Multi-layer structure for swimming pool forming a spa, swim spa or swimming pool

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-layer structure (11) for a swimming pool intended to be inserted into a pit dug in the ground and to contain a volume of water, said structure (11) being delimited by side walls (121) and a bottom wall (122) provided with reinforcements (110), each wall of the structure (11) comprising in a superimposed manner: - a sealing layer, called liner, (C1) on its face intended to come into contact with the water, - an intermediate smoothing layer (C2), and - at least one external insulation layer (C3, C4) intended to come into contact with a wall of the pit. figure for the abstract: figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Multi-layer structure for a swimming pool forming a spa, swim spa or swimming pool TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention is that of swimming pools, such as swimming pools or buried swimming spas, indoors or outdoors. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Swimming pools are an alternative to masonry pools.

[0003] These swimming pools are for example made up of a structure comprising thin walls made of plastic material which are provided with reinforcements on their external face. They can alternatively be made up of a shell made of composite material.

[0004] In this type of pool, the factory-made structure is inserted into a pit dug in the ground, on the bottom of which a concrete slab is previously placed to level the surface on which the structure is placed.

[0005] Under the force of the thrust of the embankments, the structure tends to deform. Such deformations generally lead to a deterioration of the physical integrity of the structure and therefore of the swimming pool.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide a swimming pool structure that does not have all of these disadvantages of the prior art. Statement of the invention

[0007] The invention proposes a new and non-obvious solution in the form of a multi-layer structure for a swimming pool intended to be inserted into a pit dug in the ground and to contain a volume of water, said structure being delimited by side walls and a bottom wall provided with reinforcements, each wall of the structure comprising in a superimposed manner:

[0008] - a sealing layer, called liner, on its face intended to come into contact with water,

[0009] - an intermediate smoothing layer, and

[0010] - at least one external layer of insulation intended to come into contact with a wall of the pit.

[0011] The multi-layer structure of a swimming pool according to the invention, such as a swimming spa, provides increased rigidity without excessive increase in mass and allows the installation of a self-supporting swimming pool in a pit, on a bed of gravel or earth, without requiring a concrete slab for installation.

[0012] Particularly simple, convenient and economical preferred features of the device according to the invention are presented below.

[0013] The sealing layer may consist of a membrane made of thermoplastic material.

[0014] The smoothing layer may consist of a central core made of polyethylene or mineral material covered on both sides with an aluminum plate.

[0015] The structure may comprise two layers of insulation superimposed and arranged orthogonally to each other.

[0016] Said at least one insulation layer may be made of extruded polystyrene.

[0017] The reinforcements can be arranged within the external insulation layer of the side walls and the bottom wall intended to come into contact with a wall of the pit.

[0018] The invention also relates to a swimming pool comprising a multi-layer structure as described above.

[0019] The swimming pool may further comprise at least one platform forming a terrace, said at least one platform being movable in horizontal translation above said structure.

[0020] The swimming pool can constitute a spa, a swim spa or a swimming pool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a particular embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0022] - [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a basin structure frame of bathing in accordance with the invention;

[0023] - [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the frame of [Fig.l] with only one part terrace mobile;

[0024] - [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view of a swimming pool structure according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0025] - [Fig.4] is a very schematic perspective view of a swimming pool in accordance with the invention when buried in the ground, and

[0026] - [Fig.5] is a schematic sectional view of a multi-layer structure particular of a swimming pool according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present description is given as a non-limiting example of embodiment.

[0028] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the swimming pool 1 comprises a structure 11 intended to contain a volume of water and two sliding platforms 13 forming a mobile terrace covering the swimming area delimited by the structure 11.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the swimming pool is not equipped with a mobile terrace covering the swimming area delimited by the structure 11.

[0030] The structure 11 has a frame or skeleton 110 and multi-layer finishing plates or panels forming walls 120 so as to form a cavity delimited by a substantially flat bottom wall 122 and four side walls 121, the latter extending perpendicular to the bottom wall 122 (or else in an inclined manner).

[0031] Figures 1 and 2 show only the frame 110 of the structure 11, [Fig. 3] showing the frame 110 on which the multi-layer walls 120 are partly mounted (without the platforms 13 however).

[0032] The structure 11 is intended to be inserted into a hole dug in the ground on the bottom of which a bed of gravel is previously placed.

[0033] The structure 11 is here of parallelepiped shape and comprises on one side a relaxation bench forming a separation wall with a technical space in which the electrical connections, the pumps and the water filtration devices in particular are arranged, the technical space being accessible by a hatch for example. The bench and the technical space are referenced 14 and 15 in Figures 1 to 3.

