US20140209546A1

US20140209546A1 - Pool Skimmer System

Info

Publication number: US20140209546A1
Application number: US13/752,518
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronnie E. Smith
Original assignee: Totally New Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Totally New Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2013-01-29
Filing date: 2013-01-29
Publication date: 2014-07-31
Also published as: WO2014120782A1; WO2015116249A1; CA2975323A1

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.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to systems for improving the operation of pool skimmers, particularly those used in outdoor swimming pools, and methods of using the same.
2. Background of the Invention
With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in the prior art, it is known to remove debris in swimming pools 110 through the use of skimmers 100. Such skimmers 100 generally include a rectangular skimmer opening 135 located in a sidewall 120 of the swimming pool 110, a moveable weir 170 that pivots on a hinge 155 within the skimmer 100 and moves in response to changes in the water levels of the swimming pool 110 and a rectangular skimmer faceplate 145. The faceplate 145 surrounds the skimmer opening 135, has a thickness 148 of about 1-3 inches and is secured to the pool sidewall 120 via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws) 146 inserted through fastener apertures 147. The weir 170 pivots between a vertical position (shown in phantom line 170A in FIG. 2) in which the weir 170 is generally parallel to the sidewall 120 (and perpendicular to the ground) and prevents large debris from flowing through the skimmer 100 (more precisely, beyond the weir 170) and a horizontal position (shown in phantom line 170B in FIG. 2) in which the weir 170 is generally perpendicular to the sidewall 120 (and parallel to the ground) and allows large debris to flow through the skimmer 100 until the debris reaches a filter or debris basket 160. The passageway through which water flows through the skimmer 100 is denoted by numeral 196 and the top of the passageway is denoted by 197. As known to the those of ordinary skill, the weir 170 of a conventional skimmer 100 often occupies a position between its two end pivot points (i.e., between the vertical and horizontal positions), as shown in FIG. 2. Water enters the skimmer 100 through the opening 135, flows through water passageway 196 and over the weir 170, and through a filter or debris basket 160, which collects debris. Ultimately, the filtered water is then pumped back into the swimming pool 110 through water jets 165 located in the pool sidewalls 120. Pools may include a series of pumps 190, valves 192 and 194 and pipes 180, 181, 182 and 193. Typically the water jets 165 create a counter-clockwise or clockwise 183 circulation in the pool 110, as shown in FIG. 3. Pools 110 may contain one or more skimmers 100, depending on pool size and the year the pool was built. For example, some U.S. municipalities require that municipal pools have one skimmer per 400 square feet of swimming area.
Usually, the skimmer opening 135 and weir 170 are located several inches below the top overhang 130 of the pool. (The distance from the pool top overhang 130 to the top of the skimmer opening 135 is labeled as 140. The distance from the pool top overhang 130 to the top edge 171 of the weir 170 is labeled as 150). Most, if not all, of the debris typically found in the swimming pool 110 is more dense than water and hence is located in the top layer of the water located in the swimming pool 110. Thus, for this reason, skimmer manufacturers instruct swimming pool owners to keep the water level in the pool 110 approximately two-thirds (⅔) of the way up the faceplate 145 (i.e., below the top edge 171 of the weir 170) so that the skimmer 100 filters the top, debris-containing layer of the pool water. Unfortunately, keeping the water at the manufacturer's recommended level is problematic for several reasons. First, the owner may want to keep the water level in the pool near the top overhang 130 of the pool for aesthetic effect (i.e., a full pool). Second, if a rainstorm increases the water above the manufacturer's recommended level, the owner must remove some of the water from the pool 110 via a drain so that the water returns to the recommended level. This creates a time burden on the pool owner unless the drainage is automatic and, in any case, is environmentally unfriendly and costly, as pool water and chemicals in the pool water are wasted when the pool is drained.
Some devices in the prior art seek to address some of these water loss issues: however these prior art devices are costly and create hazards in the pool. For example, the Ecoskim™ device (Ecoskim Pty Ltd., Australia), which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,515 to Davies, is a swimming pool cleaning device that includes an outer body with an outlet to the pool pump line, a hollow mating member, which floats within the outer body so that its top rim is at the surface of the pool and a litter basket which fits within the floating member. The device further includes an inlet that attaches to a hose, which moves about the swimming pool, and a backing plate that fits over the opening of a swimming pool skimmer and prevents water from entering the skimmer opening. The Ecoskim™ device costs approximately $700 U.S. Dollars and relies on the use of a mobile hose, which poses a hazard to children swimming in the swimming pool.
