Abstract: A system for making a liquid-retaining wall, and such a wall, such as a swimming pool wall, from prefabricated plane panels, the system comprising assembly means for assembling together two consecutive vertically-disposed panels, a low belt which supports the panels, and a high belt which is fitted to the panels, the assembly means holding together two assembled-together panels while allowing one of the panels to move angularly relative to the other about a vertical axis, and also including angle-determining means for ensuring that at least two consecutive panels are at a determined angular orientation relative to each other, and further including stiffening means for stiffening the assembled panels wherein each angle-determining means is constituted by a part presenting two arms that form a determined angle relative to each other.

Abstract: A lower water chamber is constructed and held in a bladder which underlies the floor of the pool. The lower water chamber constitutes the base of the pool and is initially hollow and empty before being filled with water. The water chamber has a fill opening and a drain opening. The fill opening has a valve for receiving a standard garden hose. The drain opening preferably also has a rigid connection for receiving a standard garden hose. After the water bladder is filled, the user closes the fill opening and the drain to make a closed water bladder. The water bladder is preferably made of a plastic, polyolefin, or elastomeric type of material which is watertight and strong enough to hold the weight of children. The pool is preferably self inflating.

Abstract: Modular pool constructive design whose walls are constituted by metallic panels (17, 18, 19), made up by folding metallic sheets, comprising a bottom including a structure that supports a plurality of metallic panels-tiles (16) —said walls (11, 12, 13, 14) are connected to said bottom's structure, making up a unique and non-deformable structure, all the pool's elements are interlinked by semi-permanent connecting means, such as screws and nuts. The dimensions of the pool's elements allow its easy transport in small vehicles or buildings' elevators.

Abstract: A portable waterslide device includes a plurality of interconnected pivotal sections situated at an end-to-end pattern. The sinusoidal top surface further includes a plurality of spray valves. The portable waterslide device further includes a plurality of motorized discharge nozzles operably coupled to the plurality of spray valves. The portable waterslide device further includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced egress points and a threaded ingress point in fluid communication with a conduit positioned on a rear surface of the portable waterslide device. The portable waterslide device further includes a vertically adjustable pedestal member directly attached to the sliding board, a vertically adjustable ladder operably coupled to the vertically adjustable pedestal member, and a plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to the plurality of spray valves of the sliding board.

Abstract: A spa having an integrated step is shown; the spa comprises a base, a wall extending upwardly from the base to define an enclosure, a recess and a bottom portion of the exterior wall and a sliding step mounted in the recess, the step being moveable between a storage position inside the spa and an extended position wherein the step may be used to access the interior of the spa.

Abstract: A floating station for aquatic exercise comprises at least one floating frame secured to stabilizing and anchoring members with respect to the water expanse. The frame-(s) are made integral at least with one liner to constitute an immersed structure enabling at least one person to move, The at least one liner is secured to a filtering system.

Abstract: A swimming pool brace assembly having a brace and bracket used to attach a concrete form. The bracket positions the concrete form between the concrete footing and the deck of the swimming pool. The swimming pool brace is provided with receptacles that are adapted to receive the brackets, which are used to retain the position of the concrete form. The receptacles of the brace allow the brackets to be attached to either side of the brace. The bracket includes a retention feature that is configured to retain the bracket in position once inserted into the receptacle of the brace. The bracket includes a series of radially spaced inwardly extending protrusions that engage the concrete form. The protrusions are adapted to deflect to adjust for variations in the size of the forms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a site assembled swimming pool comprising a plurality of upstanding staves arranged in side by side relation and held together by upper and lower L-shaped rails, a coping extending entirely around and in releasably secured relation to the rails that fasten the upper edges of the staves together, and a flexible liner and cover releasably secured to the coping. The wooden staves include opposing vertical edges one of which includes a modified tongue and the other of which includes a groove. When assembled, the tongue of one stave engages the groove of the adjacent stave, thereby interconnecting the two staves.

