Abstract: A floating digital display thermometer for a hot tub, spa or swimming pool, having a motion-sensitive switch responsive to wave action or intentional manipulation. The components are arranged within a watertight housing to ensure that a digital display always remains up to ensure easy viewing. Circuitry is provided for converting temperature readings to a digital display, and for indicating other functions such as time and date, and for providing alarm and music capabilities. Manually-activated membrane switches may be provided to activate various functions of the device. Furthermore, the thermometer is also capable of measuring and displaying the PH and the oxidation reduction potential of the liquid in the spa or swimming pool.

Abstract: A fluid impermeable housing includes a lower support body receiving a battery, with an upper body portion mounting a printed circuit board containing a light-emitting diode panel for indication of temperature with the light-emitting diode panel operative through the printed circuit board and a temperature sensor directed through the housing to effect indication of ambient pool water temperature. The organization includes a threadedly securable lower and upper cap permitting access to the components of the organization for maintenance and replacement of various portions thereof. A modification of the invention includes cup support structure arranged on diametrically opposed sides of the support housing utilizing the temperature indication of the light-emitting diode panel for indication of ambient pool water temperature. The cup support structure includes a cup holder wherein drinking cups may be mounted.

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

Abstract: A pool deck protective liner in the nature of a pool guard for swimmers is provided to extend around the deck of a swimming pool adjacent the edge of the deck at the swimming pool and along edges of structural components of the pool such as step ladders, diving boards and the like. The protective liner is comprised of a plurality of inflatable tubes which are sized and shaped to extend around the edges of the swimming pool deck and structural components thereof. Moreover, the individual tubes are endwise abuttable to form a generally peripherally extending liner. A member is provided on the inflatable tubes to hold the endwise abutted inflatable tubes along the edge of the swimming pool deck. It is also possible to provide a long length of rolled inflatable tube which a user can cut to select lengths and secure to the edge of a deck of a swimming pool surrounding a swimming pool itself.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling equipment for operating a spa, provide electrical controls for controlling such equipment, a manual stationary control for manual user operation of these electrical controls, and a manual remote control including a hand-held wireless remote control unit for manual user operation, at least from inside the spa, of the electrical controls operable by the manual stationary control. The manual stationary control is maintained activated for continued manual user operation of the equipment through the electrical controls manually from a control location while the manual remote control remains activated for manual user operation of the equipment through the electrical controls interchangeably with the manual stationary control from the control location and with the hand-held wireless remote control unit at least from inside the spa.

Abstract: A device for creating a waterfall effect and a fountain effect in an adjacent swimming pool spa or the like, has a tubular manifold with spray orifices which produce streams of water. The manifold is positionable so that the streams of water can be aimed away from the housing at an inclined angle, thereby producing a fountain effect, or so that the streams of water can be directed to fill a reservoir located within the housing and adapted to discharge water in the form of a waterfall.

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

Abstract: A versatile swimming pool coping having at least three horizontal securing channels which open inward to the pool when the coping is positioned at the top of a swimming pool wall for accommodating a plurality of accessories for the swimming pool. The coping is contoured to provide a smooth transition at the corner formed at the juncture of the top of the vertical wall and the horizontal deck around the swimming pool. In a particular embodiment the coping accommodates the bead, of a one-piece vinyl liner which covers the floor and vertical walls, in the bottom channel, a decorative element such as a decorative or light providing strip in a middle channel, and the bead of an accessory which is relatively frequently installed and removed in an upper channel. Also integrally formed as a part of the coping are means to secure the coping at the top of a swimming pool wall. The successive channels above the liner bead holding channel are set back step-wise.

