Abstract:
A pop up nozzle assembly useful for cleaning swimming pool surfaces is disclosed. The present invention includes a continuously rotating spray nozzle, a water driven impeller, gearing to move the pop up head, interchangeable heads, and means for returning back within the floor or wall. The present invention includes important features for efficient cleaning, easy removal for repair, and the prevention of vandalism.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/937,661 filed on Jun. 29, 2007. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention is directed to swimming pool cleaning systems. In particular, it is directed toward improvements in swimming pool cleaning systems where dirt is agitated so that it can be removed by a swimming pool filtering system. 
         [0006]    (2) Description of Related Art 
         [0007]    A high percentage of modern swimming pools and spas are designed with built-in automatic cleaning systems that consist of a plurality of floor, step, or wall embedded pop-up cleaning head assemblies. These assemblies are spaced throughout the pool to provide a means of cleaning the pool with a concentrated stream of water through a nozzle, slightly above and parallel to the pool floor or wall. Throughout the duration of the pool cleaning cycle, these nozzle heads which are normally flush with the floor surface, project and retract numerous times, each time incrementally rotating to a new cleaning position. 
         [0008]    Through the means of a pump, filter and multi-ported distribution valve, the cleaning head assemblies are designed to pop up individually or in sets throughout the cleaning cycle of the pool at predetermined intervals. As high pressure water flow from the pump and distribution valve is introduced to the nozzle head, it projects upward, locks in position and cleans an area adjacent to the nozzle position. This action intends for accumulated debris in that particular area to be moved or suspended, then ultimately removed from the pool through the main drain or skimmer by the pool filtering system. 
         [0009]    A common problem associated with an indexing nozzle head, is it&#39;s tendency to push a portion of the dirt and debris from its present position into an area it had previously cleaned. 
         [0000]    Because these heads are stationary while in the cleaning mode, currents are created which move the suspended debris into areas that are calm and inactive such as corners, steps, or up walls where the dirt then settles and remains in the pool. At times, a star burst type of dirt pattern remains around these types of cleaning heads. It is highly noticeable in a lighter colored pool. 
         [0010]    Although cleaning heads of this type improve the ability of a pool to clean itself, thorough cleaning is not accomplished. The pool owner or pool maintenance company will typically have to manually brush the remaining dirt and debris. This is very unsatisfactory for a pool owner. 
         [0011]    Although most related art concerns the indexing or random-stop type cleaning head, one example of a constant rotation, gear and impeller drive system is U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,979. The design is lacking in important areas:
       1) The high number of internal reduction gears create significant frictional drag and the possibility of part failure is substantially increased.   2) Designed water passages through the head assembly allow direct flow into the gear chamber and other areas of close tolerance, this results in gear jambs and/or complete plugging by debris that may be introduced.   3) The complicated design and technique for removal of the cleaning head makes cleaning and maintenance of the cleaning head virtually impossible for the typical pool owner.   4) There are a large number of elements which cause it to be unduly complex and expensive to manufacture.       
 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The present invention may be described as an assembly providing an efficient means of cleaning the inner surfaces of a swimming pool or spa. The present invention comprises a pop-up cleaning head assembly for a swimming pool or spa, including an impeller and gear set, which provides a mechanical means of constant rotation of the nozzle housing when pressurized by a flow distribution valve associated with a pump. The nozzle housing includes a relatively large diameter nozzle orifice for producing an efficient jet stream parallel to the floor or wall surface. For areas needing less water flow to clean, such as steps or built-in benches, interchangeable pop up heads with suitable orifices may be easily installed. 
         [0017]    The primary object of the present invention is to provide a pop-up cleaning head for a swimming pool or spa that will thoroughly and more efficiently suspend and transfer dirt and debris from all parts of the pool floor and walls, substantially improving the removal of debris by the pool filtering system. 
         [0018]    Another object of this invention is to provide a pop-up head that, during each active cleaning cycle, has a nozzle in constant rotational motion capable of cleaning a full 360-degree area surrounding the head. 
         [0019]    Another object of this invention is to provide a pop-up head that will insure the removal of dirt and debris typically missed by incrementally positioning heads that re-position dirt more than suspend and remove it. 
