Abstract: A removable retainer has a plurality of lugs projecting outwardly from its surface for cooperating with a like number of lugs projecting inwardly from the inner surface of a body. The lower surface of the retainer lugs and the tipper surface of the body lugs have non-planar surfaces which cam off of each other when the retainer is inserted into the body. The shock force from a weighted nozzle stem is transmitted through the lug system to the body and a surrounding pipe.

Abstract: A pumping system of a pool (10) pumps water through a pool cleaner (20) and hose (26) connected to a weir (18). Flow through the cleaner (20) is cyclically interrupted to repeatedly reciprocate the hose (26). A device (30) anchored to the weir (18) is coupled to the hose (26) via clip (38). The reciprocal motion of the hose (26) is transmitted to the device (30) where it is transduced to a swinging motion (42) via a lever (40) attached to the hose (26) via clip (36), whereby the hose (26) is moved cyclically in attitude and position to promote random motion of the cleaner (20) and to render the cleaner (20) less likely to get stuck.

Abstract: An anti-vacuum drain cover is defined by a centrally supported grating together with at least one outwardly extending tributary tube. When the grating is obstructed, the fluid may still be suctioned through at least one tributary tube preventing the formation of vacuum conditions within the main drain. The outboard end of the tributary tube may be fashioned in an irregular pattern to preclude deliberate blockage with one's hand. The grating may further incorporate an anti-hair entanglement design, such as self shedding cantilever elements, which provide anti-hair snare properties. The tributary tubes may be straight or curved with sufficient length to minimize hair entanglement through the tributary tubes. The outboard ends of the tributary tubes may also be located sufficiently far from the grating to eliminate the possibility of simultaneously blocking all suction sites with a single body.

Abstract: A skimmer screen for a swimming pool for preventing the circulating system of the swimming pool from being clogged due to debris and objects. The skimmer screen for a swimming pool includes a mounting bracket which is adapted to securely mount to a side wall of a swimming pool above a skimmer outlet port to the skimmer system; and also includes a supporting frame having an upper portion with a first opening therethrough and having a lower portion with a second opening therethrough and also having a pair of flange members each having a plurality of screen-mounting members securely disposed thereon; and further includes a screen member which is laterally curved and has a plurality of holes spaced along a perimeter of either side of the screen member with the holes being adapted to removably receive the screen-mounting members.

Abstract: A floating skimmer is provided for use with a pool cleaner of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source, such as by connecting the pool cleaner via a vacuum hose or the like to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment, wherein the floating skimmer is coupled along the vacuum hose and functions to collect debris picked up by the pool cleaner as well as floating debris such as leaves and the like on the pool water surface. The floating skimmer comprises a buoyant housing having a perforated collection basket therein defining a primary debris collection chamber adapted for in-line connection along the vacuum hose to capture debris entrained with water drawn from the suction-powered pool cleaner to the filtration system.

Abstract: A swimming pool aerator is designed with a base member secured to the end of a water return pipe above the water surface in the side of a pool or water feature basin. The base member carries a retractable spray nozzle, which normally is biased to retract into the wall of the pool through the base member. When water is applied to the supply line under pressure, an aerator nozzle is moved from a rest position to an extended position against the action of a biasing spring to spray water into the pool. When the pressure or supply is turned off, the aerator nozzle is retracted back into the base portion by the biasing spring to a position safely out of the way of swimmers or users of the pool.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning device powered by pressurized water running into the pool from an outlet jet port connected to the pool pump. The device has two hose sections, the first being approximately one foot is screwed into the outlet jet port. Attached to an opposite end is a swivel connector which is connected to a second hose that is approximately as long as the pool itself. The second hose has floats positioned along the exterior and wear rings for protecting the hose from wear and tear effects from using the apparatus. Attached to the second hose is a cleaning head having angled through-hole exit ports, which when water is flowing through the hoses causes the head and second hose to rotate relative to the first hose. Second and third versions include using brush sleeves over hose or rings and the cleaning head. A cage having a chlorine table can be located in the head.

Abstract: An invention utilizing a conveyor belt to remove debris from a swimming pool filtration system skimmer and deposit it into a waste receptacle. The lower end of the conveyor belt is inserted into the skimmer below the level of the water. As the conveyor belt is rotated, it removes debris from the skimmer to a point outside the skimmer where the conveyor belt deposits it into a receptacle.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning system includes a pump, a first tube coupling a suction port of the pump in fluid communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning device which draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the pool, and a skimming device including an entrainment nozzle. The entrainment nozzle is coupled by a second tube to a coupling device which diverts a small portion of pool return water pumped from an outlet port of the pump. Most of the pool return water is pumped into a rotary distribution valve, various outlets of which are connected to various pool cleaning heads embedded in an inner surface of the pool. A vacuum canister having a removable cover to allow access to a removable debris trap disposed in the vacuum canister between an inlet and an outlet thereof is coupled between a suction inlet of the pump and the main drain or mobile cleaning device.

