AU2012100331B4 - Method System and Apparatus for Above Ground Structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of above ground structures. In one form, the invention relates to the construction of a pool for use in outdoor settings for residential properties, but may be useful in any setting for an above ground pool or water retaining structure. Embodiments of the invention provide an above ground pool which comprises one or more walls, each wall being an installation comprising at least one liquid storage tank constructed from load bearing material operatively associated with a subsidiary apparatus where the liquid storage tank and the subsidiary apparatus are adapted to emulate at least part of an outdoor structure, and a pool liner installed within an inner perimeter defined by contiguously installed liquid storage tanks Fig 13

Description

P1/00/002 Regulation 3.2B AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Application No. Lodged: Innovation Title: METHOD SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR ABOVE GROUND STRUCTURE The following statement is a full description of this innovation, including the best method of performing it known to the Applicant, : 2 METHOD, SYSTEM & APPARATUS FOR ABOVE GROUND STRUCTURE FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of above ground structures. In one form, the invention relates to the construction of a pool for use in outdoor settings for residential properties, but may be useful in any setting for an above ground pool or water retaining structure. While the present invention will be described with reference to an above ground pool structure for use on residential properties, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited and may be used for non-residential purposes, such as, for example, in industry or farming. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Throughout this specification the use of the word "inventor" in singular form may be taken as reference to one (singular) inventor or more than one (plural) inventor of the present invention. [0003] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. [0004] As a general summary of the building of an above ground pool, there is the preliminary step of ground levelling and when the ground is level, a foundation for the pool must be laid. Clean sand is the traditional base material for above ground pools and care should be exercised when using high alkaline substances such as peat moss as a base because such materials may corrode metal parts. It is then necessary to 3 construct supports for the outer wall of a pool, which may be made from metal, wood or hard plastic. The supports are often one part of a kit of parts required to construct an above ground pool. Next the plumbing required for functioning with the pool construction is installed. The liner, usually a vinyl liner is laid over the walls of the pool and secured into place so that the pool can be filled with water. Once the pool is filled, the pump and filter systems are fitted and then once water balance and chemistry is checked and modified for its suitability, the pool is ready for use. [0005] There are usually two types of above ground pool, namely, hard sided and soft or inflatable pools. Hard sided pools are available in a variety of size and depth and are usually round or oval shaped with sheet-metal edge(s) along with a metal frame. These pools, however, are difficult to construct. Alternatively, soft sided pools are becoming more popular and these pools are also available in a variety of size and depth, being round, oval or rectangular in shape. They are more convenient as unlike the hard-sided pools they can be placed on any surface, for example, sand, dirt, grass or concrete. They are relatively strong and durable and are usually cheaper than the hard-sided variety. Soft sided swimming pools are much easier to construct as compared to hard sided pools and can be installed in a matter of hours. However, soft-sided pools by their nature do not provide for a permanent fixture in an outdoor setting for instance which contributes to the overall architecture or layout of the outdoor setting. [0006] Both the hard sided pools and the soft sided pools require filters, pumps and ladders. The filter will keep the above ground pool clean, the pump will circulate water around the pool, and a ladder makes sure that people can safely enter and exit the pool. However, in addition to this, other accessories or pool equipment may be required to be added to make a pool more enjoyable. [0007] Examples of above ground pools are described in published Australian Patent Application No. 40249/95 (Nasso), published Australian Patent No. 556829 (33642/84) (Walther) and published Australian Petty Patent Application No. 66554/81 (Hoad et al). [0008] Above ground pool structures, as generally indicated above are considered to have a number of deficiencies with respect to their construction, installation and/or use.

4 For example, with respect to known or existing above ground pools the following may be noted. [0009] Most above ground pools are flimsy and constructed from lightweight materials in an endeavour to save costs. The use of such materials makes installation techniques critical and leaves little margin for error. Above ground pools have been considered notorious for becoming out of shape and often breaking causing serious damage as tens of thousands of litres of water becomes free to gush around the property and in some case flood the house. Further, they are labour intensive and often hard to erect and this must be done correctly or serious consequences may result. The pool construction can rupture, which may be very dangerous if someone is in the pool as they could be sucked out the rupture opening. They are often prone to corrosion causing weakness of the metal surround and frame over time. [0010] With respect to the construction of an above ground pool, any variance of more than about 20mm in foundations can place undue load against one wall of the above ground pool causing it to become unstable and eventually burst. It is critical that these pools have even foundations otherwise water pressure can cause walls to collapse. Above ground pools also require a frame to be erected first and then a metal liner (usually aluminium) is inserted into this frame. This may be time consuming and a difficult task to complete with any accuracy. Many above ground pools are required to have the aluminium or metal walls/liners embedded into a track at the bottom of the construction and, if this is not fitted correctly the walls may collapse. Above ground pools with their metal/aluminium liner frame are then lined with a plastic liner to retain the water that is to be introduced to the pool. [0011] A notable condition that is prevalent in residential settings is that it is ordinarily a council requirement that if a swimming pool is to be installed on a property a water tank is to also be installed to assist with water usage for the pool. [0012] Above ground pools often look cheap and nasty and people often try and disguise their appearance by building a deck around them at considerable cost. However, even then, they are still left with a flimsy aluminium framed pool hidden underneath.