Abstract: A method for constructing a concrete basin includes the steps of manufacturing concrete construction elements, transporting the construction elements to the construction site for the basin, joining the construction elements together to form a basin, and arranging covering on the inner side of the walls and bottom of the basin. The inner covering is arranged during the manufacture of the construction elements. The invention also relates to a basin manufactured with such a method and the elements to be used in the construction of such a basin. The basin can be a swimming pool basin or a pond basin. By first covering the construction elements on their inner side and then transporting them to the site and installing them the construction process can be better managed and the working time on site is shortened.

Abstract: Structures are provided that have an enclosed interior space that can be used to hold and contain water or other matter. The interior space is defined by an enclosing wall and a base that are both waterproof to prevent leakage of the water or matter contained in the interior space. None, one or more frame members can be provided as part of the enclosing wall and the base, or a frame member can be provided as part of a rim member. The frame members can be foldable to allow the resulting structure to be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fixture support. The structure, in accordance with the present invention, is a support for mounting various fixtures on an above ground pool. The support is adapted to be secured to the rails or posts of such a pool without causing damage to the pool liner or the pool frame. The fixture support includes a support member, which in an exemplary embodiment is parallel to the pool posts. The support member includes a clamp for connecting the fixture with either one of the rails or the posts of the pool frame. The clamp is fixed to one end of the support member. On the other end of the support member is a receptacle adapted for connection to various fixture modules. The fixture support in accordance with the instant invention allows each of the modules to be mounted on the water side of the pool and provide electrical connection thereto.

Abstract: A modular pool system including a plurality of pivotally connected panels disposed side end to side end defining an enclosed pool perimeter wall. The panels are pivotable with respect to each other to form a pool perimeter wall configuration. A pool liner is secured to the pool perimeter wall for retaining water within the pool perimeter wall.

Abstract: A repair kit is provided for extending the use of inflatable pools. When the inflatable ring around the top of such a pool is deflated, flotation devices are placed under the flap of the inflatable ring. Any flotation devices may be used that are safe, provide buoyancy, and will not puncture the material of the ring, for example the foam flotation devices called “noodles.” The flotation devices are kept in place under the flap of the ring by a binding apparatus with sufficient weight to keep the flotation devices from floating loose. For example, a standard garden hose may be inserted through a small slit in the ring to serve as binding. The repair kit may be used on a pool with a ring without a leak, to avoid having subsequent leaks. The repair kit also allows a pool to be filled higher with water than when the pool's ring is inflated.

Abstract: In the invention, a lower water chamber is constructed and held in a bladder which underlies the floor of the pool. The lower water chamber constitutes the base of the pool and is initially hollow and empty before being filled with water. The water chamber has a fill opening and a drain opening. The fill opening has a valve for receiving a standard garden hose. The drain opening preferably also has a rigid connection for receiving a standard garden hose. After the water bladder is filled, the user closes the fill opening and the drain to make a closed water bladder. The water bladder is preferably made of a plastic, polyolefin, or elastomeric type of material which is watertight and strong enough to hold the weight of children.

Abstract: A decorative kit for a spa or pool comprising first, second, third and fourth side panels, each having a decoratively surfaced outer face; first, second, third and fourth decoratively surfaced corner panels so shaped and dimensioned as to integrally mate with the side panels to form a decorative enclosure about a spa or pool; and a front step dimensioned to integrally mount adjacent a selected side of the enclosure. The kit further includes first and second side rails and a rear side rail for mounting about the upper edge of an enclosed spa to create a ledge around the upper perimeter of the spa.

Abstract: A method of creating a smooth-to-the-touch Terrazzo pool finish is disclosed. A mixture of 1 part cement to 1-2 parts crushed marble aggregate, ¼ part pool sand, and sufficient potable water, is mixed until smooth and creamy in texture. The mixture is pumped to the gunite shell of a pool interior surface and hand trowelled onto the shell. In a still soft state, the trowelled surface is seeded with colored and/or high performance aggregate to create desired surface effects. The seeded elements are then trowelled into the upper layers of the surface until hard. After an initial set has taken, the surface is sprayed with a chemical retarder. Once fully set, following 10-20 hours of curing, the mixture surface is power-washed and diamond sanded until smooth-to-the-touch and acceptable in appearance in terms of exposing the previously seeded surface effects. The pool is then filled, chemically treated, and brushed until the surface is no longer dust producing.

