Abstract: A method and apparatus for circulating water in a bathing installation with a water circulation flow path and a tub for holding bathing water is described. A pump is submerged in a chamber in the circulation flow path so that the pump when operated provides a positive pump pressure to pump water through the circulation flow path from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. Thermal contact is provided between a pump housing surface and water in the chamber to allow heat transfer between the pump housing surface and water in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses a padded neck support for beauty salon washing sinks. The invention is an apparatus to aid in the support of a user's head during the hair washing process at a sink in a beauty salon. The head and neck support pad is configured as a conformable pad to be removably attached to the head receiving portion of a conventional hair salon sink. If necessary, means exist to removably attach multiple support pads thereon each other for vertical adjustment due to the physical characteristics of the individual user. The apparatus is covered with a waterproof cover for ease in washing after use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pool skimmer including first and second tubular members that are telescopically displaceable with respect to one another, flotation means for suspending it substantially vertically in a body of water, and a tubular connector mounted on the second tubular member in liquid communication with a space defined within the tubular members and defining connector formations for connecting it in line with a hose of a pool pump. In operation in a body of water, the pump creates suction in the tubular connector and surface water flows via a weir defined by the top of the first tubular member, into the said space, via the tubular connector, and into the pool hose. The tubular members define in their side walls apertures that increasingly come into register as overlap of the members increase, thereby permitting water to flow via the apertures directly into the said space.

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

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

Abstract: A skimmer system is provided which includes a reservoir, an inlet, a reservoir pump and a weir. The skimmer system is attached to a tank having fluid therein. The fluid in the tank defines a tank fluid surface. The reservoir receives fluid from the tank. The fluid in the reservoir defines a reservoir fluid surface. The level of the reservoir fluid surface is maintained below the level of the tank fluid surface when the skimmer system is turned on. The inlet defines an inlet edge and an inlet surface. The inlet edge is located below the level of the tank fluid surface. The inlet surface declines away from the tank to transfer the fluid from the tank to the reservoir. The reservoir pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the tank. The filter is positioned between the inlet and the reservoir to retain particulate within the fluid. The weir defines a weir edge.

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 swimming pool includes a swimming tank, which stores water for swimming; and an upstream tank, which stores water to be supplied into the swimming tank. The pool further includes a downstream tank, which stores the water streamed from the upstream tank through the swimming tank; and a pump, which forces the water stored in the downstream tank to the upstream tank. The water in the upstream tank has an energy head that is higher than the water in the swimming tank so as to generate water current in the swimming tank.

Abstract: A swimming pool includes a swimming tank, which stores water for swimming; and an upstream tank, which stores water to be supplied into the swimming tank. The pool further includes a downstream tank, which stores the water streamed from the upstream tank through the swimming tank; and a pump, which forces the water stored in the downstream tank to the upstream tank. The water in the upstream tank has an energy head that is higher than the water in the swimming tank so as to generate water current in the swimming tank.

Abstract: An invention utilizing a screw to remove debris from a swimming pool filtration system skimmer and deposit it into a waste receptacle. The lower end of the axis of the screw is inserted into the skimmer below the level of the water. As the screw is reotated, it removes debris from the skimmer to a point outside the skimmer where the screw deposits it into a receptacle.

Abstract: An invention utilizing a conveyor belt to remove debris from a swimming pool filtration system skimmer and deposit it into a waste receptacle. The lower end of the conveyor belt is inserted into the skimmer below the level of the water. As the conveyor belt is rotated, it removes debris from the skimmer to a point outside the skimmer where the conveyor belt deposits it into a receptacle.

Abstract: A weir flap for use in a swimming pool skimmer opening is disclosed. The weir flap includes a buoyant body that is pivotally mounted at a lower end in the opening. The body includes a through slot having an inlet opening in a front face of the body and an outlet opening in either a rear face or an upper edge of the body.

Abstract: A pool skimmer apparatus used with a water filtration and recirculation system includes an outlet nozzle assembly and a scoop assembly. The outlet nozzle assembly is mounted to an inlet in the sidewall of a pool of water and operable for directing a flow of the water and debris floating on the surface of the water along an endless annular path extending substantially tangentially along the sidewall and the periphery of the pool of water. The scoop assembly is mounted to the outlet in the sidewall of the pool to project outwardly from the sidewall for intercepting and deflecting at least a portion of the water and debris carried by the water from the endless annular path of flow and into the outlet of the pool to thereby assist in skimming off portions of the debris floating on the surface of the pool of water.