5 [0013] Furthermore, children often play and jump over the side and damage the frame or burst the pool as the frame is not load bearing. [0014] With reference to figures 1 to 10, examples of conventional above ground pool construction are shown and described. Installations for above ground pools vary based on the manufacturer and model. Figure 1 shows one example of a constructed pool. Typically the assembled pool includes the following parts: bottom rails 9, bottom plates (not shown), uprights 8, which may include a number of components 1 to 5, pool wall 7, top rails 6, caps 3 for uprights, coping (see figure 9), pool liner (see figure 9), and hardware for skimmer and filter systems 11, 12, 13 for example. A skimmer and return fitting is often included. [0015] Figure 2 shows that hold down plates with cut outs on the ends are fastened where the straight sides of a curved oblong shaped pool meet the curved section(s) of the pool. Figure 3 shows such a shaped pool in perspective view. Figure 3 also shows the example of the use of vertical stakes to support the walls of the pool. The inset illustration of figure 4 shows the assembly of an example anchoring for hold down plates and their associated vertical supports. Figure 5 illustrates the same assembly as that of figure 4 utilising U-plate metal parts. Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary join or connection of wall segments of an above ground pool. These wall joints may be hidden behind the vertical uprights as shown in figure 8. Once the pool frame and walls are up, a cove should be created or placed around the inside edge of the pool. Ordinarily a cove is a 6 to 8 inch wedge of sand built all the way around the inside edge of the pool wall. Creating the cove is considered mandatory for above ground pools. The cove keeps the liner from slipping under the pool wall and provides a protective layer between the liner and the metal frame of the pool. Using sand for creating a cove it is necessary to bevel the sand to form a 45 degree wedge along the entire inner circumference of the pool wall. The sand should be uniform all the way around and tamped down. As an alternative, pre-manufactured pool cove is available in two example forms, firstly 'peel & stick' which has adhesive backing, and secondly 'clip & stick' which snaps onto the track of the pool wall. [0016] Following installation of the cove, the liner may then be installed. This can be a delicate process and may include punching out the skimmer and return holes in a vinyl 6 liner. Above ground pool liners are not meant to bear any of the weight of the water so they must rest on the ground and wall surfaces in all areas of contact with water. Properly installed, there should be no air space between the liner and the ground and wall surfaces, and no downward pressure on the liner. Figures 9 and 10 provide views of the top wall of a typical above ground pool and a pool in perspective, respectively, showing the liner installed and capped in place with plastic coping and an inner stabilizer rail. The liner effectively overlaps the pool wall for retaining the water once installed in this manner. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0017] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems. [0018] In embodiments described herein there is provided an above ground pool which comprises: one or more walls, each wall being an installation comprising at least one liquid storage tank constructed from load bearing material operatively associated with a subsidiary apparatus where the liquid storage tank and the subsidiary apparatus are adapted to emulate at least part of an outdoor structure, and; a pool liner installed within an inner perimeter defined by contiguously installed liquid storage tanks. [0019] In preferred embodiments the liquid storage tank and the subsidiary apparatus are adapted for liquid connection therebetween. The load bearing material of the liquid storage tank may comprise one or a combination of concrete, moulded plastic, and metal. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, contiguous liquid storage tanks of the above ground pool installation are adapted for liquid connection therebetween. By way of specific examples, the emulated outdoor structure of the combination of liquid storage tank and the subsidiary apparatus may comprise one of the following: a garden bed; 7 a planter box; a retaining wall; a fence; a pergola surround; a water feature; a fish pond; decking; an outdoor kitchen. [0020] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention. [0021] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that liquid storage tanks of sturdy design can be readily adapted to be components of the walls of an above ground pool with a pool liner being attached thereto. Accordingly, this use of liquid storage tanks will lead to an efficient landscape design of high aesthetic quality incorporating numerous outdoor structures whilst simultaneously providing an above ground pool design of structural integrity