Abstract: A metal swimming pool wall is designed to extend around a pool. Metal members extend outwardly from the pool and are apertured adjacent their outer ends to be bolted or rivetted to a metal strip having corresponding apertures. By determining, at various locations about the pool, that the spacing between adjacent bolted or rivetted holes in the strip shall be longer, equal or shorter than the spacing of the wall metal member, the pool may be shaped to be concave inward, straight or convex respectively.

Abstract: A pool has a pool wall support structure incorporating an outer tensioned cable which is spaced outwardly from the pool wall and thrust bearing struts between the cable and the pool wall. A walkway deck or other load may be mounted over and supported by such struts. Adjustment of the tension in the cable may be monitored by reference to corner plates mounted on the pool walls and having slotted holes.

Abstract: A fitting and faceplate cap assembly, for use in swimming pools, and the like, with vinyl liners, comprises a fitting member which extends through an opening in the wall of the pool with a flange overlying the opening on the inner surface of the pool. The fitting is hollow to adapt it for connection to water return lines or drain lines commonly used in such swimming pools. The flange on the fitting has a circular groove formed in it with a pair of enlarged recesses extending from the groove on opposite sides of the opening through the fitting. The faceplate cap includes a circular ridge with a pair of spaced projections for matingly engaging the groove and recesses in the faceplate of the fitting. A gasket is attached to the inner surface of the faceplate cap.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a self-opening portable swimming enclosure which can be coiled into a compact shape for storage and which, when placed in the water without restraint, will open by itself into a circular shape with a protective netting suspended from floats which provide an upstanding lip above the water surface around the periphery of the enclosure.

Abstract: A liquid storage container, such as a swimming pool, has a vertical wall of flexible sheet material with its ends joined to make an endless loop the bottom part of which is inserted in an endless groove in a concrete foundation. The groove is formed by casting in the concrete an endless base strip, preferably metal, and a former strip of rubber or like material fitted about the base strip and extending above it, concrete within the bounds of the base strip being level with the top of the base strip, concrete outside the former strip being at the higher level of this strip which, when the concrete has set, is stripped away to leave the groove, the base strip forming its inside face, its higher outside face being a shoulder assisting the insertion of the wall bottom. A sealing strip is force-fitted between the inside face of the groove and the inserted bottom of the wall.

Abstract: An inflatable article, having a pair of gas impervious sheets which are heat welded together at their edges to form an envelope and are provided with parallelly spaced apart longitudinal first seams to define a plurality of air compartments between the pair of sheets, is provided with a reforming and reinforcing outer inflatable multiple-compartmented unit formed, on the wall of the envelope, by heat-sealing an additional outer sheet to one of the pair of gas impervious sheets at the edge portions and at the lines which lie between each two of the first longitudinal seams to form second seams whereby the article will achieve a stronger and stiffer construction and the acute fused edge portions thereof can be reformed by the expanded superimposed inflatable outer units adjacent to the edge portions.

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.

Abstract: A modular bonded perimeter skimming gutter retaining wall for swimming pools is provided for construction by simple bonding together of a plurality of modular units on-site, disposed about the perimeter of a swimming pool as the retaining wall of the swimming pool, defining a pool-side wall of an open gutter conduit adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter, the retaining wall comprising two generally U-shaped channels open along one side and having open interiors defined by side walls extending from a common base, the channels being arranged with the open sides facing one another and bonded together along the end faces of the side walls to a common divider plate closing off each channel and the interior spaces thereof, thereby forming separated conduits of each channel, one of said conduits being adapted to carry clean water feed to the pool and the other of said conduits being adapted t

Abstract: A pool entrance and supporting structure which will both provide an entrance or exit from an above-ground pool and will also provide a support for both a skimmer and a return. The pool entrance and supporting structure (40) includes an entrance structure (42). The entrance structure includes a pair of spaced apart ladders (44, 46) and a platform (48) which extends between upper end portions of the ladders. The pool entrance and supporting structure (40) further includes skimmer support means (50) and return support means (52).By employing the novel pool entrance and supporting structure of this invention improved circulation is achieved within the pool reducing the need for vacuuming, chemicals, and filtering. In addition, the problems encountered with through wall skimmers and returns will be eliminated. Additionally, it will be easier to winterize the pool as the skimmer and return can readily be removed from the pool and stored in an area which will not subject the various components to freezing.

