Skimmer Bypass Method and System

Abstract

This invention relates to a system and method for ensuring that there is an adequate flow of fluid into the pump of a skimmer system by utilizing a skimmer basket bypass. The bypass takes in fluid from beneath the surface of a body of fluid, and avoids the debris basket to ensure adequate flow to the pump.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pool skimmer bypass system comprising:
 a debris basket;   a debris basket bypass composed of tubing and containing an inlet and an outlet; where the outlet of the debris basket bypass is positioned such that fluid flowing through the outlet is flowing toward the same destination as fluid flowing through the debris basket, and fluid flowing through the outlet is not obstructed by debris collected in the debris basket;   and where the inlet of the debris basket bypass is positioned to take in fluid from beneath the surface of a constrained body of fluid in which the majority of the system is submerged.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the inlet of the debris basket bypass is covered by a screen. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the debris basket bypass is composed of flexible material. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the debris basket bypass is constructed so as to be retractable when not in use 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the section of the debris basket bypass that is intended to be exposed to the constrained body of fluid has one or more additional inlet holes to prevent significant vacuum effects at any location along the debris basket bypass. 
     
     
         6 . A method of removing debris from a constrained body of fluid comprising:
 suctioning the fluid through a pump that is connected to a debris basket,   where the debris basket is connected to a debris basket bypass, and   where the debris basket bypass allows fluid to flow from the constrained body of fluid to the pump without being obstructed by debris that has collected in the debris basket.