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

Abstract: Panel systems are provided where the panels are constrained relative to a spa, but can be readily removed from the spa to permit replacement of the panels. The panels can be constrained prior to removal, such as using flanges which are attachable relative to the frame of the spa.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a splash guard for a container, such as an above-ground swimming pool, are disclosed. The pool can have a base, a side wall, and a horizontal support member, and at least a portion of the side wall can be positioned between the base and horizontal support member. The splash guard can comprise a pocket extending along the side wall. The pocket can comprise an outer pocket wall and an inner pocket wall. The outer and inner pocket walls can extend upwardly from the side wall, with the inner pocket wall positioned between the outer pocket wall and the pool interior. The pocket can receive the horizontal support member through an aperture in the outer pocket wall. Positioned between the outer pocket wall and the pool interior, the inner pocket wall can reduce an amount of media exiting the pool through the aperture in the outer wall.

Abstract: An above ground water storage device includes a plurality of modular walls coupled together in series to form a substantially continuous perimeter. Each of the plurality of modular walls includes a wall panel that is inclinable with respect to a horizontal orientation, and a support base that is coupled to a portion of the wall panel. A liner covers an internal side of the plurality of modular walls and an area encompassed by the continuous perimeter. At least one modular corner wall is positioned with the plurality of modular wall panels to form a corner in the substantially continuous perimeter. The at least one modular corner wall has an angled side with an angle corresponding to the inclined angle of an adjacent modular wall.

Abstract: An assembly of in-ground tub with an attached frame is provided, and a method of installing the same. The tub is mounted within the frame. A lower surface of the tub, which may be inclined relative to the bottom surface of the frame, is retained above such bottom surface so that the bottom surface of the frame can remain horizontal while the lower surface of the tub is inclined. The tub and attached frame are installed by digging a hole in the ground, inserting the tub with attached frame into the hole, pouring a first layer of concrete into the hole, at least partially filling the hole with dirt, and optionally pouring a second layer of concrete to support decking near an entrance to the tub.

Abstract: A birthing pool for holding water comprises a floor 2 having at least one inflatable chamber 20 and a perimeter wall 3 having at least one inflatable chamber (30a, b, c), wherein there is further provided a removable liner 5 arranged, in use, to line, or at least lie adjacent at least some of the internal surfaces of the pool 1. The pool 1 may be ovoid in shape, it may have handles 4 for ease of use and may incorporate an integral step.

Abstract: A system for easier manufacture and installation of a spa using a unitary base with molded integral electrical chaseways and with vertical support members.

Abstract: A site-assembled enclosure of the present invention includes a plurality of upstanding staves arranged side-by-side and held together by top and bottom rails. The enclosure is preferably a pool including a coping extending entirely around and in releasably secured relation to the rails that fasten the upper ends of the staves together and a flexible liner and cover releasably secured to the coping. The wooden staves include opposing vertical edges interconnecting the two staves. The leveling gauge for leveling a construction area preferably includes a threaded rod, a pivot bracket rotatably mounted on the threaded rod, a board extending from the pivot bracket, and a level mounted on the board. A method of assembling an enclosure is also described.

Abstract: A prefabricated swimming pool and spa combination for in-ground installation. The integrated pool/spa combination comprises a swimming pool that has a contiguous vertical perimeter pool wall. The pool wall forms the periphery or boundary of the swimming pool. Additionally, the pool wall forms the swimming pool enclosure. The swimming pool also includes a bottom surface. The bottom surface is engaged to the pool wall. The bottom surface of the swimming pool and the pool wall form the shape of the pool. The present invention also includes a spa integrated within the swimming pool. In particular, the spa is disposed within the swimming pool. The spa is circumscribed by the pool wall. The spa includes a contiguous vertical perimeter spa wall. The spa wall forms the spa enclosure. The spa wall is engaged to the bottom surface of the swimming pool. The spa is engaged in a way such that the pool wall has no common boundary with the spa wall.

