Abstract: A debris skimmer (10, 91) is designed to float adjacent the surface of a pool (14) to entrap floating debris including leaves (99). The skimmer defines a floway (20, 180) having a front (18) and a rear (28), with an entrance lip (36) at the front, and a receptacle receiver (30) at the rear. This novel floway is bounded by side members (24, 26) and one or more holes (40, 80, 107) are utilized in a manifold (38, 78, 106) located in the vicinity of the entrance lip such that at least one rearwardly-directed jet of water can be supplied to the floway. This jet of water serves to establish a rearward flow of water through the floway, such rearward flow of water serving to carry floating debris toward the receptacle receiver means (30) located at the rear of the skimmer.

Abstract: A safety diffuser for use with an underwater suction inlet of a pool or spa eliminates the danger associated with a suction inlet on a side of a pool or spa created by the strong suction produced by the pool pump. By strategically placing holes in a tubular portion of the device, blockage of all the holes by a user of the pool or spa is prevented. As a result, the danger of a user of the pool or spa being drawn to and held against the device or the suction inlet is reduced.

Abstract: The disclosure herein deals with a series of devices for moving an invalid or handicapped person from a poolside into a pool, and back to the poolside, wherein the invalid or handicapped person may be responsible for the total movement without the aid of a second person. The devices have a novel feature, which is the fact that they can be moved and controlled by the occupant of the lift chair during that movement without the use of direct electrical power.

Abstract: A pool monitoring and control system is provided including a pool having a plurality of inputs and a plurality outputs. Also included is a pump for suctioning fluid from the outputs of the pool only during the activation thereof. A control assembly is connected between the pump and the pool. The control assembly includes at least one sensor adapted to generate an activation signal upon a parameter of the pool falling out of a predetermined range. Further, at least one dispenser is included for dispensing a parameter correction fluid upon the actuation thereof. In use, the control assembly, when the pump is activated, is adapted to actuate the dispenser if the activation signal is received.

Abstract: An adaptor for a pool vacuum hose, which fits over a suction opening in the skimmer well of a swimming pool. The adaptor creates a watertight seal against walls of a skimmer well and has a port that extends upward from a base such that a typical pool vacuum can be connected to the adaptor. The adaptor thus allows for easy connection to a vacuum hose and prevents large particles and debris from reaching the filter. When use of the vacuum is complete, an outer housing is rotated, breaching the watertight seal, and allowing easy removal of the adaptor. The adaptor is readily usable with typical swimming pool skimmer wells.

Abstract: A drop-in stair assembly for a pool which comprises alternating treads and risers forming a series of steps extending between first and second side walls and with a pair of L-shaped connectors, each of the connectors having first and second arms and an elbow portion, the arms having a plurality of attachment locations such that the stair unit can be aligned in both a horizontal and a vertical fashion with respect to a pool wall and rim.

Abstract: A cartridge-filter cleaning spinner comprises a handheld spindle rod that can accommodate a variety of filter sizes. The spindle rod has two inward pointing slip-ring hand-tightened hubs. A cartridge filter is loaded on the spindle rod by removing one of the slip-ring hand-tightened hubs, slipping the cartridge filter onto the spindle snug against the other slip-ring hand-tightened hub, and then reinstalling the first slip-ring hand-tightened hub on the spindle rod. The cartridge filter is then free to spin around while the spindle rod handles themselves remain stationary. A water jet from a garden hose is then directed at one end of the cartridge filter to one side so the cartridge filter begins spinning. The water jet is then worked down slowly to the opposite end while keeping the spinning action going. The process is then repeated, but with the water jet directed to the other side so the cartridge filter spins in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An open water circulation system receptacle in a swimming pool is blocked with a cylindrical plug to prevent entry of unwanted detritus during pool construction and circulation system testing. The cylindrical plug is provided with removable longitudinal interior portions to permit fitting of piping into the receptacle for test connections, with the cylindrical plug in place.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a railing. The system has a hollow railing having a first open end and a second open end. A conduit is coupled to the first open end of the hollow railing and is used for conveying a liquid to the hollow railing. The liquid travels through the hollow railing and is used to control the temperature of the hollow railing.

