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: An above-ground frameless pool includes an elongated continuous base with a groove and a flexible sheet metal wall extending along the groove and being joined end to end to form a continuous wall. A coping extends about the top edge of the flexible wall, and the coping is an endless rigid member having a deep groove for receiving the top edge of the wall member in a snug manner in order to provide stability to the structure.

Abstract: An above-ground swimming pool comprises a side wall including a plurality of interlocking wall panels, a lower rail, an upper or top rail, a pool liner provided along an edge with a mounting bead, and a mounting component integral with the top rail member for receiving the bead on the liner. The lower rail member is provided with a first longitudinal channel for receiving a lower end or edge of the sidewall and the top rail member is provided with a second longitudinal channel for receiving an upper end or edge of the sidewall. The sidewall includes a plurality of elongate panel sections each provided along opposite longitudinal edges with cross-sectionally C-shaped locking elements for forming a locking relationship with adjacent panel sections.

Abstract: A swimming pool coping that can be used for covering a top edge of curved swimming pool walls includes an integrally formed body having a hollow nose-shaped portion and a mounting seat portion. The hollow nose-shaped portion has a rounded profile with top and bottom portions that are connected by a web. A notch-shaped relief joint interrupts the bottom portion of the rounded profile in a position that contracts in response to bending of the coping body in either of two directions to match concave and convex curvatures of swimming pool walls. The rounded profile projects from the web through a distance that is decreased by the contraction of the relief joint so that the coping exhibits a similar appearance while matching either concave or convex curvatures of the pool walls.

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: The portable ice rink consists of plastic sheeting with edges overlapping a perimeter-defining sectional barrier which is on the order of a couple of inches high and clips are provided to hold the sheet in place on the barrier for formation of the ice. In one embodiment, flexible closed cell polyethylene rods are fitted into "off the shelf" straight and angled schedule #40 plastic pipe couplings so as to define a barrier for virtually any desired rink configuration. The durable and light weight polyethylene rods are sufficiently rigid to maintain the desired perimeter during ice formation and are sufficiently compressible and pliable to ease the slip fit of the ends of the rods into the couplings and to more easily accept the sheet retaining clips thereon during set-up of the rink. In the unlikely event that one of the rods should break during handling or the like, it is a simple matter to reconnect the two pieces of the rod together by means of an additional straight pipe coupling.

Abstract: A sewage collection and separation tank (10) and method of construction is described. The sewage tank is built on a prepared earthen site (21) and is comprised of a tank floor (11) constructed from multiple wedge shaped concrete floor sections (13, 15, 17 and 19) that encase a first elastomeric gasket (37) mounted around the perimeter of a centrally located sump pump pit (23). A second elastomeric gasket (41) is mounted in a side (13c) of the first section so that half of the second gasket remains exposed. The tank floor is completed when the fourth section is poured. By the time the fourth section of the tank floor is poured, the first section has cured to the point that the first section will not seal against the wet concrete of the fourth section. However, a side (19e) of the fourth section, adjacent to the first section, encases the exposed half of the second gasket. This provides a liquid impervious seal between the adjacent first and fourth sections.

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

Abstract: A rigid type swimming pool or other rigid type structure formed in the ground in which the excavated sides and bottom provides the form for the rigid shell, is subject to increased pressures from the soil, where the surrounding soil is of the expansive clay type. Clay, being of fine soil particles, expands when there is the presence of water, and contracts when there is loss of water. In such a case, flexible, porous expansion material can be placed between the soil and shell to provide room for this movement when the clay soil expands and contracts; due to the variable water percentage present at any given time.

Abstract: A swimming pool corner sun shade device for use on in-ground, vinyl-lined rectangular swimming pools in the shape of a flat generally keyhole-like shaped mat.

