Abstract: An inflatable container includes a container body that defines a water-storage space, and that has a bottom wall, peripheral inner and outer walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a top wall interconnecting the peripheral inner and outer walls to define an air chamber thereamong. A draining device includes a tubular member that extends through the peripheral inner and outer walls, that is connected sealingly to the peripheral inner and outer walls, and that defines a passage in spatial communication with the water-storage space and an exterior of the container body. A valve is associated with the tubular member for controlling opening and closing of the passage in the tubular member.

Abstract: A method to make a whirlpool bathtub where bacteria growth is inhibited or bacteria is reduced, after tub drain down and between electrical system activation.

Abstract: A winterizing seal for a pool skimmer includes a cover plate dimensioned to overlap the margins of the skimmer opening and having a support portion on its rear surface which extends into the skimmer passageway. A resiliently deformable gasket is provided on the support portion and is configured and dimensioned to bear on the side walls of the skimmer passageway to provide a leak-proof seal between the cover plate and the skimmer passageway. The gasket is pressed against the side walls of the skimmer passageway by a compression plate which is coupled to the cover plate by a nut.

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

Abstract: A safety inlet drain assembly for main and skimmer drains of a swimming pool includes a perforated cylinder in the drain cavity mounted at a lower end on the drain return line and having a domed cap on the upper end to which the drain gate cover is attached by fasteners. The safety drain assembly is configured for precluding complete blockage by pool users in the event of displacement of the cover plate thereby preventing excessive suction conditions otherwise posing physical danger to the users.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in winterizing a swimming pool has a plurality of flow apertures and opens to allow water to flow out of the swimming pool pipes and conduits through a valve flow conduit and the flow apertures and into the pool, and closes under the pressure of the water in the pool to prevent the water from flowing back through the flow apertures, thereby enabling one to empty the pipes and conduits without having to drain the pool.

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

Abstract: A water recreational apparatus, such as a portable spa, hot tub, above ground pool, a recirculating bath tub has a water recirculation system wherein water from the basin of the apparatus is recycled through a pump in water jets disposed in the side walls of the basin. At least one water input valve for controlling the flow of water into one or more of the water jets is controllable by a remote controllable motor. A control panel for controlling the remote controllable motor is disposed proximate to at least one of the seat locations within the water basin.

Abstract: A pool return nozzle assembly, wherein water enters through the gear sleeve assembly causing the turbine blade assembly to turn, which then causes the oscillation of the gear assembly and which then contributes to the revolution of the rotor head for smooth rotation. The assembly focuses on circulating water along the walls of the pool down to the radius and floor of the pool; therefore, enhancing the effectiveness of pool cleaning and return distribution of the water to the pool. The assembly can also be converted into a water fountain with its optional fountain design, which includes a spray head to create aesthetic water spray and fountain characteristics.

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

Abstract: A flow diverting weir for attachment to a face plate of a skimmer of a swimming pool comprising an enclosed scoop member having an opening on one side to allow entry of water from the pool into the skimmer, the scoop member further includes a lower peripheral edge which carries flexible lip means for attachment to the skimmer face plate, the scoop member further includes a top surface carrying slot means and an elongated paddle removably received in the slot means, said paddle adapted to extend outwardly into the pool to divert an additional surface flow of pool water into the scoop member and skimmer.

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

Abstract: A skimmer guard has first and second brackets configured to bear against opposite walls of a skimmer passageway, and a plurality of resiliently deflectable ribs extending between the first and second brackets for blocking objects from passing into the skimmer. The ribs are configured and dimensioned to bias the first and second brackets against the second wall of the skimmer passageway to hold guard in a fixed position.

Abstract: The swimming pool floor or spa floor drain assembly of the present invention includes a drain body having a mouth positionable in proximity to the pool wall to serve as a fluid flow inlet, a spaced apart fluid flow outlet positionable below the mouth and a sidewall interconnecting the mouth with the outlet to define a fluid flow chamber. The cross sectional area of the fluid flow chamber decreases from the mouth to the base. A fluid deflecting plug includes a comparatively large area top and a comparatively small area base. A sidewall interconnects the top and base to form the plug with a cross sectional area decreasing form the top to the base.

