Pool heating device system

A system for heating a pool of water is provided. An inlet is provided for liquid to be delivered to the pool of water. The system includes an attachment apparatus having a body defining a fluid passageway from a first opening to a second opening. A third opening is disposed between the first and second opening. The attachment connects to the inlet for receiving the liquid. An adjustable diverging mechanism is mounted to the attachment operable to redirect flow out of the third opening. A tube having a flow channel and thermally conductive outer surface is coupled to the third opening and extends out of the pool to be exposed to environmental conditions and absorb thermal energy. The liquid passing through the flow channel of the tube returns to the pool of liquid and heated when passing through the tube prior to returning to the pool.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a pool heating system and particularly to a system with an attachment device for mounting in a swimming pool having a flow diverging valve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Swimming pools are heated for several reasons including extending the swimming season to earlier in the spring and later in the fall and further to provide more comfortable water temperatures throughout the swimming season. Pool heating can be conducted with several types of heating systems involving circulating pool water through an electric or gas-fired water heating system. This type of heating relies on utility services and significantly increases electric and/or gas costs. Moreover, implementation, upkeep, and operation can further increase costs. This can have a residual deterring effect of preventing pool usage or pool ownership.

A further type of heating system uses floating panels through which water is circulated, the panels being heated by the sun. Another type of pool cover for heating pools consists of a floating structure containing channels for flow of water therethrough. The floating structure is heated by the sun which in turn heats the water flowing through the channels. These systems require time and labor and restrict pool usage during operation.

Despite the variety of pool heating devices available, there continues to be a need for a simple economical pool heating system which is easily adaptable to various size pools and which does not require the expensive implementation and operational costs associated with utility-based systems such as electric or gas heating. There is also a need for a pool heating device that does not consume precious natural resources or that adds pollutants to the environment. Moreover, a need exists for a system that does not significantly restrict pool usage during operation or demand a significant amount of labor and time by the user to implement and operate. Such a device should be relatively inexpensive to own and operate yet be effective to sufficiently heat swimming pool water.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a system to operate in cooperation with a pool of liquid having an inlet for liquid to be delivered to the pool of liquid. The system is provided for heating the liquid and includes: (a) an attachment apparatus having a main body defining a fluid passageway from a first opening to a second opening, and a third opening disposed between the first and second opening, wherein the attachment connects to the inlet for receiving the liquid; (b) an adjustable diverging mechanism mounted to the attachment operable to redirect flow out of the third opening; and (c) a tube having flow channel a thermally conductive outer surface, the tube coupled to the third opening and extending out of the body of liquid and exposed to environmental conditions to absorb thermal energy and be heated. The liquid is heated when passing through the flow channel of the tube and then returned to the pool of liquid.

In an example, the pool of liquid is a swimming pool having at least one retaining wall and the inlet is defined on the retaining wall. The tube can be fabricated from a member selected from the group consisting of a flexible polymer or rubber-based tube. In a further example, the tube is a garden hose. The thermal energy can include solar radiation. In yet a further example, the system is operable to increasing the temperature of the pool of liquid between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees. In yet a further example, the system is operable to increasing the temperature of the pool of liquid between about 20 degrees and 40 degrees in a time between about 48 and 96 hours. In yet an even further example, activating the diverging mechanism is automated and responsive to a thermal sensor wherein the diverging mechanism will open or close if the pool of water reaches or drops below a predetermined fluid temperature. The inlet can be coupled to a fluid filtering system adapted to draw the liquid from the pool of liquid with a pump, filter the liquid by substantially removing contaminants and undesired items found in the liquid and delivering the filtered liquid back to the pool of liquid through the inlet.

The present disclosure further relates to an attachment apparatus for heating liquid, the attachment apparatus including: (a) a body having a fluid passageway from a first opening to a second opening; (b) a third opening provided on the body between the first and second opening to allow liquid to exit the body; and (c) an adjustable diverging mechanism mounted to the attachment operable to split liquid flowing through the body and redirect at least some of the flow out of the third opening. The first opening is shaped and sized to mount to an inlet of a pool of liquid and the third opening is adapted to connect to a tube having a thermally conductive outer surface. The tube extends out of the pool of liquid to be exposed to environmental conditions to absorb thermal energy and heat the liquid prior to returning the liquid to the pool of liquid. In an example, the body of the attachment defines an elongated tubular geometry and the diverging mechanism is provided within the fluid passageway internal to the tubular body. In another example, the diverging mechanism includes an internal flow splitter adjustable with a turn knob positioned external to the fluid passageway. The flow splitter can be a ball valve.

