Pool skimmer including means for measuring water level

EP4650549A3Pending Publication Date: 2026-02-11ACWA GRP
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025175715
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-14
Filing Date
2025-05-12
Publication Date
2026-02-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing swimming pool skimmers face challenges with inaccurate and unreliable mechanical water level sensors, which are prone to blockages and require frequent maintenance, and electronic sensors are difficult to install in existing pools.

Method used

A skimmer with integrated capacitive sensors and a non-return flap mechanism that measures water level directly within the upstream tubular section, allowing for precise and automatic regulation of water level through wireless communication and solenoid valves.

Benefits of technology

Enables accurate and reliable water level measurement and automatic regulation, enhancing skimmer efficiency and reducing maintenance needs, suitable for both new and existing pools.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a skimmer for a swimming pool, commonly called a "skimmer," containing means for measuring the water level. The skimmer comprises a body with two right-angled tubular sections: - an upstream tubular section, forming a slit and defining a passage (111a) in which a flap (5), also called a "non-return valve," is installed. This flap (5) has a lower rim (5c) that is assembled with said upstream tubular section by means of pivot means (7) defining a horizontal axis of rotation; and - a downstream tubular section (112), in fluidic communication with said upstream tubular section, intended to contain a basket and to be connected to suction means. And, said upstream tubular section contains measuring means (2) designed to measure the water level in said swimming pool.
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Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of skimmers for swimming pool basins, containing means for measuring the water level in said swimming pool basin. State of the art

[0002] Swimming pool filtration systems are essential for maintaining water quality by removing physical and chemical impurities.

[0003] An essential component of these systems is the skimmer, which plays a crucial role in preventing contamination and reducing floating debris.

[0004] Skimmers are designed to suck water from the surface of the pool, where most debris and contaminants tend to accumulate, before they sink.

[0005] By filtering surface water, skimmers help keep the water clear and reduce the load on the main filtration system (by reducing the infiltration of debris and contaminants into the main filtration system).

[0006] In this context, water level management is crucial for the effectiveness of these skimmers.

[0007] Indeed, a water level that is too low can prevent skimmers from functioning properly, leading to an accumulation of debris and a decrease in water quality.

[0008] Conversely, too high a level can minimize the efficiency of skimmers by reducing their ability to collect debris on the surface.

[0009] To control this regulation, the pool can be equipped with water level sensors.

[0010] Mechanical sensors, while simple and proven, suffer from limitations in terms of accuracy and reliability. Their reliance on floating mechanisms makes them vulnerable to blockages and requires frequent maintenance to prevent failures. Furthermore, they are poorly suited for installation on existing swimming pools.

[0011] Electronic sensors offer greater accuracy through the use of electronic sensors that control the opening and closing of solenoid valves.

[0012] However, the complexity of installing such sensors can represent significant barriers, especially when adapting to existing swimming pools. Presentation of the invention

[0013] In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the prior art, the present invention proposes a skimmer for a swimming pool basin, commonly called a "skimmer", containing means for measuring the water level.

[0014] This skimmer comprises a body with two right-angled tubular sections: an upstream tubular section, forming a loophole and defining a passage in which a flap, also called a "non-return valve", is installed which section comprises a lower edge which is assembled with said upstream tubular section by means of pivoting means defining a horizontal axis of rotation, and a downstream tubular section, in fluidic communication with said upstream tubular section, intended to contain a basket and to be connected to suction means.

[0015] And, according to the invention, said upstream tubular section contains measuring means which are designed to measure the water level in said swimming pool basin.

[0016] Such a technical solution is interesting for measuring the water level of a swimming pool, both in new construction and renovation, and for automatically regulating this level (for example by controlling the opening of a filling solenoid valve).

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the passage is defined by: two side walls, defining the width of the passage, a lower wall and an upper wall, defining the height of said passage.

[0018] The flap has two side borders.