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

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

Abstract: The water leveling system of the invention includes a dual hose Y connector with a shut off valve for each outlet—one of which is usable with a hose for regular gardening, and the other of which remains open as a continuous water source to fill a swimming pool when an included float tilts downwardly in opening a gate valve to allow water to flow through a float housing enclosure in filling the pool to its desired water height.

Abstract: A filtering system for a spa or pool that includes a closed filtering tank which houses a filter having a filter body which receives a filter bag having a sheath encompassing the exterior of the filter body and a pocket extending inwardly from the front end of the sheath into the filter. An O-ring encircles the upper portion of the filter bag to releasably retain such bag to the filter body during operation of the spa water circulation system. A pump is provided to force water from the spa or pool into the filtering tank, through the filter body and back into the spa or pool.

Abstract: A submersible fabric tub is floated in a swimming pool or other body of water, the tub having an upper floatation collar from which the flexible fabric structure of the tub is suspended. The tub has a pair of opposed bench seat portions with a deeper leg well located between them, and with enclosing end walls. A pair of access ports in an end wall connect by way of connecting hoses with an external heating or cooling water supply, by which the temperature of the water within the tub structure may be conditioned to a desired extent. The flexible floatation collar can be readily locally depressed, enabling users of the tub to readily enter or leave the tub for the surrounding body of water by swimming over the collar. The bench seat portions incorporate plastic reinforcing beams.

Abstract: Safety devices comprising axially elongated fittings having a plurality of relatively small channels extending therethrough are placed in the drain entry of drains for fluid containers such as swimming pools, wading pools, spas and the like to reduce or eliminate body entrapment, hair entanglement and the like.

Abstract: A deck drain is made from extruded plastic with a cross section defining a substantially circular main channel, a mid section, and a top section having a top face with a plurality of openings defined therein. Nail guiding means are attached to the mid section, and direct a nail or screw through the mid section to secure the deck drain to a planar surface. Edges of two or more of the structural elements are aligned vertically to permit the deck drain to contact the planar surface without wobbling when attached.

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

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

Abstract: An automatic shutoff valve that can be easily installed in a swimming pool skimmer, that will prevent the flow of air through the suction outlet when the water level drops below the minimum level required to maintain buoyancy of the automatic shutoff valve's float. The valve is designed to automatically reset to normal when a sufficient level of liquid is restored in the pool and skimmer assembly, and any suction acting on the outflow portion of the valve is briefly interrupted to release the float from its position on the valve seat. During operation, the valve protects the pool's circulating pump from damage that could result from becoming air-bound ad losing its prime, as a result of sucking air through the skimmer's bottom outlet.

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

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

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

Abstract: A water level controller for a pool has a water level sensor immersed in the pool. A processor detects if the sensor senses low water. A transmitter sends a radio frequency signal to a receiver if the processor detects the low water. The receiver turns on a valve to add water to the pool. The transmitter and processor are contained in a waterproof housing. A main power switch is located internally in the housing, and moves between on and off positions by inverting the housing. A wave filter timer within the processor turns on for a selected interval when the processor detects low water. The receiver has an overfill counter that turns on for a selected interval when the receiver receives the low water signal. The receiver resets the overfill counter prior to reaching the selected count each time that the receiver receives a low water signal.

Abstract: An automatic shutoff valve that can be easily installed in a swimming pool scupper, or provided as original equipment at time of scupper installation. The automatic shutoff valve will stop the normal flow of liquid through a drain or suction outlet when the liquid level drops below the minimum level required to maintain buoyancy of the automatic shutoff valve's float, and the flow is about to change from liquid to gaseous. The valve is designed to automatically reset to normal when a sufficient level of liquid is restored in the pool and scupper assembly, and any suction acting on the outflow portion of the valve is briefly interrupted to release the float from its position on the valve seat. The valve incorporates a valve body with a valve seat, float retainer, and a buoyant float which can reciprocate vertically, being guided by the retainer as it descends onto the sealing surface located below it.