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

Abstract: Insulation for plastic sided metal framed above ground swimming pools whereby vertically-ribbed inflatable flexible plastic panels 17 are designed such that by means of zips 18 and 19 and the degree of inflation of the individual panels a continuous insulating solar panel is formed around and in close contact with the perimeter of the pool 10.

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

Abstract: A method of creating a smooth-to-the-touch Terrazzo pool finish is disclosed. A mixture of 1 part cement to 1-2 parts crushed marble aggregate, 1/4 part pool sand, and sufficient potable water, is mixed until smooth and creamy in texture. The mixture is pumped to the gunite shell of a pool interior surface and hand trowelled onto the shell. In a still soft state, the trowelled surface is seeded with colored and/or high performance aggregate to create desired surface effects. The seeded elements are then trowelled into the upper layers of the surface until hard. After an initial set has taken, the surface is sprayed with a chemical retarder. Once fully set, following 10-20 hours of curing, the mixture surface is power-washed and diamond sanded until smooth-to-the-touch and acceptable in appearance in terms of exposing the previously seeded surface effects. The pool is then filled, chemically treated, and brushed until the surface is no longer dust producing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support frame unit for a swimming pool assembly, which stably withstands hydraulic pressure, transmitted from a wall of the swimming pool assembly.

Abstract: here is provided a moveable swimming pool seat for use with a swimming pool that has a pool wall and a pool deck. The moveable swimming pool seat includes: an upper wall support member; a seat support member connected to the upper wall support member; a seat connected to the seat support member; a lower wall support member connected to the seat support member; at least one strap having a first end and a second end, with the first strap end connected to the upper wall support member; and a pin connected to the second strap end.

Abstract: Lighting systems and apparatus for a swimming pool, having a sidewall sized and shaped to define a perimeter of the swimming pool, a liner for covering the sidewall and a bottom of the swimming pool so as to create a watertight cavity for receiving water, the liner including a light-transmitting portion, and a backlighting apparatus for mounting to a generally continuous surface of the sidewall between the liner and the sidewall and configured to transmit light through the light-transmitting portion of the liner to illuminate the swimming pool. In some embodiments, the backlighting apparatus includes a housing configured for mounting on the surface of the sidewall between the liner and the sidewall, the housing having a light-transmitting front cover configured to align with the light-transmitting portion of the liner, and at least one light source sized and shaped to fit within the housing for emitting light through the front cover to illuminate the pool.

Abstract: A support structure for a spa includes a plastic base member which has an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion which are spaced apart. The base member defines a base pocket of insulating space which extends throughout a substantial portion of the base member. A pair of plastic side members and a pair of plastic end members are attached to the base member. The side members and the end members each have an inside wall portion and an outside wall portion which are also spaced apart which define a wall pocket of insulating space which extends throughout a portion of each of these members. The base member, side members and end members form a support structure adapted to receive and support a spa shell. Any type of insulating material may be placed into the insulating pockets of space. Accessory devices in the form of towel warmers and fold away steps are provided in openings in the support structure.

Abstract: A swimming pool suitable for either in-ground or above-ground installations utilizes a multi-tiered modular sidewall configuration, a peninsular console and eductor jets to achieve greater recreational utility within a compact footprint.

Abstract: A portable swimming pool includes a base having a perimeter; a side wall erected upright, the side wall including a top and a bottom, and the bottom of the side wall coupled to the perimeter of the base; and a floatation device coupled to the top of the side wall, the floatation device adapted to cause the side wall to remain approximately perpendicular relative the base in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a grating for an overflow drainage channel of a swimming pool including a plurality of bars having a passage extending in a transverse direction therethrough, a plurality of spacer elements having an aperture substantially aligned with the passage and positioned between the plurality of bars, and a connecting member extending through the passage of the plurality of bars and the aperture of the plurality of spacer elements securing the plurality of bars and the plurality of spacer elements together.

