Abstract: A method for preventing an obstruction from being trapped by suction to an inlet of a pool filter pump system, and a lint trap cover therefor. The cover is for installation on a lint trap unit located upstream of a pool filter pump, and is configured to vent air into the lint trap unit when a vacuum level within the unit exceeds a specified vacuum limit, as is the case if the drain or another inlet connected to the lint trap unit is partially or completely obstructed, such as by a child or foreign object. The rapid influx of air eliminates the vacuum within the pump and suction lines and, therefore, the resulting unsafe condition. The lint trap cover preferably has a damped mode of operation so that the pump system does not recover before the obstruction is removed. The cover can be manufactured as original equipment for the lint trap unit, or an existing cover can be modified to include the components required for venting the lint trap unit without requiring any modifications to the remaining pump system.

Abstract: An anti-vacuum drain cover is defined by a centrally supported grating together with at least one outwardly extending tributary tube. When the grating is obstructed, the fluid may still be suctioned through at least one tributary tube preventing the formation of vacuum conditions within the main drain. The outboard end of the tributary tube may be fashioned in an irregular pattern to preclude deliberate blockage with one's hand. The grating may further incorporate an anti-hair entanglement design, such as self shedding cantilever elements, which provide anti-hair snare properties. The tributary tubes may be straight or curved with sufficient length to minimize hair entanglement through the tributary tubes. The outboard ends of the tributary tubes may also be located sufficiently far from the grating to eliminate the possibility of simultaneously blocking all suction sites with a single body.

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 main drain safety grate apparatus utilizes an elongate drain, frame and grate that distribute the suction flow of water over a large surface to avoid full blockage of the grate, and also utilizes a bendable or deformable, upwardly releasable grate that has a section slotted to permit water to drain therethrough. The grate is ordinarily restrained from upward movement by a slot in each end of the frame into which the ends of the grate fit, and from downward movement by two shelves on which the grate may be supported. The grate may be released from the frame by an upward force applied at the section provided for drainage, which bends, or bows, the grate in an arcuate shape, and acts to shorten the length of the grate relative to the slots into which it is fitted.

Abstract: A heater assembly for use with spas, hot tubs and the like, includes a control circuit which controls the application of electrical power to the heater. A control circuit controls application of power to the heater in response to a thermostat setting, the flow of water in the spa system and in response to a high limit temperature. When the high limit temperature is exceeded, electrical power to the heater is removed. Electrical power to the heater cannot be restored until power to the entire system is turned off and then back on. The control circuit is mounted on the heater and includes spring-loaded standoffs which maintain the temperature sensors in good thermal contact with the body of the heater.

Abstract: A pool cover (C2) for use in a swimming pool (S) to inhibit algae growth and make the pool water more readily usable when the cover is removed. The cover includes single or multiple, interconnected panels (P) sized to fit within the confines of the pool, regardless of pool size and shape. Each panel comprises a multiple layer of material including upper and layers (L1, L2) of opaque material with a buoyant material (B) between these layers. Side panels (N) attach to the main portion of the cover to cover water surface areas (W, A, V) where people enter the pool, wade, or sit. The cover is used in conjunction with a cover (C1) fitted over the pool to protect the pool and people moving around the pool during those times of the year when the pool is not in use. The two covers are used together in a pool cover system.

Abstract: A suction assembly employs an air induction tube to induct air into the recirculating water pump to cause the pump to cease pumping operation when the front face of the assembly is blocked. The induction tube is connected to a bleed path formed between the induction tube and a surrounding coaxial face tube extended into the assembly from the front face. When the face is blocked by hair or the like, water in the induction tube bleeds into the main chamber of the assembly and empties the induction tube. Air is then pulled into the pump, causing the pump to lose prime thereby reducing pump pressure to zero and allowing the hair or other blocking material to be removed. In a preferred embodiment, the induction tube is connected to the air inlet of at least one venturi-type hydromassage jet assembly. The suction assembly employs a spring-loaded induction stem which bears compressively against the interior face of the suction cover, thereby permitting use of conventional suction covers.

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: A valve designed to bleed air in to the suction line of a pool when the suction pressure exceeds a predetermined value. The valve is housed in a four port fixture in which the ports are designated as the first, second, third and forth ports. Each port has a central axis with all the central axes lying in a single plane. The central axes of the first and third port lie on a first straight line and the axes of the second and forth port lie on a second straight line. The first and second line cross one another orthogonally which places the first and third ports opposite one another and the second and forth port opposite one another. The second and forth ports each contain an individual moveable element which has a first and a second position. In the first position the moveable element blocks the port. In the second position the port is opened and will admit air into the valve.