Abstract: An improved insulated cover for removable mounting onto a spa or hot tub or the like, wherein the cover is hinged to accommodate folding of the cover to a compact size and shape suitable for convenient shipment and/or storage. The cover comprises a foldable base including a pair of structural membranes formed from a relatively high tensile strength fabric and sewn together on a midline to define a central hinge, and secured together at their peripheries to defined a pair of pockets within which are mounted a pair of insulation panels of relatively stiff foam or the like. In some embodiments, a foldable frame ring formed in hinged or separable half sections may be mounted to the structural membranes at the peripheries thereof. A decorative top sheet is stretched over the foldable base, and a peripheral margin thereof is wrapped over the periphery of the base and radially constricted for retention thereon by a drawstring or the like.

Abstract: This specification deals with a device which is a novel lift chair for use in a mechanical lift for moving an invalid or handicapped person from a poolside into a pool, and back to the poolside, wherein the invalid or handicapped person may be totally responsible for such movement without the aid of a second person by the use of a control unit which is affixed to the lift chair and is conveniently operable from such chair.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a body of water by passing an elongated net having a C-shaped cross section over the surface and slightly immersed in the water. The elongated net is supported by elongated rigid members that include C-shape brackets that are cooperatively disposed therealong. A rubber band with cooperating slots is positioned over the arcuated plate of the brackets trapping the elongated net in place. An upright wheeled assembly is perpendicularly mounted to the elongated net and includes a mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the net. The upright wheeled assembly includes a cooperatively positioned handle for imparting motion to the structure.

Abstract: A skimmer for a swimming pool includes a weir which extends outwardly from the skimmer face plate to divert a portion of the flowing pool water into the skimmer for subsequent treatment and recirculation. The weir is preferably attached to the skimmer face plate by a flexible lip formed around a peripheral edge of the weir which selectively snaps onto and off of a flange formed around the perimeter of the skimmer face plate. The leading edge of the weir extends outwardly from the pool sidewall to exert an enlarged field of influence on the water flowing along the surface of the pool to skim debris from the pool in less time than conventional skimmer devices.

Abstract: A self-draining pool cover in which a standard pool cover is provided with a centrally located aperture. A collar passes through the aperture sealed by a rubber grommet. The upper end of the collar has a circumferential flange and external threads. An internally threaded nut is received by the collar and tightened. This tightening compresses the grommet, making a water-tight seal. A hose connects the lower end of the collar to the skimmer of a pool. In this manner water travels through the collar down the tube out to the skimmer, preventing the build up of stagnating water on the surface of the pool cover.

Abstract: A pool structure having a fluid discharge apparatus for conducting water supplied from a pump in a decorative fashion proximate the perimeter of the pool structure.

Abstract: A cover for the dispensing head of a turbo jet swimming pool cleaning device comprising a plurality of integral radially extending fingers uniformly spaced about the periphery of a circular top, the fingers serving as extensions of vanes incorporated in said dispensing head and also as ramps enabling other swimming pool cleaning equipment to pass without difficulty over the dispensing head.

Abstract: A swimming pool platform assembly particularly suitable for above ground pools includes a square planar platform having upper and lower surfaces. Attached to the lower surface of the support platform is a frame component for suspending the support platform a predetermined distance above the swimming pool bottom surface. The frame component comprises a substantially square upper frame member formed from a plurality of interconnected tubular members and a substantially square lower frame member similar to the upper frame member. The upper and lower frame members are relatively spaced a predetermined distance and are interconnected with shorter vertical tubular members to form a cage type support structure. Each of the tubular members has a plurality of apertures thereon allowing them to fill with water so that the device sinks to the bottom of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A corner stair and a corner wall of a pool are molded into an interal structure. A top step and riser are located at the required height to permit the lead bar of a swimming-pool automatic cover to be positioned over the step and against the riser such that the cover is completely over the pool including the top of the stair. Only an operation of the automatic pool cover is required to prevent rubbish from entering the pool and to eliminate the danger of small children entering the pool unattended.