Thus, there is a need for cheap and safe devices that improve the operation of swimming pool skimmers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides two systems for increasing the range of a pool skimmer that has a skimmer opening located in a sidewall of a pool and a first weir.
The first system includes at least one track attached to the side wall and adjacent to the skimmer opening. The track has a track length generally perpendicular to the ground. The first system also includes a second weir attached to the track and moveable in a generally vertical position along the track length in response to changing water levels in the pool. The second weir preferably is configured to feed water located in the swimming pool to the skimmer opening. Preferably, water from the pool flows through a weir recess in the second weir and into the skimmer opening. In some embodiments, the weir recess is located in a quarter sphere portion of the second weir. Preferably, the system includes two tracks and each track has a track length, a track recess surface extending along the track length, and a sidewall surface configured to attach, directly or indirectly, to the pool sidewall and disposed at about a 90 angle relative to the track recess surface. Optionally, the second weir includes a vacuum release opening and a vacuum release door that is configured to move between a closed position in which the door seals the opening and an open position in which the door allows water to enter through the opening. Optionally, the track sidewall surfaces include fastener apertures to attach the track directly or indirectly to the pool sidewall. Preferably, the first system includes a weir fastener for immobilizing the first weir. Optionally, the track and second weir are comprised of clear plastic.
The second system generally relates to a deflector that is attached, directly or indirectly, to the sidewall and that extends outwards into the pool and above the skimmer opening. The deflector further includes a side opening that is positioned to capture water circulating in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion (depending on the circulation pattern of water within the pool). The side opening feeds water to the skimmer opening. As with the prior embodiment, preferably the first weir is immobilized by a weir fastener. Preferably, the deflector does not move within the swimming pool other than to slightly deform in response to pressure applied to the deflector. Preferably, the side opening spans substantially the entire height of the deflector and at least above the skimmer opening. Preferably, the deflector includes fastener apertures and fasteners for attaching the deflector directly or indirectly to the sidewall. Preferably, the deflector is attached to a skimmer faceplate that is attached to the pool sidewall. Preferably, the deflector includes a solid, water impermeable floor, which may abut the sidewall, and a top opening so that water flows through only the side or top openings. Preferably, the deflector extends into the pool a distance of about 1 inch to about 18 inches so that the deflector does not interfere with swimmers in the pool and the deflector has a height of at least 8 inches (e.g., about 8 inches to about 20 inches).
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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, perspective view of a prior art skimmer and pool sidewall.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the prior art skimmer of FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of water circulating in a clockwise fashion in a swimming pool with a prior art skimmer.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front, perspective view of a system of one embodiment of the present invention for increasing the range of a pool skimmer.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front, exploded view of the system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side, elevational view of the system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front, cut-away view of the system of FIG. 4 attached to the faceplate of a pool skimmer.

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up, front, cut-away view of the system of FIG. 4 attached to the faceplate of a pool skimmer.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front, perspective view of one embodiment of a deflector of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the deflector of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top, plan view of the deflector of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side, elevational view of the deflector of FIG. 11 and a faceplate of a pool skimmer.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front, perspective view of another embodiment of a deflector of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides two systems for increasing the range of a pool skimmer 100. The first system is designated by the numeral 200, is illustrated in FIGS. 4-10, and generally relates to a second weir 230 that moves along one or more tracks 210. The second system is designated by the numeral 300, is illustrated in FIGS. 11-15 and generally relates to a deflector 330. In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing for the sake of clarity. The systems 200 and 300 may be used in conjunction with any suitable pool skimmer, and are preferably used with immobile skimmers that are located in swimming pool, pond, fountain, or spa sidewalls, such as the skimmer 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As used herein, the term “pool” means a swimming pool, pond, fountain or spa. While, the systems 200 and 300 may be used in spas, it will be appreciated that the systems 200 and 300 are preferably used in swimming pools, given that spas generally have a small surface area and are typically covered during rainstorms. While one pool 110 may use both systems 200 and 300, generally, only one system will be used with any one skimmer 100. In other words, a given skimmer 100 will typically be outfitted with only one of the systems 200 or 300. It will be appreciated that the two systems 200 and 300 may each comprise several embodiments as described herein.