[0019] And the measuring means are installed, to the nearest degree, in a reception area defined laterally by one of the said side walls of the passage and by one of the said side edges opposite the shutter.

[0020] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of this embodiment according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: The shutter and the measuring means occupy the entire width of the passage, so that said shutter occupies a first part of the width of said passage, preferably more than 50%, preferably more than 75%, preferably so that the shutter occupies a width equal to or greater than the width of the downstream tubular section, and the measuring means occupy a second remaining part of the width of said passage, preferably less than 25%; the measuring means extend over at least 50%, preferably 75%, of the height of the passage; the measuring means have a parallelepiped shape which is defined by two lateral faces, defining its width, a lower face and a upper face, defining its height, a front face and a rear face, defining its depth, the width dimension of which is less than the height dimension.

[0021] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: the measuring means include an on-board power source and are installed in said upstream tubular section by means of removable assembly means, in particular for the replacement of said on-board power source; said upstream tubular section includes an interface, for example a frame bar, comprising a first location receiving said measuring means, pivot means receiving the flap and possibly assembly means, adapted for assembling said interface on said upstream tubular section, for example on a rotating member of said upstream tubular section intended to receive a flap; the measuring means include a parallelepiped enclosure having a perforated front wall and a side wall intended to face a lateral edge of the flap; the measuring means include communication means, preferably wireless communication means;The measurement methods include, for example, a capacitive sensor.

[0022] The present invention further relates to a control system for a swimming pool basin, which control system comprises: at least one skimmer according to the invention, means for adjusting the water level, preferably at least one filling valve and / or at least one draining valve, control means, for controlling said means for adjusting the water level taking into account the data collected by said measuring means.

[0023] The present invention also relates to an interface, for example a chassis bar, for a swimming pool basin skimmer.

[0024] This interface includes: a first location receiving measuring means, designed to measure the water level in said swimming pool basin and comprising for example a parallelepiped envelope having a perforated front wall and a side wall intended to face a side edge of the flap, pivot means receiving a flap, and assembly means, adapted to an assembly of said interface on an upstream tubular section of said skimmer, for example on a rotation element of said upstream tubular section intended to receive a flap.

[0025] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] Furthermore, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where: [ Fig. 1 ] is a general and cross-sectional view of a skimmer according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] is a partial and enlarged view of the skimmer according to the figure 1 illustrating the measurement methods and the flap that are brought into the upstream tubular section; [ Fig. 3 ] is a view located within the upstream tubular section, showing the added measuring equipment and interface (the flap being disassembled); [ Fig. 4 ] is an isolated, perspective view of the interface carrying the measuring means and the flap; [ Fig. 5 ] is still an isolated, perspective view of the interface carrying the measuring means and the flap; [ Fig. 6] is still an isolated, perspective view of a variant embodiment in which the measuring means and the shutter are mounted without a frame bar; [ Fig. 7 ] is still an isolated, perspective view of a variant embodiment in which the measuring instruments lack a parallelepiped-shaped enclosure; [ Fig. 8 ] is still an isolated and perspective view of a variant embodiment in which the measuring means and the shutter are mounted without a frame bar or parallelepiped casing; [ Fig. 9 ] is a schematic view of the measurement and control systems; [ Fig. 10 ] is a schematic view of a swimming pool basin equipped with a skimmer according to the invention.

[0027] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0028] In general, the present invention thus relates to a skimmer 1, for a swimming pool basin B ( Figure 10 ), containing measuring means 2 which are designed to measure the water level in this swimming pool basin.

[0029] By "water level" we advantageously mean the height of the water contained in the swimming pool basin, measured at the level of the water surface.

[0030] This water level parameter is important for the optimal functioning of the filtration system, and in particular of this skimmer 1.

[0031] Indeed, the water level should ideally be maintained at an optimal height to allow the skimmers to effectively filter surface debris. Typically, this level is ideally located about one-third of the way up, or halfway up, a skimmer opening.