Abstract: A clip for mounting a light strip along the side of a pool. The clip is mounted on an arm of a cove strip. The clip is shaped to support the light strip.

Abstract: A method of securing elongated lengths of lighting track in the aggregate coping face of a liner type swimming pool. The method includes applying double sided adhesive tape to a shelf face of a form board utilized to define the cross-sectional contour of coping to be poured. The track is removably mounted adhesively against the tape and retained thereat until after curing of the aggregate has been completed. Following curing of the aggregate, the form board is removed to expose the face of the track in the face of the coping.

Abstract: A swimming pool has a plurality of substantially vertical side walls, with each side wall having a top. A coping is attached to the top of a side wall of the pool and has a curved facia. A signage platform is attached to the facia of the coping. The signage platform has a substantially vertical display wall and an adjoining substantially horizontal display wall. Visual indicia are located on each of the vertical display wall and the horizontal display wall.

Abstract: An improved therapeutic spa or hot tub or the like, such as a spa or hot tub of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,951, includes at least one and preferably a plurality of vibratory mechanical massage elements incorporated into the tub wall at selected locations to provide tub users with a therapeutic vibratory massage action. The vibratory massage element or elements are used in combination with conventional hydraulic air-water spa jets to provide the spa tub with improved therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A coping assembly for use in a swimming pool includes a coping having a longitudinal direction. The coping also has a base with a device for connecting to a sidewall of the pool, a facia connected to the base with a slot extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, a back wall, and a first through hole extending through the coping from the back wall to the slot. The coping assembly also includes a coupler having a body with a front section. The front section substantially conforms to and is engaged with the back wall of the coping. The coupler has a second through hole extending through the body to the front section. The second through hole is aligned with the first through hole in the coping. The coping assembly further includes a tube light extending through each of the through holes and disposed within the slot.

Abstract: A whirlpool jet extension system that includes a flexible hose that is connectable to one of the jet nozzles of the whirlpool bath. The flexible hose is easily connected to and detached from one of the jet nozzles of the whirlpool bath and has one or more user positionable suction cup securing assemblies for allowing a user to aim the discharge stream from the flexible hose in a desired direction.

Abstract: A device for isolating piping associated with a swimming pool for isolating a piping system associated with a swimming pool in order to reduce the amount of chemicals required to treat the piping system, and further to prevent mixture of chemicals within the pool with the treatment chemicals. The isolating device includes an adaptor head having an outlet configured to encircle a conventional swimming pool drain and an inlet configured to receive the end of a conventional vacuum hose. The adaptor head defines a substantially cylindrical configuration having a diameter at least as large as the particular drain with which the isolating device is being used. A plurality of screw bosses is provided on the interior of the adaptor head proximate the outlet to cooperate with the threaded openings provided in the drain for securing the drain grate. The adaptor head includes a cylindrical wall and a cover plate, the cover plate being removably mounted to the cylindrical.

Abstract: The exit ramp of the invention comprises a flat, discoid base lying flatly on the bottom wall of a conventional pool skimmer screen bucket. An upright post is fixed to the base and vertically extends beyond the bucket upper edge. An inclined platform is pivotally installed upon the post upper end. The platform is selectively pivoted into a position in which it will reach or extend beyond the pool skimmer well upper edge, so as to allow small animals caught in the pool skimmer well to climb onto the platform and exit the pool skimmer well onto the pool deck. Elastic strings are provided on the exit ramp post to allow attachment thereof onto the screen bucket upper edge, for a removable but fixed engagement of the exit ramp with the screen bucket.

Abstract: An apparatus suspending a detachable accessory adjacent a vertical wall defining a swimming pool is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of U-shaped arms having base ends fixed outside the swimming pool and cantilever ends supported inside the swimming pool below the base ends. A support bar is rotatably mounted between the arms and includes a plurality of mounting tubes within which a plurality of accessories are detachably mounted.