In yet a further example, the diverging mechanism includes an adjustable flow restrictor cap mounted over the second opening having a stationary plate provided between the second opening and the restrictor cap. The restrictor cap and the stationary plate can each define at least one aligned opening to allow liquid to flow out of the attachment apparatus and wall restriction portions that restrict liquid from exiting the second opening. The restrictor cap is adjustable to restrict liquid flow out of the second opening when rotated to block the openings formed in each of the restrictor cap and the stationary plate causing a back pressure to redirect the liquid out through the third opening. The body of the apparatus can include a flow restriction indicator provided on an outer surface of the apparatus body and cooperate with a flow indicator fin formed on an outer surface of the cap.

The present disclosure further provides for a method of heating a pool of liquid, the method including the steps of: (a) connecting a first opening of an attachment apparatus to an inlet of the pool of liquid for receiving liquid, the attachment apparatus having a body defining a fluid passageway from the first opening to a second opening, and a third opening disposed between the first and second opening, and an adjustable diverging mechanism mounted to the attachment operable to redirect flow out of the third opening; (b) connecting a tube defining a fluid passageway to the third opening, the tube having a thermally conductive outer surface and extending out of the pool of liquid to be exposed to environmental conditions to absorb thermal energy and be heated; (c) adjusting the diverging mechanism to divert liquid flow through the third opening and the tube to absorb heat from the heated tube; and (d) redirecting the heated liquid back into the pool of liquid.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides for a system, apparatus, and method for heating a swimming pool. Although the examples refer to a swimming pool, it is understood that the system of the present disclosure is applicable to any “body of liquid” and the term “pool” or “pool of liquid” are used interchangeable with such bodies of liquid for illustrative purposes. Examples of other bodies of liquid include but are not limited to ponds, aquariums, lakes, holding tanks, and the like including man-made lakes and ponds. Reference may further be made to “body of water” which is understood to be interchangeable with the terms “body of fluid” or “body of liquid”. Likewise, the term “water” also is used interchangeably with “liquid.”

In an example, a body of water is contained within a pool having at least one retaining wall and a fluid inlet defined somewhere along the wall. The liquid inlet delivers fluid to the pool from an external source. In the following examples, the external source is a pool water filtering system that pulls water from the pool using a pump, filters the water to remove undesired items and contaminants, and then delivers the filtered water back to the pool through the filtered water inlet or return opening. It is understood that the terms “pool water” are general terms that refer to a liquid that includes water and may include other chemicals or fluids. The “return opening” can be referred to as an “inlet” and the fluid can be delivered by any known means. Although reference is made to a “filtering system,” a pump drawing the water from the pool and returning the water through the return opening is also contemplated even if no filter is used.

The heating system of the present disclosure is adapted to function in combination with a pool, particularly a swimming pool, that includes a water inlet or return opening formed on a retaining wall. Typically the inlet opening is submerged underwater. The system includes attaching an attachment apparatus, generally having a main body and a diverging valve therein that directs pool water through a tube-like structure whereby the water is heated by external thermal energy before reentering the pool. The attachment can be characterized as a flow-splitting apparatus. The apparatus can include an pipe body having a first opening acting as an inlet for water, which is typically delivered from a pool pump. A second opening is formed at or near the opposite end of the main body allowing water to exit into the pool. An adjustable diverging valve, which may also be referred to as a flow-splitting valve or resistance valve, is positioned within the body or at the second opening. By adjusting the valve to generate resistance, a portion of the water flowing through the body of the apparatus can be diverted into a third opening. The third opening connects the body of the attachment to a hose or some other suitable tube-like structure that extends outside of the pool and is exposed to environmental conditions, particularly sunlight. As the pool water travels through the tube, it is heated by solar energy to a higher temperature. The distal outlet of the tube is then directed back toward the pool allowing the relatively warmer water to reenter the pool.