[0032] Similarly, if the water level falls below a certain threshold, skimmer 1 may be exposed to air, which can damage the pool pump through cavitation. Conversely, a water level that is too high can reduce the efficiency of the skimmers by preventing debris from floating towards them.

[0033] However, the technical solution according to the invention allows for optimal measurement of the water level of a swimming pool and, advantageously, automatic regulation of this level.

[0034] The term "filtration system" advantageously refers to all the devices and processes designed to clean and maintain the quality of water in a swimming pool by removing physical, chemical, and biological impurities.

[0035] The main components in such a filtration system S ( Figure 10 ) are advantageous: The skimmer 1, installed on the walls, sucks up surface water to filter floating debris; a pool pump S1, which circulates water through the filtration system and distributes chemicals; filters S2, water cleaning tools, to remove fine particles of dirt and debris; return jets S3, which reintroduce filtered water into the pool, helping to distribute chemicals evenly; the chemical treatment system S4, including dispensers of chlorine, bromine or other disinfectants to maintain water quality; and control means S5, to regulate the operation of the pool equipment. Skimmer

[0036] Skimmer 1, commonly called "skimmer", corresponds advantageously to the filtration device used in swimming pool systems to remove debris and impurities from the water surface.

[0037] It is usually installed at the level of the pool wall and works by creating a current that attracts surface water (and the floating contaminants it contains) towards a collection basket.

[0038] This collection basket captures large debris such as leaves, insects and other floating particles, before the water passes through the pool's main filtration system.

[0039] The skimmer is essential for maintaining clean water and reducing the load on the filtration system, thus improving its efficiency and extending its lifespan. By keeping the water's surface free of debris, the skimmer also helps prevent the spread of microorganisms and algae, contributing to better water quality and a more enjoyable swimming experience.

[0040] In addition, the skimmer makes pool maintenance easier by allowing easy cleaning of accumulated debris through simplified access to a collection basket.

[0041] In general, a skimmer is designed to work efficiently when the water level is maintained within a specific range, highlighting the importance of precise and reliable water level regulation.

[0042] In particular, the skimmer 1 comprises a body 11 having two right-angled tubular sections, in fluidic communication and in series: an upstream tubular section 111, advantageously oriented horizontally, intended to contain a flap 5, and a downstream tubular section 112, advantageously oriented vertically, intended to contain a basket 6 and to be connected to suction means (not shown).

[0043] The upstream tubular section 111 forms a loophole, presenting for example a constant rectangular section or flared towards the basin.

[0044] This upstream tubular section 111 defines a passage 111a in which the flap 5 is located.

[0045] Passage 111a is defined by a ring of walls (advantageously rectangular in cross-section), namely: two side walls 111b, defining the width of the passage 111a, a lower wall 111c and an upper wall 111d, defining the height of this passage 111a.

[0046] Furthermore, by "flap" or "non-return valve" we advantageously mean a mechanical device located inside the upstream tubular section 111, designed to prevent the return to the pool of water and captured debris, once they have been sucked into the skimmer.

[0047] This fifth component generally operates on a simple principle of gravity and water pressure: It opens in an inclined or horizontal position, to allow water to pass towards the downstream tubular section 112, when the pool pump is activated, and it automatically closes in a vertical position, when the pump is turned off, to block the reverse path.

[0048] Panel 5 advantageously presents a rectangular outline, including a border: two side borders 5b, defining the width of the flap 5, a bottom border 5c and a top border 5d, defining the height of the flap 5.

[0049] In particular, the lower edge 5c of the flap 5 is advantageously assembled with the upstream tubular section 111 by means of pivot means 7 defining a horizontal axis of rotation.

[0050] In particular, flap 5 is movable in rotation between two end-of-travel positions: a raised, vertical configuration, obstructing passage 111a, and a retracted configuration, opposite the lower wall 111c.