Abstract: A water flow control device, using available swimming pool water for a source of water, adapted to be connected to conventional swimming pool hose apparatus for rapidly serving swimming pools for winter and spring cleanup. The flow control device can be used to rapidly fill water tubes, consisting of large vinyl bags which are used to anchor the four sides of conventional swimming pool cover used to cover swimming pools when not in use. The flow control device comprises a check valve, a nozzle, a hose section, a valve housing, a flow control handle, a flow chamber, a ball and a ball check seat. A swimming pool flow control system incorporating a source of water.An improved flow control device, of 11/2" id.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for protecting a swimming pool against damage due to forces created as water in the pool freezes and expands. The apparatus includes a hull that floats on the surface of the water and compresses as the water freezes and expands. A pair of straps attach the hull to a pair of bean bags to keep the float in a selected position near the side of the pool. The hull has a pair of side members and a pair of end members, forming a watertight hull. The side members are connected together along a common edge to form a V-shaped cross section. A plurality of weights are located in a semicircular slot along the common edge to keep the common edge downward in the water.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing a rolled pool cover along the exterior sidewall of the pool. The apparatus includes a plurality of perimetrically spaced apart, upwardly opening hooks which are cantileverly supported on the pool sidewall. The hooks are expansible and contractible to allow the hooks to "open" and "close" for receiving and dispensing the pool cover.

Abstract: A swimming pool winterizing system which includes a straight hollow resilient plastic member for insertion into the skimmer discharge outlet and an L-shaped hollow tubular member for insertion into the swimming pool discharge outlet. Each hollow member is of length to allow the open upper end to extend above the pool water level and allow for the blowing of forced air through the pool water lines thereby purging the water lines for the winter months without the need of lowering the swimming pool water level.

Abstract: A modular assembly for use in a swimming pool is described. This assembly integrates the technical components and accessories for swimming pools, including at least one stair, a horizontal submerged bathing portion capable of supporting a user while sitting or lying, a filtration vat enclosing a water filtration system for filtering water to and from the swimming pool into and out of the modular assembly, and a technical vat enclosing a system for pumping and water recycling for pumping and recycling water between the swimming pool and the modular assembly. The assembly of the present invention can also include additional accessories such as a foot bath, a bathing therapy system, a countercurrent swimming system, a submerged lighting system, and a shower. The entire module includes connections for water intake and water discharge for passage of water to and from the swimming pool, and electrical power connections for accessing electrical power.

Abstract: A portable swimming pool skimmer that may be dragged around the perimeter of a swimming pool by a person gripping its tether line. The swimming pool skimmer has a pair of laterally spaced end walls that are secured to the respective opposite ends of three tubular connecting members. The first two of these tubular members are air tight so that they have a tendency to float to the top of the water surface. The third tubular member has a plurality of apertures therein that allows it to fill with water and causes it to sink beneath the surface of the water. A net is connected between the two air tight tubular connecting members and it has a sufficient amount of slack so that it forms a concave shape when the skimmer is dragged around the pool for collecting the undesirable objects floating on the water surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a mounting support for upright supporting posts in pools, particularly of the type having a vinyl liner. A hollow tube having a closed lower end and a coupler collar at the upper end is embedded in the ground defining the bottom of the pool. A top plate and gasket are secured to the coupler collar with the vinyl liner positioned therebetween. An upright post for a swimming pool accessory may then be easily engaged in or disengaged from the mounting support. A pop-on cap may be fitted to the opening of the mounting support when the mounting support is not in use.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device wherein several embodiments are disclosed. The first embodiment utilizing a unitary aquatic exercise device which is adaptable for use with a conventional pool ladder. The second embodiment is directed to a unitary aquatic exercise device which is adaptable for use with an inverted pool ladder. Both of these embodiments are readily placed in the vertical position when not in use and are also readily removable from the pool when so desired. A third embodiment utilizes a unitary aquatic device which includes mounting legs that are permanently mounted in recesses of the pool decking. All of these embodiments are made of lightweight PVC components eliminating any corrosion problems and also rendering the device readily cleanable.

Abstract: A jet nozzle attachment includes a hose having a connecting member to be connected to a compressed hot water jet hole formed inside a bath, and a nozzle, connected to the hose, for forcibly jetting out a fluid mixture of hot water and air. A fluid mixture of hot water and air can be jetted out in an arbitrary direction by using the nozzle.

Abstract: A drain and filler attachment for a plastic pool has at one end of a threaded elbow, a threaded nipple intrudes into a plastic pool through X-cuts made in the pool material. The opening is sealed by O-rings and a threaded open cap compressing the O-rings and the pool material against a collar on the threaded elbow. At the other end, the threaded elbow has a coupling and a hose adapter. The hose adapter has a controllable water flow on and off valve at one end and a fitting at the other end for removable attachment to a cooperative fitting on a garden hose.