Abstract: An improved, portable, above-the-ground swimming pool is disclosed which comprises a liner portion adapted to have a frame portion attached thereto. The liner portion consists of a polyester inner lining coated with waterproof vinyl having a plurality of horizontally and vertically oriented sleeves attached to various locations thereon which are adapted to receive rim members and wall members comprising the frame portion. The pool is adapted to be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled and to avoid tearing or puncture.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool construction and cover includes a swimming pool cover laid on the water of the pool and having a marginal edge provided with one component of the two component elongated locking member. The second component of the locking member is disposed in the pool coping or deck edge accessible at the pool interior for engagement by the locking member component on the pool cover. The locking component associated wit the pool is provided in a retrofit configuration by securing a locking component to a vinyl liner bead lock secured in the vinyl liner bead channel in a pool coping. In a new vinyl-lined pool construction, a coping is provided with a secondary channel with one component of the cover locking member secured therein. In a gunnite pool, a channel is formed in the deck edge and a component of the releasable cover locking member is secured in the channel for securement of the pool cover thereto. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A molded plastics framework for an above-ground swimming pool which includes an endless molded base member having post sockets and a continuous cove integral therewith. The base member is made up of a plurality of identical molded modules which are connected together end to end to make up the endless base member. Molded plastics posts are secured in the base socket and extend upwardly in a spaced apart manner and receive an endless ledge made up of molded ledge segments connected end to end above the posts.

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

Abstract: A wall support comprising a substantial upright support member engaging a supporting surface and spaced from a wall, a cross member structurally joining the support member to the wall. The support member is formed of a column of settable material, typically concrete, contained in a complementary hollow element. The support has particular application in the support of panels used to build the walls of inground swimming pools.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool construction of the kind capable of being erected, at least substantially, above ground on a substantially flat surface is provided. The swimming pool is of a construction whose modular components are prefabricated and delivered to the building site for assembly. A bracing member comprised of four cut pieces of standard construction lumber, and provided in pre-assembled modular form, provides load bearing qualities that afford sufficient strength without the need to supply any additional support means that are anchored in the ground. The swimming pool is fabricated from a plurality of wall panels that are secured end-to-end and form the periphery of the swimming pool and contain integrally formed flanges that retain the brace in position. The prefabricated pool delivered to the building site as a package, employs an arrangement of modular elements to provide a self standing swimming pool that can be assembled, using only hand tools to lock together the respective modular parts.

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

Abstract: A swimming pool structure for on-site assembly including a flexible liner supported by a surrounding wall of side-by-side, wooden staves. One of the vertical edges of each stave is formed as a concave and the other as a convex surface. When the staves are arranged side-by-side, the convex surface of each stave nests within and contacts the concave surface of the adjoining stave. A plurality of cables pass entirely around the wall, and the cables are tensioned to urge the staves into tightly engaged relation. A downwardly-facing, U-shaped track member extends around the upper periphery of the wall and snugly engages the upper ends of the staves. The track member includes supplemental wall portions forming open channels for releasably receiving bead portions on the pool liner and a removable cover. A closed-cell, polyethylene sheet is preferably interposed between the vertical wall of the pool liner and the staves to provide a protective layer for the liner.

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

Abstract: A method of constructing a swimming pool by laying a concrete shell of 80 mm thickness without any substantial reinforcement. A glass reinforced plastic of 5 mm thickness is then laid over the concrete once the concrete has cured. This particular combination between the fiberglass and the concrete shell allows the shell to crack and move in relation to the reinforced plastic layer, without transmitting any stresses to the reinforced plastic layer. This results in a pool which allows any stresses due to soil subsidence, movement, etc. to be transmitted to the concrete shell and not the reinforced plastic layer thereby leaving the plastic layer free of cracks.

Abstract: A portable child's pool which is suitable for use outdoors is provided having a pool play area suitable for a child to wade or sit in which is surrounded by a second water-retaining unit through which a child user would pass before entering the pool play area, wherein dirt and debris picked up on the feet of the child would be removed.

