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.

Abstract: A drain for swimming pools, spas, whirlpool baths, etc., includes a plurality of first orifices in communication with corresponding serpentine passageways to minimize hair or a body part from covering and entering the first orifices to a degree sufficient to entrap a bather. A plurality of second orifices independent of the first orifices and in fluid communication with one another through a peripheral passageway provide a flow of water from the peripheral passageway into the serpentine passageways to create an alternate water inflow path and reduce the pressure differential and possible entrapment that might occur should a body part or hair come in contact with or enter the first orifices. Moreover, a plurality of ridges are attendant the first orifices to reduce the likelihood of direct contact with the first orifices by a body part or hair.

Abstract: An underwater flotation safety device includes a base that may be positioned below the water surface of a swimming pool with ballast, a hook, or the like. A buoyant member is releasably coupled to the base and is also positioned below the water surface. A release member is positioned within a channel defined by the base for selectively releasing the buoyant member from the base. A transmitter is connected to the buoyant member for selectively transmitting a sing. A sensor for detecting a release of the buoyant member from the base is in communication with the transmitter for sending a signal when the buoyant member is released. An alarm unit remote from the transmitter includes a receiver for receiving the signal indicative of a release of the buoyant member. The alarm unit includes another transmitter for transmitting an emergency signal indicative of an emergency condition.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring a working status of a swimming pool cover assembly. The system comprises a pool cover assembly operably connected to an alarm apparatus; both may be operably connected to a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a working status of the pool cover assembly and sending a signal to the alarm apparatus. The alarm apparatus continually produces at least one humanly perceptible indication corresponding to a working status of the pool cover assembly. The alarm apparatus includes at least one alarm-producing device, such as an audio or visual device, or combination of the two, a receiver operably connected to the plurality of sensors for receiving the signals, a processor operably coupled with the receiver for processing and recognizing the received signals, and software operably coupled with the processor enabling the alarm-producing device to produce the humanly perceptible indication corresponding to the recognized signal.

Abstract: The pool and bathtub cushion is a padded mat for protecting against injuries that are often sustained against pool or bathtub edges. A first end of the pool cushion is secured outside of the pool through the use of fasteners or weights and the second end is secured to the interior vertical pool wall through the use of suction cups. A middle section of the cushion contains a cavity that is filled with a pliable structural support member, such as wire mesh. The cushion is placed over the edge of the swimming pool so that the support member completely encompasses the swimming pool edge. The support member allows the cushion to conform to an edge of any shape. The bathtub cushion is the same, but with suction cups along both ends of the cushion for attachment to the tub wall.

Abstract: A construction protective covering for covering and protecting delicate finishes on previously installed bathroom components on a construction job site from damage due to dropped tools and construction workers working in the vicinity of the installed component includes a double skinned, sheeted material protective covering having a center material between the double skins, the protective covering being sized to install within and cover either a bathtub or a shower stall enclosure including its front face and floor, the sheeted material having a thickness of from about ?? to about 5? thick, such that the sheeted material covering protects the shower stall enclosure and its floor.

Abstract: A drain cover for a swimming pool, spa or tub drain that includes a hollow tube or shell having a slot formed in a wall therein and a fitting connecting the drain cover with respect to the drain.

Abstract: A device and method to inhibit bacteria in a whirlpool bathtub and its closed looped plumbing system between each whirlpool bathtub drain down as well as during each whirlpool bathtub use. In addition to combining a high flow antimicrobial chamber with a suction device, the present invention incorporates safety features.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: An inventive suction cover for a whirlpool bath includes a rearwardly extending disinfectant chamber. The disinfectant chamber is filled with a supply of a disinfectant. As the whirlpool is operated, water is drawn into the disinfectant chamber and mixes with the disinfectant. This water then passes through an outlet hole and into the suction passage along with the greater volume flow of water having passed through the suction cover. The invention allows the retrofitting of a disinfectant chamber into existing whirlpool bath designs, and further ensures a greater likelihood of presence of disinfectant in the suction line at shutdown for draining of the whirlpool.

Abstract: A hydraulic suction fuse is mounted in a conventional debris collection trap of a swimming pool, spa or the like, to significantly reduce or eliminate any suction force on the bottom or side wall mounted drain of the swimming pool, spa or the like, as a result of the drain becoming essentially wholly covered by a body part of a person or other drain clogging article. Alternatively, the hydraulic suction fuse may be mounted in a compartment in line between the drain and a suction pump of a swimming pool, spa or the like. Thereby, a person captured by the suction force at the drain will be released and the person is free to move away from the drain essentially instantaneously upon contact with the drain. In one embodiment, the hydraulic suction fuse is self resetting once inflow through the drain is no longer restricted. In another embodiment of the hydraulic suction fuse, the hydraulic suction fuse may be easily manually reset.