Abstract: A surf stand which can be used for surf fishing, life guard stands, and other marine functions. The lightweight stand can be easily manufactured and assembled from common, inexpensive materials. The surf stand features a unique construction which permits the application of suction forces within the legs to help set the stand firmly in the bottom soil or sand for stability and safety. The unique construction also permits pressurization of the legs to help dislodge them from the bottom when relocation or removal is desired.

Abstract: An amphibious chair having a land mode for use as a lawn chair, preferably, for pool-side seating and a water mode for use as a pool chair for in-pool seating. Moreover, when the amphibious chair is in the water mode, the depth positioning of the seat member of the amphibious chair is adjustable.

Abstract: The disclosure herein deals with a series of devices for moving an invalid or handicapped person from a poolside into a pool, and back to the poolside, wherein the invalid or handicapped person may be responsible for the total movement without the aid of a second person. The devices have a novel feature, which is the fact that they can be moved and controlled by the occupant of the lift chair during that movement without the use of direct electrical power.

Abstract: A pool plug (10) is disclosed comprising a plunger member (12) and a base member (14). The base member (14) is cylindrical having an axial passageway (30) therethrough and opposed annular skirt flanges (32,36) projecting toward each other from opposite rims (26,28) of the member (14). The flange (32) collapses diametrically to allow the base member (14) to be inserted into a panel aperture, and skirt flange (36) depresses to a point that the lower flange (32) is free to open up and resume its original form, capturing the panel between the flanges (32,36). Composed of elastomeric plastic, the flanges (32,36) flex to allow use of the plug in pool panels having a thickness variable within a specified range. The plunger member (12) reciprocally moves upward and downward within the passageway (20) and includes ports (54) that open and close in response thereto. An inwardly directed annular sealing flange (40) engages the plunger member (12) to seal the plunger when it is pushed downward into a closed position.

Abstract: A new Spa Table for offering a portable table for use in a spa wherein the height of the table is self-adjusting such that the top of the table remains on the surface of the water. The inventive device includes a base member removably positioned on the floor of a spa, a planar table top member adapted to float on the water surface of the spa, and a self-adjusting vertical support member interconnecting the base member and the planar table top member, wherein the self-adjusting vertical support member self-adjusts to support the planar table top member in a generally horizontal position on the water surface of the spa. The planar table top member floats on the water surface of the spa such that the height of the planar table top member self-adjustingly correspondingly increases and decreases with the height of the water surface.

Abstract: A spa cover removal apparatus. The removal apparatus includes a pair of elongate spaced apart side arms. One end of each side arm is pivotally connected to the bottom side portion of a spa side, and the opposing end rotatingly engages a side edge of the spa cover. In this way, the spa cover can rotate in relation to the side arms such that a horizontal cover rotation axis is defined by the axis of rotation of the spa cover relative to the side arms. A back rack is pivotally coupled to the rear edge of the spa cover to enable the spa cover to pivot, relative to the back rack, about a horizontal cover pivot axis. In addition, a base bracket assembly is provided for pivotally connecting the back rack to the back surface of the spa. This enables the back rack to pivot, relative to the base bracket assembly, about a substantially horizontal back rack pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for the self draining of a pool cover includes a pool cover having a surface area that is at a lower elevation than a remaining surface area of the pool cover to remove accumulations from the pool cover by gravity. A drain fitting having a passageway is attached to the aperture in the pool cover. A first hose, to remove accumulations, is connected to the drain fittings. There is also provided in the apparatus disposal means which include an outlet on a wall of the pool and a second hose on the other side of the wall connected to the outlet. Accumulations flowing through the first hose exit the pool through the pool wall for final disposal by a second hose to direct where desired.

Abstract: A safety cover for mounting upon a suction drain that removes water from a jetted tub or spa. The safety cover can handle a high fluid flow intake rate and has a relatively small size, yet is unlikely to entangle the hair of a user and can pass the industry standard five pound pull test. The safety cover has at least one internal wall that acts as a guide vane thereby advantageously tending to reduce turbulence and vortexing of the water as it passes through the cover and into the suction drain. Because turbulence and vortexing of the water is reduced, the possibility that a user's hair could extend through the cover and become entangled thereunder is likewise reduced. Further, because of the stabilized fluid flow inside the safety cover, the cover can have a size that is smaller than otherwise possible without the anti-vortexing interior wall. The interior wall also can extend from the cover to a supporting base to advantageously increase the structural strength of the cover.