Abstract: A bulkhead is illustrated with sockets through the top deck and an intermediate platform to provide a box-frame structural strength to the bulkhead and to receive pool attachments for swimming activities, such as diving platforms or water polo goals. Another invention is the provision of tongue members for joining separate sections of a bulkhead which is assembled together at the swimming pool site. These tongue members can be longitudinal tongue members protruding from one or the other of the sections or they can be transverse tongue members which are on each section and are secured together. There is also an invention of access ports through both the top deck and the intermediate platform of a hollow swimming pool bulkhead for providing access to the interior of the bulkhead.

Abstract: A tie-down particularly adapted for use in combination with a pool cover which importantly prevents any marring, scratching or damage to the surface of the deck surrounding the pool. The tie-down is generally flat and smooth and made from a tough flexible rubber compound, presenting a keyhole slot at one end and a bifurcated opposite end. Either a hollow threaded member (or fastener) or a selective snap fastening arrangement is presented at the latter. The keyhole slot engages an anchor embedded in the pool deck, where the opposite bifurcated end secures one of a series of grommets disposed along the edge of the pool cover. The invention achieves desired strength and pulling force on the cover.

Abstract: A rope anchor device for a swimming pool having a vinyl liner wherein a flat base plate has at least two integral stems projecting rearwardly from the plate and extending through the swimming pool wall. A nut is threaded on each stem at the back or outside of the swimming pool wall to mount the plate securely against the inside of the swimming pool wall. A rope anchor eyelet plate is in turn mounted on the base plate, with the linear clamped therebetween, by at least two threaded fasteners which engage the anchor plate and are threadably engaged in bores extending coaxially through the stems. The base plate can be made of cast and machined metal or injection molded plastic. Where the base plate is made of metal, the bores are internally threaded. Where the base plate is made of injection molded plastic, self-tapping screws can be used and hence the bores need not be internally threaded.

Abstract: Portable lift structure for moving a support platform between a comparatively dry position above the surrounding deck of a liquid spa tank to a wetting position in the spa tank including two longitudinally extending structural members pivotally connected at corresponding top ends thereof to be moved between a portable and operating positions, one structural member serving as a mast to be removably mounted in the spa tank deck and the other as a platform mount, to be pivoted from above the surrounding spa tank deck to a position above the spa tank and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder and piston to a wetting position.

Abstract: A removable sleeve for covering a metal tubular handrail for a swimming pool or spa comprises an elongated substantially rectangular sheet of synthetic elastomer having a sheet of fabric bonded to the exterior surface thereof, and releasable securing structure extending along substantially the entire length of the opposite edges of the elongated sheet for joining the opposite edges to secure the sleeve around and along the tubular handrail.

Abstract: A swimming lane marker system employs an anchor clip connected at each end of a lane marker cable, the clip having a pin for insertion in an aperture on the gutter-facing side of a gutter lip or similar structure at water level.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet assembly capable of operating in either an entrainment mode and/or a tub water entrainment mode. The assembly incorporates a valve means including a rotatable control member which allows a user to selectively vary the amount of supplied water jet and/or air available for entrainment and/or tub water available for entrainment.

Abstract: A longitudinal receptor construction for insertion into a channel or opening and for holding a desired element is provided. The receptor has an inverted L-shape cross section in which a horizontal leg is advantageously suited for retrofit usage in an existing groove or channel opening and has locking features which afford substantially improved capability for holding the receptor and the element inserted into the receptor.The groove into which the receptor is positioned may be the groove contiguous to a swimming pool coping and may be the same groove devised for and used to hold another element such as the peripheral bead of a swimming pool liner. Sufficient gripping force by the horizontal receptor leg in the locking groove or channel is provided by the receptor leg configuration which prevents dislodging of the receptor leg by forces pulling on the receptor or other member which may be present in the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically filling a pool or spa with water. The apparatus can be installed adjacent the pool or spa and includes a housing coupled to the preexisting water input of the pool or spa and such coupling is controlled by a float valve to either shut off or admit incoming water depending upon the level of the water in the pool or spa. The inlet pipe for water delivery to the pool enters the pool above or below water level.