         [0020]    Another object of the invention is to provide a means of protection for mechanical components such as the gear system from vandalism or inadvertent stresses applied to the exposed rotary head and nozzle during its active popped-up configuration. Briefly described, and in accordance with one embodiment thereof, the invention provides a means of separation by dividing the rotating nozzle cover into two frictionally connected halves. This feature allows the upper exposed nozzle half to be independently turned or stopped without damage to the bottom portion that is mechanically engaged. 
         [0021]    Another object of the invention is to provide an interchangeable low-flow nozzle cover with a plurality of nozzle orifices for areas such as steps or built in benches of less than 8 inches depth. A less powerful stream is necessary to clean such relatively small areas. Because the cleaning head must be mounted in close proximity to the sidewall of the top step or bench, turbulence normally occurs when the stream is directed toward the sidewall causing a noisy fountain effect as water is forced upwardly breaking the surface. By providing a nozzle head cover with a plurality of orifices, to be precise, a pair of nozzle orifices directly opposite, allow pressure to be dispersed equally, reducing or eliminating the negative effects of a single orifice nozzle. 
         [0022]    Finally, an important object of this invention is to provide a cleaning head capable of cleaning the same area in a fraction of the time it takes a conventional indexing head. Consequently, the total cleaning period can be shortened significantly, saving energy costs and wear-and-tear on pool equipment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the pop-up head assembly according to the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a cross sectional view of the present invention shown in the wall mounted configuration with optional spring. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly order for major components. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the head removal tool in application. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing design elements of a head removal tool. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the pop-up fitting in the lowered, non-pressurized state. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the pop-up fitting in the raised, water under pressure state. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is an exploded assembly view of the pop-up head. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7A  is a side view showing a detail of bevel and worm gears. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view showing additional gear shaft details. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view showing internal drive gearing. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the gear system within the head unit. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a downward cross sectional view taken along lines  10 - 10 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the gear plate mounted on the main body. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view showing strengthening elements of the main body. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a cutaway view illustrating components of the two piece nozzle housing. 
           [0038]      FIGS. 13A ,  13 B, and  13 C show additional important details of the nozzle housing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    The present invention is intended to be embedded in the floor of a swimming pool or spa, and optionally, a wall surface. It is designed to deliver a slowly revolving jet of water under pressure in a powerful, sweeping manner for the purpose of disturbing sediment and debris in the area surrounding the invention. This action causes the dirt and debris to be mixed or suspended in the water for eventual removal by the filtering system. The size of the pool determines the number of cleaning heads for thorough cleaning of its surfaces. In the practice of the invention, two or more cleaning heads are grouped together in a set designed to clean a certain area or zone. The number of heads in a set is in relation to the size of the pool pump. Typically, a large pump will sustain three to five heads in a set before losing cleaning efficiency, and the number of sets in a pool is dependant on the area to be covered. Heads within a set are precisely spaced to provide optimal coverage by the rotating jets of water. Although the heads in a particular set are individually piped, they have a common supply pipe connected to one of several ports exiting a sequencing distribution valve. The pool pump provides water under pressure to operate the distribution valve which opens each port sequentially, insuring that only one zone is activated at a time for optimum efficiency. 
         [0040]    All components, unless otherwise indicated, are preferably made of high strength plastic, are injection molded, and made from a material type unaffected by pool chemicals or UV light. All metal parts will be of stainless steel, brass, or other metal suitable for sustained use in a pool environment. 
         [0041]    To provide assistance to the reader, Table 1 is a list of part numbers with their names. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 pop-up head assembly 
               
