AU2021107665B4

AU2021107665B4 - Swimming Pool Construction

Info

Publication number: AU2021107665B4
Application number: AU2021107665A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tom Salter
Original assignee: Plunge Pool Factory Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Plunge Pool Factory Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-17
Filing date: 2021-04-14
Publication date: 2023-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-14
Also published as: AU2021202251A1; AU2021107665A4

Abstract

A swimming pool structure 1 for an in-ground installation, the pool structure 1 includes a pool shell for holding a body of water and an external framework 5 for supporting an exterior surface of the pool shell, wherein the framework 5 abuts and closely follows the exterior surface of the pool shell at selected positions, thereby providing a framework 5 which restricts deformation of the pool shell when filled with water. The swimming pool structure 1 has sufficient rigidity to enable the structure to be installed in-ground without requiring any back-fill like a conventional fibreglass pool shell. Furthermore, the rigidity of the pool structure 1 provided by bracing structures ensures that the pool shell does not require a concrete bond beam around the periphery of the pool shell like a conventional fibreglass pool shell. The swimming pool structure 1 is also suitable for above ground installation and is able to be installed much quicker than a conventional fibreglass pool shell and does not require a fully licenced pool installer. 15113535_3 (GHMatters) P46196AU00

Description

SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a swimming pools. More specifically, the present invention relates to a reinforced swimming pool structure suitable for use in-ground, partly above ground or fully above ground.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] There are a variety of different types of swimming pool construction with each type having a different price point. At the upper end of the price range are in-ground swimming pools made of reinforced concrete to which tiles are applied. At the entry level are swimming pools formed with metal or plastic frame members which are joined together to provide an external frame structure which is then lined with a vinyl sheet to form a pool.

[0003] A further, mid-range type of swimming pool construction utilises a pool shell constructed of a synthetic material such as fibreglass. The typical construction of a fibreglass pool shell involves a gelcoat being applied to a pool mould. A vinyl ester resin and fibreglass layer is then applied with the pool shell then being built up in thickness with a general purpose resin. Some form of stiffener is applied to the exterior of the shell and another layer of resin and fibreglass over the stiffener material.

[0004] To install a fibreglass pool in-ground, the site first needs to be excavated to create a suitably sized hole. A bed of stabilised sand is then applied to the base of the hole and the pool shell then positioned thereon. A stabilised sand and cement backfill is then placed between the excavation and the walls of the pool shell. In this respect it is important that there are no voids in the back fill otherwise the pool shell can crack when the pool shell is filled with water. Without

15113535_3 (GHMatters) P46196AUP1 appropriate back fill, cracking can also happen after the pool has been completed as a conventional fibreglass pool shell is only semi-rigid and not designed to withstand the pressure of the pool water without back fill stabiliser. The conventional fibreglass pool construction and installation also requires a concrete reinforced bond beam around the peripheral edge of the pool to stop the pool shell, particular the top, from flexing. Due to these specific installation requirements, conventional fibreglass pools require a specialised pool installer which adds to the overall cost of the swimming pool.

[0005] Underground water pressure can also be problematic for in-ground fibreglass pool installations as conventional pool shells are flexible. When there is a lot of groundwater around the pool the shell can move inwards or outwards away from the backfill. This can cause the backfill to slightly loosen and fall to the bottom of the shell while the shell is pushed in from the water around the outside. This then stops the pool shell from moving back to its original position resulting in deformed walls.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a swimming pool structure for an in ground installation which has one or more improved features.

[0007] Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material formed part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art on or before the priority date of the claims herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a swimming pool structure for an in-ground installation, the pool structure including a pool shell for holding a body of water and an external framework for supporting an

15113535_3 (GHMatters) P46196AUP1 exterior surface of the pool shell, wherein the framework comprises a plurality of bracing structures having a bottom support member spanning across an underside of the pool shell and a pair of generally upright support members provided at each end of the bottom support member extending up opposite side walls of the pool shell, the bottom and upright support members abutting and closely following the exterior surface of the pool shell, the bracing structures being permanently secured to the side walls of the pool shell thereby providing a framework which restricts deformation of the pool shell when filled with water.

[0009] As noted, the external framework abuts and closely follows the underside of the pool shell to restrict deformation of a bottom wall of the pool shell. Likewise, the external framework abuts and closely follows the side walls of the pool shell to restrict deformation of said side walls.

