Traditional swimming pools typically have sections of varying water depth to accommodate people of differing heights and swimming abilities, as well as different activities such as wading, swimming, and relaxing. Ordinarily, these sections range between three and ten feet deep. While these depths are suitable for wading and swimming, they may be undesirable for relaxing, as swimmers may prefer to relax in the water without having to focus on keeping their heads above water level. Further, small children or weak swimmers may be unable to safely enjoy pool sections over a certain depth.
Some makers of gunite pools sought to address this issue by creating tanning ledges in some of their pools. Such tanning ledges are typically shallow which may, for example, allow individuals to sit upright or in a chair while having part of their body submerged in the pool.
Although such tanning ledges would be desirable in pools with liners, providing a tanning ledge with a liner may be undesirable because liners can be easily torn when subjected to the additional wear and tear that occurs on tanning ledges. For example, the liner can be torn by the toenails of pets running on the tanning ledge or by chairs that are used on the tanning ledge. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved tanning ledge, and related installation methods, that can be used in conjunction with liner pools.
It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This Summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
A tanning ledge insert, according to various embodiments, includes: (1) at least one vertical wall defining a vertical wall upper surface; (2) a tanning ledge extending horizontally from the at least one vertical wall and having a tanning ledge depth measured between a tanning ledge upper surface and the vertical wall upper surface; (3) a step disposed adjacent the tanning ledge upper surface, contacting the at least one vertical wall, and having a step height less than the tanning ledge depth; and (4) a connection lip configured to cooperate with a swimming pool wall to secure the tanning ledge insert.
In various embodiments, a method of constructing a swimming pool includes: (1) excavating a volume of earth; (2) constructing a pool frame substantially defining a perimeter of the swimming pool within the excavated volume; (3) providing a fiberglass tanning ledge insert; (4) setting the tanning ledge insert on ground supporting a pool bottom; (5) aligning a vertical wall upper surface with a top of the pool frame; and (6) securing a connection lip to the pool frame. In particular embodiments, the tanning ledge insert includes: (1) at least one vertical wall having a vertical wall upper surface and a vertical wall bottom surface; (2) a tanning ledge extending horizontally from the at least one vertical wall and having a tanning ledge depth measured between a tanning ledge upper surface and the vertical wall upper surface; (3) a step disposed adjacent the tanning ledge upper surface, contacting the at least one vertical wall, and having a step height less than the tanning ledge depth; and (4) a connection lip configured to cooperate with a swimming pool wall to secure the tanning ledge insert.
A method of upgrading a swimming pool, according to various embodiments, includes: (1) draining the swimming pool such that a pool insert disposed in a wall of the swimming pool is exposed above water; (2) detaching the pool insert from a vinyl liner of the swimming pool by separating an edge of the vinyl liner from a perimeter of the pool insert; (3) removing the pool insert; and (4) placing a tanning ledge insert in a space created by the removal of the pool insert. In particular embodiments, the tanning ledge insert includes: (1) at least one vertical wall having a vertical wall upper surface and a vertical wall bottom surface; (2) a tanning ledge extending horizontally from the at least one vertical wall and having a tanning ledge depth measured between a tanning ledge upper surface and the vertical wall upper surface; (3) a step disposed adjacent the tanning ledge upper surface, contacting the at least one vertical wall, and having a step height less than the tanning ledge depth; and (4) a connection lip configured to cooperate with a swimming pool wall to secure a portion of a perimeter of a vinyl pool liner.
Various embodiments of the invention will be described below. In the course of the description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “tanning ledge” is used to describe a swimming pool feature that allows swimmers to relax in shallow water. Tanning ledges may be integrated into the pool such that swimmers can transition from resting on the tanning ledge to swimming in deeper water without leaving the water.
Utilizing the concepts and techniques described herein, a tanning ledge insert may be constructed in a variety of shapes and from a variety of materials. The tanning ledge insert may, in various embodiments, be delivered to a site and integrated into a pool that is under construction quickly and easily. The tanning ledge insert may be used in conjunction with, for example, a vinyl-lined swimming pool, a concrete swimming pool, or any other type of swimming pool. The tanning ledge insert may be added to the swimming pool in a variety of configurations, such as, for example, adjacent to or inside a perimeter of a swimming pool.
The tanning ledge insert may be integrated into a pool frame on site (e.g., at a construction site). For example, the tanning ledge insert may have features that connect (e.g., seat or mate) with a frame of a swimming pool, such as a frame of a vinyl-lined swimming pool.
