Pool system and method of regulating temperature of same

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 includes a top plan view of a portion of a pool system according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 includes a partial cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 includes a partial cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 includes a partial perspective view of a portion of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 includes a schematical view of a pool thermal regulating system according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a pool system 100 according to the present disclosure can include a bottom 114 comprising a thermal regulating element 110. The bottom can include a structural component, such as concrete. The bottom structural component can be reinforced. For example, the bottom can include embedded reinforcement components (not shown), such as steel reinforcement bars or the like.

The thermal regulating element 110 can include a heating element and/or a cooling element. Further, in various embodiments, the thermal regulating element 110 can function as a heating element or a cooling element depending on the temperature of the contents of the pool system. The thermal regulating element 110 can include a lumen configured to transport a thermally regulated liquid there through. In various embodiments, the thermal regulating element can include rigid tubing or flexible tubing. The flexible tubing can include crosslinked polyethylene (“PEX”) tubing or the like. At least a portion of the thermal regulating element 110 can be embedded in the bottom structural component 114. For example, the thermal regulating element can comprise a single flexible tube embedded within a concrete structural component in a serpentine configuration or the like. Alternatively, the thermal regulating element can comprise an array of rigid or flexible tubes, each embedded within the concrete structural component. The thermal regulating element can be configured and positioned to provide a radiant heating or cooling effect emanating from the bottom of the pool.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bottom can further include a thermally insulative component 116 disposed beneath or incorporated into the structural component 114. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the thermal regulating element 110 can be disposed between the thermally insulative component 116 and the upper surface of the structural component 114. The bottom thermally insulative component can be formed of a material or combination of materials that provides a thermal resistance greater than that of the structural component while under compression loading. Exemplary insulative materials include polyurethanes, isocyanurates, extruded polystyrene boards, phenolic foams and rubbers, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the insulative component can include polyisocyanurate, such as a polyisocyanurate closed cell rigid foam or rubber. The bottom thermally insulative component can include a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid, ridged insulative boards. The thermally insulative component can include multiple layers of thermally insulative material, each layer being formed of the same or differing materials. Furthermore, depending on the wall to bottom configuration (compare, e.g., FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), insulative material can be provided around the edges of the bottom structural component. In certain embodiments, insulative material can be provided on portions of the top surface of the bottom structural component, such as, for example, around the perimeter of the top surface in order to lessen heat transfer to the walls from the bottom. In further alternative embodiments, the bottom thermally insulative component 116 can comprise an insulating material embedded and/or dispersed in concrete. The insulating material can include vermiculite, perlite, a mixture thereof, or the like.

The pool system can further include at least one wall having a wall structural component 102 and a wall thermally insulative component 104. The wall structural component can be concrete. The wall structural component can be reinforced. For example, the wall can include embedded reinforcement components (not shown), such as steel reinforcement bars or the like. The wall thermally insulative component 104 can include a layer of extruded or foamed polymer, such as extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene or the like. In certain embodiments, the wall can include an inner wall thermally insulative component 104 and an outer wall thermally insulative component 106. For example, the wall can comprise one or more insulated concrete forms (“ICFs”).

ICFs useful in the present pool system can include a plurality of modular units, each comprising opposing foamed polymeric thermally insulative (e.g., expanded polystyrene) panels retained in a spaced relationship parallel to each other by a plurality of ties and/or braces. The horizontal longitudinal edges of each unit can be provided with an array of alternating teeth and sockets in order to allow for the units to be assembled into a unitary ICF structure. The assembled units can serve to contain fluid concrete while it solidifies as well as to provide insulation for the finished wall structure. ICFs are commercially available from a number of sources, such as Reward Wall Systems, Inc. of Omaha, Nebr. Further aspects of ICF design are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,384, which disclosure is incorporated herein in its entirety.

In various embodiments, the completed wall can have a thermal resistance of at least about R19, such as at least about R30 or at least about R50. The thermal resistance of the wall can be selected in conjunction with the thermal resistance of the bottom and the thermal resistance of a pool cover to allow for use of radiant heating and/or cooling using various thermal regulators, such as solar or geothermal heat sources, or can simply allow for more efficiency and/or extended seasonal use of the pool system.

