Circular Pool Sump Drain with Water Stops and Segmented Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool sumps, particularly elongated channel sumps, are prone to cracking over time where the plaster meets the sump, leading to water seepage and damage to the surrounding pool walls, which compromises the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile circular sump drain with an annular chamber, diverter plates, and a grid cover that includes inner and outer water stops to collect seeping water and prevent damage, while maintaining a visually appealing and safe design compliant with anti-entrapment regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elongated channel sumps are used to comply with anti-entrapment regulations, then safety is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and the structure becomes more prone to cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The sump is divided into multiple sections with multiple outlet ports distributed along its length. This segmentation allows compliance with anti-entrapment regulations by preventing single-point entrapment while maintaining a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing configuration compared to long continuous channel drains.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal channel drains to a vertical or multi-dimensional sump configuration with outlets distributed in three-dimensional space. This dimensional change allows safety compliance while improving aesthetic integration with the pool floor.
2Reliability
If elongated channel sumps are installed, then anti-entrapment compliance is achieved, but water seepage into cracks increases causing structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof membrane is installed around the sump structure before final plastering to prevent water from penetrating into cracks between the sump and surrounding pool structure. This preliminary protective measure addresses the water seepage issue before it can cause structural damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible waterproofing layer or membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the rigid sump structure and the plaster surround. This intermediary accommodates differential movement and prevents crack formation, thereby eliminating water seepage paths while maintaining anti-entrapment functionality.
3Shape
If small round drain covers are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but they are susceptible to damage from kicks and do not comply with anti-entrapment regulations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single small round cover, the drainage function is segmented into multiple smaller outlets distributed across a larger area. This segmentation maintains aesthetic appearance by distributing the visual impact while improving structural strength by eliminating concentration of stress at a single point.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement elements are embedded within the sump structure and cover assembly during manufacturing or installation, providing preemptive structural support against physical impacts from kicks or other external forces before damage can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A sump drain for installation in a surface of a swimming pool or spa, the sump drain comprising an annular chamber having a contiguous annular top opening, a plurality of outlet ports, an inner and an outer water stop, a plurality of diverter plates configured to removeably couple to an inner surface of the annular chamber, each diverter plate comprising a bottom surface having a plurality of louvers, wherein one diverter plate is placed over each outlet port, and a grid cover configured to cover the chamber, the grid cover having a multiplicity of openings. The diverter plate can be curved along its length and have a central opening, optionally in the shape of a cross.