Referring toFIGS. 1-2, an example of an attachment apparatus10and system60are illustrated according to the present disclosure. Attachment10defines an elongated body11extending between a first opening12and a second opening13. The second opening13is formed at or adjacent to an opposite end of the first opening12. In this example, the second opening13defines an angled flow trajectory with respect to the direction of the elongated body. Accordingly, fluid enters attachment10through the first opening12and exits through the second opening13. The elongated body11defines a substantially unrestricted flow channel therethrough from the first opening12to the second opening13.

A third opening14is formed on the elongated body11allowing fluid to flow out of attachment10in a different direction with respect to second opening13. In this example, third opening14is formed in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to the general flow direction of body11. It is understood that the third opening14can be formed to direct flow in any transverse direction with respect to the flow channel of attachment10. The direction of the third opening14should be formed to cooperate with a pump requirement suitable to direct the fluid a suitable distance out of the pool to absorb thermal energy prior to reentry into the pool as shown schematically inFIG. 2.

A diverging valve is provided within attachment10adapted to redirect the fluid as it passes through the flow channel of body11. A diverging valve15, illustrated in dashed lines to show that the valve is internal to the body11, can be used that includes a movable flow splitter member positioned within the flow channel of body11and coupled to a movable turn knob16. The diverging valve can be any suitable valve operable to allow flow in one direction when aligned with the opening of the flow channel and restrict flow when the valve is positioned to restrict flow thus causing a redirection or a back pressure to the flow directing the fluid in another direction. In an example, the flow splitter is a ball valve15, that includes an opening15′ through its center that is aligned with the flow direction of body11when open and partially or fully blocks flow when the ball valve is turned.

In this example, turn knob16includes opposed wing grip elements17formed around a center axle18for turning the internal flow splitter. Wing elements17are substantially aligned and can be manually adjustable to rotate the flow splitter of the internal valve. When turn knob16is in an open position, wing elements17are generally parallel with the flow direction of the flow channel of body11. In this configuration, the flow splitter is substantially non-intrusive to the fluid flow through body11. Accordingly, with substantially no obstruction, fluid flowing through body11will naturally exit second opening13and back into the pool body21. When turn knob16is rotated, i.e., turning wing elements17into an angled relationship with respect to the flow direction of body11, then the flow splitter forms a fluid flow obstruction or resistance causing the fluid to at least partially exit through third opening14. The dashed arrows ofFIGS. 1 and 2schematically represent the general direction of fluid flow entering and exiting attachment10and through system60.

The amount of suitable rotation of turn knob16to create the desired fluid redirection is adjustable depending on the heating and pump demand needed to heat the water to a desired temperature. In certain situations, full closure of the valve causing most or all of the fluid to exit through opening14is too aggressive for desired heating causing too much fluid to pass through system60while failing to absorb enough heat. Accordingly, a user can make the appropriate adjustment through basic system testing for a particular pump and pool system. In another example, a user may desire full closure of the valve and redirection of the water. Such examples can include if the redirection is meant for a fountain or another use rather than redirecting the fluid to be heated.

In this example, system60is shown in cooperation with a swimming pool20. Swimming pool20holds a body of water21within at least one retaining wall22and a floor23. A filtering system40includes a fluid drawing mechanism41mounted on floor23adapted to draw pool water21from pool20. The fluid drawing mechanism41can be located at various positions within the pool20including any retaining wall22or floor23. A pump42(illustrated schematically) is utilized to drive the pool water through a filter43and then back into pool20through a return opening44formed through retaining wall22. Filter43is adapted to substantially “clean” the pool water and remove undesired contaminants and particles. Although this example illustrates a filter43, it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that fluid can be delivered with use of a pump absent a filter. For example, device10can be used in cooperation with a pump to drive water in an upward direction to be used in a fountain or a spraying fashion. Other entertaining fluid redirecting uses are within the scope of the present disclosure. Filtering system40can operate continuously, according to a preset schedule, or combinations thereof to ensure a desired amount of fluid filtering of pool20. Filtering systems are generally desirable for any body of water or reservoir to prevent undesired accumulation of contaminants or growths of certain organisms. The flow path of filtering system40is illustrated schematically in dotted lines along with arrows to show direction of flow.