Abstract: An above ground swimming pool rib structure including a lower plastic section, an upper plastic section, aligned tubular portions in the upper and lower sections, a wooden keying member joining the upper and lower sections, a second tubular portion in the lower section for receiving a wooden post for supporting the side of the water tank of the swimming pool, and third tubular portions with interspersed webs extending transversely to all of the foregoing tubular portions for rigidizing the rib structure, the wooden keying member receiving nails which extend through the tubular portion of the upper section for attaching fence members and a hand rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cap for swimming pool coping of the type incorporating a bead retainer for a circumscribing bead of a pool cover. The cap comprises a longitudinally extending body having securing means to releasably secure the cap to the coping. A groove longitudinally extends in the front of the cap for releasably securing the pool cover bead and means on the entrance to the groove for releasably retaining therein a plug strip whereby water and debris are blocked from entering the groove. The groove may alternatively releasably receive the bead of the pool cover, or hold therein a plug a strip means or a strip light means, the latter preferably made of fibre optic cable to light the periphery of the pool for safety at night.

Abstract: A device is provided for closing off an interior portion of a pool skimmer when the pool is to be shut down for a prolonged period of time. The device includes an inflatable member of pliable, expansible, water-proof material. When the member is inflated, subsequent to being positioned within an interior portion of the skimmer, the member will close off a surface skimming inlet of the skimmer. The inflatable member is provided with a valve for controlling the inflating and deflating of the member. When the inflatable member is disposed within the skimmer interior portion, the valve is accessible through an access opening formed in the skimmer.

Abstract: A collapsible swimming pool is provided which comprises a plurality of nestable sections. Each section has a bottom wall with an inner portion and a side wall which is connected with the bottom wall to extend in a generally vertical direction when the pool is set up for use. A retainer is provided for securing the inner portions together. The side wall of each section has generally vertical leading and trailing edges. A first locking flange is provided on the leading edge and a second locking flange is provided on the trailing edge. The first locking flange on the side wall of one section is interlockable with the second locking flange on the side wall of a next adjacent section to releasably secure all the sections together when the pool is set up.

Abstract: A liner retaining bracket for an above-ground swimming pool is constructed and arranged for simultaneously and conjointly attaching the pool liner to the upper edge of a retaining wall and interlocking with an adjacent supporting upright. Use of the liner retaining bracket facilitates assembly of above-ground swimming pools while enhancing its structural integrity.

Abstract: A swimming pool of the liner type, with an improved sidewall construction. The sidewall comprises a plurality of concrete slabs cast between spaces defined by inner and outer vertical walls and vertical studs spaced therein. The inner wall is preferably formed of a rigid pressure treated wood material and bears against the pool liner. A continuous upper sill and a lower footer of concrete are cast integrally with the sidewall slabs to join adjacent respective slab portions around the upper and lower perimeters of the pool. The sidewall slabs and the upper sill preferably contain steel reinforcement bars.

Abstract: A water supply and heating package, for a hot tub, spa, or pool comprising(a) a support,(b) water circulating structure carried by said support and including a pump and connections circulating water from and toward the interior of the hot tub, spa or pool,(c) said structure including an electric motor connected in driving relation with said pump, and including a shunt duct connected with said water circulating structure and located to receive heat generated by operation of said motor to heat a side stream of said water passing through said shunt duct.Also, the apparatus may include a foamed plastic sheet or sheets wound in a spiral to form multiple layers, and defining an insulative, upstanding side wall of a tub, and a bottom wall attached to the side wall.