Abstract: Missing drain covers used in connection with swimming pools, spas and/or other applications expose humans and animals to discharge ports in the drains that can develop near vacuums which eviscerate, entrap the body and entangle hair. A drain cover is disclosed that releases an elastomeric plug in the neighborhood of the drain upon removal of the drain cover. The plug becomes entrained in the discharge flow and eventually plugs up the smaller diameter discharge port eliminating vacuum hazards by checking all discharge flow and pressure.

Abstract: A replacement drain cover apparatus for a swimming pool drain to protect a swimmer from entrapment of the swimmer's body or hair and having a drain sump adapter ring for securing means into a pool drain sump and an installation plate for releasably securing onto the adapter ring and for positioning the adapter ring in a pool drain sump for securing the adapter ring in the correct position in the pool drain sump for a drain cover. An anti-entrapment drain cover having a size substantially greater than the pool drain sump is secured to the adapter ring to cover the drain sump and has sufficient cross sectional area so that the velocity of flow under and though the drain cover at any point on the drain cover even if partially blocked by a swimmer is at a rate to protect a swimmer from entrapment of the swimmer's body and hair.

Abstract: A vacuum surge suppressor for swimming pool safety valves. These valves normally sense and then instantly relieve excessively high vacuum levels in the pool's drain line. Such high vacuum levels occur when an individual becomes trapped by the suction at the pool's drain port which is connected to the drain line. The valve relieves the high vacuum level in the pool's drain line and the suction at the drain port by bleeding air into the pool's drain line, causing the pump connected to the drain line to lose prime. However, the safety function and indeed the entire function of the pool's drain system can be disabled by a short duration vacuum surge which occurs when the pump starts. The present invention suppresses the surge before it reaches the safety valve, thereby permitting the pool and the valve to function despite the presence of such short duration surges.

Abstract: A system to sanitize water in a whirlpool bathtub, spa, swimming pool, and other water vessels comprising improvements to U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,167 and incorporating an integral top fill antimicrobial injector not in the prior art. The system also practices the adding of antimicrobial additives to the water vessel system components, which include but are not limited to the system's piping, pump, jets, acrylic sheet and fiberglass/resin reinforcements.

Abstract: A whirlpool bath has a combination suction fixture and disposable filter. The suction fixture is a plastic semi-cylindrical housing attachable to the tub. A removable faceplate is reinforced and resistant to body and hair entrapment. The disposable filter is fibrous having a porous core, wherein the porous core has a series of holes and/or slots graduating in size from small at the outlet end to large at the remote end. The filter, sloped floor of the housing and drain slots provide for low water retention during shutdown. A safety/sanitation port on the outlet port creates cavitation if the whirlpool bath is operated without the disposable filter. The preferred embodiment removable faceplate is attached to the housing via a magnet and a peripheral ledge providing a pop off design. The preferred embodiment filter also has a pop off design.

Abstract: A drain cover for a swimming pool, spa or tub drain that includes a hollow tube or shell having a slot formed in a wall therein and a fitting connecting the drain cover with respect to the drain.

Abstract: A swimming pool covering structure including a flexible covering section for extending across the top surface of water contained within the pool and a flexible anchoring section for extending peripherally and outwardly from the covering section. The covering and anchoring sections are separable from each other about a separation segment. The covering and anchoring sections are releasably attached together about the separation segment. The anchoring segment is anchored to an outer structural component positioned outwardly relative to the inner surface of the pool peripheral wall.

Abstract: A vacuum release valve and method are defined. The valve 10, 100, 200 is positioned on a line L between a pool suction inlet I and a pump PU for pumping pool liquid from the inlet and along the line L. The valve 10, 100, 200 includes a valve member 24, 108, 214 that is urged by the pump into a sealing position during normal pumping of pool liquid from the inlet to the pump, so that pool liquid does not flow across the valve. When a predetermined level of vacuum is induced in the line, the valve member is moved out of the sealing position by the vacuum so that a fluid is allowed to flow through the valve to release the vacuum.