[0034] The frame 110 of the structure 11 is made up of side members, uprights and cross members, called stiffeners. The side members, uprights and cross members forming the frame 100 of the structure 11 are preferably made of stainless steel (inox), this material being robust, light and easy to maintain. They are arranged within the side walls 121 and the bottom wall 122 as visible in [Fig.5], in two directions: - horizontal or longitudinal reinforcements extending substantially horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the side walls of the swimming pool, that is to say in the direction of the length of the swimming pool for the longitudinal side walls and in the direction of the width of the swimming pool for the transverse side walls of the swimming pool, - vertical reinforcements extending in the direction of the height or depth of the swimming pool, when the swimming pool is in place horizontally.Horizontal reinforcements are also arranged in the transverse direction of the bottom wall, i.e. in the direction of the width of the swimming pool. Horizontal reinforcements can be arranged end to end all around the swimming pool.

[0035] The upper longitudinal side members are of rectangular section and form the longitudinal edges 113A and 113B of the structure 11 and of the swimming pool 1.

[0036] Advantageously, the flat upper surfaces of the rims 113A, 113B constitute guide tracks for the rollers 121A, 121B, 122A, 122B carried by the two sliding platforms 13.

[0037] In other words, the rollers bear on the flat upper surface of the rims 113A, 113B, and can move on this surface by rolling.

[0038] It is therefore possible to mount the sliding terrace on the structure 11 in the workshop, and to transport the pre-assembled assembly to the site, which reduces the installation time of the swimming pool 1 on site (one day maximum).

[0039] As illustrated in particular in [Fig.l], the rectangular platforms 13 are sized so as to be able to hermetically close the structure 11 filled with water when the swimming pool 1 is not in use.

[0040] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], each platform 13 comprises a pair of front rollers 131A, 131B and a pair of rear rollers 132A, 132B which are intended to move on the upper surfaces of the corresponding rims 113A, 113B.

[0041] It is further noted that the upper surface of the platforms 13 can be covered with a wooden covering, for example.

[0042] The platforms 13 forming the terrace are movable independently of one another between a closed position and at least one open position.

[0043] In the closed position of the terrace, the two platforms 13 are in contact and completely cover the structure 11. In this position, the front and rear rollers of each of the platforms 13 are in contact with the upper surfaces of the edges 113A and 113B.

[0044] In a first open position of the terrace ([Fig.4]), the platforms 13 are as far apart as possible from each other so as to completely uncover the structure 11 of the swimming pool 1. In this position, the front rollers of each of the platforms 13 are located in the vicinity of the longitudinal ends of the edges 113A and 113B and in contact with the latter. The rear rollers are, however, no longer in contact with the edges 113A and 113B and rest on the fixed terrace T bordering the swimming pool 1.

[0045] In the other opening positions, called intermediate opening positions, the platforms 13 partially cover the structure 11.

[0046] In these intermediate positions of the terrace, the front rollers are in contact with the edges 113A and 113B while the rear rollers are not (they rest on the fixed terrace T bordering the swimming pool 1).

[0047] The platforms 13 may have a wooden covering and may use a layer of insulating material, which allows, in the closed position of the terrace, a hermetic closure of the structure 11. This results in a reduction in heat losses and an energy gain.

[0048] The platforms 13 make it possible to secure the swimming pool, to prevent debris (leaves, etc.) from falling into the water of the pool and to limit heat loss from the water as much as possible.

[0049] In its closed position, the terrace makes it possible to take advantage of the ground surface normally occupied by the swimming pool. Indeed, the metal structure of the platforms provides sufficient rigidity and solidity to accommodate people or objects such as a set of garden tables and chairs, for example.

[0050] In the version of the swimming pool 1 illustrated in [Fig.2], only one platform 13 is shown, for the sake of clarity.

[0051] The swimming pool 1 may use only one platform 13. In this case, the dimensions of the platform correspond substantially to the shape of the pool and it is possible, as desired, to move the platform 13 in horizontal translation along two perpendicular axes: either longitudinally, as illustrated in the figures, or transversely to the longitudinal axis of the structure 11. In the latter case, it is the upper surfaces of the two transverse edges of the structure 11 which cooperate with the rollers carried by the platform.

[0052] The dimensions and equipment of the swimming pool 1 are chosen according to whether the swimming pool is intended to form a spa, a swim spa or a swimming pool.

[0053] Such a swimming pool can be installed outdoors or indoors.

[0054] The shape of the basin is of course not limited to that illustrated in the figures (a square shape can thus be envisaged).

[0055] Advantageously, the walls 121, 122 of the structure 11 comprise, in a superimposed manner:

[0056] - a sealing layer, called liner, Cl on their face intended to come into contact with water,

[0057] - an intermediate smoothing or finishing layer C2 which constitutes a surface plane for the sealing layer and thus improves the aesthetic appearance of the latter, and

[0058] - at least one external insulation layer C3, C4 intended to come into contact with a pit wall.