Abstract: A compact, free-standing swimming pool (900) adapted for vigorous exercising by a harness-restrained swimmer; the pool including a surrounding gutter (903) behind a skimming sill (904) and in front of a ledge, so that most of the water splashed about is retained and so that waves are largely absorbed by falling over the sill and not returning. Baffles (917) placed deep within the pool can break up "slop" type waves. The gutter is emptied by drain pipes (916) leading to a pump (910) for recirculating the water shifted by the swimmer into the gutter back through conduits (914) into the pool. The pump instead recirculates pool water when gutter water is not present. Optional heating, filtration, chlorination, and recirculation current devices (912, 913) may be included.

Abstract: A support aid for use during a baptismal ceremony involving the total immersion of an individual within a pool of water includes a base positionable within the pool of water and a backless seat upon which the individual remains seated during the baptism process. A feet-engaging cross-bar member is attached to the base so that as the individual remains seated upon the seat, the individual's feet are hooked beneath the cross-bar member, and a grip section associated with the base provides a hand grip to which the individual may hold. As the individual leans rearwardly until his head and torso are totally immersed beneath the surface of the water and subsequently returns to an upright, seated orientation during the baptism process, the individual maintains his feet beneath the cross-bar and holds onto the hand grip in order to stabilize and support himself. The support aid also reduces the effort required to be expended by a party, such as a minister, who performs the baptismal process.

Abstract: A bathtub comprises: a tub body (1) for accumulating bath water; a bath water treating section for activating the bath water; and a water circulating section (2) for forcedly circulating the bath water between the tub body and the bath water treating section. The bath water treating section is a magnetic water treating section (3) and/or a ceramic ball water treating section (4) to activate the bath water in a wide range.

Abstract: A device for use in a generally round or oval swimming pool or like body of water wherein a generally circular flow of water proximate the periphery of the pool occurs, the device comprising a preferably floatable skimming device having a water inlet and a water outlet with filter means between the inlet and outlet such that the flow of water tends to pass through the filter means, and means for securing the device to a fixed point to allow the water inlet to be situated such that the circular flow of water enters the inlet.

Abstract: A cantilevered umbrella is supported from the apron of a pool by means of a base tube mounted in the apron, either horizontally just below the level of the deck formed by the apron, or vertically in the deck surface.

Abstract: A pool protector device (10) which comprises a plurality of panels (12). A facility (14) is for interlocking the panels (12) together in side by side relationships to form a larger covering which will extend across a swimming pool (16) and be elevated above water (18) therein. Components (20) are for securing edges of the outermost panels (12) onto sidewalls (22) of the swimming pool (16), so as to prevent access to the water (18) in the swimming pool (16), eliminating accidental drowning when the swimming pool (16) is left unattended.

Abstract: A safety device comprising a floor drain grate includes at least two separate regions, and preferably three, with openings through which water can flow into a pool drain. The regions are preferably spaced to either side of the pool drain, by a distance which effectively prevents a swimmer from blocking all the openings at once and becoming stuck to the grate by suction. The floor drain grate may be provided as a retrofit to replace an existing drain grate of a pool.

Abstract: An outdoor lounge chair particularly adapted for sun-bathing comprises a uni-body frame defining a planar body supporting structure bent into a dogleg configuration to comfortably support a person in a reclining position. The support structure is made from two plies of sheet plastic joined around a periphery. A network of copper pipes sandwiched between the two plies of sheet plastic has an inlet port with a coupling for attachment to a water hose. A plurality of outlet ports are fitted with spray nozzles mounted on the peripheral edge of the lounge chair; whereby the user's body can be cooled by the mist emitting from the spray nozzles.