Abstract: A wading pool in which children are provided with various games. In plan view the pool is shaped like a Greek cross to provide four similar compartments each sized to accommodate one child. Each of the four compartments is made of a different colored plastic and includes an open topped storage bin on one side of the compartment. Each bin houses a toy water pistol permanently attached to the pool by a hose which permits the water pistol to be removed from the bin and freely operated by the child located within the compartment.

Abstract: A swimming pool coping permitting overflow, which is rectilinear and has an upwardly opening overflow channel therein parallel to its length. The coping has an upper surface that is flat and imperforate and is inclined upwardly from the channel at a small angle to the horizontal in a direction away from the water's edge, and a plurality of passageways through the coping that are inclined downwardly from the overflow channel in a direction away from the water's edge. The overflow channel is disposed more closely adjacent the water side of the coping than adjacent the side of the coping remote from the water and is defined between two upright side walls, the passageways opening through that one of the side walls which is farther from the water. The coping on the water side of the channel is at the same horizontal level as the coping immediately on the other side of the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making swimming pools wherein all the pool walls are formed from sheet metal panels joined together at welded junctions. The method and apparatus is characterized by constructing the bottom wall of the pool from a plurality of bottom wall panels provided with edge flange configurations that mate with edge flanges on adjacent panels and thereby facilitate alignment of the panels during assembly. The mating edge flanges of the panels are further adapted to locate the top surfaces of the panels in co-planar relationship to provide a flush pool bottom. In addition, the edge flanges of the panels are adapted to form weld receiving grooves that result in non protruding welded junctions between the panels.

Abstract: A pollutant storage system that provides substantial wall strength with greatly reduced concrete mass. Reinforced concrete panels precast with a pattern of surface cavities and supported by precast reinforced concrete A-frames enclose a paved floor area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spa which may be used in an in-ground or above ground swimming pool or other liquid containing structure.The spa includes a frame capable of supporting a person or persons and comprising one or more frame members having a plurality of apertures or perforations. There is also included conveying means connectable to a liquid source such as the outlet pipe of a swimming pool for conveying liquid to the apertures or perforations included in the spa frame whereby liquid may be expelled under pressure of a person or persons supported by the frame.Suitably there is also included aerating means associated with the conveying means for aerating liquid before being expelled from the apertures or perforations in the spa frame.

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.

Abstract: A heat storage pond, of the type having a lower heat storage layer of water covered by an insulating layer, has a partition that extends from a location on the periphery of the pond toward an opposite peripheral location, but terminates short thereof, for dividing at least the heat storage layer into two interconnecting portions. Water from the heat storage layer in one of the portions is drawn off and passed through a heat exchanger for extracting heat from the water. The water passed through the heat exchanger is then returned to the heat storage layer in the other of the two portions thereof, the partition effecting a physical separation between the intake and discharge. This arrangement sets up a circulation pattern in the lower region of the heat storage layer, while water in the other portion flows away from the point at which the cooler water is discharged into the heat storage layer, the only interconnection between the portions being in the region at the free end of the partition.

Abstract: Collection apparatus for overflow water from a swimming pool comprising an overflow member at the side wall of the pool for flow of pool water thereover, and a flow receiving member extending outwardly from the overflow member for receiving overflow water therefrom. The flow receiving member is formed as a hollow element having upper and lower flanges and a longitudinal channel between the flanges. The upper flange serves as the pool deck surface and has openings therein for passage of water through the upper flange into the channel. The collected water flows through the channel to a surge tank located at a level below the channel and remote from the pool. The channel can be sub-divided and the flow of the water in the channel can be regulated by control elements according to various requirements for heating, cooling or leaving the water untreated, the heating or cooling being effected by solar energy.

Abstract: A flexible easily installed and low maintenance swimming pool coping providing the transitional element between horizontal pool deck and the vertical pool wall. The coping is provided with upper and lower horizontal channels and has a depending bifurcated lower end and is secured at the pool by slipping the bifurcated part over the top of the pool wall. A pool liner bead is accommodated in the lower channel and a decorative protective or functional insert is retained in the upper channel. The coping cross section is formed to permit it to be readily flexed around small radii in either direction for various pool profiles. A yoke with an interlock is provided for insertion at any desired location into the interior of the coping crown to prevent buckling or distortion of the crown. An interlocking leveling element to retain contiguous sections of the coping in alignment is also provided for insertion within the coping.