Abstract: Debris vacuum device including a suction bulb. In a first embodiment the suction bulb includes a hollow tube with an inlet check valve located at one end and an exhaust check valve located at the opposing end. A screen is provided to extend across the interior of the tube intermediate the ends. By squeezing the walls of the tube, water can be forced out the exhaust check valve with the inlet check valve closed. Then as the flexible walls expand to their original shape, water and debris are drawn into the tube to the inlet check valve while the outlet check valve is closed. In a second embodiment, a bulb having a single opening into the interior is used. An inlet tube for drawing debris and water has one end inserted into the interior of the bulb. The bulb opening is also connected to an exhaust port to allow water to be forced out of the interior of the bulb. An inlet check valve is placed across the inlet tube and an exhaust check valve is placed across the exhaust port.

Abstract: An adaptor for a pool vacuum hose, which fits over a suction opening in the skimmer well of a swimming pool. The adaptor creates a watertight seal against walls of a skimmer well and has a port that extends upward from a base such that a typical pool vacuum can be connected to the adaptor. The adaptor thus allows for easy connection to a vacuum hose and prevents large particles and debris from reaching the filter. When use of the vacuum is complete, an outer housing is rotated, breaching the watertight seal, and allowing easy removal of the adaptor. The adaptor is readily usable with typical swimming pool skimmer wells.

Abstract: A system and method are set forth for decreasing the levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in a swimming pool and for conserving water. An amount of water is drawn from the swimming pool water circulating system and delivered to a demand such as irrigation or used to supplement the potable water system. If evaporative coolers are present, their waste water discharge can likewise be conserved and used to fill a demand such as irrigation.

Abstract: A pool apparatus that simultaneously removes debris from the water and kills bacteria in a portion of the water passing through the pool apparatus with the pool apparatus having an intake head for drawing water and debris from a first region of the pool and directing the water and debris to a housing having a restrictor therein for directing a portion of the water through a bacteria killing material and the remaining portion with the debris therein to a collector where the debris is collected and the water is returned to the pool.

Abstract: A skimmer assembly is used in a swimming pool having a water surface, a return inlet and a wall. The skimmer assembly includes an elongate container defining a channel therein. The container has a first side opposing a second side. The first side defines a substantially horizontally oriented, elongate cutout therein. The cutout is in communication with the channel and is configured for communication with the water surface. The cutout has an upper edge and a lower edge. The container has a substantially open first longitudinal end and a substantially closed second longitudinal end with a nozzle disposed therethrough. The nozzle is aligned substantially parallel with the channel and has an opposing inlet and outlet. The outlet of the nozzle tapers toward and is in communication with the channel. A porous trap having an open mouth is connected to the open first end of the container. An elongate hose is disposed outside the container and is connected with the inlet of the nozzle.

Abstract: A passive pool skimmer has a T-shaped buoyant stabilizer end and a flexible strap which provides a readily displaceable structure that removes debris from the surface of a pool. The pool skimmer includes a rectangular frame having a net attached thereto in the configuration of a rectangular pouch. At one end of the frame, two floats are attached to the ends of a T-shaped structure. The floats rest against the side of the pool and, in combination with a float at the opposite end of the frame, provides sufficient buoyancy to substantially center the opening of the frame at the water level. A flexible strap with a quick disconnect is attached to the skimmer and allows relative motion of the pool skimmer.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical cleaning tip installed in the free end of a whip hose assembly dislodges algae and particulate matter adhered pool surfaces and causes the hose to move along the bottom surface of a water filled pool in a sinuous whipping action to agitate the water and keep suspended particulate matter in suspension. The cleaning tip has a cylindrical side wall defining a central chamber, a tubular water inlet extending from a bottom end secured in the hose free end, a central orifice extending through a top end, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced orifices extending through the side wall. The central orifice discharges a pressurized jet stream of water axially from the cleaning tip in the direction of water flowing through the hose to create a reactant force causing the hose to move along the bottom surface of the pool in a sinuous whipping action to agitate the water and keep suspended particulate matter in suspension.

Abstract: A turbo return fitting for placement in a swimming pool including a side wall, a bottom wall, a return port having an internal thread extending from the side wall, a skimmer port positioned on a side of the side wall of the swimming pool opposite the return port and a gutter extending around a top of the side wall. The turbo return fitting includes an adjustable tubular body including a first end having an external thread spiraling therearound for mating with the internal thread in the return port and a second end having an external thread spiraling therearound. An adjustable spray nozzle including a spray template having perforations for controlling a flow pattern and pressure of water flowing therethrough is connected to the adjustable tubular body.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for cleaning swimming pools or other vessels are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include an automatic swimming pool cleaner adapted not only to filter debris from water mechanically, but to dispense water sanitizing chemicals as well. Fluid drawn into the cleaner in operation contacts or otherwise passes through media containing the chemicals, purifying the fluid at least partially within the cleaner itself.