superior to existing above ground pool design. [0022] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following: [0023] The present invention in its structural forms which are adapted for modular construction and setting up in an open area, such as for example a residential backyard, may serve as a pool interface. Moreover, the preferred forms of the present invention provide architectures that store water. An above ground pool that has a quality 8 appearance can be constructed in a day due to the ease of installation of the liquid storage tanks. [0024] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective and part exploded view of components of a conventional above ground pool in accordance with prior art; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a hold down plate installation of a conventional pool in accordance with prior art; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a conventional pool installation in progress in accordance with prior art; Figure 4 is a side inset view of the installation of a hold down plate for a conventional above ground pool in accordance with prior art; Figure 5 is an exploded view of a hold down plate installation of a conventional above ground pool in accordance with prior art; 9 Figure 6 is an inset view of a side wall join of a conventional above ground pool in accordance with prior art; Figure 7 is an inset view of a cove formation of a conventional above ground pool in accordance with prior art; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a completed conventional above ground pool installation in accordance with prior art; Figure 9 perspective view of the installation of a pool liner over a surrounding pool wall in accordance with prior art; Figure 10 is another perspective view of a completed conventional above ground pool installation in accordance with prior art. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary liquid storage tank suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention; Figure 12 is a top plan cross sectional view of a connection system between liquid storage tanks suitable for use in embodiment s of the present invention; Figure 13 is a top plan view of a configuration of tanks in layout form for the installation of an above ground pool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is a top plan view of another configuration of tanks in layout form for the installation of an above ground pool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary above ground pool assembled in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 is a perspective view of another exemplary above ground pool assembled in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 10 Figures 17a to 17c are schematic plan views of the layout of liquid storage tanks for the construction of an above ground pool in accordance with three embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0026] Embodiments of the present invention have overcome many of the above noted problems associated with above ground pools by providing an above ground pool which comprises one or more walls, each wall being an installation comprising at least one liquid storage tank constructed from load bearing material operatively associated with a subsidiary apparatus where the liquid storage tank and the subsidiary apparatus are adapted to emulate at least part of an outdoor structure, and; a pool liner installed within an inner perimeter defined by contiguously installed liquid storage tanks. [0027] In preferred embodiments the liquid storage tanks suitable for use in providing the above ground pool installation are those as disclosed in Australian patent application No. 2008202061 entitled "Combined Liquid Storage Tank and Structure" in the name of the present applicant. With reference to figure 11 a typical construction of a liquid storage tank is described. The tank 102 is made of any suitable material that is load bearing for holding a substantial volume of water and for which the tank will be a sturdy construction component for the pool. Preferred material for the tank 102 may comprise concrete. Alternate materials from which the tanks are constructed may comprise moulded plastics or polymeric materials, and in particular a UV-stable frost- and heat resistant polypropylene. Alternative preferred materials and methods for fabrication of the tank 102 comprise sheet metal and moulded or cast concrete. Overall, it is envisaged that the tank may be formed of one or a combination of concrete, moulded plastic, and metal. According to alternative preferred embodiments that are not illustrated in the drawings, the tank 102 may comprise sub-assemblies that are connected together in any suitable manner to form the tank 102. [0028] It is preferred that at least one tank 102 used for a pool construction further comprises a machinery compartment 108 that protrudes into the tank to house machinery such as is illustrated by electrically-powered pump 109. Access to the machinery compartment 108 is by way of the door 111.

