Swimming pool

Abstract

A swimming pool has means for directing a jet of water (J) across the water surface towards a side of the pool to form a counter current (C) against a swimmer, and means for relieving back-pressure at the downstream end of the counter current. The means for relieving back-pressure may comprises a weir ( 3 ) over which the jet of water flows. A conduit defines a return flow path ( 4 ), and extends towards the upstream end of the jet (J) to facilitate flow of water back towards a pump ( 1 ) at the upstream end of the jet. A discrete water level below the water lever in the main body of the pool may be defined by water on the far side of the weir ( 3 ). In a variant, a downward transition in water level from the water in the main body of the pool may be provided by water flowing smoothly over the weir ( 3 ).

1 . A swimming pool having means for directing a flow of water across the water surface towards a side of the pool to form a counter current against a swimmer, and means for relieving back-pressure at the downstream end of the counter current.  
     
     
         2 . A swimming pool according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow directing means is arranged in use to form at least one jet.  
     
     
         3 . A swimming pool according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein the means for relieving back-pressure comprises a weir over which the counter current flows, said weir being spaced apart from the upstream end of the counter current.  
     
     
         4 . A swimming pool according to  claim 3 , wherein in use water on the far side of the weir defines a discrete water level below the water lever in the main body of the pool.  
     
     
         5 . A swimming pool according to  claim 3 , wherein in use at least some water flows smoothly over the weir which provides a downward transition in water level from the water in the main body of the pool.  
     
     
         6 . A swimming pool according to any preceding claim, wherein a conduit defining a return flow path is provided, and said conduit extends towards the upstream end of the counter current to facilitate flow of water back towards the upstream end of the counter current.  
     
     
         7 . A swimming pool according to  claim 6 , wherein floor or an internal wall of the swimming pool constitutes a wall of the conduit.  
     
     
         8 . A swimming pool according to  claim 6  or  claim 7 , wherein the flow directing means comprises a pump and the pump is arranged to apply suction to the return flow path.  
     
     
         9 . A swimming pool substantially as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.  1  to  2 A of the accompanying drawings, optionally as modified in accordance with  FIG. 2B .