Referring further to the first system 200, as shown in FIGS. 4-10, the system 200 generally includes one or more tracks 210, typically two parallel tracks 210. The track 210 includes a track length 215 and a track recess surface 220. Preferably, the track 210 has a length 215 of at least about 6 inches (e.g., about 6-24 inches) and a thickness 216 that is substantially equal to the thickness 148 of the faceplate 145 (e.g., about 1-3 inches). The track recess surface 220 includes a track recess 225 extending along the track length 215. When it is mentioned that the track recess 225 extends along the track length 215, it is meant that the track recess 225 extends at least partially along the track length 215. In a preferred embodiment, the track recess 225 extends substantially the entire track length 215. More preferably, the track recess 225 extends the entire track length 215 so that the second weir 230 can be installed from either the top or the bottom of the track 210 and so that the second weir 230 can slide out of the bottom of the track 210 if struck in a downward motion as a safety feature. The track 210 further includes a sidewall surface 221 configured to attach (i.e., directly or indirectly) to the pool sidewall 120. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sidewall surface 221 is configured to attach to the sidewall 120 by attaching to a skimmer faceplate 146 that is attached to the sidewall 120. Preferably, the sidewall surface 221 is disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the track recess surface 220. Preferably, the sidewall surface 221 includes one or more fastener apertures 222 for attaching the track 210 directly or indirectly to the pool sidewall 120. Preferably, the fastener apertures 222 are configured to receive a fastener 223 (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) so that the fastener 223 may attach the track 210 to the skimmer faceplate 145. In a particular embodiment, the fasteners 223 are a plurality (e.g., four) of pan-head screws that are used to attach two tracks 210 to the skimmer faceplate 145 and the fastener apertures 222 are longer than the diameter of the pan-head screw 223, as best seen in FIG. 8, and counter-sunk for the seats of the pan-head screw 223, which allows for the proper seating of the screws 223 and gives the flexibility of height adjustment of the track 210.
The first system 200, as previously noted, is particularly useful in conjunction with the typical skimmer 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As previously noted, such skimmers 100 typically include a skimmer opening 135 and a weir 170, which pivots between a vertical position (shown in phantom line 170A in FIG. 2) in which the weir 170 is generally parallel to the sidewall 120 (and perpendicular to the ground) and prevents large debris from flowing through the skimmer 110 (more precisely, beyond the weir 170) and a horizontal position (shown in phantom line 170B in FIG. 2) in which the weir 170 is generally perpendicular to the sidewall 120 (and parallel to the ground) and allows debris to flow through the skimmer 100 until the debris reaches a filter or debris basket 160. For ease of reference, the weir 170 of a conventional skimmer 100 is referred to herein as the “first weir.”
In addition to the first weir 170, the first system 200 further includes a second weir 230. The second weir 230 is configured to be received in the track recess 225 when the track 210 is attached to the sidewall 120 so that the second weir 230 may move in generally vertical direction (relative to the ground) along the track length 216 in response to changing water levels in the pool 110.
Preferably, the forces acting on the second weir 230 keep at least a portion of the top edge 231 of the second weir 230 (preferably at least weir recess portion 235 of top edge 231 as described below) at or near the top surface of water in the pool 110 during normal operation so that the second weir 230 only allows the top, debris-containing layer of water in the pool 110 to enter skimmer the opening 135. For example, preferably, at least a portion of the top edge 231 of the second weir 230 is at or near the top surface of water in the pool 110 when the pool 110 is filled with water to the top of skimmer opening 135. Preferably, a majority of the surface area of the second weir 230 is submerged in the pool water during normal operation so that the second weir 230 inhibits non-debris-containing water from entering skimmer opening 135. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that such forces will include at least the buoyancy of the second weir 230. The forces may also include the suction power of the skimmer 100. Optionally, the second weir 230 includes one or more sealed air jackets 240 to increase its buoyancy. Alternatively, the second weir 230 may be comprised of foam. The system 200 may be comprised of any suitable material, including without limitation, clear plastic (e.g., clear injection molded plastic). Preferably, the track 210 is comprised of a resilient plastic to prevent deformation.
The track 210 extends at least above, and preferably above and below the skimmer opening 135 so that the top edge 231 of the second weir 230 has the ability to move at least above (and preferably above and below) the skimmer opening 135 so that the second weir 230 increases the range of the skimmer 100.
As shown in FIGS. 4-10, unlike U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,515 to Davies, preferably the first system 200 does not block all water from entering the skimmer opening 135.
The first system 200 generally eliminates the need for the first weir 170 as the second weir 230 is responsible for skimming the top, debris-containing layer of the water in the pool 110. Preferably, the first system 200 further includes a weir fastener 250 (e.g., a clip with two prongs) removably attached to the first weir 170 for immobilizing the first weir 170 at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the ground (i.e., at a position other than the vertical position 170A). Preferably, the weir fastener 250 has a bottom portion 251 that contacts the top edge 171 of the first weir 170 and a top portion 252 that contacts the top wall 197 of the water passageway 196 of the skimmer 100, as shown in FIG. 8. In another embodiment, the first weir 170 is removed so that it does not interfere with skimming by first system 200.