11 [0029] Although the tank 102 is shown as defining a cuboid space, it is to be understood that this is a preferred form and that the tank 102 need not be of constant horizontal cross-sectional shape and need not even be rectangular in horizontal cross section. [0030] It is preferred that the tank 102 has a holding capacity in the range of from about one thousand litres to about two thousand litres. [0031] It is preferred that tank 102 is adapted to be plumbed together with other adjacent or contiguously placed tanks for flow of liquid contents between tanks. For this purpose, the tank 102 is provided with at least one coupling 112 which preferably provides for ready attachment and detachment of plumbing fittings. Alternatively, the couplings 112 provide for direct connection of one tank to another. It will be appreciated that, depending on configuration, it may be necessary to provide non-return valves between tanks when they are plumbed together. It is accordingly preferred that non return valves be provided, either within the couplings 112 be provided or as a separate fitting. Fluid or liquid connection between tanks is described in more detail below. [0032] The provision of multiple such tanks, plumbed together, enable the use of multiple tanks to form a wall, partition or other indoor or outdoor structure in unison with their function as a wall for an above ground pool. [0033] Depending on capacity, the tank 102 may also be suitably reinforced to withstand pressure loadings from the liquid contents and to provide adequate support for loading from garden beds and the like as well as pressure from pool water on at least one of its external sides. [0034] It is also preferred that the tank 102 is provided, either integrally or as an attached component, with skids or other mechanisms to allow ease of movement and handling, for example, at installation and/or disassembly. [0035] With respect to fluid or liquid connection between adjacent or contiguous tanks the connection system disclosed in International (PCT) Patent Application No. PCT/AU2010/001114 entitled "Liquid Reservoir Connection System" in the name of the 12 present applicant is an exemplary system for use in the above ground pool of the present invention and the disclosure of PCT/AU2010/001114 is incorporated herein for reference. [0036] Accordingly, figure 12 is a cross-sectional illustration in top plan view of an embodiment of a system according to PCT/AU2010/001114. In use a liquid storage tank 101 is located or contiguously installed adjacent a second liquid storage tank 102 as described above. Each liquid storage tank 101 has a respective first port 205 and second port 206 located within an adjacent tank 102. It is to be noted that a further tank(s) may be positioned adjacent the first or second tank and connected in a similar fashion to that described herein and this may be repeated for any number of further tanks that form the wall(s) of the pool connected in modular fashion. Typically the tanks are located in a row, or at right angles to adjacent tanks but other configurations are anticipated as would be understood by the person skilled in the art. A conduit 207 is in communication between the two tanks, either end of the conduit 207 being located through the respective ports 205 & 206. In figure 12, two first seals 209a & 209b in the form of O-rings are located in the first port 205 and encircle one end of the conduit 207. Two second seals 210a & 210b are located in the second port 206 and encircle the other end of the conduit 207. It is to be appreciated that the seal means shown in the preferred embodiment herein of figure 12 is not limited to use of O-rings as there are forms of seals that provide a similar function in sealing the conduit in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, a number of variations on seal formation including but not limited to channel rubber or sealing strips may be incorporated into the structure of liquid storage tanks disclosed herein. By way of further example, there may be alternate sealing means to the conventional O-ring as are described in PCT/AU2010/001114. Furthermore, suitable variants of seals for the purposes described herein are commercially available from a number of suppliers in the market and a number of appropriate examples are depicted in product information available at http://www.ormistonrubber.com.au/general.php. [0037] In a preferred embodiment, the walls of a first tank 101 and second tank 102 are each of a thickness of 100 to 150 mm or more. Hence the combined wall thickness when the tanks are abutting is 200 to 300 mm or more. To reiterate, although the tanks 101 & 102 are shown in Figures 11 and 12 as defining a rectangular space, it is to be understood that this is a preferred form and that the tanks 101 & 102 need not be of 13 constant horizontal cross-sectional shape and need not even be rectangular in horizontal cross section. [0038] With reference to figures 13 to 17, in preferred embodiments, the liquid storage tanks or reservoirs and fluid connection systems as described in the above noted incorporated references are utilised as building blocks for an above ground pool structure. [0039] In accordance with a preferred embodiment for construction and installation of an above ground pool, use is made of the above mentioned liquid storage tanks to form an above ground pool that may be best described as a concrete above ground pool and, by simplification, is an exercise similar to placing Lego@ pieces together. The liquid storage tanks are preferably lifted into position with suitable lifting equipment such as a four wheel drive forklift. Figures 13 and 14 show a top plan view of two possible configurations of the installed tanks that show various embodiments for the outdoor structure that is emulated by each tank and subsidiary apparatus combination. For example, planter boxes indicated as "Plants" with a "water feature" interposed therebetween are abutting a retainer wall and also form one side of an above ground pool that is further bounded by tanks that emulate "decking". A decking installed in the planter box tops is the most likely scenario for most installations although some people may also chose to install a water feature in one of the tops. As shown in figures 13 and 14 a tank segment is also used as a pool "filter" location. To complete the outdoor setting a pergola is formed adjacent the pool and the pergola is bounded by tanks that support and emulate further planter boxes, "decking", a "water feature" and an "outdoor kitchen" module. Figure 14 provides an alternate configuration for a pool that is bounded by tank modules that provide for "plants", "filter", and "decking". A "water feature", "outdoor kitchen" and shared "decking" bounds a pergola adjacent the pool of figure 14. [0040] The liquid storage