Integrated water feature

Abstract

An apparatus for producing a water feature in a spa/pool/hot-tub (“spa”) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flume developer having internal dimensions that generate a water pressure from a water flow received from a water source associated with the spa. The flume developer further includes a head assembly having one or more apertures through which the water feature is produced based on the water pressure. The flume developer further includes a flange configured to abut against an outer surface of the spa. The flume developer is interchangeable in a water feature device body connected to the water source. A light source can be provided to illuminate the water feature.

1 . A device for providing a water feature integrated with a spa shell, the device comprising: 
 an inlet configured to connect to a water outlet associated with the spa shell;    a channel for receiving a water flow from the inlet, the channel being sized and shaped to produce a water pressure from the water flow; and    an interchangeable flume developer connected with the channel, the flume developer including one or more apertures sized and positioned to produce the water feature from the water pressure.    
   
   
       2 . The device in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a cap configured to attach to a top surface of the spa shell to secure the flume developer in position.  
   
   
       3 . The device in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a bottom nut configured to attach to a bottom surface of the spa shell to securely position the channel.  
   
   
       4 . The device in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a body section configured to hold the channel and flume developer.  
   
   
       5 . The device in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the body section includes a T-section tube having the inlet and an outlet to the channel.  
   
   
       6 . The device in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the body section includes a flange that abuts a top surface of the spa shell to position the flume developer.  
   
   
       7 . The device in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising an illumination source for illuminating the water flow and water feature.  
   
   
       8 . A water feature system, comprising: 
 a spa shell;    a water feature device attached to the spa shell, the water feature device including:    a body section having an inlet, the inlet connected to a water outlet associated with the spa shell;    a channel within the body section for receiving a water flow from the inlet; and    an interchangeable flume developer connected with the channel within the body section, the flume developer having a flume outlet to produce a water feature from the water flow.    
   
   
       9 . The system in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the flume outlet includes a pattern of one or more apertures sized and positioned to produce the water feature.  
   
   
       10 . The system in accordance with  claim 8 , further comprising a cap configured to attach to a top surface of the spa shell to secure the body section in position.  
   
   
       11 . The system in accordance with  claim 8 , further comprising a bottom nut configured to attach to a bottom surface of the spa shell to secure the body section in position.  
   
   
       12 . An apparatus for producing a water feature in a spa, the apparatus comprising: 
 a flume developer having internal dimensions to generate a water pressure from a water flow received from a water source associated with the spa, the flume developer further including a head assembly having one or more apertures through which the water feature is produced based on the water pressure, the flume developer further including a flange configured to abut against an outer surface of the spa; and    a cap configured to secure the flange against the outer surface of the spa.    
   
   
       13 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 12 , further comprising a light source for illuminating the flume developer.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 13 , further comprising a light source for illuminating the water feature.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the flume developer is at least partly formed of a translucent material.  
   
   
       16 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the one or more apertures include an elongated aperture for producing a wall-shaped flow of water for the water feature.  
   
   
       17 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein at least one of the one or more apertures is aligned at an angle to produce an angled water feature.