According to the embodiment of
For example, the tanning ledge insert 100 of
Although
The tanning ledge 125 may extend for a distance away from the at least one vertical wall suitable for a person to sit or lie down on the tanning ledge 125. For example, the tanning ledge 125 may extend from the at least one vertical wall for a distance greater than about 12 inches, such as at least about 36 inches, at least about 60 inches, at least about 80 inches, at least about 140 inches etc. In a particular embodiment the upper surface of the tanning ledge is substantially in the form of a rectangle, such as a rectangle having a length of about 7 to about 9 and a width of about 11 feet to about 13 feet. Further, in some embodiments, the tanning ledge 125 may extend from the rear wall 100 a distance equal to a distance between the left side wall 100 and the right side wall 120, such that the tanning ledge 125 is substantially square shaped. Alternatively, the tanning ledge 125 may extend a different distance and/or form other shapes, such as by including cutouts, protrusions, etc.
Further, in some embodiments, the vertical depth of the tanning ledge 125 may be between about 10 inches and about 24 inches (e.g., between about 10 and about 14 inches (e.g., about 12 inches)), between about 11 and about 13 inches, between about 14 and about 16 inches, between about 16 and about 18 inches, between about 18 and about 20 inches, between about 20 and about 22 inches, or between about 22 and about 24 inches). In various embodiments, the surface of the tanning ledge 125 may be at least substantially flat and horizontal. Tanning ledge depths in at least some of the ranges noted above may benefit user experience by providing sufficient depth to expose a swimmer to cool water, while also allowing the swimmer to recline without water covering his/her face. Additionally, depths in this range may provide buoyancy to offset the localized pressure of furniture feet, shoes, toys, pets, etc., thereby preserving the tanning ledge surface and structure, as well as allowing the swimmer to experience some buoyancy while remaining still and in contact with the tanning ledge surface.
Returning to
As shown in
A further embodiment of a swimming pool insert is shown in
According to one embodiment, the process 700 begins at step 705 with excavating a volume of earth. The excavated volume may substantially define the volume of a swimming pool, for instance. Further, the excavated volume may also include a region dimensioned to accommodate a tanning ledge insert. In some scenarios, step 705 may also include adding substrate material (e.g., dirt, rock, gravel, concrete) to support swimming pool components added later during process 700.
Step 710 includes constructing a pool frame substantially defining a perimeter of the swimming pool within the excavated volume. The pool frame may be constructed by joining pieces of metal, wood, or any other suitable material. The frame may be at least partially beneath ground level. That is, a portion of the frame may or may not extend above ground level. The frame may contain regions not intended to be filled with water. For instance, some portions of the volume enclosed by the frame may be configured to house pool support equipment, such as piping, pumps, filters, heaters, etc. The frame may include a cutout portion (e.g., a discontinuous portion of the frame) dimensioned to accept a tanning ledge insert.
Step 715 includes providing a fiberglass tanning ledge insert, such as, for example a tanning ledge insert including, for example, one or more features illustrated in
Step 720 includes setting the tanning ledge insert on ground that is to support a pool bottom. The tanning ledge insert may be positioned in the cutout portion of the pool frame, such that a front face of the tanning ledge insert is aligned with the pool frame, with the remainder of the tanning ledge insert being recessed outside of the perimeter of the pool frame. The cutout portion may include a support structure, such as one or more braces or cross members, to provide additional structural support. The braces and/or cross members may span the cutout portion (e.g., along the ground), and may be anchored to the surrounding soil by concrete. In this manner, the frame may maintain structural strength despite having a cutout, and may also avoid transferring load to the tanning ledge insert.
Step 720 may also include aligning the connection lip with the pool frame so that the connection lip and the pool frame interact and may be connected using, for instance, screws, bolts, pressure fittings, etc. Further, the tanning ledge insert may be placed on prepared ground. For instance, earth or other substrate material such as gravel may be added and/or compacted to improve structural stability prior to placement of the tanning ledge insert. Additionally, concrete may be poured and function as a support substrate. This may allow transfer of pressure from the tanning ledge insert into a foundation, reducing strain on the tanning ledge insert. In some scenarios, step 720 may include backfilling a support substrate underneath the tanning ledge insert for structural support. For instance, earth may be shoveled and packed under the support structure, or concrete may be poured.