Abstract: An umbrella pool cover frame has a center post, e.g., PVC pipe, that rests on a base disk on the floor of the pool. An adjustable center support is positioned partway up the center post and held in place, e.g., with a pin. A top support disk is fitted to the top of the center post. The center and top support disks have bores to receive ends of support legs or ribs. In one embodiment, sixteen long support legs extend from ground to respective bores in the top disk, and sixteen short support legs extend between respective bores in the center disk and receptacles in the associated support legs. The weight of the frame and the cover is supported both on the center post and on the ground at the ends of the long support legs. For an oblong pool, there can be more than one center support post, and horizontal members or ribs that join the two associated top support disks. The top support disk and the base disk have protective mats to protect the pool floor and the pool cover.

Abstract: An improved seal for insertion into a skimmer of a swimming pool that attaches to an intake pipe of the pool filtration equipment and extends into the walled region of the skimmer to provide a compressible body absorbing the expansion of ice during freeze-up of the pool. The seal comprises an air valve for introducing air via an inner shaft into the intake pipe line to clear out water. The seal obviates having to lower the pool water level.

Abstract: A powered lift for facilitating the entry and exit of a person in a wheelchair 10 from the wheelchair and into a pool 2 and out of the pool back into the wheelchair including a platform support 19 secured to the pool deck to provide front sections 21 and 22 that define an opening there between and prevent movement of the wheelchair such that the wheelchair is positioned in operative relationship with a powered lift mechanism 30 such that a seat on the lift, which is optionally physiologically conformable, aligns with the forward edge of the seat of the wheelchair 15f in the upward extension of the lift to allow transfer of the person from the seat of the wheelchair to the seat of the lift and from the lift seat to the seat of the wheelchair in an essentially horizontal movement transverse to the forward edge of the wheelchair seat with the assistance of handrail guides 50.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coping for use in a swimming pool. A base is configured for connecting to a sidewall of the pool. A wall is connected to the base and includes a facia. The facia has a first slot for receiving and retaining a liner bead therein and a second slot for receiving and retaining a tube light therein. The first slot and the second slot extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coping. The coping is of monolithic, metal construction. With the slot receiving the tube light having a circular cross-section. A coping clip is utilized to attach end-to-end coping pieces to one another with the clip extending from the top edge of the coping to the light receiving slot without obscuring the light receiving slot.

Abstract: A bathtub step assembly for use in bathing disabled persons. The step assembly has a plurality of planar surfaces disposed in spaced, generally parallel relationship to each other, the uppermost planar surface being coplanar with the top surface of the bathtub wall or walls that it is disposed adjacent to. The uppermost planar surface is also specifically shaped to provide adequate human buttocks support when the human buttocks engages the uppermost planar surface both when the human is disposed thereon with his/her back facing the bathtub and when the buttocks are pivoted approximately one-quarter turn to be in feet-first ingress position relative to the bathtub.

Abstract: An in-line priming device removably attached between the vacuum hose, skimmer/filter basket and the hydraulic pump of a conventional poolside skimmer/vacuum system. The in-line priming device having a plurality of apertures which are substantially immersed in the fluid to be pumped such that initially the hydraulic pump can alternatively siphon fluid through the plurality of apertures rather than exclusively through a vacuum hose containing a fluid/air mixture and thus retain sufficient fluid to maintain its prime. The in-line priming device having closing means which are capable of regulating the amount of fluid passing through the plurality of apertures of the in-line device such that the plurality of apertures can be substantially closed as the air is purged from the vacuum hose.

Abstract: Swimming pool basin provided with a partition wall, which can be moved essentially vertically up and down, for the division of the swimming pool basin into part-basins, the partition wall comprising an oblong, essentially beam-shaped body, which extends between two mutually opposing, vertical walls of the swimming pool basin, and which partition wall can be brought into a first, operative state so as to lie with its upper limit essentially level with the water level or project above it, in which first state the swimming pool basin is sub-divided into two swimming sections, and into a second or retracted state, in which the upper limit of the partition wall is located at a good distance below the water level, enabling swimmers to swim unhindered past the partition wall along the top, the oblong body of the partition wall being directly attached by means of at least two movable guide arms to the swimming pool bottom or to a wall part of a recess made in the swimming pool bottom.