, and elliptical machines. The unit has stairs for rear entrance and a clear splash guard for safe use indoors. The unit has a seat with shoulder and back jets located behind the seat, stability bars and a control panel. The control panel provides temperature control, aquatic jet flow, exercise equipment control and controls for MP3 players and the like. The unit has a water motor for driving certain exercise equipment.

Abstract: A cleaning head for an in-floor pool cleaning system includes a sleeve with a top opening and an insert configured to be retained within the sleeve. The insert has a first body portion with an aperture wherein the first body portion is configured to fit through the top opening, and a second body portion that is configured to not fit through the top opening. A passage runs through the insert to the aperture. The insert has a first position in which it is retained in the sleeve. When water pressure is applied to the bottom of the cleaning head, the insert is moved upward to a second position so the aperture extends beyond the top opening in the sleeve and pressurized water exists the aperture to move debris. The cleaning head also includes a conical spring to bias the insert towards the first position.

Abstract: A kit for preventing a swimming pool cleaner from becoming caught on a main drain cover of a swimming pool including a flexible clip-on protective device with a printed company logo and an installation tool with three cylindrical retainers. The installation tool mounts the clip-on protective device onto the main drain cover to force the swimming pool cleaner to tilt to one side, so that the suction forces of the swimming pool cleaner and the main drain will not interact with each other. The installation tool is made by injection molding with a uniform thickness of 0.165 inch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve for use in in-floor pool cleaning systems. The valve has a housing with an inlet port, an internal cavity and multiple outlet ports. A drive source, which can be an impeller positioned in the cavity and in fluid communication with the inlet port, is directly or indirectly (such as by a gear assembly) connected to a fluid control plate that has one or more apertures. As fluid enters the cavity through the inlet port the drive rotates the fluid control plate. As the plate rotates the aperture(s) rotate to allow the fluid to pass through the aperture(s) and into the respective outlet ports.

Abstract: A submersible stanchion is disclosed that provides a lightweight yet durable mounting system that will allow pool users to support a wide variety of accessories such a stool, table, ice bucket or wine cooler bucket, volleyball/badminton net, and so on. The submersible stanchion includes a pedestal base, column, accessory attachment point, at least one weight distributed in a balanced manner about the column, and serving to hold the pedestal base in place upon the bottom of the swimming pool. The pedestal base is submerged and placed on a bottom of a swimming pool. The column couples at a distal end to the pedestal base and extends in a perpendicular direction from the base. The accessory attachment point couples to a proximal end, which may be located below, at or above the surface of the swimming pool.

Abstract: An animal escape device has a central plate, an upper plate and a pair of side plates. The central plate depends downwardly at an angle and has a lower edge positionable in a swimming pool beneath the surface of the water, an upper edge, and parallel side edges. The upper plate is positionable on a deck of the pool and has an interior edge coupled to the upper edge of the central plate and has an exterior edge and side edges. Each of the side plates has a top edge coupled to an associated one of the side edges of the central plate. Each side plate has a bottom edge positionable entirely within the pool and a top edge partially within the water. The side plates form obtuse angles with respect to the central plate.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner which is located inside a passage in a body of the cleaner, which includes a diaphragm with a first end anchored by means of a resilient ring to the body, and a second end, into which a pipe is inserted, which is directly engaged with the body.

Abstract: A submersible table and seat assembly suitable for use in a swimming pool. The submersible assembly includes a base, a table, and seats. The base has a hollow interior capable of being filled with a flowable material in an amount sufficient to enable the submersible assembly to rest on the bottom of the swimming pool. The table and the seats are supported on the base and adjustably connected to the base to enable the table and seats to be raised and lowered relative to the base, so that the table and the seats are adjustable to accommodate varying depths of the swimming pool. Fluid passages are present within the base and/or the seats, jets are fluidically coupled to the fluid passages, and a conduit is connected to the fluid passages for flowing a pressurized fluid through the jets.