A particular shape of the second weir 230 will now be described. However, it will be understood that the shape described is merely exemplary and that the second weir 230 may have any suitable shape. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4-10, the second weir 230 curves away from the pool sidewall 120 so that water may be stored (if even for a very short time) between the rear 232 of the second weir 230 and the skimmer opening 135. Preferably, the second weir 230 extends between about 1-12 inches into the pool 110 so that the second weir 230 does not interfere with swimmers. In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-10, the second weir 230 comprises a quarter sphere portion 233 generally in the shape of a quarter of a sphere, and the quarter sphere portion 233 has a generally flat open top 234. Preferably, the diameter 237 of the quarter sphere is generally parallel to the ground, it being understood that a quarter sphere has one diameter. Preferably, the second weir 230 further includes a weir recess 235 located in the top edge 231 of the second weir 230. The weir recess 235 may be located adjacent to the lengthwise center 239 of the top edge 231 of the second weir 220. In such an embodiment, the weir recess 235 is the entry point of water entering beyond the second weir 230 (and ultimately into the skimmer opening 135). Preferably, the weir recess 235 is not parallel to the pool sidewall 120 so that the weir recess 235 is optimized to capture the clockwise 183 or counter-clockwise circulation of the pool water.
In some embodiments, the second weir 230 further includes a vacuum release door opening 260 and a vacuum release door 261. The vacuum release door 261 is configured to move between a closed position wherein the vacuum release door 261 seals the opening 260 and an open position wherein the vacuum release door 261 allows water to enter through the vacuum release opening 260. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that a purpose of the vacuum release door 261, which is ordinarily in the closed position, is that if a child were to push the top edge 231 of the second weir 230 above the water level in the pool 110, a vacuum may be created between the second weir 230 and the pool sidewall 120 due to suction of the second weir 230 to the pool sidewall 120 caused by skimmer 100. In addition, when the top edge 231 of the second weir 230 is pushed above the water level in the pool 110 by the child, the water behind the second weir 230 (i.e. between second weir 230 and skimmer 100) will be drained into skimmer opening 135 without being replenished, causing water in the pool 110 to exert pressure on the second weir 230 without a counter-acting force from water behind the second weir 230 (because the water behind the second weir 230 is drained). To alleviate such issues, these forces cause the door 261 to move to the open position, allowing water to enter and destroying the vacuum, thereby releasing the second weir 230 from the sidewall 120 and relieving water pressure exerted on the second weir 230.
The vacuum release opening 260 and door 261 are generally the same shape and may be any suitable shape, such as generally circular or rectangular. Preferably, the vacuum release door 261 and opening 260 are located in the lower half of the second weir 230 so that the door 261 and opening 260 still will be submerged when a child pushes the second weir 230 upwards, given that a purpose of the door 261 and opening 260 is to allow water to pass through the opening 260 when a child pushes the second weir 230 upwards. The vacuum release door 261 may use any suitable mechanism to bias the door 261 in the closed position, such as a spring 262 or magnet. If a spring 262 is used, the first system 200 may further include a nylon or plastic bolt 264 that passes through an aperture 267 in the second weir 230. The aperture 267 is slightly smaller than the shaft of the bolt 264, which when pressed into position becomes rigid and tight and non-moveable. The vacuum release door 261 then slides onto the bolt 264 from the rear side. The forward end 263 of the spring 262 rests against the door 261 and the rear end 266 of the spring 262 rests against a washer 265. A nylon or plastic nut 268 is placed to the rear of the washer 265 so that the washer 265 cannot move rearwardly (i.e., towards the sidewall 120) and the spring 262 applies a force to bias the door 261 in a closed position. In another embodiment, a magnet attached to the door 261 or second weir 230 is used to bias the door 261 in a closed position. If a magnet is used, the door 261 may be hinged to the second weir 230.
Optionally, the first system 200 is provided as a kit.
The first system 200 may be installed by any suitable process. Optionally, the process includes:
a) removing skimmer faceplate fasteners 146;
b) placing two tracks 210 on the left and right sides of the skimmer opening 135 so that the track sidewall surfaces abut the faceplate 145, the track lengths 215 are perpendicular to the ground, the track recess surfaces 220 of each track 210 face each other, and the faceplate fastener apertures 147 are aligned with the track fastener apertures 222;
c) inserting the track fasteners 223 through the faceplate fastener apertures 147 and the track fastener apertures 222 so that track 210 is secured to faceplate 145 and the sidewall 120; and
d) positioning the second weir 230 in the track recesses 225 so that second weir 230 is moveable along track lengths 215.