               
                 2 
                 upper nozzle housing 
               
               
                 3 
                 gear chamber 
               
               
                 4 
                 water chamber 
               
               
                 5 
                 cylindrical gear supports 
               
               
                 6 
                 annular lip 
               
               
                 7 
                 pop-up head 
               
               
                 8 
                 head retainer 
               
               
                 9 
                 upper section 
               
               
                 10 
                 ring gear 
               
               
                 11 
                 lower section 
               
               
                 12 
                 lower nozzle housing 
               
               
                 13 
                 locking channels 
               
               
                 14 
                 nozzle orifice 
               
               
                 15 
                 aligning lugs 
               
               
                 16 
                 floor fitting 
               
               
                 17 
                 center shaft 
               
               
                 18 
                 impeller 
               
               
                 19 
                 impeller shaft 
               
               
                 20 
                 upper lip 
               
               
                 21 
                 shaft support block 
               
               
                 22 
                 gear shaft 
               
               
                 23 
                 gear plate 
               
               
                 24 
                 annular groove 
               
               
                 25 
                 water passage blocks 
               
               
                 26 
                 annular flange 
               
               
                 27 
                 blades 
               
               
                 28 
                 bores 
               
               
                 29 
                 flat key ways 
               
               
                 30 
                 spring locks 
               
               
                 31 
                 chamber 
               
               
                 32 
                 water supply pipe/conduit 
               
               
                 33 
                 split ring 
               
               
                 34 
                 thrust washer 
               
               
                 35 
                 cylindrical wall 
               
               
                 36 
                 thrust bearing 
               
               
                 37 
                 base floor 
               
               
                 38 
                 spring clip 
               
               
                 39 
                 annular shelf 
               
               
                 40 
                 worm gears 
               
               
                 41 
                 threaded holes 
               
               
                 42 
                 large bevel gear 
               
               
                 43 
                 openings 
               
               
                 44 
                 Small bevel gear 
               
               
                 45 
                 main body 
               
               
                 46 
                 pins 
               
               
                 47 
                 annular lips 
               
               
                 48 
                 bores 
               
               
                 49 
                 spur gears 
               
               
                 50 
                 reduction gear set 
               
               
                 51 
                 screws 
               
               
                 52 
                 bevel flange 
               
               
                 53 
                 beveled seat 
               
               
                 54 
                 groove 
               
               
                 55 
                 spaced ribs 
               
               
                 56 
                 shaft housing 
               
               
                 57 
                 Flat key ways 
               
               
                 58 
                 friction washer 
               
               
                 59 
                 flat washer 
               
               
                 60 
                 weights 
               
               
                 61 
                 retainer clip 
               
               
                 62 
                 annular seat 
               
               
                 63 
                 water passage bores 
               
               
                 64 
                 shaft 
               
               
                 65 
                 center cap 
               
               
                 66 
                 supports 
               
               
                 67 
                 cylindrical recess 
               
               
                 68 
                 center bore 
               
               
                 69 
                 center bore 
               
               
                 70 
                 concrete floor or wall 
               
               
                 71 
                 pool plaster/finish 
               
               
                   