Abstract: A tool comprising an elongated handle on the upper end of a driver member for remotely changing the rotational setting of a diverter valve mounted in the suction outlet of a skimmer for a swimming pool. The diverter valve is provided with an adapter ring having a protrusion on the top surface thereof. The driver member comprises a skirt with an upper hub portion. The skirt is provided with a slot on the bottom edge thereof and openings on the sidewall thereof. The hub portion has the elongated handle extending upwardly therefrom and an axial projection extending downwardly therefrom. While the circulating pump for the pool is running, the axial projection enables the skirt to be readily positioned and seated over the upper end portion of the diverter valve and the openings on the sidewall of the skirt enable the driver member to be removed from the diverter valve by permitting water in the skimmer to flow into the suction outlet thereof to break the suction.

Abstract: A winterizing plug for water lines of a swimming pool is disclosed. The winterizing plug cooperates with a port in the skimmer to displace water in the line and reduce the possibility of damage thereto. Water is displaced by means of air pressure maintained within the line.

Abstract: A multi-gasket sealing assembly or mount is disclosed for improved mounting of a swimming pool water skimmer in an opening in a pool wall of the type having a metal wall portion and a flexible inner sheet liner. The water skimmer has a housing defining a water inlet chamber for intake of water and an annular chamber end portion which protrudes through the pool wall opening. The housing also has an outwardly projecting peripheral flange spaced from the chamber end portion, the flange being bolted to the metal wall portion. A continuous gasket is located around the chamber end portion. An annular face plate is connected to the chamber end portion to compress the gasket and also to press the pool liner against the metal wall portion to prevent water from getting behind the liner. Another gasket is compressed between the peripheral flange and the metal wall portion to seal against the ingress of sand and other particulate matter into the skimmer from behind the pool wall.

Abstract: Skimmer apparatus, for a recreational pool of the type where a housing of the skimmer is mounted outside the pool and has a port opening in sealed relation to a pool sidewall opening, is provided with an assembly, including a special gasket frame and a face plate, for fastening the housing to the pool sidewall for normal use, and further including a cover panel adapted to sealably mount over the face plate by gripping sealing engagement with a peripheral flange of the gasket frame to effectively close off the chamber of the skimmer housing for non-use or storage disposition.

Abstract: A skimmer-diverter assembly for use with swimming pools having water filtration and circulation systems. The skimmer-diverter assembly includes an elongated arm positioned adjacent the skimmer intake of the spool filtration and circulation system. A flow augmenting apparatus is used with the elongated arm to direct an augmented current flow along the arm to enhance the entrainment of debris and direct the debris toward the side wall of the pool and skimmer intake.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a swimming pool cleaner which includes a housing which defines a chamber, at least one inlet to the chamber and an outlet from the chamber, and a bouyant ball inside the chamber. The apparatus is installed or incorporated in a weir. When suction is cyclically applied to the outlet, and removed, the ball alternately blocks the outlet, and leaves the outlet unblocked. Correspondingly the pool cleaner is operated to clean a submerged surface of a swimming pool, or water is drawn directly from the pool and through a weir, for filtration. A more efficient cleaning of the pool takes place.

Abstract: A skimmer is provided for a swimming pool and is constructed in a manner similar to conventional skimmers for a pool so far as the water inlet and filter basket is concerned. Instead of pulling water through the filter basket to the recirculating pump for the pool, however, a water outlet is provided from the bottom of the basket holding cavity of the skimmer; and return water for supply back to the pool is provided by the recirculating pump to an entrainment nozzle device located at the bottom of the filter cavity to pull additional water through the filter cavity to mix with the return water, all of which is supplied to the water outlet located beneath the pool water surface level. Consequently, even if the filter basket should be completely clogged, the water flow through the recirculating system for the pool is not impeded, since the filter basket is not in the primary recirculating path of the pool system.

