Step support brace for a swimming pool

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a support brace structure for swimming pool stair assemblies, especially prefabricated stair assemblies, adaptable to accommodate various sizes and styles of stair assemblies.
The present support brace is also easily connectable with other support braces to form V-shaped support structures.
The invention comprises, in one form thereof a brace structure having a plurality of riser portions.
A vertically extending post is associated with each riser portion, the posts adapted to be received in complementary holes in reinforcing ribs in the underside of the prefabricated stair assembly treads.
At least several of the posts are slidably coupled to respective risers of the support brace such that the slidable posts can be positioned to accommodate various styles of prefabricated stair modules.
The posts may be cut to length, depending on the height of the stair treads.
Additionally, the support brace has a hinge bracket disposed on the front portion that allows the support brace to be hingedly coupled to other support braces.
In this manner, each pair of coupled support braces form a V-shaped support structure, as viewed from the top.
A stake held against a rear portion of the support brace retains the support brace against the ground.
An advantage of the present invention is that a single support brace can accommodate stair modules of varying tread width.
Another advantage of the present invention is that a single support brace can accommodate stair modules of varying height.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that support braces can be coupled to one another to form V-shaped supports for extra foundational support.
A further advantage is that the step support brace is configured to attach with an additional support brace which supports a concrete deck adjacent the top of the stair module to inhibit the concrete desk from settling.