Pool Skimmer Assembly

Abstract

A pool skimmer assembly able to be fluidly connected to a pool pump, the pool skimmer assembly including: a first vacuum plate having a first opening through which pool water is able to be sucked from below the vacuum plate when the pool pump operates in suction; and a first valve member which is connected relative to the vacuum plate, the valve member being displaceable between a closed position in which the valve member closes off the first opening and an open position in which the valve member is spaced from the first opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a swimming pool skimmer assembly, and more specifically, to a pool skimmer assembly which provides for the alternate operation between suction cleaning and skimming. It also relates to a pool weir system for use with the pool skimmer assembly.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Swimming pools are generally equipped with one or more fixed surface skimmers to remove surface debris, such as leaves, dust and the like. Surface skimmers have a skimmer throat opening in a skimmer throat at the pool water level through which the surface debris is drawn into the skimmer. The skimmer is connected to the suction side of a pool pump such that surface water is drawn into the skimmer when the pump is operated. Debris drawn into the skimmer is caught in a collection basket within the skimmer.[0003]A vertically self-adjusting weir door may be provided in the skimmer throat which adjusts itself upwardly and downwardly in correspondence with variation...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]It is an object of the invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, one or more of the above problems and/or pr

Problems solved by technology

Surface skimmers cannot remove debris which has settled to the bottom of the pool.

Because the suction hose is connected directly to the suction opening of the vacuum plate, the skimmer is disabled while the suction cleaning device is in operation.

Disconnection of the suction hose requires inconvenient manually opening the lid of the skimmer to connect and disconnect the suction hose to permit alternate operation of the skimmer and the suction driven pool cleaning device.

With the suction hose permanently connected to the vacuum plate, the skimmer is rendered totally ineffective.

Permanently attaching a cleaning device to the skimmer is also not the correct configuration for effective function of a swimming pool circulation system.

The pool skimmer assembly of Frentzel described above has disadvantages, inconveniences and potential safety risks (especially for children) due to the necessity to remove the skimmer lid to connect a suction cleaner hose.

The valve also has many closely-toleranced moving parts, some of which are made of metal and are relatively expensive to manufacture.

The valve is complex in operation, including biasing means in the form of a coiled spring and a number of spaced slots in a piston.

The piston rotates in operation and this can cause twisting of the spring, preventing further rotational movement of the piston as unwanted torque develops in the piston.

If the piston does not rotate sufficiently between pump cycles then the valve is rendered inoperative as the valve will continuously operate in one of its two operating positions.

Further, the round-shaped skimmer opening can create a vortex that can produce a noticeable noise which can be heard from a reasonable distance.

This is inconvenient as the hose is lifted out of the water in which it is usually supported.

The hose including the weight of the water being pumped in the section of the hose above the water imparts unnecessary large axial forces on the weir door and bending moments on the pipe to which it connects.

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