                 material 
               
               
                 72 
                 lower perimeter groove 
               
               
                 73 
                 lateral strengtheners 
               
               
                 74 
                 recessed annular shelf 
               
               
                 75 
                 annular lip 
               
               
                 76 
                 center bore 
               
               
                 77 
                 spring 
               
               
                 78 
                 central bore 
               
               
                 79 
                 attachment tabs 
               
               
                 80 
                 ring projection 
               
               
                 81 
                 key way stops 
               
               
                 82 
                 relief ports 
               
               
                 83 
                 head removal tool 
               
               
                 84 
                 retainer recesses 
               
               
                 85 
                 annular shelf 
               
               
                 86 
                 round headed steel pins 
               
               
                 90 
                 upper nozzle housing 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0042]      FIG. 1  illustrates the pool cleaning pop-up head assembly  1  including an upper lip  20  that is flush with the floor or wall surface of the pool. 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  is an assembly illustration of the pop up pool cleaning head assembly which includes three principal components: a floor fitting  16 , a pop-up head  7 , and a head retainer  8 . The floor fitting  16  is comprised of a large upper section  9  cylinder which is installed in the swimming pool wall or floor and a smaller lower section  11  cylinder. The lower section  11  is used as an attachment sleeve for securing to the water supply pipe  32  by a suitable adhesive, or other attaching means such as a screwed fitting or bolted fitting. The pop-up head  7  lifts out of the floor fitting  16  when used during water flow. The head retainer  8  prevents the pop up head from completely sliding out when used. The head retainer  8 , floor fitting  16 , split ring  33 , and spring  15  are part of a fixed floor insert assembly for the pop up head  7 , which does not rotate during the cleaning cycle. 
         [0044]    Side view  FIG. 1A  illustrates the present invention in a horizontal, wall mounted configuration having a spring  77  installed for retraction of pop up head  7  instead of a more reliable weighted retraction system normally used in a vertical floor mounting. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  illustrates the assembly of the present invention&#39;s major components. Coil spring  77  is loosely fitted over pop up head  7  and rests upon annular seat  62  and is fitted inside head retainer  8  loosely over the spring till the upper coil of the spring rests against annular lip  6 . Compressing the spring by pushing upward on the pop up head  7  allows the insertion of split ring  33  into annular groove  24  thereby removably securing the head within the retainer. Once the head, spring and retainer are assembled, they are lowered into the floor fitting  16  by aligning lugs  15  with L-shaped locking channels  13  and rotating clockwise to the secured position. Removal would be the reversal of these steps. 
         [0046]    For clarity,  FIGS. 3 and 4  show a side view and a perspective view respectively of a head removal tool  83  used to manipulate head retainer  8  by engaging round headed steel pins  86  with retainer recesses  84 . An interlocking situation occurs when head removal tool  83  is turned to either remove or replace the head and retainer assembly into floor fitting  16 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show sectional side views of the floor fitting  16 , head retainer  8 , and pop up head  7  installed in a concrete pool floor. Because a retraction system using weights has proven more reliable in general, a spring for retraction of pop up head  7  in a non vertical installation is not preferable. During pool construction, the floor fitting  16  embedded within the concrete floor or wall  70 , and is attached to the water supply pipe  32  by an adhesive connection to the lower section  11 . An annular flange  26  is used primarily as a guide during pool construction to determine the correct depth for a particular thickness of concrete floor  70  and pool plaster or finishing material  71 .  FIG. 5  shows pop up head  7  in the retracted position with the upper surface of upper nozzle housing  2  substantially flush with the pool floor surface. 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , when water is actively flowing, the water comes from the pool pump, is piped through a distribution valve (not shown), which cyclically provides water under pressure through water supply pipe  32 . A relatively close water passage around blades  27  is used to insure a rotation of the blades. Water flow is indicated by arrows. The exploded perspective view of  FIG. 9 , shows the rotation of impeller  18  is ultimately transferred by means of a reduction gear set  50  to a ring gear  10  molded into the lower inside wall of nozzle housing  12 . 
         [0049]    Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the rotation of the lower nozzle housing  12  and rotatably attached upper nozzle housing  2 , provides a sweeping jet of water from nozzle orifice  14  in a radial manner with a productive cleaning diameter of eight to ten feet. Turbulence produced from each set of rotating heads quickly loosen debris on the floor surface, suspending and mixing it with pool water to be filtered. 