Abstract: A laminar flow waterfall in the form of a single or multiple streams of water, each exiting from a nozzle in the top edge of a spa. The laminar water stream is created by a venturi nozzle located in a plenum chamber. The inlet side of the nozzle has a cover with a plurality of small holes forcing the water flow to enter the nozzle as laminar flow. A flow divider inside the venturi nozzle, from the inlet to the restriction of the nozzle, maintains the flow laminar through the nozzle. Light is injected into the flow divider at the inlet and is carried by the flow divider to be injected into the water flow at the restriction of the nozzle.

Abstract: A plastic swimming pool with an enhanced structure comprises a pool wall, a connecting sheet, a base sheet and an inflatable ring, said pool wall is connected with the base sheet via the connecting sheet, the inflatable ring is mounted on a top of the pool wall, said pool wall is formed by connecting a plurality of sidewalls at both sides of them with each other into a loop, the connecting sheet is bonded to the inner side of the lower portion of the pool wall, the connecting sheet is formed by connecting a plurality of material sheets at both sides of them with each other into a loop as well, the welding seams between the sidewalls and the welding seams between the material sheets of the connecting sheet are staggered; the width of an interface for welding the sidewalls and the connecting sheet is more than 80 mm and reinforcing seals are provided in the interface where the sidewalls and the connecting sheet are bonded, and a bottom ring of the connecting sheet is connected directly with the base sheet.

Abstract: A portable water heating system for use with a spa. The heating system circulates water from a spa, heats the water and returns the heated water to the spa. The portable heating system includes a housing that encloses a heater and a pump; a water intake hose; a water outlet hose; and a thermostat. The heating system may also include temperature-setting dials and flow and pressure regulating switches. A thermostat is also disposed within the portable spa heating system and is attached to the heater. The thermostat may be set to a predetermined temperature so that the heater, and therefore water temperature, may be controlled.

Abstract: A mounting base includes two fixing plates movably connected to each other via a four-bar mechanism, which consist of four fixing arms and is controllable via an adjusting rod to reduce one diagonal thereof, so that the two fixing plates located at two opposite ends of the other diagonal of the four-bar mechanism are moved outward to firmly press against two opposite inner wall surfaces of a swimming pool gutter, enabling the mounting base to be conveniently and safely fixed to any desired point along a swimming pool perimeter without spoiling the swimming pool. A carrier plate is associated with the adjusting rod for a water activity facility to mount thereon. A second carrier plate perpendicular to the first carrier plate may be associated with the fixing plates via another two pivotally connected fixing arms, so that the mounting base is usable in two different directions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an underwater, safety surface and a method for preparing the same. The first layer of the surface consists of a typical existing swimming pool substrate. Next, a thin layer of flexible, breathable urethane primer is added. A thick layer of a mixture of rubberized particles bound by urethane is then applied. A final layer of thickened epoxy grout is then hand-troweled to ensure coverage between each of the rubberized particles. Finally, the epoxy grout is sanded, ground, and buffed to uncover the tips of the rubberized particles.

Abstract: An elongate beading is provided for attaching a pool liner to a pool wall. The elongate beading comprises a substantially planar liner attachment portion having an outer surface for attachment to a pool liner and an inner surface, the outer surface for attachment to a pool liner. The elongate beading also comprises a hook portion having a pair of opposed first and second legs interconnected by a connector portion. The first leg, second leg and connector portion have inner surfaces defining a channel and the first leg is substantially coplanar with the liner attachment portion and the second leg has an outer surface including a downwardly facing shoulder formed therein.

Abstract: A portable floating hot tub that is easy to assemble and take down and can be used in environments with extremely cold and turbulent water. The hot tub has three main components: a collapsible frame made of connected rigid members, an insulated liner sized and shaped to closely fit against the deployed frame and form a subassembly, and an inflatable pontoon that may have a central aperture for receiving the subassembly. The pontoon is first inflated and placed on the body of water, after which the frame and liner subassembly are placed over the central aperture. Filling the internal volume defined by the insulated liner with water causes the subassembly to descend within the pontoon. Cooperating means on the subassembly and/or pontoon prevent the subassembly from passing completely through the central aperture. A source of heated water such as a portable heater having a heating capacity of at least 30,000 BTUs rapidly heats up the water within the hot tub.