Abstract: The sidewall of a swimming pool is made up of bendable sheet modules fastened together at their ends. One end of each module is bent outwardly to define a vertical flange, the other end being unbent. A step is provided in the flanged end of each module of a depth to receive the unbent end of an adjacent module in coplanar relation to the unstepped area. Headed fasteners secure the modules together, their heads being housed in nested recesses in the overlapping portions of the modules to provide a smooth and continuous inner surface for the wall, the nested recesses serving to transmit forces from one module to the next without placing shear stresses on the headed fasteners.

Abstract: An improved bead for swimming pool covers or swimming pool domes is provided with locking features which afford substantially improved capability for holding the swimming pool cover or dome secured in a holding groove positioned peripherally around the swimming pool.The groove into which the bead is positioned may be part of the swimming pool coping that is provided with upper and lower horizontal channels and is secured at the top of the pool wall. Where a coping structure with two bead receiving grooves or channels is used, a pool liner bead is retained in the lower channel and the bead of the cover or dome is retained in the upper channel. Sufficient gripping force by the bead in the coping channel is provided by the bead configuration to prevent dislodging of the bead by forces pulling on the member attached to the bead.

Abstract: A swimming pool wall, for placement in an excavation, is made up of a series of bendable plates having only vertical flanges for stiffening while permitting shaping the wall to a selected outline. A resilient coping strip embraces the upper edge of the wall and houses a rigid metal bar to retain the upper edge of the wall in the desired configuration while other braces, at the lower edge of the wall extend from the plates to the outer edge portions of the flanges to securely maintain the lower edge of the wall in the desired configuration. Vertical Z-shaped bars are secured to certain of the plates to further stiffen them and further braces, secured to the flanges, extend diagonally upward into a concrete apron, selected ones of the diagonal braces carrying a form plate for defining the outer edge of the apron. Rigid bars are used to hold corner plates to a desired curvature during assembly of the pool wall and its placement in the excavation. After back-filling and forming the apron, those bars are removed.

Abstract: A deck structure and fence for above ground swimming pools, with the deck being supported at its inner peripheral end on the seat rest mounted on top of the swimming pool side wall. The deck is comprised of a plurality of platform sections of predetermined size and shape, and by adjusting the distance by which the deck section inner ends overhang the seat rest, the same group of deck sections may be used with round or oval swimming pools having arcuate side walls within a predetermined range of diameters. The outer end of the deck is supported on upstanding posts having lock tabs at both ends. Openings formed through the lock tabs define hinge lines at predetermined locations which cause the lock tabs to be tensioned and prestressed as they are bent into locking engagement with deck frame members and ground support plates through mating apertures therein. A deck fence is held together by a double lock tab arrangement through which the fence top rails are securely interlocked with upright fence posts.

Abstract: A method of laying bricks in order to lay a large brick surface; including one or several bricklayers working independently in separate areas, the brick laying at each area including an initial laying of a pointed, wedge-shaped brick with progressively thicker, wedge-shaped bricks adjacent thereto in a row, until attaining a standard brick width, after which all other rows of bricks adjacent to the tapered row of brick thus formed, are made of standard, same width brick; the brick rows of all areas being joined together, so as to form the large brick surface.

Abstract: A swimming pool wall 10 is made with a vertical resin wall 15 and an outer resin form 16 spaced from and parallel with each other, and concrete is poured in the space between and formed over the bottom of the pool. Both resin wall 15 and form 16 are formed as continuous strips of resin material. Vertical C-shaped channels 26 are adhered periodically to the outside surface of resin wall 15, and T-head stakes 25 interlocking with channels 26 are driven into the ground to support wall 15. Each stake 25 has a horizontal arm 30 that extends outward, and vertical braces 31 extend upward from the outer ends of arms 30. Form 16 is upheld by arms 30 and vertically supported against braces 31, making form 16 parallel with wall 15 and uniformly spaced outward from wall 15. Latches 35 extend from stakes 25 to braces 31 to support the braces and hold form 16 in place. Bars 32 are driven vertically into the ground between braces 31 and adjacent the inside surface of form 16 to prevent bulges.