[0059] The liner C1 which constitutes the (internal) face of the structure 11 in contact with the water takes the form of a single-layer membrane (with a thickness equal to 1.5 mm for example). This single-layer membrane can be made of a flexible thermoplastic material, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) for example.

[0060] The intermediate layer C2 with a thickness equal to 3 mm in an exemplary embodiment is composed of a central core made of polyethylene or mineral material covered on each of its faces with an aluminum plate. It is therefore a panel sandwich composed of a central layer of polyethylene or mineral material, the opposite faces of the central layer being covered with aluminum plates treated to resist corrosion and wear.

[0061] The external insulation layer(s) C3, C4 are each made up, for example, of an insulating panel or thermal insulation made of extruded polystyrene foam (also called XPS or PSX panel). This rigid foam is, in a known manner, made up of stable closed cells.

[0062] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5], the structure comprises two layers of insulation C3, C4 of extruded polystyrene superimposed with a total thickness equal to 80 mm in this example, one of which (layer C4 in this case) constitutes the external face of the structure 11 intended to come into contact with a wall of the pit in which the structure is placed.

[0063] The side members, uprights and cross members forming the framework 100 of the structure 11 are arranged within the external insulation layer.

[0064] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5], they are arranged within the external insulation layer C4 constituting the external face of the structure 11 intended to come into contact with a wall of the pit in which the structure is placed.

[0065] The frame 110 is for example made of 50x50 mm stainless steel tubes.

[0066] Other thicknesses of layers C1 to C4 are possible.

[0067] These multi-layer walls 121, 122 provide increased rigidity to the structure and therefore to the swimming pool, without excessive increase in mass and allow the installation of a self-supporting swimming pool in a pit, on a bed of gravel or earth, without requiring a concrete slab for installation.

[0068] These multi-layer walls 121, 122 also make it possible to thermally insulate the swimming pool 1, to reduce heat losses and to achieve significant energy savings, in particular for heating the water in the swimming pool 1.

[0069] In a particular embodiment, the multi-layer walls 121, 122 comprise a single external layer of insulation (of extruded polystyrene for example), with a thickness equal to 80 mm for example.

[0070] According to a particular implementation, the two insulation layers are crossed, that is to say they are arranged orthogonally.

[0071] In another particular embodiment, the multi-layer walls 121, 122 comprise more than two superimposed layers of insulation.

[0072] The swimming pool of the invention is easy to install on site because the structure, and optionally the mobile terrace, can be pre-assembled in the workshop. Once these elements are assembled, the pool can be transported to the site by a lifting device, such as a truck crane for example, and can be placed in a hole.

[0073] The swimming pool of the invention is a finished product that does not require heavy work, unlike a traditional swimming pool. Only an electrical connection is necessary.

[0074] The platform(s) are intended to cover the swimming pool during periods when the pool is not in use, thus forming a usable surface that can be fitted out as a terrace.

[0075] The terrace allows the pool to be hermetically sealed and the swimming area to be made safe.

[0076] Furthermore, the pool can be equipped with massage jets, a counter-current swimming system, lighting devices and / or one or more relaxation benches, in particular.

[0077] The mobile terrace can be controlled manually or by motor.

[0078] It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

Claims

Claims

1. Multi-layer structure (11) for a swimming pool intended to be inserted into a pit dug in the ground and to contain a volume of water, said structure (11) being delimited by side walls (121) and a bottom wall (122) provided with reinforcements (110), each wall of the structure (11) comprising in a superimposed manner: - a sealing layer, called liner, (Cl) on its face intended to come into contact with the water, - an intermediate smoothing layer (C2), and - two external insulation layers (C3, C4) superimposed and arranged orthogonally to each other, one of the external insulation layers (C3, C4) constituting the external face of the structure (11) and being intended to come into contact with a wall of the pit.

2. Structure (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing layer (Cl) consists of a membrane made of thermoplastic material.

3. Structure (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate smoothing layer (C2) consists of a central core of polyethylene or mineral material covered on its two faces with an aluminum plate.

4. Structure (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said external insulation layers (C3, C4) are made of extruded polystyrene.

5. Structure (11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reinforcements (110) are arranged within the external insulation layer (C4) of the side walls (111) and the bottom wall (112) intended to come into contact with a wall of the pit.

6. Swimming pool (1) comprising a multi-layer structure (11) according to one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Swimming pool according to claim 6, further comprising at least one platform (13) forming a terrace, said at least one platform (13) being movable in horizontal translation above said structure (11).

8. Use of the swimming pool (1) according to claim 6 or 7, as a spa, swim spa or swimming pool.

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