MODULAR POOL SYSTEMS FOR PARTIAL INGROUND INSTALLATION

Abstract

A modular partial inground pool system includes a plurality of wall panels configured to extend vertically above and below a ground level position and abut together horizontally. Each wall panel has a plurality of wall stiffeners disposed thereon. The wall stiffeners each extend vertically along the wall panels and outwards therefrom to a first width. A plurality of backer brackets are positioned on opposing ends of each wall panel. Each backer bracket extends vertically downward from a top of the wall panels to the ground level position and outwards therefrom to the first width. A horizontally extending L-shaped edge cap is disposed against the wall stiffeners and backer brackets at the ground level position. A support board material is positioned against the wall stiffeners and backer brackets and supported by the edge cap. A finish material is positioned against the support board material and supported by the edge cap.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to modular pool systems configured for partial inground installation. More specifically, the disclosure relates to modular plunge pool systems configured for partial inground installation.

BACKGROUND

Pool systems may be configured for inground or above-ground installation. Inground pool systems have substantially the entire body of water contained below ground level and above-ground pool systems contain the entire body of water above ground level.

A partial inground pool system (sometimes known as semi-inground or semi-above ground pools) offers alternatives to both. A partial inground pool system has its contained body of water extending below ground level and above ground level. Partial inground pools are better insulated and can last longer than above-ground pools. Additionally, partial inground pools may be less costly to install than full inground pools.

However, the selection of materials for the above ground finish of a current partial inground pool system is often limited by the weight of the finishing material, because the above ground structure is often not capable of handling the weight of such materials as stone or cement. Moreover, the above ground structure of a partial inground pool is generally not capable of supporting the weight of a typical automatic pool cover mechanism that is often used to cover a pool when not in use.

Additionally, partial inground pools are generally made of one-piece plastic or fiberglass and have less flexibility in shape and size compared to full in-ground pools. Also, for one-piece partial inground plunge pool systems, the water jets generally must be installed on the inside walls of the pool, which takes up space for a user to swim.

Accordingly, there is a need for a partial inground pool system, that has an above ground structure capable of supporting the weight of dense finishing materials such as stone or cement. There is also a need for a partial inground pool system that is capable of supporting the weight of an automatic pool cover mechanism for covering the pool when not in use. There is also a need for a partial in-ground pools system that does not require support equipment, such as water jet in a plunge pool, to be installed on the inside walls of the pool. Moreover, there is a need for a partial inground pools system with more flexibility in shape and size compared to current one-piece partial inground pool systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a modular partial inground pool system, which can be made in a larger variety of shapes and sizes than current one-piece plastic or fiberglass pools systems. The modular partial inground pool system of the present disclosure includes an above ground structure capable of supporting heavy finishing materials, such as stone or cement, and/or an automatic pool cover mechanism. Additionally, the partial inground pool system of the present disclosure is designed to have much of its support equipment, such as water jets for a partial inground plunge pool, installed on the outside walls of the pool system.

A modular partial inground pool system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes a plurality of wall panels configured to extend vertically above and below a ground level position and abut together horizontally. Each wall panel has a plurality of wall stiffeners disposed thereon. The wall stiffeners each extend vertically along the wall panels and outwards therefrom to a first width. A plurality of backer brackets are positioned on opposing ends of each wall panel. Each backer bracket extends vertically downward from a top of the wall panels to the ground level position and outwards therefrom to the first width. A horizontally extending L-shaped edge cap is disposed against the wall stiffeners and backer brackets at the ground level position. A support board material is positioned against the wall stiffeners and backer brackets and supported by the edge cap. A finish material is positioned against the support board material and supported by the edge cap.

Another modular partial inground pool system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes a plurality of wall panels configured to extend vertically above and below a ground level position and abut together horizontally. Each wall panel has a plurality of wall stiffeners disposed thereon. The wall stiffeners each extend vertically along the wall panels and outwards therefrom to a first width. A plurality of backer brackets are positioned on opposing ends of each wall panel. Each backer bracket extends vertically downward from a top of the wall panels to the ground level position and outwards therefrom to the first width. A plurality of spacer brackets are affixed to the plurality of wall stiffeners. The spacer brackets extend outwards therefrom to a second width and are terminated with a spacer bracket flange. A plurality of back panels are affixed to the spacer bracket flanges. Each back panel extends vertically downward from the top of the wall panels. A first J-channel rail extends horizontally along the top of the wall panels and is affixed to the backer brackets and wall stiffeners. A second J-channel rail is affixed to, and extends horizontally along, a top of the back panels. An auto-pool cover trough is suspended from the first and second J-channel rails. The auto-pool cover trough is configured to house an automatic pool cover mechanism for closing a cover over the pool system.