Abstract: An automatic pool vacuum unit is connected to a skimmer housing by a vacuum housing fitted in an inverted U-shaped opening in the skimmer weir, open to the bottom of the weir. In order to avoid interfering with normal pivoting of the buoyant weir by the vacuum housing, the housing in planes at right angles to the pivotal axis of the weir has upper outlines that are arcuate about that axis, and the vacuum housing has an outline matching the outline of the inverted U-shaped opening in planes through the weir pivotal axis, so that the vacuum housing substantially fits and substantially seals the weir opening as the weir pivots. A removable cover over the debris-collecting basket in the skimmer housing has an opening connecting with the vacuum housing and an adjustable opening for skimmer water spilling over the top of the weir. The vacuum housing is removably secured to the cover to facilitate removal of the debris collecting basket.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a face plate for use in conjunction with the skimmer apparatus for recreational devices, such as swimming pools and spas, wherein the face plate for the fitting positioned in the swimming pool wall and extending into the swimming pool includes a plurality of ribs on each leg thereof to prevent closure of the aperture from the pool to the skimmer apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic rim flow water level control system for gutters is provided, for use in swimming pools, which includes a peripheral gutter having at least one weir chamber on its pool side wall, the wall having a plurality of vertically extending elongated water entrance slots communicating with the pool weir chamber, a plurality of vertical elongated water exit slots through the top rim of the gutter wall opposite to the pool side water entrance slots, a plurality of elongated water exit slots through the weir chamber wall below the top rim slots, an elongated float carried in the weir chamber, which float is responsive to the water level in the pool, to permit water to flow through the slots into the gutter for skimming, and into the weir chamber for float positioning and water skimming control, the weir chamber bottom wall having orifices to provide for controlled leakage of water out of the chamber into the gutter, from which it is removed, filtered and returned to the pool.

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 control device for regulating the skimming flow of surface water from a swimming pool to a perimeter gutter includes a housing disposed in a gutter wall, at the normal level of water in the pool, which defines a flow passage from the pool to a lower gutter trough. A plate pivotally supported within a downwardly-sloped portion of the flow passage reduces flow through the housing in response to increasing levels of water in the trough. The plate closes the flow passage when the water in the trough exceeds a predetermined level to prevent flooding of the gutter and to prevent back flow of water from the gutter to the pool.

Abstract: An automated skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools is provided having a water cleaning and recirculation system receiving water from the pool, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool; a gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, receiving overflow across a top edge thereof and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level in the swimming pool; a drain line connecting the gutter conduit with the water recirculation system; suction means in series flow connection with the gutter conduit and drain line for positive withdrawal under suction of water from the gutter conduit and feed of such water to the water recirculation system for return to the pool; at least one of (a) means for controlling water recirculation capacity to accommodate any selected flow of water from the gutter to the water recirculation system; and (b) means for controlling suction flow from the gutter to the water recirculation system; and at least one water level-respons

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 wave gutter for swimming pools that automatically positions and maintains a longitudinal edge of the gutter, relative to the waterline, for optimum control of waves and other surface disturbances created by persons in the pool includes a wall member, fabricated to be buoyant in water, that is hingedly attached to a sidewall of the pool. The wall member is free to pivot about an axis that is proximate to and parallel with one of a pair of longitudinal edges of the wall member. This freedom, together with the buoyancy of the wall member, allows the other longitudinal edge to be situated substantially at the waterline for the most efficient wave damping capability.

Abstract: A spa construction for use by humans comprising a shell for containing water and having a well for receiving the feet of the user. A seat is provided adjacent the well upon which the user can sit. A side wall is provided against which the user can rest his back. A first pump is provided having an inlet coupled into the bottom portion of the shell for withdrawing water from within the shell and an outlet coupled to the shell above the seat for introducing jets of water into the shell. An air inlet is provided for mixing air into the jets of water introduced into the shell. A filter and heater housing is carried by the shell and has disposed therein filter and heater elements. An additional pump is provided having an inlet coupled to the shell for drawing water from the shell into the filter and heater housing and discharging the same through an outlet coupled to the shell.

Abstract: An automated skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools is provided having a water cleaning and recirculation system receiving water from the pool, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool; a first drain line connecting the pool to the water recirculation system for water feed from the pool for cleaning; a gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, receiving overflow across a top edge thereof and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level in the swimming pool; a second drain line connecting the gutter conduit with the water recirculation system for water feed from the gutter for cleaning; skimming means receiving skimming flow across a top edge thereof at the perimeter of the swimming pool; a first drain valve in the first drain line which when open allows water from the pool to flow to the water recirculation system, and when closed stops such flow; a balance means in flow connection with the first and second drain lines and the water reci