Abstract: A hair control device for pools/spas and a method for using the same includes a grate disposable in the pump inlet of a pool/spa with a plurality of elongate flow channels extending between a first end of the grate and a second end of the grate. The elongate flow channels are isolated from one another so as to decrease turbulence and to prevent hair from tangling or knotting behind the grate in such a manner that a person's head is held under water. Preferably, the channels of the grate will be at least 18 inches long. The channels can be linear, or can be disposed in a helical pattern through the housing of the grate.

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: This invention is a slip resistant diving platform cover that can be easily installed or removed from a diving platform. The cover has a top mat laying in contact and covering a top plate of the diving platform, a front mat laying adjacent to a front plate of the diving platform, and a rear mat laying adjacent to a rear plate of the diving platform. These three mats are fastened to the diving platform by a U-shaped front clamp and a U-shaped rear clamp. Both clamps provide a screw means for engagement with the cover and the platform. The front clamp further provides a hinged leg bonded to an interior surface of the cover enabling permanent attachment thereto. The hinged leg preferably has a first portion that is attached to the top mat and a second portion which is attached to the front mat so that the front mat and the top mat may be rotated to an angle appropriate to conforming with the front and top plates of the platform.

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 and apparatus for alternately providing and releasing suction to a plurality of pool drains or if desired alternately providing suction and liquid under pressure to pool drains to prevent one from becoming stuck to the drains. This includes introducing a valve arrangement between the drains and the suction pump which is continuously operated to control the flow between the drains and the pump.

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: An automatic rescue device employing a safety net usable in large in-ground swimming pools operable without human assistance can lift a net rapidly and effectively to the surface and is suitable to handle significant weight and rescue several people in a stable and reliable manner. It is comprised of a safety net coextensive with the perimeter of the pool submerged in the water when inactive having metal arms fastened to corners thereof, hollow cylinders running from the pool bottom to just above the top of the water surface standing at corners of the pool that house collapsible rods. In certain modes, minimal action by a human, namely operation of a remote activator, is necessary. When the swimming pool is not in use, an infra red signalling system is activated causing an electrical signal to travel through wires to activate motors at the bottom of each cylinder.

Abstract: A safety device for use in a suction outlet assembly of a swimming pool, whirlpool, spa or the like is disclosed. More particularly, the outlet assembly has an opening therein in communication with a pump adapted to create sufficient suction for causing fluid flow through the outlet assembly and a cover mounted over the opening without substantially obstructing fluid flow therethrough. The safety device includes an obstructing mechanism for obstructing the opening when the cover is not properly positioned or affixed to the outlet assembly, whereby fluid flow through the outlet assembly is substantially prevented even if the pump is in operation.

Abstract: An ice protector for absorbing the expansion of ice within a pool skimmer during freezing conditions. The inventive device includes a hollow compressible container having a stopper engagable to the fluid conduit within the skimmer. The stopper is operable to plug the conduit and support the container in a vertical orientation projecting above the waterline such that freezing of the water will compress the container to preclude damage to the skimmer. The device may further include a plurality of extension caps attachable to the container to accommodate various skimmer sizes and to ensure projection of the container above a high waterline.

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: A protection device for a spa pack has a sensor and associated controller responsive to failure of the electrical circuits in the spa pack and a warning device responsive to operation of the controller to provide a warning of failure of the power supply for the spa pack. An automatic dialling system responsive to the controller provides automatic placement of a warning signal on a telephone line connected alarm system. The controller is connected within a circuit protected by a ground fault interrupter.

Abstract: A safety device for avoiding entrapment at a water reservoir drain by using a vacuum operated switch to interrupt power to the reservoir pump whenever a blockage occurs. In addition, a manual reset switch requires human intervention to re-activate the reservoir pump once the blockage condition is removed.

Abstract: An adjustable flooring structure for a pool includes a platform and three groups of hydraulic cylinders. The first group of cylinders is vertically mounted to the platform and is extendable between a minimum first length and a maximum first length for lifting the pool from a minimum height to an intermediate height. The second group of cylinders is pivotally mounted to the platform and movable between a horizontal disposition and a vertical disposition for lifting of the platform. The second group of cylinders is extendable between a minimum second length and a maximum second length for lifting the platform from the intermediate height to the maximum height when the second group of cylinders are vertically disposed. The third group of cylinders are pivotally mounted to the platform and are pivotally mounted to the second group of cylinders for moving the second group of cylinders between the horizontal disposition and the vertical disposition when the platform is at the intermediate height.