Step 725 includes aligning the tanning ledge insert's vertical wall upper surface with a top of the pool frame. Step 725 may include additional compacting of ground or addition of substrate in order to provide a suitable foundation for the tanning ledge insert and enable alignment with the pool frame and upper surface. In some embodiments, step 725 may also include alignment of pre-drilled holes in the connection lip with holes drilled in the support frame. This may provide a continuous upper rim of the swimming pool.
Step 730 includes securing the connection lip to the pool frame. The connection lip may be secured to the pool frame using screws, nails, suitable waterproofing material, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable connection mechanism. Step 730 may further include providing bracing structures (e.g., cross members, foundation tie ins, etc.) to give additional support to the pool frame and maintain contact with the fiberglass tanning ledge insert without adding lateral forces (compressive or tensile) to the vertical walls of the tanning ledge insert, which may be weaker than the surrounding frame due to a gap, as well as material difference.
The swimming pool installation process 700 may further include additional steps related to vinyl-lined pools. For instance, after the pool frame is constructed and the tanning ledge insert secured, a vinyl liner may be laid along a surface of the excavated volume at least partially defined by the pool frame. The liner may be stretched and formed to the shape defined by the excavated volume. The liner may also be secured to the perimeter of the swimming pool. Further, an edge of the vinyl liner may be secured to the tanning ledge insert at least partially along a path defined by the connection lip. The edge may be secured mechanically, for instance, by a compression fitting into a recess of the tanning ledge insert. Sealant may also be introduced at or near the connection to prevent water leakage through the connection. In this manner, the tanning ledge insert may remain uncovered by the vinyl liner. In this embodiment, the vinyl liner does not substantially cover (e.g., does not cover) the tanning ledge insert, and thus the tanning ledge insert may be detached from the vinyl liner without substantially damaging the vinyl liner. Further, in this embodiment, horizontal portions of the vinyl liner may be protected by buoyancy provided by deeper water, while the tanning ledge insert, which may be made from a more durable material such as fiberglass, may remain exposed to shallower depths and higher localized pressure from furniture, pets, and toys, as described herein.
Various embodiments of the process described above may also be adapted to installing a gunite pool having a non-gunite (e.g., fiberglass) tanning ledge. As described previously, gunite pool tanning ledges are often covered in the same surface material as the remainder of the swimming pool. If the tanning ledge is damaged, it may be desirable to replace only the tanning ledge portion, rather than the entire swimming pool surface. The surface finish of a tanning ledge insert may also be more comfortable for swimmers. For instance, fiberglass may provide a smooth, nonabrasive texture that is more comfortable to a sunbather than coarse gunite surfaces. Thus, a tanning ledge insert according to the present disclosure may be incorporated into a gunite pool by installing gunite within the excavated volume to form a surface of the swimming pool, while leaving the tanning ledge insert uncovered by gunite.
The process 800 of
At step 810, the process 800 may include detaching the pool insert from a vinyl liner of the swimming pool by separating an edge of the vinyl liner from a perimeter of the pool insert. This may include removing clips or other retaining mechanisms, dissolving glue or sealant, etc. Further, step 810 may include removing mechanical fasteners, such as screws, from a frame of the swimming pool. In some embodiments, such as for gunite pools, this step 810 may be omitted, and instead the pool insert may be detached from a support structure without detaching a vinyl liner. After the pool insert has been detached from the surrounding support structure and vinyl liner, the pool insert may be removed at step 815. In some embodiments, this may include cutting the pool insert or other destructive methods.
A tanning ledge insert may be placed in a space created by the removal of the pool insert at step 820. The tanning ledge insert may be, for example, a tanning ledge insert including features illustrated in
Step 820 may also include further excavation of the space left by the removal, such as if the tanning ledge insert has a different shape from the pool insert. Additionally or alternatively, step 820 may include adding additional backfill material to support the different structure of the tanning ledge insert. In some embodiments, such as when the tanning ledge insert includes additional features (e.g., pumps, heaters, lights), conduit lines and/or piping may be added during step 820 as well.
At step 825, the vinyl liner of the swimming pool may be attached to the tanning ledge insert. The seam between the tanning ledge insert and the vinyl liner may be sealed with heat, mechanical compression of the liner in a crevice of the tanning ledge insert or other sealing mechanisms consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The swimming pool may be refilled and checked for leaks as well. In embodiments involving a gunite pool, step 825 may be modified to omit the attachment of a vinyl liner, and instead include attachment to the pool structure and other suitable sealing techniques.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the embodiments may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that the modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended exemplary concepts. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.
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