tanks that comprise the supporting walls of an above ground pool in each case are preferably 2800mm long by 1,100mm wide and either 1000mm high or 1600mm high (or of any suitable height) concrete trough type module holding water, which incorporate a subsidiary apparatus, for example, in the form of a planter box on top. The subsidiary apparatus that are situated on top of the tanks may also house water features, outdoor kitchens, day beds around pools, fish ponds and of course 14 plants. The preferred concrete modules that make up the tanks are made from 50mpa high grade concrete weighing 2.5 or 4.0 tonnes each or other weight as pre-determined from time to time. [0041] The liquid storage tanks are engineered not to require footings and by placing the liquid storage tanks in a rectangle, square, oblong or any other rectilinear shape on any level clean surface they may form a perfect structure for a pool liner to be installed within the inner perimeter of the installed liquid storage tanks. The above ground pool shown in figure 15 is an example of a construction in accordance with preferred embodiments in which the modular construction provides easily for a pool liner PL to be affixed atop of the installed tanks with rubber extrusion or other methods that would be recognised by the person skilled in the art. A rubber or similar extrusion is affixed to the internal perimeter of the "boxed in" square or rectangle of liquid storage tanks to which the pool liner to be affixed often is a snap lock application. Any fixing method, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art, to fix the liner to the inside wall of the liquid storage tanks is acceptable. This also allows for straightforward changing of the liner in years to come, as may be required. Furthermore, the construction may allow for pool soil PS at the centre of the pool location to be excavated for extra height without disturbing the entire pool construction as would be the case in conventional above ground pools. The assembled pool construction 10 of figure 15 may cater for planter box tops or may house timber decking, plants of numerous varieties, day beds, outdoor kitchen modules as required for the convenience of users. [0042] Figure 16 illustrates a constructed above ground pool 10 utilising contiguous tanks 101 and 102 for example and also is adapted for easy installation of known pool accessories such as for example ladder L. [0043] The liquid storage tanks are strong and sturdy and when a pool liner is installed within the internal perimeter of these tanks makes and ideal structure for a quality and sturdy above ground pool. There are no other structures that need erecting to facilitate the essential function of an above ground pool. [0044] The liquid storage tanks, as described of course, also store water and as noted above may be coupled together for fluid connection using a cast in place internal "0" ring 15 and are easily joined together resulting in a substantial water storage capacity to comply with local council requirements. [0045] The liquid storage tanks are almost indestructible and will take any amount of punishment from children and accident without moving, splitting or bursting and are limited only by the quality of the pool liner itself. [0046] Another feature is that the liquid storage tanks are also readily formed as pre engineered structural retaining walls and often may be used as fences and pergola surrounds. As such it is possible to have one or two walls of the above ground pool forming another part of a structure such as retaining wall or pergola surround. This is shown clearly in the top plan illustrations of figures 13 and 14. [0047] The liquid storage tanks are expected to last well over 100+ years and it is also possible to easily move the above ground pool structure to another location for a different purpose at a later stage if required. In this respect it may be the children have grown up and a pool is no longer required. Tanks may then be located for other purposes. [0048] The liquid storage tanks pool system also uses a skimmer box in the same manner as traditional pools and this skimmer box may be either, located inside one of the tanks forming the structure or on the outside of the surrounding tanks as required if it was decided not to waste the storage capacity of one of the tanks. [0049] All other plumbing is similar to existing above ground or in ground concrete pools. [0050] The high quality liquid storage tanks are versatile and may be used as pre engineered structural retaining walls, water features, fences, pergola surrounds, outdoor kitchens, rain water storage and they may now also be configured to create a quality finish outdoor above ground pool. [0051] Embodiments of the present invention make it possible for a user to incorporate water tank capacity utilising 50mpa concrete on a scaled and modular level 16 with structures like a retaining wall, fence or pergola surround combined with a plunge pool and even add a water feature and outdoor kitchen at the same time saving construction costs in the process. [0052] Figures 17a to 17c are top plan views that show three variations in the configuration of placement of liquid storage tanks 101, 102 in a contiguous manner to form the boundary walls of an above ground pool. [0053] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth. [0054] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. [0055] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

17 [0056] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims (5)

1. An above ground pool which comprises: at least two walls, each wall being an installation comprising at least one liquid storage tank constructed from load bearing material operatively associated with a subsidiary apparatus where the liquid storage tank and the subsidiary apparatus are adapted to emulate at least part of an outdoor structure, and; a pool liner installed within an inner perimeter defined by contiguously installed liquid storage tanks.

2. An above ground pool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the liquid storage tank and the subsidiary apparatus are adapted for liquid connection therebetween.

3. An above ground pool as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the load bearing material of the liquid storage tank comprises one or a combination of concrete, moulded plastic, and metal, and; wherein contiguous liquid storage tanks are adapted for liquid connection therebetween.

4. An above ground pool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the emulated outdoor structure comprises one of: a garden bed; a planter box; a retaining wall; a fence; a pergola surround; 19 a water feature; a fish pond; decking; an outdoor kitchen

5. An above ground pool as claimed in claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.