Abstract: A floating weir skimmer (1) with a pivoting flap (2) that can be fixed to a flexible wall (3) of an above-ground pool, comprising: a flexible pouch (4) with an open front face (7) that can be sealed to the exterior face of the flexible wall (3) to correspond with an opening (8) therein, and a removable rigid cassette (9) in the flexible pouch (4), with two side walls (10) frontally defining a water inlet (11) facing the opening (8) and at the bottom a water outlet (12), this cassette containing a pivoting floating flap (2) with its axle (13) fixed to the base of the side walls (10) near the inlet (11).

Abstract: A fitting for connecting to an end of tubing. The fitting includes a fitting body having a generally tubular construction with a first end adapted for leakproof connection to another component. A second end has a socket connector with tapered interior sidewall portions forming a truncated conical shape such that an end of a tube can be inserted into the socket connector and tightly wedged therein to form a leakproof seal. At least a portion of the fitting body is made of a light-transmitting material such that material lodged within the fitting body is visible from the exterior of the fitting body.

Abstract: An internal spa filter for a spa, having a filter body with an inlet opening at its one end and a discharge orifice at its opposite end, the sides of such body are formed with auxiliary spa water inlet openings. The filter also includes a filter bag having a sheath encompassing the exterior of the filter body and a pocket extending inwardly from the front end of the sheath into the filter body from the main spa water inlet opening. Operation of the spa water circulation system draws spa water into the main spa water inlet opening through the filter bag pocket into the filter body while concurrently spa water is drawn transversely through the filter bag sheath and auxiliary spa water openings into the filter body, all of such spa water flows rearwardly out of the filter body through the filter body discharge orifice.

Abstract: The pipes associated with an in-ground swimming pool can be supported by a support that includes a base and two telescopingly engaged tubular sections. A U-shaped element is located on one end of the tubular sections and has a pad on which the pipe rests. A lock connects the two tubular sections together once the height of the support is selected.

Abstract: A water recreational apparatus has a water basin, a filter and a pump. The side walls of the water basin have side doors to allow the flow of water from the water basin to the filter. A spring or other biasing means is provided to bias the side wall doors to a closed position when the pump is not operating, but allowing the side doors to open when the pump is operating.

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

Abstract: A warm/cold double-circulation water filter system and swimming pool arrangement comprises, a swimming pool, a double-circulation water filter system, a water pipe system, a heater. The present invention concentrated the valves in order to convenient management and control, to reduce valves amount and to offer a multiform elevated temperature manner.

Abstract: This plant is characterized in that the water filtering device with its motor pump, the device for chemically treating said water, the pipes with the corresponding valves and with the openings for receiving the water from the swimming pool and for returning the cleaned and treated water to said swimming pool, and the corresponding accessories are all of them connected and installed on a base framework allowing to transport the whole ready-to-operate plant to the site having been chosen for it. All of the components making up this plant can be distributed in independent modules being apt to be fitted to each other. The assembly being made up of all of the components and accessories of the plant, both if they are installed on a single base framework as well as if they are distributed in modules, is of such dimensions as to be apt to be put in a conventional container facilitating its transportation.

Abstract: The electronically controlled system of the present invention includes a regulator for regulating the flow of water through selected conduits of a filtration system associated with the swimming pool. The regulator includes a rotatable selector (32) arranged in association with a valve housing (11) having a number of inlet and outlet ports; biasing member (37) for biasing the rotatable selector (32) into a seated position in the valve housing (11); and motor (39) operatively associated with the rotatable selector (32) and adapted to rotate the rotatable selector while it is in the seated position in the valve housing (11). The system further includes a control member (50) for automatically controlling the regulator in a predetermined manner wherein the control member includes a microprocessor.

