Pool handrail cooling

Abstract

A pool handrail including a channel through which water is directed to cool the handrail. The handrail may include a channel inlet through which pool water may be drawn into the handrail channel, and a channel outlet through which the pool water may be returned to the pool.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pool handrail assembly comprising:
 a handrail positionable in and/or adjacent a pool;   a channel extending through the handrail from a channel inlet to at least one channel exit, the channel inlet being configured to connect to and receive water from a water source.   
     
     
         2 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 1  including a pump connectable in fluid communication with the channel and the water source, the pump being operable to propel water from the water source through the channel. 
     
     
         3 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 1  in which at least one channel exit is positioned to allow water to leave the handrail above the water level of the pool. 
     
     
         4 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 1  in which at least one channel exit is positioned to allow water to leave the handrail below the water level of the pool. 
     
     
         5 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 4  in which the at least one channel exit is aimed to direct water toward a pool stair. 
     
     
         6 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 4  in which the at least one channel exit is aimed to direct water across a pool stair. 
     
     
         7 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 4  in which the at least one channel exit is aimed to entrain water to circulate over a pool stair such that debris is cleared from the stair. 
     
     
         8 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 1  in which the handrail includes at least one anchor feature that is configured to secure the handrail to a pool deck in a position where the channel inlet is in fluid communication with the water source. 
     
     
         9 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 8  in which the at least one anchor feature comprises a flange configured to receive fasteners. 
     
     
         10 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 8  in which the at least one anchor feature comprises a flange configured to be secured over a water source outlet such that water flowing from the water source flows into the channel. 
     
     
         11 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 8  in which the at least one anchor feature comprises a spout tube that extends upward from the pool deck when connected to the water source. 
     
     
         12 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 11  in which at least portions of the handrail and spout tube are configured to overlap one within the other. 
     
     
         13 . The pool handrail assembly of  claim 12  including a seal disposed in the overlap portion between the handrail and the spout tube. 
     
     
         14 . A method for cooling a pool handrail, the method comprising the steps of;
 connecting an internal channel of a handrail into fluid communication with a water source; and   transferring heat from the handrail by running water from the water source into the channel through a channel inlet and allowing the water to flow out from the channel through a channel outlet.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  including the additional step of installing the handrail by:
 positioning the channel inlet of the handrail over a water source outlet in a pool deck; and 
 passing fasteners through holes in a flange surrounding a handrail base defining the channel inlet, and into the pool deck. 
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  including the additional step of installing the handrail by fitting a portion of the handrail over a portion of a spout tube that is connected to the water source and extends upward from the pool deck. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  including the additional step of installing the handrail by:
 passing a threaded compression cap and compression ring seal over the channel inlet of the handrail; 
 inserting the channel inlet of the handrail into a water source outlet in a pool deck; and 
 threading the compression cap into the water source outlet to seal the compression ring seal against the handrail and water source outlet. 
 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  in which the step of transferring heat from the handrail by running water from the water source into the channel comprises actuating a pump to move the water through the channel.