[0051] Generally and preferably, the upstream tubular section 111 includes at least one rotating element 111r (illustrated schematically on the figure 3 ), for example at least one cylindrical section, which is intended to receive a "nominal" flap. Measurement methods

[0052] According to the invention, the upstream tubular section 111 contains the measuring means 2 which are designed to measure the water level in the swimming pool basin.

[0053] Such an arrangement of the measuring instruments 2 offers several advantages, in particular: by measuring the water level directly within the upstream tubular section 111, provide accurate data to ensure that the skimmer 1, and its flap 5, operate at their maximum efficiencies, monitor and adjust the water level before it becomes critical for the pool pump, quickly detect changes in water level caused by external events such as heavy rain or intensive pool use; a quick response allows the water level to be adjusted proactively to maintain the efficiency of the filtration system.

[0054] According to a preferred and illustrated embodiment, the measuring means 2 are installed, within clearance, in a reception space E defined laterally by: one of the side walls 111b of passage 111a, and one of the side edges 5b of flap 5, opposite.

[0055] In other words, one of the side edges 5b of the flap 5 is located opposite and at a distance from one of the side walls 111b of the passage 111a, to delimit together the reception space E suitable for the positioning of the measuring means 2.

[0056] In other words, the measuring means 2 are advantageously interposed between one of the lateral edges 5b of the flap 5 and one of the lateral walls 111b of the passage 111a.

[0057] The width dimension of this flap 5 is thus less than the width dimension of a "nominal" flap which is reported within the passage 111a and which is intended to extend between the two lateral walls 111b of the passage 111a.

[0058] Preferably, this reception area E extends over the entire height of the passage 111a (defined by the lower wall 111c and the upper wall 111d).

[0059] In this preferred embodiment, the flap 5 and the measuring means 2 advantageously occupy the entire width of the passage 111a, so that: the flap 5 occupies part of the width of the passage 111a, preferably more than 50%, preferably even more than 75% of this width of the passage 111a, and the measuring means 2 occupy a remaining part of the width of the passage 111a, preferably less than 25% of this width of the passage 111a.

[0060] Preferably, it is advantageous that the suction area of ​​the upstream tubular section 111 be equal to or greater than the suction area of ​​the downstream tubular section 112.

[0061] Still in this preferred embodiment, the measuring means 2 extend over at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even over the entire height, of passage 111a.

[0062] Preferably, the height of the measuring means 2 is identical to, or even greater than, the height of the flap 5 (and in particular of its upper border 5d) in raised configuration.

[0063] For optimal integration, the measuring means 2 advantageously have a parallelepiped shape, for example in the form of a parallelepiped housing (visible on the figure 5 ).

[0064] The measuring means 2 are thus delimited by a set of faces, namely: two lateral faces 211, defining its width, a lower face 212 and an upper face 213, defining its height, a front face 214 and a rear face 215, defining its depth.

[0065] And this width dimension is less than its height dimension, or even its depth dimension.

[0066] In general, as schematically illustrated on the figure 9, the measurement means 2 include communication means 25, preferably in the form of wireless communication means 25.

[0067] By "wireless communication means", we advantageously mean a module which allows the exchange of data by the measurement means 2 with other components of the control system, without requiring physical connections such as cables or wires.

[0068] Among the wireless communication technologies, we can mention in particular Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa and Sigfox.

[0069] In general terms, the measurement means 2 include, for example, a capacitive effect sensor, also called a "capacitive sensor", advantageously located along its front face 214 which preferably extends along a vertical axis.

[0070] Such a sensor, classic in itself, works on the principle of capacitive measurement, similar to the "Touchsense" technology used in capacitive touch screens.

[0071] The capacitive sensor advantageously measures the change in electrical capacitance between an electrode and the ground potential. In the context of a swimming pool, the ground potential is generally that of the pool water.

[0072] This measurement method is particularly advantageous because it is less dependent on water conductivity compared to traditional sensors. This allows the sensor to operate effectively regardless of variations in water salinity or purity.