Another modular partial inground pool system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes a plurality of wall panels configured to extend vertically above and below a ground level position and abut together horizontally. Each wall panel has a plurality of wall stiffeners disposed thereon. The wall stiffeners each extend vertically along the wall panels and outwards therefrom. The plurality of wall panels abut together to form an entire pool wall. The pool wall has an inner side facing contained water of the pool system and an outer side facing away from the contained water. A plurality of backer brackets are positioned on opposing ends of each wall panel. Each backer bracket extends vertically downward from a top of the wall panels to the ground level position and outwards therefrom. A swim jet housing assembly is affixed to the outer side of the pool wall. The swim jet housing assembly is configured to house a swim jet. The swim jet housing assembly includes opposing first and second swim jet side panels affixed to a pair of wall stiffeners of the plurality of wall stiffeners. The first and second swim jet side panels having a full vertical length equal to the full vertical length of the wall panels. A swim jet floor panel is affixed horizontally between the first and second swim jet side panels. The swim jet floor panel is configured to support the swim jet. A swim jet top panel is affixed to a top of the swim jet housing assembly. The swim jet top panel has a removeable access panel configured to provide access to the swim jet for service.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein and may be used to achieve the benefits and advantages described herein.

DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a perspective view of a fully assembled modular partial inground pool system, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 2, depicts an example of a perspective view of a partially assembled modular partial inground pool system, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 3, depicts an example of an exploded view of a finished assembly of a pool wall of the partial inground pool system, the pool wall including the structure to support a stone or cement finish material, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 4A, depicts an example of a perspective view of a first wall panel of the pool wall of the pool system of FIG. 3, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 4B, depicts an example of an enlarged perspective view of a pair of backer brackets of the wall of the pool system of FIG. 3, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 4C, depicts an example of an enlarged perspective view of a single backer bracket of FIG. 4B, according to aspects described herein.

FIG. 5, depicts an example of a side view of an installation of a first wall panel of FIG. 3, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 6, depicts an example of a perspective side view an automatic pool cover mechanism of the pool system disposed in an auto-pool cover housing assembly, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 7, depicts an example of an opposing perspective side view of the automatic pool cover mechanism disposed in the auto-pool cover housing assembly of FIG. 6, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 8, depicts an example of a perspective front view of a fully assembled auto-pool cover housing assembly for the automatic pool cover mechanism of FIG. 6, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 9, depicts an example of a perspective side view of the auto-pool cover housing assembly of FIG. 8, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 10, depicts an example of an exploded view of the auto-pool cover housing assembly of FIG. 8, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 11, depicts an example of a cross sectional view of the auto-pool cover housing assembly of FIG. 9, taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 9, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 12, depicts an example of a cross sectional view of the auto-pool cover housing assembly of FIG. 9, taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 9, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 13, depicts an example of perspective front view of a swim jet housing assembly of the pool system, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 14, depicts an example of a perspective top view of the swim jet housing assembly of FIG. 13, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 15, depicts an exploded view of another embodiment of a swim jet housing assembly, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 16A, depicts an example of an exploded view of a wall panel 102 mounted to a cradle of the swim jet housing assembly of FIG. 15, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 16B, depicts an example of a perspective assembled view of the wall panel 102 and cradle of FIG. 16A, according to aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 16C, depicts an example of an enlarged view of the second side panel 304B of the swim jet housing assembly of FIG. 15 mounted to the second edge flange 128 of wall panel 102, according to aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 16D, depicts an example of an enlarged view of the leveling bar of the swim jet housing assembly of FIG. 15 mounted between the cradle and the swim jet, according to aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 17A, depicts an example of an assembly rear view of the swim jet housing assembly of FIG. 15, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 17B, depicts an example of an exploded rear view of the swim jet housing assembly of FIG. 15, according to aspects described herein; and

FIG. 17C, depicts an example of an assembly front view of the swim jet housing assembly of FIG. 15, according to aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain examples will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein. One or more examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods, systems, and devices specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples and that the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one example may be combined with the features of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms “significantly”, “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, “relatively,” or other such similar terms that may be used throughout this disclosure, including the claims, are used to describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing from a reference or parameter. Such small fluctuations include a zero fluctuation from the reference or parameter as well. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to +10%, such as less than or equal to +5%, such as less than or equal to +2%, such as less than or equal to +1%, such as less than or equal to +0.5%, such as less than or equal to +0.2%, such as less than or equal to +0.1%, such as less than or equal to +0.05%.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, examples are depicted of perspective views of a fully assembled modular partial inground pool system 100 (FIG. 1) and a partially assembled modular partial inground pool system 100 (FIG. 2), according to aspects described herein. Pool system 100 includes modular wall panels 102 that may be abutted together to form various pool walls 104 and to make a variety of different pool shapes and sizes. Also, as will be explained in greater detail herein, the pool system 100 includes the support structure (such as the wall stiffeners 106, backer brackets 108 and edge caps 110) that enables the pool system 100 to elevate and support a both a heavy support board material 112 (such as cement board) and a heavy finish material 114 (such as stone or cement) above a ground level position 116.