Abstract: Border protector device applicable to the border (1) of pools, boats, and vehicle buckets and the like (2) is comprised of cushioned modules (3) provided with back end belts (4) for fixing in books (5) provided on the border (1), and the front sides (6) of the aforesaid cushioned modules (3) can define spaces as outlets for advertising (7); a second construction possibility of the cushioned module (3) shown by the reference (3') is possible.

Abstract: A gate assembly for tensioned fences, particularly those which encircle home swimming pools and are removable for swimming pool use. The gate in its preferred form is "U" shaped with no rigid bar at the top and has the space between the bars of the gate filled with tensioned mesh fabric similar to the tensioned fence. The gate is supported by poles on each edge which provides spring closed hinging on one edge and an automatic latch at the opposite edge. The poles are in fact pairs of poles at each side which together react to the tension of the fence without transferring the fence tension to the gate. In one form, the two poles at each edge are rigidly connected by bars which define a truss. The gate supporting poles are secured to the pole decking as by insertion in drilled holes which are at cant angles in the order of 5.degree. away from the direction of the fence tension. A process for installing the fence and gate is described.

Abstract: A suction-actuated control system (10) for a whirlpool bath/spa installation includes a suction-side transducer (52) connected in the suction inlet path and a controller (54). The suction-side transducer (52) transmits an air pulse to the controller (54) when pressure in the suction path drops below a pre-determined value caused, for example, by a full or partial blockage of a suction cover (26) by a wash cloth or an article of clothing. The controller (54) includes an electric switch (62) in circuit with the recirculation pump (34) and a bi-state controller (66) that actuates the electric switch (62) between its ON state and its OFF state. An abnormally low pressure in the suction path to the recirculation pump (34) caused by a full or partial blockage of the suction cover (26) will cause the controller (54) to shut-off the recirculation pump (34). After the obstruction is removed and a short time delay, the user can actuate a user ON/OFF control (56) to restart the pump (34).

Abstract: A suction assembly employs an air induction tube to induct air into the recirculating water pump to cause the pump to cease pumping operation when the front face of the assembly is blocked. The induction tube is connected to a bleed path formed between the induction tube and a surrounding coaxial face tube extended into the assembly from the front face. When the face is blocked by hair or the like, water in the induction tube bleeds into the main chamber of the assembly and empties the induction tube. Air is then pulled into the pump, causing the pump to lose prime thereby reducing pump pressure to zero and allowing the hair or other blocking material to be removed.

Abstract: A protective inflatable edge guard which 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 or members associated with the pool. The edge guard thereby provides protection to swimmers and others using the swimming pool by precluding hard contact with said edges. The protective edge guard 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 edge liner. A member is provided on the inflatable tubes to hold the endwise abutted inflatable tubes along the edge of the swimming pool deck.

Abstract: A swimming pool structure comprises a swimming pool sidewall defining a pool area, an elevated deck attached to the sidewall along an upper rim thereof, and a pair of ladder side rails extending from the deck into a water-holding pool area defined by the sidewall, the side rails being connected at upper ends to at least one of the sidewall and the deck. The ladder side rails are provided with elements for ensuring that the side rails are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the pool sidewall. A pair of hand rails are connected to the respective side rails and extend inwardly therefrom into the pool area. A plurality of steps are disposed between and connected to the side rails, while a pair of platform guard rails are connected to the deck in parallel with the side rails.

Abstract: An apparatus to include a flexible protective web mounted in a first position to a bottom surface of a swimming pool and in a second position raised adjacent an upper edge of a perimeter side of the swimming pool. The apparatus includes a primary control tube to include a housing. The housing formed with a plurality of shaft members, with the first shaft arranged to effect rotation relative to the housing and effect a winding of a primary control cable, with secondary control cables directed from the housing to secondary control tubes to effect simultaneous lifting of the web to the second position.

