Base structure for modular above ground swimming pools

Abstract

A base structure for modular above ground swimming pools includes base members and bottom track members. Each bottom track member is connected between a pair of spaced apart base members to form a base perimeter of the pool. The bottom track members each have a groove located in a plane which is substantially elevated from a supporting surface upon which the base members and said rail members are supported. The grooves are adapted to receive and support a lower end portion of a side panel of the swimming pool at a location substantially elevated from the supporting surface so that the pool has a depth greater that the height of said side panels and so that the lower end of the side panels are protected from corrosion and damage.

1 . An improved base structure for modular above ground swimming pools comprising an arcuate bottom track member, said bottom track member having a bottom surface, a top surface, an inner wall portion, an outer wall portion and a pair of end portions, said inner wall portion having a groove formed therein, said groove having a groove bottom which is located in a plane which is substantially elevated from said bottom surface, said groove adapted to receive a bottom end of a side wall panel of a swimming pool in a manner whereby said bottom end of said side wall panel will be substantially elevated above a supporting surface upon which said bottom surface of said track member is placed.  
   
   
       2 . An improved base structure according to  claim 1  wherein said groove is provided at a location approximately halfway between said bottom surface and said top surface of said bottom track member.  
   
   
       3 . An improved base structure according to  claim 1  wherein said bottom track member has a height of approximately 5 inches.  
   
   
       4 . An improved base structure according to  claim 1  wherein said bottom of said groove is located approximately 2 inches from said bottom surface.  
   
   
       5 . An improved base structure according to  claim 1  wherein said bottom of said groove is located at least ½ inch above said bottom surface.  
   
   
       6 . An improved base structure according to  claim 1  wherein said groove has a depth of approximately {fraction (1/2)} inch.  
   
   
       7 . An improved base structure according to  claim 1  wherein said inner surface has a lower portion located below said groove and an upper portion located above said groove wherein said upper portion is generally vertical and said lower portion slopes outwardly at an angle of approximately 15 degrees.  
   
   
       8 . An improved base structure for modular above ground swimming pools comprising: 
 a) a plurality of spaced apart base members;    b) a plurality of arcuate bottom track members, each bottom track member being connected between a pair of spaced apart base members to form a base perimeter of the pool, said bottom track rail members each having a groove formed therein, said groove having a bottom which is located in a plane which is substantially elevated from a supporting surface upon which said bottom track members are supported, each said groove adapted to receive and support a lower end portion of a side wall panel of the swimming pool.    
   
   
       9 . An improved base structure according to  claim 8  wherein said base members also each having a groove formed therein, said groove having a bottom which is located in a plane which is substantially elevated from a supporting surface upon which said base members are supported.  
   
   
       10 . An improved base structure according to  claim 8  wherein said bottom of said groove is located approximately 2 inches from said bottom surface.  
   
   
       11 . An improved base structure according to  claim 8  wherein said bottom of said groove is located at least ½ inch above said bottom surface  
   
   
       12 . An improved base structure according to  claim 8  wherein said base members support vertical columns of the swimming pool structure.  
   
   
       13 . An improved base structure according to  claim 8  wherein said bottom track member and said base members removably interlock with one another.  
   
   
       14 . An improved base structure for modular above ground swimming pools of the type having a plurality of base members adapted to receive and support vertical support members, vertical support member positioned at opposite ends of side panels of the swimming pool and a plurality of bottom track members, each bottom track member being connected between a pair of spaced apart base members to form a base perimeter of the pool, the improvement comprising: said bottom track members each having a groove formed therein, said groove having a bottom which is located in a plane which is substantially elevated from a supporting surface upon which said base members and said rail members are supported, each said groove adapted to receive and support a lower end portion of a side panel of the swimming pool at a location substantially elevated from said supporting surface whereby the pool has a depth greater that the height of said side panels.