As used herein, the ground level position 116 is the position of the edge caps 110. When the pool system 100 is fully installed, the position of the edge caps 110 will be located at or near the ground, but may be slightly above or slightly below, depending on the contour of the ground the pool is installed in. Below the ground level position 116, the structure of the outer sides 147 (see FIG. 5) of the walls are substantially buried in the ground and not visible to a user. Above the ground level position 116, the finish material 114 is substantially located above ground and is visible to a user.

Additionally, pool system 100 includes an auto cover housing assembly 200 that enables an automatic pool cover mechanism 202 to be elevated and supported above the ground level position 116 and to be installed on an outer side of a pool wall of the pool system 100. Further, the pool system 100 includes a swim jet housing assembly 300 that enables a swim jet 302 to be installed on an outer side of a pool wall 104 of the pool system 100.

Swim jets 302 (or swim jet systems), as used herein, are pump driven systems that are used to create a current that a swimmer can swim against. A swim jet 302 may be, for example, a propeller driven or jet driven system that pushes water through nozzles (or jets) located on the pool wall 104. A swim jet system 302 may be located on any wall 104 of the pool system 100. Typically, the swim jet 302 creates a current along the length of the inside of the pool for the swimmer to swim against. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the swim jet 302 is positioned on a wall that is oriented 90 degrees relative to the pool wall 104 that the pool cover mechanism 202 is mounted on. However, the swim jet 302 may be mounted on the pool wall 104 that is opposite the wall supporting the pool cover mechanism 202 as well.

Other well-known accessories of the pool system 100 may be installed along the pool walls 104 of the pool system 100. For example, a pool filter pump 118, may be installed on the outer side of the pool walls 104.

Referring to FIG. 3, an example is depicted of an exploded view of a finished assembly of a pool wall 104 of the partial inground pool system 100. The pool wall 104 includes the structure to support a stone or cement finish material 114, according to aspects described herein.

The modular partial inground pool system 100 includes a plurality of wall panels 102, which are configured to extend vertically above and below the ground level position 116 and abut together horizontally to form an entire pool wall 104. Each wall panel 102 has a plurality of wall stiffeners 106 disposed thereon. The wall stiffeners 106 each extend vertically along the wall panels 102 and outwards therefrom to a first width W1. A plurality of backer brackets 108 are positioned on opposing ends of each wall panel 102. Each backer bracket 108 extends vertically downward from a top 120 of the wall panels 102 to the ground level position 116 and outwards therefrom to the first width W1. A horizontally extending L-shaped edge cap 110 is disposed against the wall stiffeners 106 and backer brackets 108 at the ground level position 116. A support board material 112 is positioned against the wall stiffeners 106 and backer brackets 108 and supported by the edge cap 110. A finish material 114 is positioned against the support board material 112 and supported by the edge cap 110.

Advantageously, the combination of the wall stiffeners 106 and backer brackets 108 provide a uniquely strong rigid support structure upon which the edge cap 110 may be rigidly mounted in order to support and elevate above the ground level 116 a heavy support board material 112 and finish material 114. For example, the support board material 112 may be composed of cement, and the finish material 114 may be composed of stone or cement, both of which may be mounted on the bottom “L” of the L-shaped edge cap 110. Compared to prior art partial inground pool systems, the support structure of pool system 100 (e.g., wall stiffeners 106, backer brackets 108 and edge cap 110) is capable of supporting much greater weights and, therefore, has many more aesthetically pleasing options of materials that a user can chose from for a finish material 114.

The backer brackets 108 may be terminated in a first mounting flange 122 (best seen in FIG. 4C). The wall stiffeners 106 may be equally spaced along the wall panels 102 also may be terminated in a second mounting flange 124 (best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The first and second mounting flanges 122, 124 may be configured to provide a flat surface for the edge cap 110 to abut against and affix to.