Abstract: Heavy duty weather and actinic resistant protective blanket for pool covers which is attachable at the leading edge of a pool cover so that upon furling the cover, the blanket surrounds, both longitudinally and laterally, the pool cover. Fastening means to secure the blanket to itself in the furled condition is provided, preferably cooperatingly disposed strips of VELCRO.TM. hook and loop material. The leading edge of the pool cover is secured to the trailing edge of the blanket by stitching, grommets, barbed plastic rivets, straps, line or the like. The blanket is at least 1/8th the length of the cover and an embodiment for free form pool cover is shown.

Abstract: A swimming pool bulkhead is provided with sets of transversely spaced buoyancy chambers for providing stability against rotation about the lengthwise axis of the bulkhead when the chambers are inflated. The bulkhead is made of two separate short sections which are transported separately and bolted together at the pool.

Abstract: A track structure for retaining the liner of a liner type in-ground swimming pool is comprised of two component parts including an elongated length of a channel-like body section adapted to be secured about the perimeter of a liner-type pool and a channel-like insert adapted to be removably disposed within the body section. Both components are formed of polymeric plastic composition and both are configured at least partially complementary, so as to enable the insert to effect a snap-in interfit for securing the insert within the body. The insert when disposed within the body cooperates with an internal body surface wall to define a narrow clearance through which the liner can extend while securing the beaded edge of the liner against withdrawal. When the body and insert are assembled, a single exposed channel is provided, enabling a form board to be positioned thereat for the pouring and setting of aggregate deciking about the pool.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquatic exerciser or rehabilitation equipment and, particularly, to an exerciser mounted for positioning a user engaging component in a cantilevered configuration over the edge of a swimming pool or other water body. The exerciser suspends user engaging members over the water and allows the user to carry out various exercises within the pool. Typically, the exercises include body lifting exercises and in contrast to conventional body lifting exercises carried out outside the water, the force required by the user increases in proportion to the amount of his body that is above the water level. In other circumstances the difficulty may be increased by carrying out certain movements within the water at higher speeds with the water providing a drag force as an increasing function of the speed. Thus, the user can either increase or decrease the difficulty of the exercise easily.

Abstract: A lift for putting a handicapped person into the water of a swimming bath or pool comprises a top plate, a bottom plate, a base plate secured to the ground, a fixed support post mounted on the base plate and comprising a steel tube welded to the top plate and a stainless steel tubular shaft centered in the steel tube, a rotation block rotatably mounted on the tubular shaft, and a guide column or plate. The rotation block comprises a frame provided at the rear with concentric bearings pivoting around the tubular shaft, a bearing plate positioned inside the frame, a rod mounted on and secured to the tubular shaft, and a horizontal jack mounted at its rear end to the bearing plate. The nose of the jack is connected to the rod for pivotally mounting the rotation block on the tubular shaft.

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

Abstract: A capsule and a method of making a capsule for use in the dissolution of a chlorine chemical compound into a body of water. The capsule comprises a tablet section having at least one chlorine compound tablet and a shell securely fitted about the tablet section. The shell has two apertures at opposite ends, each extension extending away from the tablet section and having a conduit communicating with an aperture to reduce the dissolving rate of the chlorine into the water. The ends of the extensions may be shaped to prevent the capsule from standing on its ends.

Abstract: A pool deck protector comprising an enlarged body portion tapering into narrow elongated strips at either end, where the body portion is adpated to underlie the body of a spring member forming part of a pool cover tensioning arrangement. The aforesaid strips of the deck protector are inserted into opposite ends of the spring member, serving to retain the elongated body portion in a position between the spring member and the upper surface of the pool deck.

Abstract: A device adapted for preventing an automatic pool cleaner from being caught between an interior surface of a pool and a pool ladder having a pair of side rails and a plurality of steps therebetween. The device comprises a body adapted to be positioned between the pool surface and the ladder means for holding the body between the surface and the ladder. The body includes a pair of opposing side walls adapted to span and obstruct the space between the pool surface and the side rails to prevent the pool cleaner from movement into the space.

Abstract: Skimmer apparatus, for a recreational pool of the type where a housing of the skimmer is mounted outside the pool and has a port opening in sealed relation to a pool sidewall opening, is provided with an assembly, including a special gasket frame and a face plate, for fastening the housing to the pool sidewall for normal use, and further including a cover panel adapted to sealably mount over the face plate by gripping sealing engagement with a peripheral flange of the gasket frame to effectively close off the chamber of the skimmer housing for non-use or storage disposition.