[0073] Furthermore, many modern processors integrate capacitive measurement capabilities directly into their circuits, reducing the hardware complexity and power consumption of water level measurement systems. This is particularly advantageous for self-powered devices or those using wireless communication.

[0074] The use of capacitive sensors also allows for a significant reduction in energy consumption, which is crucial for systems powered by batteries or renewable sources (such as solar panels). This characteristic makes the sensor ideal for remote installations or applications where access to power is limited.

[0075] Capacitive sensors offer high accuracy in measuring water level. They are capable of detecting small level variations, which is essential for the precise control of automatic filling systems and for ensuring the proper functioning of pool equipment.

[0076] Capacitive sensors are less prone to wear or damage from physical elements, such as debris in water, because they have no moving parts and their operation does not depend on physical contact with water.

[0077] In general, measurement methods 2 could be based on other technologies, for example resistivity or conductivity.

[0078] For ease of implementation, particularly in renovation, measurement means 2 advantageously include an on-board power source (not shown), for example in the form of a rechargeable battery or a removable battery.

[0079] According to another advantageous feature, the measuring means 2 are advantageously located in the upstream tubular section 111 by means of removable assembly means 81, for example by sliding within a housing, in particular to allow the replacement of said on-board power source.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring means 2 and the pivot means 7 are carried by an interface 8 within the upstream tubular section 111.

[0081] The interface 8 is advantageously made in a related or monobloc manner with the upstream tubular section 111.

[0082] Interface 8 thus includes: a first location 81, advantageously intended to fill the reception location E and intended to receive the measuring means 2 (advantageously in a removable manner, thus forming removable assembly means), the pivot means 7 receiving the flap 5, and possibly assembly means 82, adapted to an assembly of the interface 8 on the upstream tubular section 111.

[0083] The first location 81 is, for example, located at one end of interface 8.

[0084] In general, measuring means 2 may include a parallelepiped-shaped envelope 813 comprising: a front wall 811, possibly openwork, and a side wall 812 intended to face one of the side edges 5a of the flap 5.

[0085] The measuring means 2, with the side wall 812, then correspond, within play, to the reception space E.

[0086] The depth of the side wall 812 is advantageously equal to, or even greater than, the depth dimension of the flap 5 in retracted configuration.

[0087] In general, the assembly means 82 are advantageously suited to securing the interface 8 with a rotating element 111r of the upstream tubular section 111 (illustrated schematically on the figure 3 ), intended to receive a "nominal" shutter.

[0088] This technical solution allows integration of interface 8 on a rotating element 111r of the upstream tubular section 111.

[0089] A first method of implementation is illustrated on the figures 4 And 5 .

[0090] In this embodiment, the interface 8 consists of a chassis bar, extending transversely over the width of the lower wall 111c.

[0091] At the first location 81, the measuring means 2 comprise a parallelepiped envelope 813 including: the front wall 811, possibly openwork, and the side wall 812 intended to face one of the side edges 5a of the flap 5.

[0092] This first location 81 is for example provided at one end of interface 8.

[0093] The pivot means 7 are advantageously superimposed on interface 8.

[0094] These pivot means 7 are assembled with the lower edge 5c of the flap 5, defining a horizontal axis of rotation.

[0095] The assembly means 82, for example, are adapted to assembling the interface 8 onto a rotating member 111r of the upstream tubular section 111 (illustrated schematically on the figure 3 ), intended to receive a "nominal" shutter.

[0096] These assembly means 82 consist for example of elastic interlocking means, underlying the interface 8, for example in the shape of an elastically deformable C.

[0097] This technical solution allows integration of interface 8 on a rotating element 111r of the upstream tubular section 111.

[0098] A second embodiment is illustrated on the figure 6 .

[0099] In this embodiment, interface 8 is devoid of the chassis bar.