In the pool system 100 illustrated herein, the wall panels 104, wall stiffeners 106, backer brackets 108 and edge cap 110 are all made of metal. However, various other materials may also be used. For example, the wall panels 104 and its support structure (106, 108, 110) may be composed of various combinations of wood or plastic materials as well.

The wall panels 102 also include a first edge flange 126 and a second edge flange 128 that are disposed on opposing ends of each wall panel 104. The first edge flange 126 of a first wall panel 102A of the plurality of wall panels is configured to affix to the second edge flange 128 of a second wall panel 102B of the plurality of wall panels to enable the first and second wall panels 102A, 102B to advantageously abut together horizontally in a modular fashion. Additionally, the backer brackets 108 are configured to affix to the first and second edge flanges 126, 128 to provide support for the edge cap 110 and finish material 114.

The pool system 100 also includes a top plate 130 extending at substantially right angles from the top 120 of each wall panel 102. Additionally, a base plate 132 extends at substantially right angles from a bottom 134 of each wall panel 102. The base plate 132 is configured to be anchored in a footer 136 (see FIG. 5) positioned at the bottom 134 of the wall panels 102. Moreover, an adjustable A-frame brace 138 (see FIG. 5) may be configured to extend diagonally from the base plate 132 to the first or second edge flange 126, 128 of each wall panel 102 to add further rigidity to the wall panel 102.

The pool system 100 may also include a cement board 140 disposed on the top plate 130. The pool system 100 may also include a wall cap 142 disposed on the cement board 140.

The wall panels 102 may also include a liner track 144 disposed at the top 120 of each wall panel 102. The liner track is configured to receive a pool liner (now shown) that lines the inner side 145 (see FIG. 5) of the pool system 100 to contain water therein.

Referring to FIG. 4A, an example is depicted of a perspective view of the first wall panel 102A of the wall 104 of the pool system 100 of FIG. 3, according to aspects described herein. The first wall panel 102A includes two wall stiffeners 106. However any number of wall stiffeners 106 may be used.

Additionally, the wall panel 102A includes the first and second edge flanges 126, 128 that are disposed on opposing ends of the wall panel 102A. Backer brackets 108 are affixed to each edge flange 126, 128. The backer brackets 108 may be affixed by any appropriate means. For example, the backer brackets 108 may be bolted or welded onto the edge flanges 126, 128.

The backer brackets 108 each include the first mounting flanges 122 and the wall stiffeners 106 each include the second mounting 124. The first and second mounting flanges 122, 124 provide a flat surface for the edge cap 110 (see FIG. 3) to be mounded to.

The wall panel 102A also includes the top plate 130 mounted to the top 120 of the wall panel 102A. Further, the wall panel 102A includes the base plate 132 mounted to the bottom 134 of the bottom 130 of the wall panel 102A

As explained earlier herein, the wall stiffeners 106 and backer brackets 108 provide the support structure for the wall panel 102A. This support structure enables the wall panel 102A to advantageously support a heavier finish material 114 than other prior art partial inground pool systems.

Referring to FIG. 4B, an example is depicted of an enlarged perspective view of a pair of backer brackets 108 of the wall 104 of the pool system 100 of FIG. 3, according to aspects described herein. The pair of backer brackets 108 are disposed on distal ends of two wall panels 102A, 102B and abut together. The backer bracket 108 with their associated first mounting flanges 122 form an L-shaped bracket. The L-shaped backer brackets 108 are designed symmetrically so that they are advantageously configured to mount on both sides of a joint in wall 104 between two wall panels 102A, 102B.

Referring to FIG. 4C, an example is depicted of an enlarged perspective view of a single backer bracket 108 of FIG. 4B, according to aspects described herein. The backer bracket 108 with its first mounting flange 122 has a symmetrical layout so that it may be mounted on the left side of a wall panel 102 or turned 108 degrees and mounted on the right side of a wall panel 102. The symmetrical design enables the two backer bracket 108 on the ends of the two wall panels 102 to abut together, wherein with the two first mounting flanges 122 are oriented to extend away from each other.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example is depicted of a side view of an installation of the first wall panel 102A of FIG. 3, according to aspects described herein. As discussed earlier herein, the wall panel 102A includes a second edge flange 128 disposed on the end of the wall panel 102A that is shown in FIG. 5. A first end flange 126 is disposed on the opposing end of the wall panel 102A that is shown in FIG. 4A. The backer brackets are configured to affix to the first and second edge flanges 126, 128.