         [0050]    Referring once again to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , during the start of each activation period and upon entering chamber  31 , water under pressure forcibly lifts pop up head  7  until the annular beveled flange  52 , having a top surface downward bevel of 45 degrees, engages with a complimentary beveled seat  53 . This engagement then stops the lift and creates a positive seal between the pop up head  7  and the head retainer  8 . The bevel flange  52  has an annular bottom surface parallel to, and resting upon, split ring  33  when in the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 5 . When the pop up head  7  is fully extended, the main body  45  is essentially locked in a stationary position while the nozzle housings  2 ,  12  rotate with the nozzle orifice  14  which is now exposed above the surface to be cleaned. As the bevel flange  52  and the bevel seat  53  engage, a perimeter seal is created and the water flow is forcibly directed upwardly through bores  28 , shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 . The water bypasses gear chamber  3 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , and flows directly into the upper water chambers  4  where it then pressurizes and exits nozzle orifice  14  as a cleaning jet. The bypass of water around gear chamber  3  is an important feature that minimizes the chance for debris from clogging any gearing. 
         [0051]    Upon cessation of water flow, weights  60 , shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A, and  8 , provide a downward force to keep pop-up head  7  fully retracted. The retraction prevents any inadvertent vertical lift resulting in a toe stubbing situation. Because the water supply distribution valve sometimes leaks and allows a small amount of water flow, a partial lift is possible. However, the present invention prevents this by use of a plurality of relief ports  82  in bevel flange  52  to allow this water to escape without lifting the head. Relief ports  82  are effectively sealed by bevel seat  53  when fully extended as seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0052]    The main body  45 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  12 , is preferably an injection molded composite with elements including a cylindrical wall  35 , that is perpendicular to a base floor  37 , and functions as a stationary outer sleeve with a contained lower nozzle housing  12  and rotates during the cleaning cycle. An annular shelf  39  as seen in  FIG. 9  is molded as a solid ring at the base of the cylindrical wall  35  with its top planar surface considered a non positive seal for a gear chamber  3  when the lower nozzle housing  12  is rotatably secured as seen in  FIG. 8 . Adequate clearance is provided between the bottom lip of lower nozzle housing  12  and adjoining annular shelf  39  which allows for rotation while still protecting the gear chamber  3  from debris infiltration. By being molded as a structural part of a cylindrical wall  35 , the annular shelf  39  adds stability to the wall by reducing its overall freestanding height.  FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of main body  45  showing a plurality of lateral strengtheners  73  which extend downwardly from the bottom surface of base floor  37 , and provide additional strength and stability to shaft housing  56  and bevel flange  52 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 7 and 9  show a pair of water passage blocks  25 , formed as part of main body  45 , and can be described as molded, elongated diamond shaped blocks as viewed from above. Each has a centrally located vertical bore  28  extending through the bottom of main body  45 , allowing water under pressure to bypass gear chamber  3  and flow directly into water chambers  4  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0054]    The upper planar surfaces of water passage blocks  25  as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , display annular lips  47  formed around bores  28  functioning as alignment guides during assembly and fit into openings  43  of a gear plate  23 . A plurality of threaded holes  41 , secure the gear plate  23  using screws  51  as seen in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 8 , a centrally located shaft housing  56 , is formed as part of the main body  45  and is a vertically elongated cylinder extending downwardly having a bore  68  to rotatably contain the impeller shaft  19  and terminate with a planar bearing surface for a thrust washer  34 . 
         [0056]    Referring again to the exploded view of pop-up head  7  in  FIG. 7 , a pair of cylindrical gear supports  5  are part of the main body  45  and have a center bore  69  which contains adhesively secured pins  46  and provides a planar bearing surface for intermediate spur gears  49 . The spur gears  49  are rotatably and removably secured to the pins  46  by spring locks  30 . 
         [0057]    A gear plate  23  as seen in  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A, and  8  is essentially a thick, molded circular disk used as an attachment plate providing the means to secure and align most elements of the pop-up head assembly. As shown in  FIG. 8 , it is positioned as a separator between and acting as an upper seal for the gear chamber  3  and provides a lower seal for water chamber  4 . It should be understood that it is not considered a water tight seal, but a close fitting of the inner wall surface and the lower nozzle housing  12 . This prevents debris infiltration to gear chamber  3  while still providing adequate clearance for rotation of the housing during its cleaning cycle. As seen in  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  11 , the gear plate  23  is provided with a pair of openings  43  as an alignment aid, and formed as annular ports removably fitting annular lips  47  during assembly. The gear plate  23  is removably secured to water passage blocks  25  by a plurality of screws  51  and corresponding threaded holes  41 . 