In this example, attachment apparatus10is coupled to return opening44to receive filtered pool water from filtering system40. Attachment10can be connected to return opening44, which is submerged underwater. In an example, attachment10can include a threaded portion19adapted to engage and mount to a mating threaded portion formed within return opening44. A tube system50having at least one tube50is coupled to attachment10through the third opening14. The attachment of tube50and opening14can be accomplished through mating threaded portions formed on the tube and the opening. Tube50includes a proximal end51connected to third opening14and a distal end52having an opening to allow heated pool water to reenter pool20. A flow channel is formed therebetween. Tube50is positioned to be exposed to environmental conditions. Tube50extends external to the body of water21, typically lying on the ground or surface to be exposed to external conditions such as sunlight. Using the diverging valve, fluid flowing into attachment10can be at least partially redirected through third opening14and into tube50.

Tube50is generally exposed to environmental conditions. In this example, exposure to environmental conditions includes exposure to sun30and solar radiation31. Solar radiation31provides thermal energy to the surface of tube50thereby heating tube50. Tube50can be constructed of a thermally conductive material that allows for heat transfer to the fluid. Accordingly, fluid entering tube50at proximal end51is heated before reentering pool20at distal end52through heat transfer from the heated material of tube50to the fluid passing through the flow channel. Tube50can be a standard garden hose or any flexible material adapted to absorb heat from an external source. In an example, tube50can be split into a plurality of tubes prior to reentry into pool20. Pump42should be sized and constructed to drive the fluid through the extended distance of tube50. Adjustment of the internal valve of apparatus10controls the volumetric flow rate of water that is redirected into tube50. The valve of apparatus50should be adjustable to provide varying degrees of redirection ability for the water passing through tube50. This adjustment controls the amount of water to be heated and then reentered back into the pool.

Tube50can be sized and shaped according to a particular pool size and customized to a user's preferences for appearance in cooperation with the pool location. For example, tube50can lie on a surface surrounding pool20mounted within a channel formed around pool20to receive tube50. Variations to accommodate aesthetic appeal can be constructed to cooperate with the external tube pathway. In a further example, tube50is concealed from plain view and connected to a solar panel system adapted to receive solar radiation and transfer heat to tube50.

System60can be constructed to allow for heating of a body of water. This is particularly useful at the start of a swimming season when water temperatures are initially low with respect to a comfortable setting. In an example, the average temperature of the body of water21can be raised as a result of system60ranging from about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In a further example, the temperature can be raised from about 20 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the quantity of the solar energy and absorption efficiency, system60can raise the temperature of the water in a range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in a time range from about 24 to 96 hours and more particularly between about 48 and 72 hours. Another determining factor is the volumetric flow rate of the water through the tube.

In a further example, system60can include a thermal sensor mounted in the body of water21that continuously monitors temperature. The thermal sensor can be coupled to a controller that is programmed with a preset temperature setting. The controller can be coupled to the turn knob16of the valve to open and close when a preset threshold has been satisfied. Accordingly, system60can be automated and programmable to cause activation and heating of the pool when the temperature falls below a certain threshold. When the temperature has been reached, the system can stop operating by adjusting valve15to an open position thus allowing the filtered pool water to reenter pool20directly through the second opening13of attachment10.

FIGS. 3A-3Fillustrate an alternative attachment apparatus100according to the present disclosure. Attachment100defines a body111shortened as compared to the elongated body11of apparatus10. Apparatus100defines a shorter profile protruding a smaller distance from the retaining wall when mounted to an inlet opening of a pool. This may have a more aesthetically pleasing appeal as compared to the elongated apparatus10. Body111extends between a first opening112and a second opening113. The second opening113is formed at an opposite end of the first opening112. First opening112is formed to extend into and connect with an filter system inlet, similar to apparatus10. Threaded portion119is formed along an outer surface of opening112. In this example, a plurality of securing walls117are formed extending from an interior surface of body111towards a center point forming a secondary securing hole118adapted to receive a locking member such as a pin or a screw. Securing walls are spaced apart equidistantly from each other and define a relatively thin profile to prevent flow obstruction through body111. Accordingly, fluid enters attachment100through the first opening112and exits through the second opening113. The body111defines a substantially unrestricted flow channel therethrough from the first opening112to the second opening113.