The top plate 130 and cement board 140 of the wall panel 102A is covered by the wall cap 142, which extends at substantially right angles from the top 120 of each wall panel 102. The base plate 132 also has a second edge flange 128 disposed thereon. The base plate 132 and its associated edge flange 128 extend at substantially right angles from a bottom 134 of each wall panel 102. The base plate 132 and its associated edge flange 128 are configured to be anchored in a footer 136 positioned at the bottom 134 of the wall panels 102. An adjustable A-frame brace 138 extends diagonally from the base plate 132 to the first or second edge flange 126, 128 of each wall panel 102. A stack 146 may also be affixed to the base plate 132 and driven into the earth 148 below the base plate 132 to further stabilize the wall panel 102A.

The wall panel 102A also comprises a liner track 144, which is disposed at the top 120 of each wall panel 102. The liner track 144 is configured to receive a pool liner (now shown) that lines the inner side 145 (or water containing side) of the pool system 100.

The edge cap 110 is mounted against the backer brackets 108 and wall stiffeners 106 (see FIG. 3) at a ground level position 116 to provide support for both the support board material 112 and the finish material 114. In the installation shown in FIG. 5, a backfill 150 is used to fill the open spaces between the outer side 147 (the side facing away from the contained water) of the wall panel, the earth 150 and the footer 136 up to the ground level position 116. A deck 152 may be disposed over the backfill 150.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 an example is depicted of a perspective side view (FIG. 6) and a perspective opposing side view (FIG. 7) of an automatic pool cover mechanism 202 of the pool system 100 disposed in an auto-pool cover housing assembly 200, according to aspects described herein. The automatic pool cover mechanism 202 extends for more than the width of the pool wall 104 it is supported by so that a pool cover 204 of the pool cover mechanism 202 can completely cover the water containing top area of the pool system 100 when the pull cover 204 is fully deployed by the pool cover mechanism 202. The automatic pool cover mechanism is disposed in an auto-pool cover trough 206 of the auto-pool cover housing assembly 200. The auto-pool cover trough 206 is advantageously suspended from a first J-channel rail 208 and a second J-channel rail 210 of the auto-pool cover housing assembly 200.

Referring to FIG. 8, an example is depicted of a perspective front view of a fully assembled auto-pool cover housing assembly 200 for the automatic pool cover mechanism 202 of FIG. 6, according to aspects described herein. In prior art pool systems, the automatic pool cover mechanism 202 would be located at the ground level position 116 due to its weight. Furthermore, the pool cover 204 of the typical pool cover mechanism 202 is limited in its length. More specifically, the pool cover 204 is not designed to extend upwards, from a ground level position, over a pool side wall 104 and along the entire water containing area of the pool system.

Advantageously however, the auto-pool cover housing assembly 200 of pool system 100 is configured to suspend and support the typical automatic pool cover mechanism 202 at or above the ground level position 116. Accordingly, the above ground level portion of the partial inground pool system may be designed for any appropriate height and the automatic pool cover mechanism 202 will still be able to function properly and cover the entire water containing area of the pool system.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an example is depicted of a perspective side view (FIG. 9) and an exploded view (FIG. 10) of the auto-pool cover housing assembly 200 of FIG. 8, according to aspects described herein. The auto-pool cover housing assembly 200 of pool system 100 includes a plurality of spacer brackets 212 affixed to the plurality of wall stiffeners 106 of the plurality of wall panels 102 that form a pool wall 104. The spacer brackets 212 extend outwards therefrom to a second width W2 and are terminated with a spacer bracket flange 214.

A plurality of back panels 216 are affixed to the spacer bracket flanges 214. Each back panel 216 extends vertically downward from the top 120 of the wall panels 102. The two back panels 216 positioned at opposing distal ends of the pool wall 104 may be a first back panel 216A and a second back panel 216B that extend vertically downward from the top 120 of the wall panels 102 to the ground level position 116. That is, the first and second back panels 216A, 216B have a vertical length L equal to a vertical length L of the wall panels 102.

The plurality of back panels 216 located between the first and second back panel 216A, 216B may be third back panels 216C that extend vertically downward from the top 120 of the wall panels 102 only part of the way to the ground level position 116. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the third back panels 216C extend approximately half the length of the first and second back panels 216A, 216B.

The first J-channel rail 208 extends horizontally along the top 120 of the wall panels 102 and is affixed to the backer brackets 108 and wall stiffeners 106. The second J-channel rail 210 is affixed to the back panels 216 and extends horizontally along a top 218 of the back panels 216. The first and second J-channel rails 208, 210 may not extend the entire length of the pool wall 104 in a single rail. Rather the first and second J-channel rails 208, 210 may include a plurality of J-channel rails. This is illustrated in FIG. 10, wherein two J-channel rails are required to span the entire length of pool wall 104.

