Spa insert with flat upper flange, integral spillway and footwell features

Abstract

A spa insert is disclosed. The spa insert assembly is comprised of a shell portion and one or more plumbing elements. The shell portion includes a flat upper flange, an integral spillway, and a notch near the waterline for accepting masonry in a manner that allows for total integration of the assembly into in-ground pool or spa infrastructure. The disclosed assemblies are suitable for use in hot or cold water installations, and integrate seamlessly with specific pool or spa water features. In an embodiment, the shell is made of a vacuum-formed acrylic sheet that is formed, plumbed, and/or fiberglassed according to specific methodologies. The spa insert may include a false bottom such that in-floor features like sump pumps, jets and/or anti-entrapment systems may be installed.

1 . A spa assembly for use in combination with a pool filled with water comprising:
 a shell portion shaped to be fitted into an existing gunite spa cavity placed adjacent to a partially or fully in-ground pool structure, including   a tub portion;   a flat upper flange with an integrated spillway for allowing water to flow from the spa assembly to the pool, the flat upper flange being constructed so as to support the weight of the spa on the rim of the gunite spa cavity and disposed in a plane substantially above the surface of the water in the pool when filled;   plumbing elements associated with the shell portion, the plumbing elements including at least one suction component and one return component; and,   a notch in the transition area between the tub portion and the flat upper flange, wherein the notch is sized so as to receive masonry components comparable to those to be placed on the top surface of the flat upper flange.   
   
   
       2 . The spa assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the notch has dimensions from between four to six inches in height to one to two inches in depth. 
   
   
       3 . The spa assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the shell portion includes a vacuum-formed base part and a layer of fiberglass. 
   
   
       4 . The spa assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the vacuum-formed base part is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of acrylic, plastic, Lucite, resin composite, and carbon fiber. 
   
   
       5 . The spa assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the shell portion is constructed so as to be readily insertable and removable from the existing gunite spa cavity. 
   
   
       6 . The spa assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the suction includes at least one main drain suction located near the bottom of the shell portion. 
   
   
       7 . The spa assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one main drain suction is covered with an anti-entrapment drain cover. 
   
   
       8 . The spa assembly of  claim 1 , wherein operating controls are located in a single, readily accessible window region. 
   
   
       9 . A spa assembly for use in combination with a pool filled with water comprising:
 a shell portion shaped to be fitted into an existing gunite spa cavity placed adjacent to a partially or fully in-ground pool structure, including   a tub portion;   a flat upper lip having a top surface with an integral spillway for allowing water to flow from the spa assembly to the pool, the flat upper lip constructed so as to allow flat masonry components to be installed directly onto the top surface, and the flat upper lip being positioned in a plane substantially above the surface of the water in the pool when filled;   a notch in the transition area between the tub portion and the flat upper lip, wherein the notch is sized so as to receive masonry components comparable to those to be placed on the top surface of the flat upper lip; and,   plumbing elements associated with the shell portion, the plumbing elements including at least one suction component and one return component.   
   
   
       10 . The spa assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the assembly is capable of being installed in a balanced manner, supported by both the flat upper lip and the bottom footwell, in the absence of sandbags. 
   
   
       11 . The spa assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the assembly is capable of being attached to an upper rim of the gunite spa cavity by securing elements. 
   
   
       12 . The spa assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the securing elements are bolts. 
   
   
       13 . The spa assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the securing elements are twist-lock fasteners. 
   
   
       14 . The spa assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the securing elements travel directly down through the upper lip and attach to the gunite spa cavity. 
   
   
       15 . The spa assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the notch has dimensions from between four and six inches in height to one to two inches in depth. 
   
   
       16 . The spa assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the shell portion includes a vacuum-formed base part and fiberglass. 
   
   
       17 . The spa assembly of  claim 16  wherein the vacuum-formed base part is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of acrylic, plastic, Lucite, resin-based composites, and carbon fiber. 
   
   
       18 . The spa assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the suction includes at least one main drain suction located near the bottom of the shell portion. 
   
   
       19 . The spa assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one main drain suction is covered with an anti-entrapment drain cover. 
   
   
       20 . The spa assembly of  claim 9 , wherein operating controls are located in a single, readily accessible window region. 
   
   
       21 . The spa assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the spa assembly is pre-plumbed and all of the basic plumbing controls are located in a single, readily accessible window region. 
   
   
       22 . A spa assembly comprising:
 a shell portion shaped to be fitted into an existing gunite spa cavity, including   a tub portion, including a footwell portion for placing at least one in-floor sump drain;   a flat upper lip having a top surface, the flat upper lip constructed so as to allow flat masonry components to be installed directly onto the top surface, and the flat upper lip being positioned in a plane substantially above the surface of the water in the pool when filled;   a notch in the transition area between the tub portion and the flat upper lip, wherein the notch is sized so as to receive masonry components comparable to those to be placed on the top surface of the flat upper lip; and   plumbing elements associated with the shell portion, the plumbing elements including at least one suction component and one return component.   
   
   
       23 . The spa assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the shell portion includes a vacuum-formed base part and fiberglass. 
   
   
       24 . The spa assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the at least one in-floor sump drain is a drain suction located near the bottom of the shell portion. 
   
   
       25 . The spa assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the at least one in-floor sump drain is covered with an anti-entrapment drain cover.