[0100] Here again, at the first location 81, the measuring means 2 include the parallelepiped envelope 813 comprising: the front wall 811, possibly openwork, and the side wall 812 intended to face one of the side edges 5a of the flap 5.

[0101] The seven pivotal means are formed: on one side, by the parallelepiped envelope 813 of the first location 81, and on the second side, a rotating member 111r of the upstream tubular section 111 (illustrated schematically on the figure 3 ), intended to receive a "nominal" shutter.

[0102] A third embodiment is illustrated on the figure 7 .

[0103] In this embodiment, the interface 8 consists of a chassis bar, extending transversely over the width of the lower wall 111c.

[0104] The first location 81 is here devoid of parallelepiped envelope 813: the measuring means 2 cooperate directly with the chassis bar-shaped interface 8.

[0105] The means of measurement 2 then correspond, to the extent of the game, to the reception space E.

[0106] This first location 81 is for example provided at one end of interface 8.

[0107] The pivot means 7 are advantageously superimposed on interface 8.

[0108] These pivot means 7 are assembled with the lower edge 5c of the flap 5, defining a horizontal axis of rotation.

[0109] The assembly means 82, for example, are adapted to assembling the interface 8 onto a rotating member 111r of the upstream tubular section 111 (illustrated schematically on the figure 3 ), intended to receive a "nominal" shutter.

[0110] These assembly means 82 consist for example of elastic interlocking means, underlying the interface 8, for example in the shape of an elastically deformable C.

[0111] A fourth embodiment is illustrated on the figure 8 .

[0112] In this embodiment, the interface 8 is devoid of the chassis bar or the parallelepiped envelope 813.

[0113] The first location 81 is devoid of parallelepiped envelope 813: the measuring means 2 cooperate directly with the interface 8.

[0114] The means of measurement 2 then correspond, to the extent of the game, to the reception space E.

[0115] The seven pivotal means are formed: on the first side, by means of measurement 2, and on the second side, a rotating element 111r of the upstream tubular section 111 (illustrated schematically on the figure 3 ), intended to receive a "nominal" shutter. Control system

[0116] The present invention further relates to a control system for a swimming pool basin, illustrated schematically and partially on the figure 9 .

[0117] This control system includes: at least one skimmer 1 according to the invention, incorporating measuring means 2, water level adjustment means 9, preferably in the form of at least one solenoid valve, for example at least one filling valve 91 and / or at least one draining valve 92, and control means 10, for controlling said water level adjustment means 9 taking into account the data collected by the measuring means 2.

[0118] The control means 10, or even the means for adjusting the water level 9, are for example located in the technical room of the swimming pool.

[0119] The control methods 10 advantageously include: communication means 101, for communication with the measuring means 2, for example according to LoRa technology, an interface 102, for the configuration of the control means 10 and for the visualization of information, computing means 103 (intelligence), for example in the form of a microcontroller in which at least one computer program is recorded, to determine the control of the water level control means 9 taking into account the data collected by the measuring means 2, and control means 104, for the control of the water level control means 9, taking into account instructions issued by the computing means 103.

[0120] The control means 10 advantageously take the form of at least one box containing electronic components, responsible for controlling the filling or emptying of the pool.

[0121] The control methods 10 can be: grouped in a single box, or distributed across several boxes, communicating for example via radio relays.

[0122] The control means 10 may include additional communication means 105, for example according to Zigbee technology, for communication between several nearby boxes or with at least one relay extension (not shown).

[0123] Various configuration examples can be considered, but are not limited to: Information and configuration can be grouped within a single box, information and configuration can be carried out on at least two boxes in close proximity, the control means 104 are located in a first box and the computing means 103 are located in a second box. Water level regulation

[0124] In practice, the measuring means 2 advantageously determine continuously the water level in this swimming pool basin.

[0125] As discussed previously, the technical solution according to the invention allows for optimal measurement of the pool water level and, advantageously, automatic regulation of this level.