A first side panel 220 extends between, and is affixed to, the first back panel 216A and a first distal end of the pool wall 104. A second side panel 222 extends between, and is affixed to, the second back panel 216B and a second opposing distal end of the pool wall 104. The side panels 220, 222 have a vertical length L that is equal to the vertical length L of the wall panels 102.

Referring to FIG. 11, an example is depicted of a cross sectional view of the auto-pool cover housing 200 assembly of FIG. 9, taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 9, according to aspects described herein. As can be seen, the auto-pool cover trough 206 is suspended from the first and second J-channel rails 208, 210. The auto-pool cover trough 206 is configured to house and support the automatic pool cover mechanism 202 for closing the pool cover 204 over the pool system 100. The cross sectional line 11-11 cuts through the first back panel 216A, which extends the full length L of the wall panels 102. The spacer bracket 212 is affixed, in this case, to a backer bracket 108. The bottoms of both the wall panel 102 and first back panel 216A are enclosed in a concrete footer 136. A backfill 150 is used to fill the spaces between the footer 136, the earth 140, the back panel 216A and the wall panel 102.

Referring to FIG. 12, an example is depicted of a cross sectional view of the auto-pool cover housing assembly 200 of FIG. 9, taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 9, according to aspects described herein. Just as illustrated in FIG. 11, the auto-pool cover trough 206 is suspended from the first and second J-channel rails 208, 210. The auto-pool cover trough 206 is configured to house and support the automatic pool cover mechanism 202 for closing the pool cover 204 over the pool system 100. The cross sectional line 12-12 cuts through a third back panel 216C, which extends only part of the length L (in this case about half the length L) of the wall panels 102. The spacer bracket 212 is affixed, in this case, to a wall stiffener 106. The bottom of the wall panel 102 is enclosed in the concrete footer 136. However, the third back panel 216C is not enclosed in the footer 136. A backfill 150 is used to fill the spaces between the footer 136, the earth 140 and the wall panel 102.

Advantageously, the structure of the auto-pool cover housing assembly 200 is strong enough to suspend and support the automatic pool cover mechanism 202. Accordingly, the cover mechanism can function in the same manner as if it were mounted on a fully inground pool system, wherein the water level and cover mechanism 202 are approximately at the ground level 116. In the case of partial inground pool system 100, the water level and cover mechanism are above the ground level position, but are both still at approximately the same level. Moreover the auto-pool cover housing assembly 200 is disposed on an outer side 147 of the pool wall 104. Accordingly, the auto-pool cover housing assembly 200 does not use up any inner pool space.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an example is depicted of perspective front view (FIG. 13) and top view (FIG. 14) of a swim jet housing assembly 300 of the pool system 100, according to aspects described herein.

The plurality of wall panels 102 abut together to form an entire pool wall 104. The pool wall 104 has an inner side 145 facing contained water of the pool system 100 and an outer side 147 facing away from the contained water. The swim jet housing assembly 300 is affixed to the outer side 147 of the pool wall 104. The swim jet housing assembly 300 configured to house a swim jet 302.

The swim jet housing assembly 300 includes a first swim jet side panel 304A and an opposing second swim jet side panel 304B. The first and second swim jet side panels 304A, 304B are affixed to a pair of wall stiffeners 106 of the plurality of wall stiffeners 106. The first and second swim jet side panels 304A and 304B may also be affixed to the first and second edge flanges 126, 128 respectively of the wall panel 102. The first and second swim jet side panels 304A, 304B have a full vertical length L equal to the full vertical length L of the wall panels 102.

A swim jet floor panel 306 is affixed horizontally between the first and second swim jet side panels 304A, 304B. The swim jet floor panel 306 is configured to support the swim jet 302.

A swim jet top panel 308 is affixed to a top of the swim jet housing assembly 300. The swim jet top panel 308 has a removeable access panel 310 that is configured to provide access to the swim jet 302 for service. The swim jet top panel 308 may include more than one top panel, such as, for example a first top panel 308A and a second top panel 308B as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15.

Advantageously, the swim jet housing assembly 300 is configured to suspend and support the swim jet 302 above the ground level position 116. The swim jet housing assembly 300 also positions the swim jet 302 on the outer side 147 of the pool walls 104 of pool system 100. Accordingly, the swim jet 302 does not take up valuable swimming space on the inner side 145 (i.e., the water containing side) of the pool walls 104 of the pool system 100.