Abstract: An arrangement to close an unwanted opening in wall is provided wherein the area of the opening when it has been plugged presents a surface which is flush with the face of the wall.The opening closure system provided permits the use of otherwise surplus unusable modular wall panels to be converted to plain panels that are readily integrated into a swimming pool wall structure. The closure plugs are formed so as to have a dual wall thickness; a central portion having an area co-extensive with the area of the opening to be plugged and a peripheral "frame" portion of a lesser thickness which abuts against the back of the panel portion which frames the opening in the panel. Teeth or mounting screw hole filling protuberance may be integrally formed on the peripheral portion of the closure plug to fill screw or fastener holes present in the wall contiguous to the opening which is to be closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a cementitious walled ground excavation outwardly of which ground settling is substantially eliminated. A form wall footing is initially erected and leveled upon the bottom of the excavation inward of the walls thereof and inner form walls are then erected upon the outer margin of the footing and anchored in position relative thereto after which an upstanding skeletal reinforcing rod frame is erected between the excavation and form walls and fluent cementitious material is poured about the skeletal framework between the excavation and form walls.

Abstract: A recreational slide assembly is provided which includes one or more of an improved angularly upstanding slide provided with a web-like flexible slide, a buoyant landing pad or splash pad attached to the bottom of the web-like slide member and extending therefrom into a water-containing pool, the pool being preferably in the form of a soft-walled, non-inflatable assembly which is retained in its operative condition by reason of water contained therein, and a water distribution pipe constituting a load bearing member of the frame of the slide assembly. The preferred water distribution pipe holds the upper margin of the flexible slide member to assist in maintaining it in operative position, supports a platform member forming a part of the slide and supplies a spray of water along the flexible slide member to lubricate the same.

Abstract: An arrangement comprising a plurality of wall panels connected end-to-end to form the swimming pool is strengthened and is afforded with means to retain alignment, and prevents the wall panels from buckling. Horizontal stiffening members are positioned in cut-outs formed in vertical support posts secured to the panels and in the vertical flanges at the ends of the panel modules to which brace members are also attached. The stiffening members are contained within the cut-outs and abut against the back of the wall panel at the top. Vertical Z-shaped post or rib members secured to the modular panels are provided with a bottom tab which may be staked in position facilitates alignment of the panels. A longitudinal stiffening member positioned at the bottom of the wall panels is optionally used and adds substantial additional strength and alignment means to the pool structure.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly (10) which has transversely extending frame assemblies (11) which support opposed side walls (12/12a). The frame assemblies (11) each have wall supporting members (15) integral with a relatively lightweight base member (16) which extends beneath the bottom wall of the reservoir. A pressure pad (18) disposed centrally above the base member (16) and beneath the bottom wall prevents upward buckling of the base member (16).

Abstract: A structural support brace for supporting the deck and wall of a swimming pool or similar structure comprising a body including an upwardly facing support surface for the deck, a plurality of stake guides and a plurality of stakes. The stakes are slideably positioned within the stake guides and securable within the stake guides at selected points. A sleeve is positioned on the stake guides. The sleeve provides a form for a poured concrete pillar. The pillar both anchors the brace and provides structural support for the deck.

Abstract: The invention is a reservoir for placing in a fixed position on the ground, for example a swimming pool or a storage tank for liquid and/or solid (bulk) goods having little or no cohesion, for example crop products, coal, manure, spreading salt and the like, having at least a bottom and an upright wall connecting thereto which is resistant to outwardly directed pressure. The invention further provides to this end a reservoir of the type referred to above which displays the feature that the upright wall consists of a number of vertical piles placed in a closed configuration at intervals from one another, a vertical wire mesh arranged between these piles and a bottom element extending on the bottom, on which element an upright wall part is formed or arranged resting against the inner side of the said wire mesh.

Abstract: An inflatable pool comprises a base sheet and a hollow inflatable wall having its bottom end heat sealed to the edge of the base sheet. The wall includes a pair of first sheets sealed together at first seal seams forming a plurality of compartments, and a pair of second sheets sealed to the compartments at second seal means and also the top edges of the second sheets are sealed together forming the envelope of the wall. The construction of the wall of the inflatable pool is stronger and stiffer and the outer surfaces of the wall are flatter and smoother than that of conventional inflatable pools.

