Curvilinear spa

Abstract

A curvilinear spa shell includes a top edge defining four rounded concave corners and four convex side walls in a “clover leaf” like arrangement. Each rounded corner has a radius that exceeds twelve inches. The top edge is substantially symmetrical about an axes that extend through the center of opposing side walls as well as through the center of opposing corners. The curvilinear spa shell can accommodate a water feature for generating a pleasing rushing water sound. The water feature includes a ridge in an interior area of the spa and having a top disposed near a water line of the spa. The water feature utilizes a water inlet adjacent to the ridge opposite a main body of water area in the interior area. The water inlet is placed lower than the top of the ridge. The water feature also includes a slope descending from the top of the ridge in the direction of the water inlet. The slope includes a patterned top surface configured to interact with water flowing over the ridge, down the slope and toward the water inlet to produce the pleasing rushing water sound.

1 . A water feature for a spa, comprising: 
 a ridge in an interior area of the spa and having a top disposed near a water line of the spa;    a water inlet adjacent to the ridge opposite a main body of water area in the interior area, the water inlet being placed lower than the top of the ridge; and    a slope descending from the top of the ridge in the direction of the water inlet, the slope having a patterned top surface configured to interact with water flowing over the ridge, down the slope and toward the water inlet.    
     
     
         2 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a first water inlet and a second water inlet disposed on opposite sides of the slope.  
     
     
         3 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the water inlet is adjacent to a side wall of the spa, and wherein the slope descends to the side wall at a position lower than the top of the ridge.  
     
     
         4 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the ridge is curved, and at least partially curves around the water inlet.  
     
     
         5 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the slope includes one or more protrusions.  
     
     
         6 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the slope includes one or more grooves.  
     
     
         7 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein an angle of the slope is adjustable.  
     
     
         8 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein a size of at least one of the one or more protrusions is adjustable.  
     
     
         9 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a light feature disposed at or near the top of the ridge, and configured to provide light to the water flowing over the ridge and/or down the slope.  
     
     
         10 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 9 , wherein the light feature includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs).  
     
     
         11 . The water feature in accordance with  claim 9 , wherein the light feature includes one or more colors.  
     
     
         12 . A method of providing an audibly pleasing sound with water in a spa, the method comprising: 
 flowing water over a top of a ridge in an interior area of the spa and disposed at or below a water line;    flowing water down a slope descending from the top of the ridge to a level below the top of the ridge, the slope having a patterned top surface configured to interact with water; and    interacting water with the patterned top surface to produce a flowing water sound.    
     
     
         13 . A curvilinear spa shell, comprising: 
 a top edge defining four rounded concave corners each having a radius that exceeds twelve inches, and four convex side walls connecting two of the concave corners;    wherein the top edge is substantially symmetrical about an axis through the center of opposing side walls; and    wherein the top edge is substantially symmetrical about an axis through the center of opposing concave corners.    
     
     
         14 . The curvilinear spa shell in accordance with  claim 13 , further comprising a water feature.  
     
     
         15 . The curvilinear spa shell in accordance with  claim 13 , further comprising a filter section that extends from one side wall between two concave corners and toward the center of the top edge.