Referring to FIGS. 15, 16A-16D and 17A-17C, various views are depicted of another embodiment of the swim jet assembly 300. More specifically the FIGS depict examples of:

FIG. 15: an exploded view of another embodiment of a swim jet housing assembly 300, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 16A: an exploded view of a wall panel 102 mounted to a cradle of the swim jet housing assembly 300 of FIG. 15, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 16B: a perspective assembled view of the wall panel 102 and cradle 314 of FIG. 16A, according to aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 16C: an enlarged view of the second side panel 304B of the swim jet housing assembly 300 of FIG. 15 mounted to the second edge flange 128 of wall panel 102, according to aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 16D: an enlarged view of the leveling bar 316 of the swim jet housing assembly 300 of FIG. 15 mounted between the cradle 313 and the swim jet 302, according to aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 17A: an assembly rear view of the swim jet housing assembly 300 of FIG. 15, according to aspects described herein;

FIG. 17B: an exploded rear view of the swim jet housing assembly of FIG. 15, according to aspects described herein; and

FIG. 17C: an assembly front view of the swim jet housing assembly 300 of FIG. 15, according to aspects described herein.

The swim jet housing assembly may also include a cradle 314 that is sized to receive at least the front portion of the swim jet 302. The cradle includes a through hole 320 that matches a through hole 322 cut in the wall panel 102. The through holes 320, 322 are sized to receive the nozzle portion of the swim jet 302 therethrough.

A leveling bar 316 may be mounted between the cradle 314 and the front of the swim jet 320. Adjusting bolts 318 may be used to adjust and level the leveling bar 316 to align the swim jet 302 with the through holes 320, 322.

The swim jet top plate 308 includes a first swim jet top plate 308A and a second swim jet top plate 308B. A swim jet back panel 312 is mounted to the rear of the swim jet housing assembly 300 to enclose the swim jet 302 therein. The swim jet back panel 312 and first and second swim jet top panels 308A, 308B for an access hole 324 upon which the removable access panel 310 may be mounted.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail herein (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

Although the invention has been described by reference to specific examples, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the described examples, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular partial inground pool system comprising: a plurality of wall panels configured to extend vertically above and below a ground level position and abut together horizontally, each wall panel having a plurality of wall stiffeners disposed thereon, the wall stiffeners each extend vertically along the wall panels and outwards therefrom to a first width; anda plurality of backer brackets positioned on opposing ends of each wall panel, each backer bracket extending vertically downward from a top of the wall panels to the ground level position and outwards therefrom to the first width.

2. The pool system of claim 1, comprising: a horizontally extending L-shaped edge cap disposed against the wall stiffeners and backer brackets at the ground level position;a support board material positioned against the wall stiffeners and backer brackets and supported by the edge cap; anda finish material positioned against the support board material and supported by the edge cap.

3. The pool system of claim 2, wherein the wall stiffeners are equally spaced.

4. The pool system of claim 2, wherein the backer brackets terminate in a first mounting flange and the wall stiffeners terminate in a second mounting flange, the first and second mounting flanges being configured to provide a flat surface for the edge cap to abut against and affix to.

5. The pool system of claim 2, wherein the support board material comprises a cement board.

6. The pool system of claim 2, wherein the finish material comprises at least one of stone or cement.

7. The pool system of claim 2, comprising: first and second edge flanges disposed on opposing ends of each wall panel of the plurality of wall panels, wherein the backer brackets are configured to affix to the first and second edge flanges.

8. The pool system of claim 7, wherein the first edge flange of a first wall panel of the plurality of wall panels is configured to affix to the second edge flange of a second wall panel of the plurality of wall panels to enable the first and second wall panels to abut together horizontally.

9. The pool system of claim 7, comprising: a top plate extending at substantially right angles from the top of each wall panel;a base plate extending at substantially right angles from a bottom of each wall panel, the base plate configured to be anchored in a footer positioned at the bottom of the wall panels; andan adjustable A-frame brace extending diagonally from the base plate to the first or second edge flange of each wall panel.

10. The pool system of claim 9, comprising: a cement board disposed on the top plate; anda wall cap disposed on the cement board.

11. The pool system of claim 2, wherein the wall panels comprise a liner track disposed at the top of each wall panel, the liner track configured to receive a pool liner that lines the pool.

12. The pool system of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of spacer brackets affixed to the plurality of wall stiffeners, the spacer brackets extending outwards therefrom to a second width and terminated with a spacer bracket flange;a plurality of back panels affixed to the spacer bracket flanges, each back panel extending vertically downward from the top of the wall panels;a first J-channel rail extending horizontally along the top of the wall panels and affixed to the backer brackets and wall stiffeners;a second J-channel rail affixed to and extending horizontally along a top of the back panels; andan auto-pool cover trough suspended from the first and second J-channel rails, the auto-pool cover trough configured to house an automatic pool cover mechanism for closing a pool cover over the pool system.