Abstract: A pool liner retainer for holding or retaining the top peripheral edge portion or liner bead of a watertight pool liner. The retainer includes an elongate retaining element defining a holding channel adapted to accommodate the liner bead. This channel defines a longitudinal outward slot for insertion of the bead into the channel. The retaining element includes a downwardly extending flange forming an upper edge of the slot. An elongate clip has a longitudinal cavity extending therealong adapted to receive the flange in a tight fitting manner. The clip partially closes the slot when the clip is mounted on the flange. After the bead has been inserted into the channel, the clip can be mounted on the flange to partially close the slot and thereby retain the liner bead. Preferably the retaining element includes an upwardly extending flange forming a bottom edge of the slot.

Abstract: A receptor apparatus useful in combination with swimming pools utilizing a vinyl liner, wherein the receptor apparatus is uniquely designed and configured to retain the free edge of the pool liner and also to provide means for receiving and mounting a tile border around the pool's waterline. The receptor apparatus includes a liner receptor which is mounted around the perimeter of the pool cavity and which retains the free edge of the liner therein, and a tile setting track which is attachable to the edge of the liner, whereby a tile border may be placed in the tile setting track around the pool's waterline.

Abstract: A floating pool assembly including a sheet member having top and bottom extremities and first and second ends, the first and second ends being connected together to define an endless wall with an open top and open bottom. The sheet member is flexible for folding and unfolding. The assembly further includes a floatation pocket extending along the top extremity between the ends of the sheet member, a weight pocket extending along the bottom extremity between the ends of the sheet member, and a fluid pocket extending between the ends of the sheet member below the floatation pocket. The fluid pocket has closed ends and spaced openings therealong and an inlet which communicates with the fluid pocket for supplying fluid to the fluid pocket for flow out of the openings. When the assembly is disposed within a pool and the supplied fluid is hot water coming from the pool water heating system, the assembly provides an isolated heated area within the pool.

Abstract: An inflatable pool which comprises a base sheet and a hollow-shaped inflatable wall having its bottom end heat-sealed to the edge of the base sheet. The wall is provided with outer heat seal seams and inner heat seal seams which are extending axially and dividing the wall into a plurality of elongated air compartments intercommunicated and structurally interconnected. The outer heat seal seams are staggered with respect to the inner heat seal seams and the upper portion of the wall is a continuous seal free portion.

Abstract: The specification describes the combination of a unitary water container or pool and a pair of play balls, the pool having a generally planar bottom wall and a peripheral rim surrounding the bottom wall and extending upwardly therefrom, the peripheral rim being formed in the shape of an animal and including recesses defining eye sockets, the play balls being shaped and dimensioned to be removably received in the recesses and arranged to have iris and pupil defining markings thereon.

Abstract: A swimming pool, of the type having a sectionally constructed wall extending about and supporting a plastic liner, incorporates in the wall a capability of forming a wide variety of swimming pools of different shapes and sizes. Disclosed is a wall system which basically comprises a relatively small number of different types of sections. Each section has a flat web and side flanges disposed at selected obtuse or acute angles to the plane of the web. The angles incorporated in each section differ from those of the remaining sections. In this way, by abutting against each other selected sections, and by utilizing a selected number of such sections along different portions of the periphery of a swimming pool, it becomes possible to provide an almost infinite variety of swimming pool shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A system for use in swimming pool construction for temporarily holding a rounded coping to a wall form during pouring of concrete, making the coping a permanent part of the swimming pool but permitting quick removal of the wall form, includes, at intervals, a lag screw rotatably mounted on the top of the wall form in position for the threaded pointed end of the lag screw to engage a vinyl liner slot in the coping, and when rotated to draw the coping against the wall form. To prevent the screw from "walking" in the slot when rotated and to assure coping level, an even coping line and straight wall construction, a coping alignment track on the wall form has a lateral protrusion fitted into the vinyl liner slot and length extending longitudinally of the coping from one lag screw to the next.