Abstract: A method of making swimming pool walls with gutter and conduit constructions from sheet metal components that are fused together at welded junctions. The method is characterized by forming the individual components to specific configurations that are adapted for sequential assembly on a supporting structure. The configurations of the individual components are such that when assembled three of the components are fused together at a continuous single weld to effect a water tight closure for the gutter and conduit. This results in the elimination of one continuous welded seam and also simplifies the fabrication and assembly of the construction. The present method is further characterized by being adaptable to form a plurality of gutter and conduit types and capacities from standardized main components. In addition, the method is adapted to effect closer tolerances in alignment of the components during the assembly and welding thereof.

Abstract: A method for establishing a flow gradient along the gutter of a swimming pool of the type that includes a recirculating system for the pool water with said gutter comprising a portion of such system. The method comprises providing a plurality of gutter flow controllers at spaced locations around the perimeter of the pool. Each of such controllers includes an adjustable hydrastatic gate, the operation of which is responsive to the bias of an adjustable spring means. The gutter flow controllers are selectively adjusted to establish the desired flow gradient along the gutter.

Abstract: A pool, such as a swimming or ornamental pool, has a bottom of sheet material and a vertical wall section of pliable sheet material, both of which may be of vinyl-coated sheet steel. A flexible extruded junction member is grooved to receive the edge portion of the pool bottom, and also the bottom edge portion of the wall section, each of which is held in sealed manner in the junction member by a resiliently deformable sealing strip driven into the junction member adjacent to the bottom and/or walls section.

Abstract: A container for fluent material has a limp flexible bottom and an upstanding limp flexible perimetral circular wall. The wall is kept upstanding by flexible support means between the upper edge of the wall and the upper horizontal member of a framework surrounding and spaced from the perimetral wall. The wall is of waterproof-coated woven synthetic fabric with the warp running lengthwise around the wall and the weft upright. The fabric has a strength-to-weight ratio and stretch characteristic sufficient that the wall requires no internal reinforcement or external support against outward pressure from contents when filled into the container.

Abstract: Water reservoir comprising a flexible bottom and side walls formed by at least one inflatable tubular element extending along a closed contour, said bottom and said tubular element resting on a support.The bottom is connected to the tubular element by a peripheral connection zone extending between a line of the bottom parallel to the tubular element and spaced therefrom and a generatrix of the tubular element situated between the lower horizontal tangency generatrix and the inner vertical tangency generatrix of the tubular element. A brace is provided between the bottom line and said generatrix.

Abstract: A support for a pool liner (8) comprises interlocking mouldings (1,2). A slot (3) in one moulding (1) receives the top of the rigid wall (4) of the pool and a locking groove (5) receives the beaded head (7) of the liner (8), while in upwardly opening slot (9) receives an elongated rib (10) of the other moulding (2). The two mouldings (1,2) are also linked by a rib (11) and groove (12) formation and mask the fixing of the liner to the moulding (1) and the void space (13) behind the top portion of the liner (8) where the liner could readily become damaged. The two mouldings (1, 2A) can also be moulded additionally to form a smooth edging to the pool.

Abstract: The specification discloses a removable swimming pool construction having a plurality of prefabricated side and deck panels which are supported on adjustable frame members, and are installed in a manner which imparts to the pool the appearance of a permanent pool construction. The deck panels are interconnected by rods which extend longitudinally under the deck panels through end flanges thereof, and include a tightening mechanism to align and draw the panels securely together. The deck panels include a tortuously extending water passageway therethrough which communicates with the water in the pool. A pump flows the pool water through the passageway, such that solar heat collected in the deck is transferred to the water, thereby heating the same and simultaneously cooling the deck surface. A flexible pool cover is mounted in one end of the pool, and is wound on a rotatable drum for extending and retracting the same over the surface of the water.

Abstract: A disconnect unit for the isolation of the aqueous contents of a swimming pool from pump lines running into said pool which permits contained water to be blown clear of said pump lines without need to remove any substantial quantities of water from the pool. The unit comprises a pool inlet fitting having a check valve permanently mounted therein and adapted to have inserted within the check valve at its distal end a compressed air nipple and at its proximal end frictionally and permanently embedded into the wall a blocking membrane for the inlet fitting member. The device functions by the first insertion of the compressed air nipple 1 into the check valve 2 and the locking of the shoulders of the two members together. The air line to the pump is then blown clear of water.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable pool platform, for use in a swimming pool, means to vertically raise and lower the platform, and means connecting the platform to the means to vertically raise and lower the platform, the pool platform being buoyant to float on the surface of the water, and be constantly urged to float to the surface of the water, when submerged under water at a predetermined level, and the platform permits vertical passage of water therethrough.

