Pool Skimmer System

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems for improving the range of pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the present invention provides at least one track that is attached to the pool sidewall and a second weir that moves along the track. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a deflector that is attached to the pool sidewall, extends from the sidewall and above the skimmer opening, and includes a side opening adjacent for feeding water to the skimmer opening. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the apparatuses are cheap to manufacture, safe, conserve water and chemical use, and allow for an aesthetically pleasing full pool.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A kit for increasing the range of a pool skimmer comprising a first weir and a skimmer opening located in a sidewall of a pool, the kit comprising:
 a) two tracks, each of said tracks comprising a track length, a track recess surface, said track recess surface comprising a track recess extending along said track length, and a sidewall surface configured to attach to said sidewall, said sidewall surface disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to said track recess surface; and   b) a second weir, said second weir configured to be received in said track recesses when said tracks are attached to said sidewall, said second weir comprising a vacuum release door and a vacuum release opening, said vacuum release door configured to move between a closed position wherein said vacuum release door seals said opening and an open position wherein said vacuum release door allows water to enter through said opening.   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein said second weir comprises a quarter sphere portion generally in the shape of a quarter of a sphere, said quarter sphere portion having a generally flat open top. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 2 , wherein said quarter sphere portion comprises a weir recess, said weir recess located in a top edge of said second weir. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 3 , wherein said weir recess is located adjacent to a center of said top edge of the second weir. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein said sidewall surface of each track comprises at least one fastener aperture for receiving a fastener for securing said tracks to said sidewall. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein said kit further comprises a weir fastener configured to immobilize said first weir. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein said track and said second weir are comprised of clear plastic. 
     
     
         8 . A method of improving the range of a pool skimmer, the method comprising the steps of:
 a) providing the kit of  claim 1 ; and   b) attaching said track sidewall surfaces to said sidewall.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising:
 c) providing a weir fastener; and 
 d) immobilizing said first weir with said weir fastener. 
 
     
     
         10 . A system for improving the range of a pool skimmer, the system comprising:
 a) a pool comprising a sidewall;   b) a pool skimmer, said pool skimmer comprising a skimmer opening and a first weir, said skimmer opening located in said side wall and configured to allow water to enter the skimmer from the pool;   c) at least one track attached to said side wall and adjacent to said skimmer opening, said track having a track length generally perpendicular to the ground; and   d) a second weir attached to said track and moveable in a generally vertical position along said track length in response to changing water levels in said pool, wherein said second weir is configured to feed water located in the pool to said skimmer opening.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a weir fastener removably attached to said first weir, said weir fastener immobilizing said first weir. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein without said weir fastener said first weir is moveable between a vertical position in which the first weir is generally parallel to the sidewall and a horizontal position in which the first weir is generally perpendicular to the sidewall. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said second weir comprises a quarter sphere portion generally in the shape of a quarter of a sphere, said quarter sphere portion having a flat open top. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said quarter sphere portion comprises a weir recess, said weir recess located in a top edge of said second weir. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein said weir recess is located adjacent to a center of said top edge of the second weir. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the diameter of said quarter sphere portion is generally parallel to the ground. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said second weir further comprises a vacuum release door and a vacuum release opening, said vacuum release door configured to move between a closed position wherein said vacuum release door seals said opening and an open position wherein said vacuum release door allows water to enter through said opening. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the system comprises two tracks on opposite sides of said skimmer opening. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said track comprises at least one fastener aperture for attaching said track to said sidewall. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said track is attached to a faceplate of said skimmer and said faceplate is attached to said sidewall. 
     
     
         21 - 30 . (canceled)