Abstract: A device for use in winterizing inground swimming pools avoids the necessity of draining the pool in order to drain underground water-filled conduits before freeze-up. The device is an elongated cofferdam open at top and rear with a groove for receiving a sealant extending along the rear edge of side and bottom walls. The sealant, such as a denture adhesive, will hold the device against the pool side wall surrounding a water inlet, and so that the device opens above the water surface. Water within the device and the conduit leading to the inlet is pumped therefrom and then a plug is inserted in the inlet to prevent pool water from entering the inlet after the device is removed from the pool side wall.

Abstract: A retractable perimeter barrier for a swimming pool including a plurality of panels each vertically movably positioned in edge-to-edge orientation within a trough. The trough is generally U-sectioned open along its margin and buried in upright position within the ground or deck area adjacent a swimming pool. Each panel includes a lower buoyant section of sufficient buoyancy to uprightly support the portion of the panel which extends above the buoyant section above the ground or deck within the trough when the trough is filled with water. Each panel will automatically retract or lower into the trough when water is drained therefrom. Water is preferably drawn from and returned to the swimming pool to fill and drain the trough.

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: A device for the prevention of drowning accidents based on the principle of underwater acoustic transmission consists in equipping an acoustic transmitter which communicates with at least one hydrophone placed at the bottom of the water, the hyrophone being connected to an alarm or to adapted rescue means.

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: 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 pool cover has a compressible safety edge providing resilient conformance to obstructions over a wide range of atmospheric and loading conditions. Pool covers can be stretched over the water surface of a swimming pool, extending securely onto the surrounding apron except in the area of poolside obstructions. A safety edge may include a resilient compressible foam core supported and protected by a tough flexible fabric enclosure attached to the edge of the pool cover so as to be held against and conform to the obstruction to secure the opening. Solid or hollow foam cylinders of different shapes may be used and forms of extruded plastic elements are shown.

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: 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 device for preventing falling of a person between a pool cover and a pool wall has a protective element including a first substantially horizontal portion arranged to be placed onto a pool cover near a pool wall, and a second portion extending from the first portion and inclined relative to the latter at an angle so as to extend toward a pool wall at an angle.

Abstract: An electrically groundable swimming pool deck anchor of plastic material is provided, which has a resilient member for engaging in electrical grounding contact a swimming pool component to be held in the anchor.

Abstract: A cover for a swimming pool. Cables attached to edge area of the cover move within tracks extending along the pool side walls, such that the cover can be moved to a fully opened condition or to a fully closed condition spanning the length of the pool. Electric motors are the preferred mechanism for moving the cables and associated pool cover. The control circuitry for the motors preferably includes a safety device that prevents the cover from being closed against a person or object in the pool. Should the leading edge of the cover strike a person or object in the pool the cover will immediately retract to a fully opened condition.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool cover which, when installed and inflated, floats on the swimming pool water's surface and has a bulbous surface rising above the level of the swimming pool's perimeter. A small blower with its exhaust directed into the interior space of the cover initially inflates the cover and thereafter maintains the cover during its use.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising and massaging a human, a horse or other animal comprises a tank containing a pool of water, a plurality of water massage jets in the sidewalls of the tank, a cage for retaining the person, horse or animal, a treadmill positioned at the bottom of the case, so that the horse runs on the treadmill while at the same time being treated with a water turbulence massage from the water jet nozzles, and a scissor-like lift device for raising and lowering the treadmill in the pool.

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: 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 sheet cover for a swimming pool adapted to become arched over the pool when air under pressure is projected under the cover. The cover has a pending skirt adapted to hang in the water adjacent the peripheral sidewall. The skirt is provided with a series of holes at a distance from its lower edge. When the cover is arched, the skirt raises until the air leaks through the holes to maintain the cover at a desired height.

Abstract: A recovery apparatus in the form of a net that normally rests on a swimming pool bottom and automatically draws a swimmer in distress out of the pool water by rising to the top of the pool.

Abstract: A swim through safety division line for pools at the slope break between shallow and deep water is disclosed. The division line includes a floating frame held vertically by ballast and having top and bottom bars sufficiently above and below the water surface of the pool to allow swimmers to pass through the frame of the division line without being obstructed as when swimming laps in a pool.

Abstract: An adapter for pool drains, including a primary mounting frame secured onto the pool drain with a plurality of arms radiating inwardly and raised to interconnect the second mounting ring. There is further provided a grill work or second secured to the surface of the apparatus for defining a raised screening surface for screening any water flowing into the drain to prevent whirlpooling effect in the drain. Further, the apparatus is adapted for various size drains and is easily removable and set in place.