In alternative embodiments, the wall can include at least one thermal regulating element (not shown). The thermal regulating element can be at least partially embedded in the wall structural component 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall thermal regulating element can be similar or identical to the bottom thermal regulating element 110.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wall can be attached to the bottom. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, at least one fastening rod 122 can be embedded in or otherwise attached to the bottom. The wall or at least a portion of the wall can be formed over the section of the bottom that includes the fastening rods 122. For example, when the bottom contains concrete, the fastening rods can be embedded in the concrete before it sets. In embodiments utilizing ICF walls, the ICFs can be assembled with the fastening rod in the open center chamber. When the chamber is filled with concrete, the walls will be attached to the bottom via the fastening rods embedded in the concrete of the walls and the bottom.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the fastening rods 122 can be extend horizontally through at least a portion of the wall structural component and into the bottom structural component. With embodiments comprising ICF walls and a concrete bottom, the fastening rods 122 can be inserted through the wall and/or into the bottom before or after the concrete is poured. For example, under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to insert the fastening rods 122 through the interior wall insulative component 104 and into the wall structural component 102 before pouring the concrete for the bottom. Alternatively, an ICF containing integral fastening rods, which extend outwardly from the interior wall surface, can be provided; the ICF wall can be constructed before pouring the cement for the bottom, thereby allowing for the integral fastening rods to be embedded in the bottom.

These fastening rods can be formed of various rigid materials that provide adequate strength to the bottom/wall joint. The fastening rods can be threaded or non-threaded. In certain circumstances, steel rebar can be used as a fastening rod. Steel has a relatively high thermal conductivity and, therefore, can be beneficial in applications where the wall is intended to function as a thermal sink or in situations where thermal conduction through the fastening rod is not a significant concern. However, in applications where insulation between the structural components of the bottom and the wall should be maintained, the steel rebar can be coated or wrapped with a thermally insulative material. Alternatively, rigid rods formed of a thermally insulative material, such as various high strength polymers (i.e., highly crosslinked polymers), can be used. Furthermore, when utilizing a Wall on Bottom Configuration (described below), a layer of thermally insulating material 123 can be disposed between the bottom of the wall structural component 102 and the upper surface of the bottom structural component 114 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the walls can be oriented in at least two configurations relative to the bottom. In the first configuration shown in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the bottom structural component 114 ends at the wall interior insulative component 104 (“Framed Bottom Configuration”). In the Framed Bottom Configuration, a seam is formed where the vertical plane of the wall surface meets or is proximate to the horizontal plane of the bottom. A second configuration is shown in FIG. 3, where the wall at least partially rests on the bottom (“Wall on Bottom Configuration”). Depending on a desired pool configuration, a single pool system can incorporate both Framed Bottom Configuration and Wall on Bottom Configuration. For example, depending on various factors, a portion of a pool with a substantially uniform depth can be formed with the Wall on Bottom Configuration, while a portion of the pool with an increasing/decreasing depth profile can be formed with Framed Bottom Configuration. These configurations can allow for use of ICF walls in pools with variable depth profiles.

In various embodiments, the wall and the bottom can include a layer or coating that is impermeable to passage of a fluid (e.g., water) contained in the pool (“water impermeable layer”). The water impermeable layer can be a cementitious coating applied directly to the wall thermally insulative component. The water impermeable layer can include an acrylic urethane. For example, the acrylic urethane can comprise a styrene-acrylic copolymer and an aliphatic polyisocyanate. In a certain embodiment, the acrylic urethane can be an elastic, substantially water impermeable cementitious coating that remains flexible when applied to concrete and/or expanded polystyrene. Cementitious water impermeable coating products are commercially available, for example, from Quality Systems, Inc. of Nashville, Tenn., which markets the products under the names PERMA-CRETE and PERMA-THANE CRU-750.

As best shown in FIG. 4, various embodiments of the pool system can further comprise an edge component 120 having a radiused cross-section or a triangular cross-section. The edge component can be disposed over at least a portion of the seam formed at the interface between the wall and the bottom in order to provide a smoother transition between the vertical and horizontal surfaces. In a particular embodiment, the edge component can be formed of thermally insulative material, such as the thermally insulative material of the wall thermally insulative component. Alternatively, the edge component can comprise a structural portion and a thermally insulative portion.

Further, as depicted in FIG. 3, in certain applications, a triangular or radiused transition component 125 can be integrated into the wall. For example, an ICF block having a triangular or radiused transition can be disposed directly on the bottom in a Wall on Bottom configuration. In various circumstances, a combination of discrete edge components and integral transition components can be utilized in a single pool system.

The pool system can further include a cover (not shown), such as a thermally insulative cover. The cover can be removably attached to the perimeter of the pool. The cover can be retractable, either manually or utilizing an electric motor or the like. The cover can include a thermally insulated lid to form an enclosed tank for storage or the like.