Steps a) through d) may be performed in any suitable order, including simultaneously. Preferably, the track fasteners 223 are slightly longer than the fasteners 146 that are conventionally used to attach the faceplate 145 to the pool sidewall 120, given that the track fasteners 223 must pass through an additional material, namely the tracks 210. The process may include additional steps, such as removing the first weir 170 or providing a weir fastener 250 and immobilizing the first weir 170 with the weir fastener 250.
The second system is generally designated by the numeral 300, is illustrated in FIGS. 11-15, and generally relates to a deflector 330 that is external to the skimmer 100. The deflector 330 is attached, directly or indirectly, to the sidewall 120 and extends outwards into the pool 110 and above the skimmer opening 135. The deflector 330 further includes a side opening 320 that is positioned to capture water circulating in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion (depending on the circulation pattern in the pool 110). The side opening 320 feeds water to the skimmer opening 135 and may be adjacent to the sidewall 120, as shown in FIGS. 11-14. Optionally, the side opening 320 is adjacent to the deflector apex 390, which is the furthest point that the deflector 330 extends outward from the sidewall 120, as shown in FIG. 15. Preferably, the deflector 330 extends outward from the sidewall 120 a distance of about 1 inch to about 18 inches so that the deflector 330 does not interfere with swimmers.
As with the prior embodiment, preferably the first weir 170 is immobilized by a weir fastener 250 or the first weir 170 is removed in the second system 300. Preferably, the deflector 330 does not move within the pool 110 other than to slightly deform in response to pressure applied to the deflector 330. Preferably, the deflector 330 is comprised of rubber. Preferably, the side opening 320 spans substantially the entire height 335 of the deflector 300, as shown in FIGS. 11-15, and at least above the skimmer opening 135. Preferably, the deflector 330 includes fastener apertures 310 located on flat portions 316 on opposite sides (i.e., the left and right sides) of the deflector 330 and the second system 300 further includes fasteners 315 for attaching the deflector 330 directly or indirectly to the sidewall 120. Preferably, the flat portions 316 have a width 317 at least equal to the thickness 148 of the faceplate 145. For example, the flat portions may have a width 317 of at least 0.5 inches and preferably 1-5 inches so the flat portions 316 lay flat on skimmer faceplate 145. Preferably, the deflector 330 includes a solid, water impermeable floor 340, which abuts the sidewall 120 below the skimmer opening 135, and a top opening 350 so that water flows through only the side or top openings 320 and 350—and not from the floor 340. Preferably, the deflector 330 includes a curved portion 360 that extends outward from the sidewall 120. Preferably, the deflector 330 has a height of at least 8 inches (e.g., about 8 inches to about 20 inches).
Optionally, the deflector 330 includes a left flap 370 and a right flap 380 and the side opening 320 is located between the left and right flaps 370 and 380, as shown in FIG. 15.
It will be appreciated the second system 300, like the first system 200 increases the range of a pool skimmer 100 and preferably does not block all water from entering the skimmer opening 135, unlike U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,515 to Davies. Rather, the deflector 330 feeds water to the skimmer opening 135.
However, unlike the first system 200, which feeds only the top, debris-containing layer to skimmer opening 135, the second system 300 is less selective and generally feeds any water that is able to enter through the side and top openings 320 and 3650 to the skimmer opening 136.
Optionally, the second system 300 is provided as a kit.
The second system 300 may be installed by any suitable process. Optionally, the process includes:
a) removing skimmer the faceplate fasteners 146;
b) positioning the flat portions 316 so they abut the faceplate 145 and the faceplate fastener apertures 147 are aligned with the deflector fastener apertures 310; and
c) inserting the deflector fasteners 315 through the faceplate fastener apertures 147 and the deflector fastener apertures 310 so that deflector 330 is secured to the faceplate 145 and sidewall 120.
Steps a) through c) may be performed in any suitable order, including simultaneously. Preferably, the deflector fasteners 315 are slightly longer than the fasteners 146 that are conventionally used to attach the faceplate 145 to the pool sidewall 120, given that the deflector fasteners 315 must pass through an additional material, namely the deflector 330. The process may include additional steps, such as removing the first weir 170 or providing a weir fastener 250 and immobilizing the first weir 170 with said weir fastener 250.
Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined and limited solely by the following claims.

Claims

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)