Abstract: A submersible bilge pump is used within a tub to provide a Jacuzzi-type jet spray. A mounting assembly enables the bilge pump to be located below the water in the tub, yet the mounting assembly allows for effective mounting to the tub to provide the water jet type action. The mounting assembly also allows for the submersible bilge pump to be rotatably fastened to the tub to provide a whirlpool type action when desired.

Abstract: A pool coping system comprises a plurality of straight and curvable pool coping pieces. Each piece bears an opposing flange and groove thereon, which are alignable with the flange and groove on adjacent coping pieces. The pieces are joined by the insertion of an h-shaped clip into the adjacent coping pieces. The pool coping pieces comprise outward and inward piece portions. On only the foldable coping piece, the inward portion bears at least one V-shaped notch therein, with a corresponding number of relief cuts disposed in the outward piece portion opposite the at least one notch. A somewhat coplanar wall and flange are carried on the outward and inward piece portions, respectively. The invention includes the h-shaped clip, having two parallely disposed and longitudinally extending planar members. One of these members is narrower than the other, and is joined to the wider member by a somewhat perpendicularly disposed clip wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vinyl lined swimming pool copings and provides an aluminum sub-coping of the concrete receptor type in combination with a fully supported PVC snap-cap which is secured in place over what would otherwise be an exposed surface of the aluminum sub-coping, utilizing special locking grooves in the sub-coping. As well, the PVC snap-cap can be provided with a built-in bead cover and/or bead retainer. Using appropriate tooling, the aluminum sub-coping of the present invention can be shaped to permit it to be installed on curved shaped pools.

Abstract: An inflatable reservoir for containing a liquid, more especially an inflatable swimming pool, formed from a single sheet of a flexible and fluid tight material defining a bottom supporting thereover the liquid filling the reservoir and a peripheral space formed by the remainder of the sheet folded back on itself inwardly over the whole of its periphery so as to form approximately a tube filled partially with liquid and partially with gas, discontinuous mechanical connection means being provided for connecting the free edge of the folded down remainder of the sheet to the bottom.

Abstract: A support system for supporting and securing on a substrate and in the desired position a stair module is described. The stair support arrangement advantageously used with swimming pools includes a vertical post which, at the top, supports the stair bottom through a pad member formed or secured underneath the stair module. The post is secured to the pad through vertical depending extensions formed on the pad member. The arrangement facilitates construction by allowing the support to be installed from the top, i.e. the underside of the stair module, down to the ground or supporting level as distinguished from a conventional block support construction which is built from the ground up. A bolt passes through holes formed in the depending legs and through a hole formed near the top of the post such that the top of the post is spaced from contact with the base of the pad member.

Abstract: A movable, submersible, transversely extending bulkhead for use in a swimming pool. The bulkhead has an elongated hollow body with top, bottom, end and side walls and a pair of spaced air chambers positioned toward each of its ends. Positioned between and substantially equidistant from each of the air chambers is at least one core of buoyant material. The bulkhead also utilizes means for selectively controlling the quantity of air and water within the chambers for regulating the buoyancy of the bulkhead. The bulkhead may be moved along the length of a swimming pool through increasing the buoyancy of the bulkhead by displacing the water contained in the chambers, shifting the bulkhead to a new longitudinally spaced position within the pool, and decreasing the buoyancy of the bulkhead by allowing water to reenter the chambers.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pool wall assembly including first and second pool wall panels and a brace supporting the panels. Structure is included for securing the brace to only the first panel so that the first panel and brace may be aligned together prior to the securement of the second panel. Structure is also included for securing the second panel to at least one of the first panel and the brace. An anchor assembly secures the brace in position. The anchor assembly includes a stake which extends through and slidingly engages the brace and a wedge, telescopically received in the stake, which can be moved with respect to the stake into forcible engagement with the brace to maintain the brace in position. Each panel includes an integral bead extending from the lower portion of its face to define the line to which the pool side wall overlap extends. Also disclosed is a method of erecting a pool wall using the structure disclosed.