Abstract: A modular occupant bench unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall includes a vertical wall having opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels and being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of the wall panels and an elongate bench protruding from the vertical wall between the top and bottom thereof into the pool substantially beyond the plane formed by the vertical wall of the pool, the upper side of the bench defining an occupant seating area and the underside being spaced from the floor of the pool. A plurality of hydrotherapy jets are spaced apart along the vertical wall above the upper side of said bench and below the water line of the swimming pool.

Abstract: This application describes a device to convert an existing pool skimmer assembly into a pressurizable pool skimmer assembly which allows the existing pool skimmer assembly to act with this existing pool pump in emergency situations, such as assisting firefighters with pool water for extinguishing local wildfires or house fires. This method utilizes a removable plug cap and o-rings to allow the pool pump to draw the pool water from the poolmaid drain using the existing pool skimmer. This device can also be used to drain the pool for cleaning the pool or for winterizing the pool, with out the need for an electrical sump pump.

Abstract: A portable poolside chair for allowing at least one user to sit partially submerged in a pool is disclosed. The portable poolside chair comprises a water container having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end wall, a rear end wall and a pair of opposing side walls, a tubular seat support frame structure comprising a bottom tubular frame member and two flanking tubular members, a back support having a front surface and a rear surface, and a seat member featuring a rotatable seat and a support element having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end attached to a connecting member in the bottom tubular frame member and the distal end attached to a flange at a center portion of a bottom surface of the rotatable seat. The back support secured with the two flanking tubular members provides support to back of the user.

Abstract: A device for skimming the surface of the water in a swimming pool or the like, in a single, generally sweeping motion and thereby collecting most all of the debris floating on or near the surface of the pool into one spot where it may be lifted and removed from the pool. The system incorporates a long rectangular section of netting that is wound onto a cylindrical reel and contained on a vertically oriented cylindrical axel. The cylindrical axel and reel are mounted by brackets or weights to the side of the pool. The cylindrically wound netting may be drawn out from the fixed cylinder mounted on the side of the pool through a slot in a pivoting debris deflector positioned on the same cylindrical axel. One end of the long rectangular section of netting may be fixed to a second smaller cylinder or pipe which serves to keep the net from being drawn completely into the enclosure comprising the cylindrical reel.

Abstract: A pool shell molding system that enables accessories such as tables, chairs, parasols, basketball rims, and volleyball nets to be selectively and easily attached and removed. The pre-formed mold includes a recessed section with an outer edge that contacts and grips the various pool accessories. The depth of the recess is reduced by including a lip section extending from the bottom of the pool accessory, forming a contact and seal with the pool shell. Additionally, the pre-formed mold also includes an extended section with an outer edge that contacts and is gripped by the various pool accessories. The pre-formed mold can also secure a pole structure that includes a pole and a base member attached to the pole that facilitates a flexing locking relationship with the pool surface.

Abstract: This system for stowing a swimming pool cleaner robot in a location comprises: a deployment piston connected to said robot and suitable for moving in a pipe of said swimming pool; means for acting, during a cleaning stage during which the swimming pool is cleaned by said robot, to generate extra pressure in said pipe, in such a manner as to drive the deployment piston to a first position in said pipe; and means for acting, during a filtering stage during which the water of said swimming pool is filtered, while said robot is inactive, to generate suction in said pipe, in such a manner as to suck said deployment piston to a second position in said pipe, making it possible for said robot to be stowed in said location.

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 competitive swimming starting system for producing faster starts of competitive swimmers after the start of the race has been signaled. The competitive swimming starting system may include a platform structure for resting on a surface adjacent to a pool, and a light for illuminating to indicate a starting signal for a swimming race. In one embodiment of the invention, the light is mounted on the platform structure in the view of a person positioned on the starting platform structure. The present invention also contemplates a method of signaling the start of a swimming race, which includes providing a competitive swimming starting platform structure positioned adjacent to a pool, providing a light proximate to the starting platform structure in a location in the view of a person positioned on the starting platform structure, and illuminating the light to signal a start of a swimming race.