Pool Staircase Sealing for Leak Detection and Winterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool body internal staircases with water inlets and outlets pose challenges during pressure tests and winter storage, as these openings cannot be effectively closed, leading to potential water loss, undetected leaks, and frost-related issues due to inadequate sealing and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A pool body design with an internal staircase featuring a closable opening, preferably sized between 10 cm to 20 cm, allowing for hand or tool access and equipped with a removable sealing plug or closure lid, enabling pressure-tight sealing and maintenance access, which can be securely fastened using a pressure plate or clamping device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water inlets and outlets are installed in the staircase cavity, then water circulation and stability are improved, but sealing capability for pressure testing and winterization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet opening is divided into two parts: a first opening in the tread face for water circulation, and a second opening in the side panel specifically for sealing and pressure testing. This segmentation allows each opening to serve its dedicated function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A closable opening with a closure element (such as a plug or cap) acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables sealing of the water inlet opening during pressure testing and winterization, while maintaining open water circulation during normal pool operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water outlets are kept small for safety, then child safety is improved, but accessibility for closing and inspection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure access opening is positioned in the side panel at a different location and orientation than the water outlets in the tread face. This spatial separation in different dimensions allows safe small water outlets while providing easy access for closure elements through the side panel opening.
3Device complexity
If pipes are located above pool water level, then water treatment system layout is improved, but drainage for winterization becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closure opening provides an extraction access point that allows removal of water from the pipe network located above the pool water level. This opening enables direct access to drain pipes and facilitate winterization without requiring drainage of the entire pool.
4Productivity
If internal water inlets are left open, then water circulation is maintained, but detection of leaks and water loss is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet opening is designed to be dynamically closable, allowing it to be opened during normal operation for water circulation and closed during maintenance and pressure testing. This dynamic capability enables leak detection by closing the opening and observing for water loss, while maintaining circulation when open.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~5b
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a pool body with an internal staircase. The staircase forms a cavity within the pool through its stair fronts and treads, as well as optionally side panels, and through the adjacent pool walls. The staircase has at least one opening in the stair fronts, treads, and/or, if present, in the side panels within the pool. The opening is sufficiently large to allow manual access or the use of a sufficiently large tool plus a sealing element to introduce water into the cavity. The opening is designed to be closable for bathing purposes and/or for accident prevention, or a childproof closure cover is provided.