A third opening114is formed on the elongated body111allowing fluid to flow out of attachment100in a different direction with respect to second opening113. In this example, third opening114is formed in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to the general flow direction of body111. It is understood that the third opening114can be formed to direct flow in any transverse direction with respect to the flow channel of attachment100. Opening114extends through an extension126having an outer threaded portion to connect to a tube system such as corresponding threads of a garden hose. The direction of the third opening114should be formed to cooperate with a pump requirement suitable to direct the fluid a suitable distance out of the pool to absorb thermal energy prior to reentry into the pool as shown schematically inFIG. 2.

A diverging valve is provided to cooperate with attachment110and is adapted to redirect the fluid as it passes through the flow channel of body111. In this example, the diverging valve includes a flow restrictor cap115functioning in cooperation with stationary plate116. The combination of cap115with plate116when mounted to body111over and around the opening113allows for preventing or restricting fluid flow through opening113and thus causes a back pressure to drive the water out of opening114.

Cap115includes a rim120sized and shaped to secure115over and around opening113of body111. In this example, rim120includes a plurality of radial tabs124protruding inward to snap over an outer rim123formed circumferentially around an outer surface of the body111. Outer rim123is formed adjacent or near the opening113and is sized and shaped to secure cap115to body111. Axial slots165can be formed to allow some flexibility in snapping cap115over rim123. Positioned in between cap115and body111is a stationary restricting plate116. Plate116includes a substantially planer face116′ defining openings113′ that allow for water to flow through when mounted on body111. A matching alignment hole118′ is defined in the center of plate116that corresponds with hole118of body111. Similarly, a hole118″ is formed in a center of cap115and is also aligned with holes118and118′ thus allowing a screw, pin, or bolt to secure the pieces together as a secondary securing means.

Cap115further defines openings113″ that align with and are sized to match openings113′ of stationary plate116. Stationary plate116defines indent portions127around its circumference that correspond to protrusions128formed along the inner circumferential wall of body111. Indent portions127receive protrusions128when plate116is positioned within opening113thus creating some partial flow restriction through the openings. Cap115is then mounted over plate116to snap with rim123. Cap115is rotatably mounted. When cap115rotates, plate116remains stationary. Accordingly, rotation of cap115causes flow restriction through body111and redirects water through114. It is further contemplated to provide a threaded connection between cap115and body111such that the face of cap115is rotatable.

In a fully opened configuration, openings113″ of cap115are aligned with openings113′ of plate116and such a configuration substantially allows all of the water flowing through apparatus100to exit directly into the pool. In an open configuration, minimal, if any, water is redirected into opening114. By turning cap115in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, a wall restricting portion115′ of cap115partially blocks the opening113′ causing back pressure inside apparatus100and thus redirecting the fluid flow out through opening114. This configuration is shown inFIG. 3D. Various configurations are available by turning cap115to varying degrees from fully open to fully closed. This varies the amount of water to be redirected out of the pool to be heated through system60as shown inFIG. 2. In these examples, each of cap115and plate116define three “pie-shaped” openings113′ and113″.

In an example, cap115includes axially protruding alignment fins122that can align with alignment fins121formed on body111. The alignment fins can be provided to for aesthetic purposes and to indicate to a user of apparatus whether cap115is in an open or closed configuration. In a further example, a flow indicator129can be provided as an indicia of whether the system is open or closed. Indicator129can be provided adjacent opening114and viewable from above by a user. The indicia129can be aligned with at least one fin122to show a degree of openness of cap115as cap115is rotated. Indicator129can be painted or manufactured integral with body111during a molding process.

The apparatus of the present disclosure should be fabricated from a sufficient material, such as plastic or composite plastic to withstand the chemical environment of a swimming pool. The attachment apparatus can be fabricated through a molding process and should at least be capable of surviving extended exposure to chlorinated water. It is further contemplated that certain parts of apparatus can be fabricated independently and separately to be combined or assembled for use.

Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claim, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.