Modular stair unit for a swimming pool

Abstract

A modular stair unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall includes a vertical wall having opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels and being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of the contiguous wall panels at its joinder therewith and at least two planar steps extending downwardly and protruding from the vertical wall into the pool, the top step being recessed below the top of the vertical wall and at least one of the steps defining a seating area for supporting a person seated thereon. A plurality of hydrotherapy jets are spaced apart along the vertical wall above the seating area and below the water line of the swimming pool.

1 . A modular stair unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall, said pool having a floor and being adapted to be filled with water to a water line along the vertical perimeter wall, said stair unit comprising a module devised to replace one of said modular wall panels and adapted to be joined with said contiguous wall panels, said stair module comprising:
 a vertical wall having a top, a bottom and opposite ends, said opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels, said vertical wall being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of said contiguous wall panels at its joinder with said contiguous wall panels; and   at least two substantially planar steps having horizontal tread and respective risers extending downwardly and protruding from said vertical wall into said pool, the top step being recessed below the top of said vertical wall, at least one of said steps defining a seating area for supporting a person seated thereon, said vertical wall including at least one hydrotherapy water jet above said seating area and below the water line of said swimming pool for providing a flow of water into said seating area.   
     
     
         2 . A modular stair unit, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said vertical wall is arcuate. 
     
     
         3 . A modular stair unit, as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the top step includes a curvilinear outer edge and each successive lower step includes a curvilinear outer edge which is generally concentric with the curvilinear outer edges of the other steps. 
     
     
         4 . A modular stair unit, as claimed in  claim 1 , including three steps. 
     
     
         5 . A modular stair unit, as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said vertical wall is arcuate, said top step includes a curvilinear outer edge and each successive lower step includes a curvilinear outer edge which is generally concentric with the curvilinear outer edges of the other steps. 
     
     
         6 . A modular stair unit, as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said arcuate vertical wall defines a corner. 
     
     
         7 . A modular stair unit, as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said arcuate vertical wall defines a corner. 
     
     
         8 . A modular stair unit, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said tread of said steps comprises a slip resistant surface pattern for minimizing slipping thereon.