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a shaft support block  21 , located on the upper surface and formed as part of plate  23 , has a central bore to receive and adhesively secure a center shaft  17  which protrudes partially into recess  67  of the upper nozzle housing  2 . Within recess  67 , thrust washers  34  and thrust bearing  36  are removably disposed on center shaft  17  in the order shown and secured by spring clip  38  which rotatably and removably attaches nozzle housings  2 ,  12  to the pop up head. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 8  show shaft supports  66 , perpendicular to the lower face and molded as part of the gear plate  23 . They can be defined as rectangular blocks extending downwardly having horizontal bores  48  to rotatably contain gear shaft  22 . The bores are such that the rotational axis of gear shaft  22  is centered over and perpendicular to the axis of impeller shaft  19  resulting in an engaged 90-degree relationship between large bevel gear  42  and small bevel gear  44 .  FIG. 7A  shows the gear plate  23  having worm gears  40  and a large bevel gear  42  assembled and frictionally secured to flat key ways  57 ,  29  of gear shaft  22  as seen in  FIG. 7B . When the gear shaft  22  slides into bores  48  during assembly, the large bevel gear  42  is frictionally secured on the longer flat key way  57  in an off-center configuration with respect to the vertical centerline between supports  66 . Key way stops  81  create a fixed position for the worm gears  40  and large bevel gear  42 , maintaining necessary clearances in relation to supports  66  to ensure rotation without interference. 
         [0060]    The exploded perspective view of  FIG. 7  the and cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8 , show the components which comprise the pop-up head in the unassembled and assembled state respectively. The small bevel gear  44  is adhesively secured to the top of impeller shaft  19 , which rotatably rests upon the floor of the main body  45  after being inserted into the center bore  68  of the shaft housing  56 . The impeller shaft  19  extends beyond the bottom of the shaft housing  56  to accept thrust washers  34 , a thrust bearing  36  and an impeller  18 . The impeller shaft  19  is removably secured by a spring clip  38  slid into a groove  54 . 
         [0061]    Although a single, one piece nozzle housing could be used as a rotating element for dispersing the water jet, a preferred embodiment is to create a two piece nozzle which rotates, but allows for inadvertent manual manipulation. It is known that swimmers in a pool will be curious about a cleaning mechanism, and are likely to explore its operation by trying to rotate it. Consequently, it is preferable to design a pop up head to separate the internal rotating mechanics of the present invention from the exposed nozzle housing. The present invention provides for a solution utilizing a two-piece nozzle housing which is frictionally and rotatably joined together. 
         [0062]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view with cutaways showing the various elements of the upper nozzle housing  2  and the lower nozzle housing  12 . The upper nozzle housing  2  is preferably a composite structure, molded as a relatively short cylinder having a planar top with a cylindrical recess  67  centrally disposed to accept thrust washers  34 , a thrust bearing  36 , and a spring clip  38 . A shaft  64  projects downward from the lower portion of recess  67  which provides a central bore  78  and a lower perimeter groove  72 . A plurality of spaced ribs  55  are disposed within and perpendicular to the cylinder walls and recess  67  as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 13A , which add stability to the outer walls and prevent flexing during pressurized periods. The lower nozzle housing  12  is a relatively large, planar topped cylinder with a plurality of water passage bores  63  dispersed radially and adjacent to center bore  76 . The cylinder has an open bottom which provides for an internal ring gear  10  corresponding to the reduction gear set  50  as shown in  FIG. 9  and engaged with spur gears  49  as shown in  FIG. 10 . In  FIG. 13  the nozzle housings  2 ,  12  are joined by inserting a shaft  64  into a center bore  76  until the annular lip  75  is rotatably and frictionally contained within the recessed annular shelf  74 . By securing the assembly with a friction washer  58  and a flat washer  59 , and then inserting retainer clip  61  into lower perimeter groove  72 , a perimeter seal is created. This forces incoming water to flow upwardly through water passage bores  63  into the upper water chamber  4  as shown in  FIG. 8 , where it exits nozzle orifice  14  as a cleaning stream. As seen in  FIGS. 13 and 13C , after assembling the components of the pop up head, a center cap  65  can be secured to the annular shelf  85  by snapping attachment tabs  79  over a formed ring projection  80 . 
         [0063]    A common problem associated with pop-up heads located on a top step or a shallow seat is a fountain effect when the nozzle is directed at the perimeter wall of a pool. The pop up head is located only inches from the wall, causing the high pressure water stream to strike the wall and divert upwards. This causes the water stream to significantly disturb the water surface, which creates an annoyance. Existing technology cures include using a small orifice nozzle to reduce the volume of water, which also reduces cleaning ability. An alternative to reducing the nozzle orifice size is shown in  FIG. 13B  by a top sectional view of the present invention. The standard single orifice upper nozzle housing  2  as shown in  FIG. 13A  is replaced with alternate nozzle upper housing  90  as shown in  FIG. 13B . The alternate nozzle upper housing  90  has two diagonally opposed nozzle orifices  14  and  14 A, which reduces the water pressure at each orifice by half, eliminating the fountain effect without losing volumetric efficiency. 
         [0064]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, the invention may be modified and adapted to various operational methods to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the description and figure shown herein, and includes all such embodiments, changes, and modifications that are encompassed by the scope of the claims.