13. The pool system of claim 12, comprising: the plurality of wall panels abutting together to form an entire pool wall;a first and a second back panel of the plurality of back panels, wherein the first and second back panels are positioned at opposing distal ends of the pool wall, the first and second back panels having a vertical length equal to a vertical length of the wall panels;a first side panel extending between, and affixed to, the first back panel and a first distal end of the opposing distal ends of the pool wall; anda second side panel extending between, and affixed to, the second back panel and a second distal end of the opposing distal ends of the pool wall.

14. The pool system of claim 1, comprising the plurality of wall panels abutting together to form an entire pool wall, the pool wall having an inner side facing contained water of the pool system and an outer side facing away from the contained water; anda swim jet housing assembly affixed to the outer side of the pool wall, the swim jet housing assembly configured to house a swim jet, the swim jet housing assembly comprising: opposing first and second swim jet side panels affixed to a pair of wall stiffeners of the plurality of wall stiffeners, the first and second swim jet side panels having a full vertical length equal to the full vertical length of the wall panels; anda swim jet floor panel affixed horizontally between the first and second swim jet side panels, the swim jet floor panel configured to support the swim jet.

15. The pool system of claim 14, comprising: a swim jet top panel affixed to a top of the swim jet housing assembly, the swim jet top panel having a removeable access panel configured to provide access to the swim jet for service.

16. A modular partial inground pool system comprising: a plurality of wall panels configured to extend vertically above and below a ground level position and abut together horizontally, each wall panel having a plurality of wall stiffeners disposed thereon, the wall stiffeners each extending vertically along the wall panels and outwards therefrom to a first width;a plurality of backer brackets positioned on opposing ends of each wall panel, each backer bracket extending vertically downward from a top of the wall panels to the ground level position and outwards therefrom to the first width;a plurality of spacer brackets affixed to the plurality of wall stiffeners, the spacer brackets extending outwards therefrom to a second width and terminated with a spacer bracket flange;a plurality of back panels affixed to the spacer bracket flanges each back panel extending vertically downward from the top of the wall panels;a first J-channel rail extending horizontally along the top of the wall panels and affixed to the backer brackets and wall stiffeners;a second J-channel rail affixed to and extending horizontally along a top of the back panels; andan auto-pool cover trough suspended from the first and second J-channel rails, the auto-pool cover trough configured to house an automatic pool cover mechanism for closing a cover over the pool system.

17. The pool system of claim 16, comprising: the plurality of wall panels abutting together to form an entire pool wall;a first and a second back panel of the plurality of back panels, wherein the first and second back panels are positioned at opposing distal ends of the pool wall, the first and second back panels having a vertical length equal to a vertical length of the wall panels;a first side panel extending between, and affixed to, the first back panel and a first distal end of the opposing distal ends of the pool wall; anda second side panel extending between, and affixed to, the second back panel and a second distal end of the opposing distal ends of the pool wall.

18. The pool system of claim 16, comprising: first and second edge flanges disposed on the opposing ends of each wall panel of the plurality of wall panels, wherein the backer brackets are configured to affix to the first and second edge flanges.

19. The pool system of claim 18, wherein the first edge flange of a first wall panel of the plurality of wall panels is configured to affix to the second edge flange of a second wall panel of the plurality of wall panels to enable the first and second wall panels to abut together horizontally.

20. A modular partial inground pool system comprising: a plurality of wall panels configured to extend vertically above and below a ground level position and abut together horizontally, each wall panel having a plurality of wall stiffeners disposed thereon, the wall stiffeners each extend vertically along the wall panels and outwards therefrom, wherein the plurality of wall panels abut together to form an entire pool wall, the pool wall having an inner side facing contained water of the pool system and an outer side facing away from the contained water;a plurality of backer brackets positioned on opposing ends of each wall panel, each backer bracket extending vertically downward from a top of the wall panels to the ground level position and outwards therefrom; anda swim jet housing assembly affixed to the outer side of the pool wall, the swim jet housing assembly configured to house a swim jet, the swim jet housing assembly comprising: opposing first and second swim jet side panels affixed to a pair of wall stiffeners of the plurality of wall stiffeners, the first and second swim jet side panels having a full vertical length equal to the full vertical length of the wall panels,a swim jet floor panel affixed horizontally between the first and second swim jet side panels, the swim jet floor panel configured to support the swim jet, anda swim jet top panel affixed to a top of the swim jet housing assembly, the swim jet top panel having a removeable access panel configured to provide access to the swim jet for service.