Turning to FIG. 5, a generalized schematical view of a pool thermal regulating system 200 is shown and includes a primary thermal regulator 202 in thermal communication with the thermal regulating element 110 described supra. In various embodiments, the primary thermal regulator 202 can be in “closed-loop” fluid communication with the thermal regulating element 110, which, in this context, means that fluid passing through the thermal regulating element is separated and does not mix with fluid in the pool itself and is not part of the filtering system or other systems that circulate the contents of the pool itself.

The primary thermal regulator 202 can include a heat source and/or a cooling source. Exemplary thermal regulators can include an electrical resistance heater, an electric heat pump, an oil fired or gas-fired furnace, a geothermal heat source, a solar energy collector, another type of thermal regulator, a heat exchanger coupled to any of these thermal regulators, or any combination thereof. In certain applications, one thermal regulator can be primary and a second thermal regulator or type of thermal regulator can be secondary or backup.

In certain embodiments, the thermal regulator 202 can include a solar energy collector, such as an evacuated tube solar energy collector (“ETSEC”) or an array of evacuated tube solar energy collectors. Each ETSEC can include a sealed glass heat pipe with a condenser at one end. The pipe can contain a fluid with a high heat capacity. The heat pipe can be formed of borosilicate glass provided with a selective coating that increases solar heat absorption and minimizes heat reflection. The heat pipe can be disposed in an evacuated borosilicate glass tube. ETSEC arrays are commercially available from many sources. ETSEC systems are relatively efficient, and the proper size ETSEC array for a particular pool system can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art employing routine calculations.

With reference again to FIG. 5, thermally regulated (i.e., heated or cooled) fluid can be transported from the primary thermal regulator 202 to a liquid storage tank 204. The liquid storage tank 204 can house a secondary thermal regulator, such as an electrical coil or the like. The liquid storage tank 204 can include a heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of a second fluid for circulation through the thermal regulating element 110 in the pool. Alternatively, the fluid directly regulated from the primary thermal regulator 202 can be in fluid communication or closed loop fluid communication with the thermal regulating element 110.

The thermal regulating system 200 can further include a first thermal control system 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal control system can include components for sensing the temperature of the contents of the pool and for routing and pumping thermally regulated fluid through the thermal regulating element 110. In this regard, the first thermal control system can include a thermostat, a pump and a valve.

The thermal regulating system can include a heat dissipating/thermal storage unit 208 for, in the case of solar or geothermal heat sources, preventing the system from overheating or storing excess heat for other uses, such as domestic hot water or the like. A second thermal control system 210 can be provided for regulating the temperature of the thermally regulated fluid in the system. For example, the second thermal control system can include components for sensing or determining the temperature of fluid in the liquid storage tank 204 and for routing fluid into the heat dissipating/thermal storage unit 208.

The schematic of FIG. 5 is illustrative of various aspects of a thermal regulating system that can be used in the pool system described herein. It will be appreciated by the skilled practitioner that thermal regulating system configurations other than that shown in FIG. 5 can function satisfactorily utilizing the basic concepts of the present disclosure; the system details can be based on desired performance parameters and relevant climactic conditions and the desirability of secondary use, such as domestic hot water. For example, the liquid storage tank can be omitted; a single thermal control system can be used instead of multiple control systems; and additional components, such as an expansion tank, can be added, as desired.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of constructing a pool. In an exemplary embodiment, the method can include the steps of forming a thermally insulated bottom; forming a thermally insulated side; fastening the bottom to the side to form a seam; and placing an edge component at least partially over the seam. The thermally insulated bottom and/or the thermally insulated side can be provided with one or more of the structural or thermally insulative components described supra. The wall can be formed first or the bottom can be formed first, depending on various factors. The wall and/or the bottom can include fastening rods, as described in detail supra.

In certain embodiments, a portion of the ground can be excavated to accommodate the pool. A base of crushed stone or other aggregate base material can be deposited in the excavated area. The crushed stone can be compacted to increase its supporting function and/or to lessen post construction settling. The size, type and amount of aggregate can be determined by the skilled practitioner using conventional construction teachings.

If a Framed Bottom configuration is employed, footings can be provided for the walls in order to increase stability, especially in colder climates. The footings can be formed of concrete. The walls can be formed of a plurality of ICFs filled with concrete.