Abstract: An in-ground swimming pool which utilizes a relatively flexible, continuous sheet-like wall member in combination with a bottom construction which is formed from polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam bottom is reinforced at the surfaces of concave curvature with rail-like concrete members to which the foam is bonded.Also disclosed is a method of forming the polyurethane bottom which consists of applying a relatively thin coating of polyurethane foam to the bottom excavation and immediately placing a sheet of polyethylene, 2 to 4 mils thick, over the foam before the foam has set, conforming and adhering the polyethylene sheet to the foam and earth surface. The final steps include applying a series of polyurethane foam layers by spraying over the polyethylene sheet to achieve a desired thickness. By following the procedures disclosed, the foam surface can be controlled to obtain the desired pool bottom smoothness.

Abstract: A swimming pool deck is disclosed for construction with new swimming pool installations and with existing swimming pools. A concrete base is poured around the exterior wall of the swimming pool at or below the frost line and a plurality of vertical hollow columns are spaced in the concrete base. A plurality of X-shaped braces are spaced in the concrete base to join together connecting vertical walls which are positioned next to the exterior pool wall. Horizontal support rods extend from the vertical walls to the hollow columns. The area around the pool is back-filled to the proper level and reinforcing grates are connected to the horizontal support rods. A concrete deck is poured with some of the concrete filling the hollow columns.The swimming pool deck fabrication method and apparatus of the invention employs straight-forward sequence of frame and pouring form erection without requiring skilled labor for any precisely dimensional excavation, leveling or the like.

Abstract: A two-piece coping for a swimming pool comprising an edge piece and a cover piece. The edge piece includes a base plate for fastening to the top of a pool wall, an opening for receiving a pool liner, an opening for pivotally engaging the cover piece, and means on the base plate for engaging fastening means on the cover piece. The cover piece includes means for pivotally engaging the edge piece and means for fastening the cover piece to the fastening means on the base plate of the edge piece.

Abstract: A stave for a tub has opposite elongate edges formed with formations each having a section transverse to the stave including an arcuate portion, and a rabbet for receiving a floor of the tub extending between the edges. The formations on each stave are desirably complementary, but need not be. Staves placed in edge-to-edge relation define a tub wall which can conform to an arbitrary shape and size. A tub is formed by a plurality of staves, an appropriately shaped floor, and bands extending around the outside of the tub wall.

Abstract: A system for controlling ground water level in a particular surrounding area is disclosed. In particular, a dewatering system to safeguard the integrity of an in-ground swimming pool against damage or disruption caused by excess water accumulating at or near the soil surrounding the swimming is described. Such contiguous ground water, when it rises to an undesirably high level, for example, such as at a level higher than the level of water in a swimming pool, as a consequence of the resulting hydrostatic pressure, will cause adverse effects. The invention provides a system for the removal of ground water accumulating in a given area in excess of a predetermined level, such as around a swimming pool, until the desired level is restored.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved construction of the reinforced ends of flexible sheet-metal panels used in defining the basic generally cylindrical wall to be lined with flexible material in the erection of a prefabricated swimming pool. The end-reinforcement structure uses substantially thinner-gage material than heretofore, and yet a secured joint of two lapped panel ends has the hoop-tension resistance of the best of previous constructions without presenting any ambiguity regarding the sense (i.e., overlapped relation of parts) at the overlap.

Abstract: Tile construction for a swimming pool comprising an elongated tubular extruded member having a longitudinal channel therein, and provided with a plurality of orifices extending into the channel and opening externally of the member. The orifices provide communication between the channel and the exterior of the tubular member. The tubular member has a flat outer surface and the orifices open in the vicinity of the flat outer surface. The tubular member can extend lengthwise along the pool so as to form a lane. A plurality of adjacent parallel lanes can be provided for racing purposes. A pump is connected to the channel for circulating overflow water back into the pool via the channel and the orifices in the tubular member. A plurality of tubular members can be used to form the wall or bottom of the pool or a deck for the pool for receiving overflow water to recirculate the water back to the pool.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pool wall and deck assembly in which a plurality of deck support beams are secured in brackets located towards the top of molded plastic pool wall sections. Brace beams are joined to the deck support beams at a point spaced from the wall section and extend downwardly therefrom back towards the wall sections. One end of each brace beam abuts the bottom flange and the exterior surface of the wall sections and is pinned to the bottom flange thereof and to the earth there beneath.