Abstract: Modular Pool Safety Controller used with swimming pool or spa. The controller stands alone, or integrated with a prior art controller. Emphasis is on safety of swimmers and pool equipment, providing low entry cost. Other modular features can be added. Safety features; Swimmer Protection: Excess Suction triggers latched pump shut-down and suction dump valve that admits air into the pump inlet, instantly releasing suction entrapment. When reduced daylight combines with swimmer activity, Pool Lights are turned on. Remote Control provides Emergency shut-down. Equipment Protection: Low pump Pressure triggers latched pump shut-down. Remote Control initiates draining high water levels. Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms (PIRA) offer specific voice messages when pump shut-down occurs; guidance concerning cause and actions required, plus chimes and red lights. After Startup PIRA delivers a green OK light and specific voice message confirming the communications link.

Abstract: An anti-entrapment, anti-vortex swimming pool and/or wading pool drain cover having a discus or wheel-like configuration with a relatively large radius, substantially larger than the radius of a pool drain which the drain cover is intended to cover, so that the disk extends out over the pool floor or other surface having the drain, radially beyond the drain, the disk carrying beneath it a plurality of evenly spaced radial ribs which define between them channels opening at the periphery; the ribs support the cover on the surface in which the drain is located so that the disk periphery stands off that surface for water flow intake beneath through the side inlets; the ribs and channels control water flow beneath the disk so that water flows relatively evenly in the channels from the periphery and then into the drain without potential for pool user entrapment and substantially without vortex creation.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.

Abstract: A propulsion-release safety vacuum release system (SVRS) for swimming pools monitors vacuum level in a suction pipe and reverses flow within the suction pipe if vacuum level exceeds a predetermined level. Thus, if a bather becomes entrapped on a suction outlet such as the pool main drain, the SVRS system not only releases the vacuum but also pushes away the suction-entrapped bather. In response to an elevated vacuum level, a vacuum-monitoring device actuates an automatic valve, which reverses fluid communications between the influent and effluent conduits of the pump and filter system. In this process, the suction pipe is converted from vacuum (negative pressure) to positive pressure. Thereafter, the automatic valve system automatically resets the SVRS to the original or normal flow configuration. The SVRS functions without interrupting operation of the swimming pool filtration system.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inflatable grille, whereof the numerous openings are provided with open-worked netting, capable of being spaced apart and locked for rescuing in an aquatic environment someone stuck beneath the device to move onto the device and to clean the floor of a swimming pool more easily by inserting the vacuum cleaner in the netting openings which are capable of being spaced apart and locked. Said grille is associated with hoisting means adapted to the environment wherein it operates and in swimming pools with slide rails having a non-return system which blocks the device in high position.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of forming a surface finish on a top surface of a drain cover for swimming pools or spas so that the surface finish of the drain cover matches the surface finish of the pool or spa. The apparatus comprises a ring shaped structure that is adapted to be positioned on the top surface of the drain cover wherein the ring is mounted along the general outer perimeter of the top surface of the drain cover. An exposed aggregate or plaster finish is then formed on the top surface of the cover enclosed by the ring so that the ring retains and shapes the surface finish.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: A modified skimmer lid for use with a pool pump assembly having a pump, a skimmer chamber and a removable skimmer lid for the skimmer chamber, the modified skimmer lid comprises a skimmer lid base adapted to seal and mate with said skimmer chamber, a compressed air inlet integrally part of said modified skimmer lid for communicating and introducing compressed air into said skimmer chamber and for purging existing pool lines with compressed air, such that existing water lines need not be disturbed or removed.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.

Abstract: A safety cover for swimming pool drains for dispersing suction pressure and preventing a person's hair or other body parts from becoming entangled and otherwise preventing injury or death. A generally dome-shaped drain cover is removably affixed to a new and/or existing suction drain using a universal mounting mechanism. The drain cover is preferably circular and includes a peripheral lip, a sidewall, and a segmented dome-shaped top portion. The peripheral lip functions to form a seal with the bottom surface of the pool surrounding the drain, while the sidewall defines a plurality of openings therein and the segmented dome-shaped top portion defines a plurality of segments each of which include a plurality of openings. Each opening incorporates screen mesh material for allowing water to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.

Abstract: A cover is provided for an end of a conduit. The cover comprises a front face covering the conduit end and a back face having fasteners for attachment to a conduit. A plurality of apertures pass between the front face and back face to allow the flow of liquid to and/or from the conduit. The edges of the front face defining the entrances to the apertures are non-planar. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the apertures are formed such that the flow of liquid between the front and back faces is deflected so that the liquid follows at least two directions in passing between the front and back faces. The cover can be used as a grille over drainage in a swimming pool.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of forming a surface finish on a top surface of a drain cover for swimming pools or spas so that the surface finish of the drain cover matches the surface finish of the pool or spa. The apparatus comprises a ring shaped structure that is adapted to be positioned on the top surface of the drain cover wherein the ring is mounted along the general outer perimeter of the top surface of the drain cover. An exposed aggregate or plaster finish is then formed on the top surface of the cover enclosed by the ring so that the ring retains and shapes the surface finish.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.