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

Abstract: A warm/cold double-circulation water filter system and swimming pool arrangement comprises, a swimming pool, a double-circulation water filter system, a water pipe system, a heater. The present invention concentrated the valves in order to convenient management and control, to reduce valves amount and to offer a multiform elevated temperature manner.

Abstract: A spa with a pop-up waterfall apparatus constructed according to the invention includes a container for a reservoir of water and a water-sheeting manifold assembly mounted on the container The water-sheeting manifold assembly includes a water-sheeting manifold that is adapted for movement between a lowered first position and an elevated second position. A waterfall apparatus constructed according to one aspect of the invention includes a housing defining an upwardly opening chamber that extends from a bottom portion of the housing to a top portion of the housing, and it also includes a water-sheeting manifold that fits at least partially within the upwardly opening chamber. The housing includes a water inlet in fluid communication with the upwardly opening chamber that functions as means for coupling water from a separate source of pressurized water to the upwardly opening chamber.

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

Abstract: A wall mount return for pools and spas uses an eyeball fitting having a plurality of openings formed in its surface to selectively direct jets of water for better control of pool and spa water circulation patterns. Removable knockdowns are initially formed in each of the openings, and through their removal, permit customization of water directional flow for a particular return location. An inner directional ring formed within the eyeball fitting cooperates with the outer openings to enable the direction of water jets at non-perpendicular angles to the outer eyeball surface.

Abstract: A skimmer pool closure assembly for closing off a swimming pool from a pool skimmer that is mounted to the pool adjacent a side wall opening includes a face plate attachable to either the pool skimmer or the side wall and having a configuration generally coextensive with the side wall opening. The face plate has a centrally located opening for registration with the side wall opening and pool skimmer. The skimmer pool closure assembly includes a hatch cover removably and threadedly securable to the face plate and is sized to snugly fit within or about the face plate opening for preventing water from entering the skimmer. The hatch cover includes a tool receiving slot for enabling a person to install and remove the hatch cover from the face plate. Alternatively, a safety insert may be threadedly secured to the face plate for selectively allowing items and water into the skimmer.

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

Abstract: An anti-litter float or balloon for a swimming pool. The single compartment balloon abuts continuously the containing wall, and the self-mooring balloon prevents litter from being disbursed into the pool water. Flaps and/or element-resistant covers can be used with the self-mooring single compartment balloon to batten down the swimming pool. The self-mooring single compartment float is sloped from the apex of its vertex downward toward the swimming pool's lip.

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

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

Abstract: The device comprises filtration means and pumping means each housed in a compact unit mounted with the panels of a swimming pool basin. The unit includes a compartment (A) housing the filtration means in communication with the water of the basin, and a compartment (B) out of the water which contains the pumping means. The unit includes in the filtration compartment an assembly having first and second 90° elbows for intaking water from the basin. One of the elbows has arrangements for coupling to the bottom of the member containing the filtration means, while the other elbow has arrangements for coupling with a straight element. The unit also includes in the pumping compartment third and fourth 90° elbows for the intake of water. One of the third and fourth elbows is coupled to a straight element, and the other elbow of the third and fourth elbows is connected to a delivery side of the pumping means. Also included in the pumping compartment are fourth and fifth elbows for delivering water to the basin.

Abstract: A floating weir skimmer (1) with a pivoting flap (2) that can be fixed to a flexible wall (3) of an above-ground pool, comprising: a flexible pouch (4) with an open front face (7) that can be sealed to the exterior face of the flexible wall (3) to correspond with an opening (8) therein, and a removable rigid cassette (9) in the flexible pouch (4), with two side walls (10) frontally defining a water inlet (11) facing the opening (8) and at the bottom a water outlet (12), this cassette containing a pivoting floating flap (2) with its axle (13) fixed to the base of the side walls (10) near the inlet (11).