[0126] In this regard, the data collected is advantageously transmitted to control means 10 in order to ensure automatic control of the filling level of the swimming pool basin.

[0127] If the water level falls below a lower threshold, the control means 10 advantageously ensure the opening of a filling valve 91.

[0128] If the water level rises above a higher threshold, the control means 10 advantageously ensure the opening of a drain valve 92.

[0129] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. Skimmer for a swimming pool basin, commonly called a "skimmer", comprising a body (11) having two tubular sections at right angles: - an upstream tubular section (111), forming a slit and defining a passage (111a) in which is installed a flap (5), also called a "non-return valve", which flap (5) has a lower rim (5c) which is assembled with said upstream tubular section (111) by means of pivot means (7) defining a horizontal axis of rotation, and - a downstream tubular section (112), in fluidic communication with said upstream tubular section (111), intended to contain a basket (6) and to be connected to suction means, which upstream tubular section (111) contains measuring means (2) which are designed to measure the water level in said swimming pool basin.

2. Skimmer according to claim 1, characterized in thatThe passage (111a) is defined by: - ​​two lateral walls (111b), defining the width of said passage (111a), - a lower wall (111c) and an upper wall (111d), defining the height of said passage (111a), in that the flap (5) has two lateral edges (5b), and in that the measuring means (2) are installed, to the extent of play, in a reception space (E) defined laterally by one of the said lateral walls (111b) of the passage (111a) and by one of the said lateral borders (5b) opposite the flap (5).

3. Skimmer according to claim 2, characterized in thatThe flap (5) and the measuring means (2) occupy the entire width of the passage (111a), so that: - said flap (5) occupies a first part of the width of said passage (111a), preferably more than 50%, preferably more than 75%, preferably so that the flap (5) occupies a width equal to or greater than the width of the downstream tubular section (112), and - the measuring means (2) occupy a second, remaining part of the width of said passage (111a), preferably less than 25%.

4. Skimmer according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the measuring means (2) extend over at least 50%, preferably 75%, of the height of the passage (111a).

5. Skimmer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in thatthe measuring means (2) have a parallelepiped shape which is defined by: - ​​two lateral faces (211), defining its width, - a lower face (212) and a top face (213), defining its height, - a front face (214) and a rear face (215), defining its depth, which dimension in width is less than the dimension in height.

6. Skimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring means (2) include an on-board power source and are installed in said upstream tubular section (111) by means of removable assembly means (81), in particular for the replacement of said on-board power source.

7. Skimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatsaid upstream tubular section (111) includes an interface (8) comprising: - a first location (81) receiving said measuring means (2), advantageously forming said removable assembly means (81), - said pivot means (7) receiving the flap (5), and optionally - assembly means (82), adapted for an assembly of said interface (8) on said upstream tubular section (111), for example on a rotating member (111r) of said upstream tubular section (111) intended to receive a "nominal" flap.

8. Skimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the measuring means (2) include communication means (25), preferably wireless communication means (25).

9. Skimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the measuring means (2) include a capacitive effect sensor.

10. Control system for a swimming pool basin, which control system comprises: - at least one skimmer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, - means for adjusting the water level (9), preferably at least one filling valve (91) and / or at least one draining valve (92), - piloting means (10), for piloting said means for adjusting the water level (9) taking into account the data collected by said measuring means (2).

11. Interface (8), for example a frame bar, for a pool skimmer (1), which interface (8) comprises: - a first location (81) receiving measuring means (2), designed to measure the water level in said pool and advantageously comprising a parallelepiped envelope (813) having a perforated front wall (811) and a side wall (812) intended to face a lateral edge (5a) of the flap (5), - pivot means (7) receiving the flap (5), and - assembly means (82), adapted for assembling said interface (8) on an upstream tubular section (111) of said skimmer (1), for example on a rotation member (111r) of said upstream tubular section (111) intended to receive a "nominal" flap.

Citation Information

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