Abstract: The splash or landing pool of a water slide has an entry zone of substantially increased depth relative to conventional splash pools and a shallow exit zone leading from the entry zone. The entry zone is provided with a false floor at a depth such that a child can walk thereacross, the false floor being a close mesh net which can safely decelerate an adult who has improperly entered the pool from the slide.

Abstract: A detachable immersible support for supporting articles in a swimming pool comprising a mooring bracket, a U-shaped frame member, an article support, and a frame member spacer, wherein the mooring bracket is comprised of two substantially horizontal oppositely disposed ends of a vertical central portion, one end is adapted to be fastened to the coping on the pool or the ground beside the coping, the vertical portion is adapted to be spaced a short distance inside the wall of the pool, the second horizontal end extends outwardly from the vertical member, the U-shaped frame member is comprised of a down leg, a horizontal leg and an up leg, the upper end of the down leg is fastened to the mooring bracket and is adapted to be suspended substantially parallel to and spaced from the pool wall, the horizontal leg of the U-shaped frame member is arranged at substantially 90 degrees relative to the down leg, the up leg of the U-shaped frame member is arranged at substantially 90 degrees relative to the horizontal leg

Abstract: A winterizing kit for swimming pools and more specifically a winterizing faceplate kit for both inground and aboveground swimming pools to greatly reduce the efforts required in the preparation of a swimming pool for active use or for winterizing. A skimmer faceplate is installed on the wall of the swimming pool which provides for both the mounting of a skimmer and a winter cover when required with the present kit eliminating the necessity to drain and refill the pool each time the pool is opened in the spring or closed in the fall. The faceplate includes a gasket arrangement and other components including a faceplate, winterizing cover and necessary mounting bolts and screws to secure the components in position on the swimming pool.

Abstract: A hanging wall table for swimming pools is provided consisting of polyvinyl chloride tubing or the like, which forms the frame of the table and engages the above-ground pool wall by a J-shaped hanging support, and a shelf made of plastic or the like. Suction cups are provided on the lower end of the frame to provide stability when the table is employed. This swimming pool wall table may be easily assembled from a kit and is simply erected to provide a firm and stable support for poolside accessories and can be employed for various above ground pool structures.

Abstract: An articulated liter is disclosed for assisting disabled patients in getting in and out of hydrotherapeutic pools. The litter moves progressively from a chair-like position for the patient to sit on, to a horizontal position in which the patient is supported in a supine position, to a position in which the litter is cantilevered over the pool and finally into a substantially vertical position in which the free end of the litter and the patient are submerged within the pool. The progressive movements of the litter are reversed to remove the patient from the pool.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise apparatus having a main frame with arcuate upper supports which are secured to a pool decking and having lower supports connected thereto. The main frame is provided with a first upper pair and a second lower pair of outwardly projecting arms for user exercise purposes. An exercise platform is pivotally attached to the main frame and is adjustable in any position from vertical to ninety degrees relative to the main frame.

Abstract: A swimming pool step guard having resilient means to adjust the length thereof is engaged at its upper end by a pool edge adjacent the pool stair well and engages the bottom of the pool at its lower end to thereby block entrance into the stairwell of a pool sweeper.

Abstract: In a drainage system for maintaining a swimming pool cover drained of accumulated precipitation, a pump with its intake is disposed in a fluid trap defined by an upper surface of the swimming pool cover. A discharge port of the pump is disposed outside of the fluid trap. A sensor is disposed in a flow path of the pump for detecting the presence of fluid flow therethrough, while a clock unit is operatively connected to the pump for periodically operating the pump for a ten-second interval. A control circuit continues to operate the pump beyond the ten-second interval upon the detection by the sensor of fluid flow through the pump at the end of the ten-second interval. In that case, operation of the pump is terminated only upon a cease of fluid flow through the pump.

Abstract: A chair supported on the coping and side of a swimming pool, spa or other aquatic body. The chair is held by a support arm which rests on the surface of the coping. The chair also has a leg which extends to the side of the swimming pool below the water line to hold the seat of the chair away from the side of the pool.

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