The bottom can be formed of a concrete slab poured over a thermally insulating material, such as ridged polyisocyanurate boards or sheets, which can be provided in multiple layers to obtain a desired thermal resistance. Alternatively a layer of concrete mixed with insulating material, such as perlite, vermiculite or the like, can be provided. Thermally insulative material can be attached to or otherwise disposed along the edge of the concrete slab to prevent thermal loss through the edges in a Wall on Bottom configuration.

A flexible tube or hose or a plurality of flexible or rigid tubes or hoses can be at least partially embedded in the bottom. For example, a crosslinked polyethylene tube can be placed on top of the thermally insulating material in a configuration calculated to effectively regulate the temperature of the contents of the pool. Concrete can then be poured over the thermally insulating material to embed the tube between the upper surface of the concrete and the thermally insulative material. If desired, the tube can be positioned such that a portion of the tube is at or near the upper surface of the concrete.

In certain embodiments, it can be desirable to insulate the walls from heat transfer from the bottom. In these embodiments, the fastening rods can be either wrapped or coated with thermally insulative material or the fastening rods can be formed of a strong, rigid thermally insulative material. Further, thermally insulative material can be placed at the interface between the walls and the bottom, for example, by employing ICF walls in a Framed Bottom configuration or utilizing a thermally insulative material (e.g., vermiculite/perlite mixed with concrete) underneath the walls in a Wall on Bottom configuration.

In various embodiments, the walls and the bottom can be provided with a water impermeable layer or coating. As discussed supra, the water impermeable layer can be a cementitious coating applied directly to the wall—e.g., directly to the foam insulation of an ICF. In a certain embodiment, the cementitious coating can be an elastic, substantially water impermeable acrylic urethane that remains flexible when applied to concrete and/or expanded polystyrene.

In various embodiments, the method of constructing a pool can further include providing a thermal regulator in thermal or fluid communication with the bottom-integrated thermal regulating element. In certain embodiments, the thermal regulator can be placed in closed loop fluid communication with the thermal regulating element, as discussed supra. For example, the thermal regulator can include an ETSEC array sized to adequately heat the contents of the pool in the relevant climate using solar energy.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a kit for use in the field. The kit can include a plurality of the pool system components described in detail supra. The kit components can be provided in or on a single open or closed container, pallet, or platform or in multiple containers that can be transported together to a point of use. The kit can contain instructions for use of the components. For example, the instructions can be directed to assembling the components to construct a pool. At least a portion of the instructions can be site specific—i.e., specific to the site at which the pool is to be constructed.

The kit can include a plurality of insulated concrete forms; a container having a sealing material therein that in a cured state is substantially water impermeable; and a solar energy collector. The solar energy collector can be an ETSEC or an array of ETSECs. The sealing material can be a cementitious acrylic urethane coating material, such as described supra. The kit can further include a bundle of flexible or rigid tubing or hose configurable for producing a closed-loop with the solar energy collector. The kit can include a plurality of edge components having a radiused or triangular cross-section. The kit can include a thermal control system, which can comprise at least one of a thermostat, a pump, or a valve. The kit can also include at least one sheet of thermally insulative material.

One or more embodiments of the kit can be utilized in the practice of a method of designing a pool. In an exemplary embodiment, the method can include the steps of obtaining information specific to a pool construction site and selecting components of a kit based at least in part on the site-specific information. At least one of the components can be an ICF. Other components can include an ETSEC or an array of ETSECs, cementitious sealing material, or any of the kit components discussed above. The method can further include producing instructions based at least in part on the site-specific information. The kit can be transported to the construction site for field use.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find utility in applications differing from the types described herein. While the subject matter has been illustrated and described as embodied in a pool system and methods relative to a pool system, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, although many examples of various alternative insulation materials have been presented throughout this specification, the omission of a possible material is not intended to specifically exclude its use in or in connection with the claimed invention. Further, the terms “pool” and “pool system”, as used herein, are intended to include various liquid containing features, such as swimming pools, spas, fountain pools and the like. It is contemplated that some or all of the subject matter described herein can be utilized in negative edge, infinity, or vanishing edge pools. It is further contemplated that the teachings of the present disclosure can be utilized in aquaculture applications where regulated temperature can be beneficial. It is further contemplated that the teachings of the present disclosure can be utilized to construct storage tanks for volatile chemicals or other substances that would benefit from temperature regulation during storage.

Further modifications and equivalents of the subject matter herein disclosed may occur to persons skilled in the art using no more than routine experimentation, and all such modifications and equivalents are believed to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. As used in the claims below, the terms “comprising”, “comprise” and “comprises” mean “including, at a minimum” and are intended to accommodate inclusion of additional un-recited features.

Pool system and method of regulating temperature of same

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