[0010] The bracing structures are positioned at predetermined spaced intervals on the exterior surface of the pool shell.

[0011] The bottom and upright support members of the bracing structures may be formed from rectangular hollow sections, U-beams or I-beams which are made of steel and are welded together to provide a rigid unitary structure.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the pool shell is generally rectangular in shape with longitudinal side walls and the bracing structures are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the pool shell.

[0013] At least one of the upright support members may be formed from partially overlapping rectangular hollow sections, U-beams or I-beams such that the upright support member has a stepped portion which at least generally conforms with a horizontally orientated stepped portion provided in the side wall of the pool shell. The partially overlapping hollow sections, U-beams or I-beams preferably overlap one another by about 150 mm. Further, the hollow sections,

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U-beams or I-beams may have a depth corresponding to a width of said stepped portion.

[0014] The bottom and upright support members of the external framework are preferably secured to the pool shell by being laminated ('or fibre-glassed') to the exterior surface of the pool shell.

[0015] Preferably, the pool shell may be made of a fibre-reinforced polymer.

[0016] The swimming pool structure according to the invention is advantageously strong enough to be installed in-ground without the need for any backfilling to support the pool shell. In addition, the swimming pool structure advantageously avoids the need for a concrete reinforced bond beam around the peripheral edge of the pool shell due to the rigidity of swimming pool structure. These advantageous features provide a reduction in the cost of the pool installation and will enable the installation in-ground to be completed faster. Furthermore, the installation can be carried out by a handy DIY person as the installation is quite simple and does not need a specialised pool installer.

[0017] As for an above ground installation, the swimming pool structure in accordance with the invention, is advantageously able to be self-supporting on a flat surface without the need for a concrete base or any additional support.

[0018] To assist the further understanding of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments. It is to be appreciated that these embodiments are given by way of illustration only and that the invention is not to be limited by these illustrations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a swimming pool structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a side view of the swimming pool structure shown in Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is a side view illustration of the swimming pool shown in Figure 1, and

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross sectional illustration of the swimming pool shown in Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] With reference to the accompanying drawings there is shown a swimming pool structure 1 for an in-ground pool installation. The pool structure 1 includes a pool shell 3 for holding a body of water. The pool shell 3 is preferably constructed of a synthetic material such as fibreglass. The typical construction of a fibreglass pool shell 3 involves a gel coat layer being applied to a pool mould. The gel coat layer having a minimum thickness of about 0.35 mm. The gel coat layer provides the internal surface of the pool shell 3 once the pool mould has been removed. Underlying the surface provided by the gel coat layer is a vinyl ester resin having a minimum thickness of about 0.35 mm. A structural fibreglass and resin layer provides the bulk of the thickness of the pool shell 3 with the layer having a minimum thickness of about 0.35 mm. The exterior surface of the pool shell 3 has some form of stiffener applied and a sealing resin having a minimum thickness of 0.2 mm.

[0024] The swimming pool structure 1 further includes an external framework for supporting an exterior surface of the pool shell 3. The external framework 5 includes a series of bracing structures 9 positioned at predetermined spaced

15113535_3 (GHMatters) P46196AUP1 intervals on the exterior surface of the pool shell 3. Each bracing structure 9 may be interconnected to a neighbouring bracing structure 9 with an interconnecting cross member (not illustrated). Alternatively, each bracing structure 9 may be an independent component having a rigid unitary structure.

[0025] The external framework 5 provides an exoskeletal framework which abuts and closely aligns with the exterior surface at certain positions around the exterior surface of the pool shell 3 to thereby provide a rigid framework which restricts deformation of the pool shell 3 when filled with water. More specifically, the external framework 5 functions to ensure that the pool shell 3 does not deform beyond certain maximum tolerances, thereby ensuring that the pool shell 3 does not crack under hydrostatic pressure.

[0026] As best shown in Figures 2 and 4, each bracing structure 9 preferably includes a bottom support member 11 which spans across an underside of the pool shell 3. The bottom support member 11 is preferably in abutment with the underside of the pool shell 3 and functions to restrict deformation of the bottom wall/floor of the pool shell 3.