Abstract: A grate construction for a swimming pool placed at a top edge of the pool at its water level. The grate consists of a wet deck edging profile having a hollow grate bar at its forward edge. A finger grip groove follows the hollow grate inwardly, that is, away from the edge of the water further inwardly there is a flat section which is fastened to the concrete from which the pool is constructed. The flat section is being fastened to the concrete by way of a lag screw. Also, the flat section has two upstanding hook ribs thereon. Another hollow grate bar has at its bottom side two depending hook ribs thereon. The upstanding hook ribs and the depending hook ribs, when pressed together, will fasten the another hollow grate bar to the flat extension. A connector element will fasten two longitudinal grate bars together to extend its length.

Abstract: A poolscape is disclosed that comprises at least two of a plurality of pre-fabricated shell elements, each of said shell elements having a wall that conforms to a wall of one or more other shell elements comprising said plurality, wherein said at least two shell elements are conformably combined, and where the shell elements may be one of a swimming pool, a tanning ledge, a hot tub or spa, a fountain, a sun shelf, and a thermal ledge or variants thereof. The poolscape may include in-pool features, such as a pre-fabricated bench or pre-fabricated stairs.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have an enclosed interior space that can be used to hold and contain water or other matter. The interior space is defined by an enclosing wall and a base that are both waterproof to prevent leakage of the water or matter contained in the interior space. None, one or more foldable frame members can be provided as part of the enclosing wall and the base, or a foldable frame member can be provided as part of a rim member. The frame members allow the resulting structure to be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure.

Abstract: A laminar flow waterfall in the form of a single or multiple streams of water, each exiting from a nozzle in the top edge of a spa. The laminar water stream is created by a venturi nozzle located in a plenum chamber. The inlet side of the nozzle has a cover with a plurality of small holes forcing the water flow to enter the nozzle as laminar flow. A flow divider inside the venturi nozzle, from the inlet to the restriction of the nozzle, maintains the flow laminar through the nozzle. Light is injected into the flow divider at the inlet and is carried by the flow divider to be injected into the water flow at the restriction of the nozzle.

Abstract: A modular step system for in-ground swimming comprising a bottom central hub, a brace assembly, a top central hub, a tread support assembly, a step form and a liner. The components of the modular step system interlock and snap together without fasteners. Also, the components of the modular step system are obtained by molding plastic material or curing of a curable material. The modular step system is installed on a level concrete floor of a swimming pool and designed to be rigidly fixed from behind to adjacent pool walls. The modular step system is adaptable to a pool having a vinyl liner, structurally sound regardless of size, easy to assemble, consistent in size, and cost-effective.

Abstract: A set of parts having a “U” shaped channel (11) and a side prolongation (12) are used to form the upper edge and channel in an overflow type swimming pool. The set of parts can include straight parts (1a), corner parts (1b), drainage parts (1c), fitted steps, lane divider anchors, and curved edges. The upper surface of the prolongation slants toward the edge of the swimming pool at an angle of approximately 1 to 15 degrees and forms a base to place tiles to finish the appearance of the swimming pool. The parts can be constructed of ceramic, cement, stoneware, baked clay or other polymer.

Abstract: A skimmer system is provided which includes a reservoir, an inlet, a reservoir pump and a weir. The skimmer system may be attached to a tank having fluid therein. The fluid in the tank defines a tank fluid surface, and the fluid in the reservoir defines a reservoir fluid surface. The reservoir receives fluid from the tank via the inlet, and the tank receives fluid from the reservoir via the reservoir pump. When the skimmer system is activated, the level of the reservoir fluid surface may be maintained below the level of the tank fluid surface. The inlet edge is located below the level of the tank fluid surface. The inlet surface may decline away from the tank to direct the fluid from the tank to the reservoir. The filter is positioned between the inlet and the reservoir to retain particulate within the fluid. The weir defines a weir edge.