US 6,381,768 B1 · In-ground spa system and method for installation of same

Abstract

A spa system preferably provides for equipment to be self-contained in at least one enclosure that is preferably above the ground level when the spa system is installed in the ground. The enclosure could either be pre-fabricated and coupled to the spa system or modular and ready to be coupled to the spa system. Furthermore, the enclosure could be located under the shell in one or more places in an upper portion of the interior space between the inner portion of the shell and the framework, so as to be above ground level when the spa system is installed. Moreover, at least one support wall could define the enclosure, or a modular second support wall could define the enclosure, so as to maintain the enclosure preferably above the ground level when the spa system is installed in the ground. Additionally, the spa system of the present invention preferably provides at least one removable panel above the ground level for easy access to the equipment. A preferred method for installation of the spa system of the present invention is provided as well, which includes the steps of excavating a recess, providing the spa system, and installing the spa system in the recess.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A portable in-ground spa system adapted to be received by an in-ground recess, wherein the recess comprises a bottom, at least one sidewall, and a ledge defined by the at least one side wall and the ground level, the spa system comprising:

a shell adapted to be filled with a liquid and comprising an inner portion and an outer portion;
a framework supporting the shell and at least one enclosure;
the at least one enclosure adapted to house and protect spa equipment, wherein the at least one enclosure is coupled to an upper portion of an outer portion of the framework and extends away from the framework so that it is located above the ground level and additionally supported by the ledge when the spa system is received in the recess;
and
at least one removable panel allowing access to the equipment, the panel being located above the ground level when the spa system is received in the recess.

2 more elements

A method for installation of a portable in-ground spa system comprising the steps of:

excavating a recess that is adaptable to receive a spa system, wherein the recess comprises a bottom, at least one sidewall, and a ledge defined by the at least one side wall and a ground level;
providing the spa system, wherein the step of providing the spa system comprises:
providing a shell adapted to be filled with a liquid comprising an inner portion and an outer portion;
providing a framework for supporting the shell and at least one enclosure, the at least one enclosure adapted to house and protect spa equipment, wherein the at least one enclosure is coupled to an upper portion of an outer portion of the framework and extends away from the framework, and wherein plumbing and electrical wiring are coupled to the equipment;
and
providing at least one removable panel above the ground level allowing access to the equipment;
and
installing the spa system in the recess such that the at least one enclosure is located above the ground level and additionally supported by the ledge.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

In-ground spa system and method for installation of same

Life of this patent

In-ground spa system and method for installation of same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14