[0027] Each bracing structure 9 further includes a pair of generally upright support members 13 provided at each end of the bottom support member 11. As best illustrated in Figure 4, the upright support members 13 project up the sides of the pool shell 3 and function to restrict deformation of the side walls of the pool shell 3. The bottom and upright support members 11, 13 are preferably formed from rectangular hollow sections (RHS), U-beams or I-beams which are made of steel and welded together where necessary to provide a rigid unitary structure. In Figure 4, the upright support members 13 are formed from partially overlapping x 50 x 6 mm rectangular hollow sections, which in the embodiment illustrated overlap by approximately 150 mm and are welded together to create a stepped profile which aligns with a horizontally orientated stepped portion 15 provided in the side wall of the pool shell 3. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the

15113535_3 (GHMatters) P46196AUP1 stepped portion 15 has a width of about 75 mm which generally corresponds to the 75 mm width of the rectangular hollow section.

[0028] The bottom support member 11 extends from one side of the pool floor to the other and in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 is constructed of a rectangular hollow section having the dimensions 100 x 50 x 6 mm. As best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the bracing structures 9 are generally evenly spaced along the length of the pool shell 3. The spacing and number of bracing structures 9 is dependent upon the overall length of the pool shell 3. In Figure 3 a centrally located bracing structure 9 is provided with a further bracing structure 9 provided at either side of the centrally located structure with the distance between the bracing structures being approximately 1 m. Depending upon the overall length of the pool shell 3, additional bracing structures 9 may be provided with the spacing between each structure being adjusted as required. As best shown in Figure 2, the bracing structures are preferably laminated onto the exterior surface 7 of the pool shell 3 to increase the overall rigidity of the pool structure and assist to restrict both inward and outward deflection of the pool shell 3.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, a packing material preferably in the form of polystyrene may be provided underneath the pool shell between neighbouring bracing structures 9. The packing material may be glued or otherwise suitably attached to the base of the pool shell 3. The packing material enables the pool structure 1 to be easily installed on a flat surface. Alternatively, the packing material can be omitted and channels excavated in the ground corresponding to the position of the bracing structures 9 such that the bottom support member 11 of the bracing structures 9 can then be inserted into the excavated channels.

[0030] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, stiffeners 17 which may be in the form of timber beams measuring 75 x 50 mm may be applied and laminated to the side walls of the pool shell 3 to further restrict deformation of the pool shell walls. In this regard, a layer of approximately 2 mm of fibreglass may be applied over the stiffeners 17 in order to secure the stiffeners 17 to the exterior surface 7 of the

15113535_3 (GHMatters) P46196AUP1 pool shell 3. Similarly, the bracing structures 9 may be attached to the exterior of the pool shell 3 with a fibreglass layer of similar thickness.

[0031] The swimming pool structure 1 in accordance with the present invention advantageously has sufficient rigidity to enable the structure to be installed in-ground without requiring any back-fill like a conventional fibreglass pool shell. Furthermore, the rigidity of the pool structure 1 provided by the bracing structures 9 ensures that the pool shell 3 does not require a concrete bond beam around the periphery of the pool shell 3 like a conventional fibreglass pool shell. The swimming pool structure 1 in accordance with the present invention is also suitable for above-ground installation and is able to be installed much quicker than a conventional fibreglass pool shell and does not require a fully licenced pool installer.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A swimming pool structure for an in-ground installation, the pool structure including a pool shell for holding a body of water and an external framework for supporting an exterior surface of the pool shell, wherein the framework comprises a plurality of bracing structures spaced at intervals along the pool shell and having each a bottom support member spanning across a bottom wall of the pool shell and a pair of generally upright support members provided at each end of the bottom support member extending up opposite side walls of the pool shell, the bottom and upright support members abutting and closely following the exterior surface of the pool shell, the bracing structures being permanently secured to the pool shell thereby providing a framework which restricts deformation of the pool shell when filled with water.

2. A swimming pool structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom and upright support members are formed from rectangular hollow sections, U-beams or I-beams which are made of steel and are welded together to provide a rigid unitary structure.

3. A swimming pool structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the upright support members is formed from partially overlapping rectangular hollow sections, U-beams or I-beams such that the upright support member has a stepped portion which conforms with a horizontally orientated stepped portion provided in the side wall of the pool shell.

4. A swimming pool structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracing structures are laminated onto the exterior surface of the pool shell.

5. A swimming pool structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of upright stiffeners applied and laminated to the

15113535_3 (GHMatters) P46196AUP1 side walls of the pool shell to further restrict deformation of the pool shell walls and/or wherein the pool shell is a made of a fibre-reinforced polymer.

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