Abstract: A vacuum release valve and method are defined. The valve 10, 100, 200 is positioned on a line L between a pool suction inlet I and a pump PU for pumping pool liquid from the inlet and along the line L. The valve 10, 100, 200 includes a valve member 24, 108, 214 that is urged by the pump into a sealing position during normal pumping of pool liquid from the inlet to the pump, so that pool liquid does not flow across the valve. When a predetermined level of vacuum is induced in the line, the valve member is moved out of the sealing position by the vacuum so that a fluid is allowed to flow through the valve to release the vacuum.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve for installation on a swimming pool or spa main drain. The automatic shut-off valve has a ball and ball spring between a diaphragm and a housing. The diaphragm is made of resilient material. Downward force on the diaphragm urges the ball into sealable engagement with a valve seat in the housing. During operation, a swimmer covers sufficient diaphragm base apertures so that the diaphragm center is moved downwards as urged by the main drain suction, towards a swimming pool or spa main drain over which the automatic shut-off valve is mounted. The downward motion of the diaphragm urges the ball into sealable engagement with a valve seat in the housing, where it is securely held by the main drain suction. In this fashion, the ball is entrapped instead of the swimmer, thus avoiding possible disembowelment and/or drowning on the part of the swimmer. Back-up shut-off function is provided by a cap spring-loaded into a closed position whence it migrates should the ball become dislodged.

Abstract: A ramped cap unit is provided for installation into a swimming pool in a position covering a main pool drain equipped with an upstanding antivortex safety drain cover plate, wherein the ramped cap unit has a smoothly contoured shape to permit a pool cleaner device to travel thereover without interrupting or obstructing cleaning operation. The cap unit comprises a generally inverted saucer defining a smoothly sloping and convex or ramped upwardly presented surface having a diametric size and shape to fit over the safety drain cover plate. An array of ribs formed on the underside of the cap unit engage an outer periphery of the upstanding cover plate to retain the cap unit in position thereon. A large plurality of vents are formed in the cap unit at spaced-apart locations to permit downward water flow therethrough substantially without disrupting the antivortex and safety functions of the underlying drain cover plate.

Abstract: A pool drain safety cover system and method. The system includes a base defining at least one primary fluid aperture and a plurality of secondary fluid apertures. The cover also includes a grating extending across at least the primary fluid aperture for permitting the passage of drain water therethrough. The grating has at least an upper and a lower layer. The upper and lower layers are adjacent, and each is comprised of a plurality of spaced ribs for permitting the passage of fluid in a clearance space between the ribs.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a removable cover for retaining off-gases inside a clarifier. The cover comprises trusses extending across the clarifier and a flexible sheet laid across the trusses. Structural angles enclose the clarifier and constitute a kick plate on the walkways around the clarifier for improving the safety of workers. One side of the flexible sheet is permanently affixed to a first wall of the clarifier. A series of pullers are mounted inside the structural angles for pulling and releasably sealing the three other sides of the flexible sheet against the outmost trusses and against a second wall of the clarifier opposite the first wall. Each puller has a cable-deflector bar extending substantially at a same level as a mounting surface of the puller for increasing an angle of downward pull on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is rolled-up along the trusses to expose machinery inside the clarifier.

Abstract: Device for preventing permanent entrapment that includes a hollow cylindrical body for installation in a suction line. A cylindrical chamber contained in body. A hollow entrappee member with grooves. Chamber contains entrappee member with sealing member, which moves through chamber. A guide cover member wherein a shaft has locking groove and move entrappee member. A spring acting against guide cover, connected to shaft by an adjustable collar. Require locking member to be reset from locking groove. Allowing entrappee member to move back to open position.

Abstract: The present invention a modified skimmer lid for use with a pool pump assembly having a pump, a skimmer chamber and a removable skimmer lid for the skimmer chamber, the modified skimmer lid comprises a skimmer lid base adapted to seal and mate with said skimmer chamber, a compressed air inlet integrally part of said modified skimmer lid for communicating and introducing compressed air into said skimmer chamber and for purging existing pool lines with compressed air, such that existing water lines need not be disturbed or removed.

Abstract: The present invention entails a prefabricated safety device and method for installing the device in any swimming pool and that is capable of eliminating dangerous vacuum pressure created in the main drain line of a pool when an object or person becomes trapped against the drain or other suction line inlet of a swimming pool recirculating pump system. The vacuum elimination safety device is prefabricated and is a complete kit (unit) that can easily be installed directly onto the main drain suction line of any swimming pool recirculating pump system.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of forming a surface finish on a top surface of a drain cover for swimming pools or spas so that the surface finish of the drain cover matches the surface finish of the pool or spa. The apparatus comprises a ring shaped structure that is adapted to be positioned on the top surface of the drain cover wherein the ring is mounted along the general outer perimeter of the top surface of the drain cover. An exposed aggregate or plaster finish is then formed on the top surface of the cover enclosed by the ring so that the ring retains and shapes the surface finish.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.

Abstract: An animal rescue device 10 for suspension from the exterior periphery 102 of the side 101 of a swimming pool 100 wherein the device 10 includes a collapsible framework member 20 adapted to be attached to the swimming pool 100 and having a cross-piece element 21 attached to the upper end 31 of a sheet of netting 30; wherein, the lower end 32 of the sheet of netting 30 is provided with a negative buoyancy unit 13 which maintains the sheet of netting 30 in a vertical orientation relative to the side 101 of the pool 100 to allow an animal to climb out of the pool.

Abstract: A cover means (2) is provided for an end of a conduit (9). The cover means comprises a front face (4) covering the conduit end and a back face (6) having attachment means (8) for attachment to the conduit (9). A plurality of apertures (10, 12, 14) pass between the front face (4) and back face (6) to allow the flow of a liquid to and/or from the conduit (9). The edges of the front face defining the entrances to the apertures (10, 12, 14) are non-planar. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the apertures (10, 12, 14) are formed such that the flow of liquid between the front and back faces is deflected so that the liquid follows at least two directions in passing between the front and back faces.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve for installation on a sing pool or spa main drain. The automatic shut-off valve has a soft gasket, ball, and ball spring between a grate and a housing. The grate is free to reciprocate up and down relative to the housing. Downward reciprocation of the grate urges the ball into sealable engagement with a valve seat in the housing. During operation, a swimmer covers sufficient grate apertures so that the grate is moved downwards as urged by the main drain suction, towards a swimming pool or spa main drain over which the automatic shut-off valve is mounted. The downward motion of the grate urges the ball into sealable engagement with a valve seat in the housing, where it is securely held by the main drain suction. In this fashion, the ball is entrapped instead of the swimmer, thus avoiding possible disembowelment and/or drowning on the part of the swimmer.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of forming a surface finish on a top surface of a drain cover for swimming pools or spas so that the surface finish of the drain cover matches the surface finish of the pool or spa. The apparatus comprises a ring shaped structure that is adapted to be positioned on the top surface of the drain cover wherein the ring is mounted along the general outer perimeter of the top surface of the drain cover. An exposed aggregate or plaster finish is then formed on the top surface of the cover enclosed by the ring so that the ring retains and shapes the surface finish.

Abstract: A spa system which emp loys a removable drain cover. Removal of the drain cover will cause a proximity switch to turn off the circulation pump in the spa. In a preferred embodiment, the removable drain cover has a magnet attached to it and a magnetically actuable reed switch is attached to the drain body in proximity to the drain cover. Removal of the drain cover with the magnet attached will cause the reed switch to change state which opens a circuit controlling the operation of the spa pump thereby shutting down the spa circulation system. As a result, the spa circulation system cannot be operated without the drain cover in place. This reduces the likelihood of unwanted objects being drawn into the drain. Furthermore, should the spa user's hair become entangled in the drain cover or the drain pipe, the spa pump may be turned off by simply removing the drain cover thereby permitting the entangled user to be released.

Abstract: In a swimming pool in which water is circulated by a pump, a schoolboy child is liable to be absorbed into a discharge port, which is dangerous. A sensor which has a load cell is provided at the back of a water-permeable cover in the discharge port. If a human body of the child is absorbed into the discharge port and contacted with the cover, the load cell is pressed by the water-permeable cover to transmit a signal to a control circuit in which it is determined whether or not pressure variation applied to the sensor is normal or abnormal. If abnormality is determined therein, an alarm is sounded to inform a watcher of the accident and the pump is stopped to release the child from the discharge port.