Abstract: A main drain system for use in a swimming pool installation including a swimming pool and a recirculating system. The recirculating system includes a skimmer device coupled to a pump and a filter assembly for recirculating the water in the swimming pool. The main drain system includes a vacuum module mounted adjacent the swimming pool, a conduit coupling the vacuum module to the pump, and a conduit coupling the vacuum module to the main drain.

Abstract: A deflector for use in a pool having a skimmer inlet and a recirculating means to set up a peripheral flow of pool water, the deflector comprising an elongated member of a closed cell foam material, a sleeve sized to extend about at least a portion of the elongated member, the sleeve having a generally C shaped body portion and a deflector blade portion extending from an axial marginal edge of the C shaped body portion, a cord for securing the elongated member to the pool adjacent the skimmer outlet so that the elongated member extends outwardly into the pool, the cord maintaining the elongated member an the deflector blade in a position such that the deflector blade extends downwardly into the pool water with a distal end of the deflectlor extending forwardly in a direction of the peripheral flow of the pool water. The arrangement minimizes any currents and subsequent collection of debris rearwardly of the deflector.

Abstract: A system for sweeping a surface of a body of water includes a sweep, water supply lines and a controller. The sweep has a basket that is interposed between two lateral floats. There is also a float located rearwardly of the basket. The floats are coupled to the basket by way of a housing or frame. The water supply lines extend through the housing, down through the lateral floats and out to rearwardly facing nozzles. The water supply lines extend out a rear end of the housing to the controller. The controller is connected to a source of pressurized water. The controller has two valves, one valve for each water supply line. By alternately opening and closing the individual valves, the flow of pressurized water to the individual nozzles can be controlled, thereby steering the sweep as it is propelled along the surface of the pool. In another embodiment, the sweep can be automatically propelled, wherein a backup valve is provided.

Abstract: An improved filtration system for swimming pools and the like is disclosed, in which none of the water passing through the filter passes through the recirculating pump for the swimming pool. This is accomplished by connecting the water inlet of the filter directly with the floor drain and surface skimmer. The outlet from the filter is interconnected with an entrainment nozzle supplied with water under pressure from the recirculating pump for the pool. The pump withdraws water directly from the pool, and supplies that water under pressure to the entrainment nozzle, which then draws water through the filter from the outlet to mix such filtered water with the water supplied by the pump to the entrainment nozzle for return to a return outlet in the pool. As a consequence, water flowing through the filter is drawn through it by means of suction, rather than by supplying the water under pressure.

Abstract: A device for use in a generally round or oval swimming pool or like body of water wherein a generally circular flow of water proximate the periphery of the pool occurs, the device comprising a preferably floatable skimming device having a water inlet and a water outlet with filter means between the inlet and outlet such that the flow of water tends to pass through the filter means, and means for securing the device to a fixed point to allow the water inlet to be situated such that the circular flow of water enters the inlet.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the interior pump and piping system of a whirlpool spa is disclosed. The device comprises a compartmentalized tank having an intake chamber and an outlet chamber. The outlet chamber is placed into fluid communication with the spa's suction intake fitting. The intake chamber is placed into fluid communication with the spa's jet openings. Cleaning fluid is introduced into the outlet chamber and cycles from the outlet chamber, through the spa's pumps and pipes, through the spa's jet openings, into the intake chamber, and back into the outlet chamber, which is in fluid communication with the intake chamber. From there, the fluid begins the cycle again. A pair of cooperating valve assemblies block fluid communication between the intake chamber and the outlet chamber and force the cleaning fluid out of the device upon the completion of the cleaning operation.

Abstract: The method of cleaning porous ceramic filters with a backwashing apparatus comprising an accelerating circulation path and a unit for mixing accelerated water with high-pressure air can be implemented with compact equipment to achieve efficient cleaning. The pool water purifying apparatus and system that adopt this method of cleaning porous ceramic filters comprise a filtering means that uses the ceramic filters, a disinfecting means and an adsorbing means and, optionally, an ultrafiltration means as an additional filtering means, and are capable of removing not only bacteria but also viruses so that the water purified by this apparatus and system may be as clean as potable water. Such an extremely high efficiency of water purification achieved by the apparatus and system can be maintained over a prolonged period since both the filtering and adsorption means can be cleaned by backwashing.

Abstract: A debris collecting device for a swimming pool skimmer includes a floating elongated dam insertable in a dam holder. The dam holder is inserted into the skimmer's cavity of a swimming pool, having a through-the-wall skimmer opening, for a filter pump. The location of the floating dam increases the efficiency of the pool pump skimming function, by catching and directing floating debris on the pool's surface in its reach thru the skimmer's opening, into the filter pump, therefore cutting running time of the pump, saving energy and cost for pool owners. The holder itself is adjustable for most sizes of through-the-wall skimmer/filter inlet cavities. A readily available broomstick screwed into holder acts as the floating dam, reaching into the pool at a slight angle projecting toward the flow of water. An optional directional water return outlet is provided, to increase the effect of the floating dam.

Abstract: A regulating control valve used with automatic pool cleaners in swimming pools is disclosed. A cap serves as a closure for the opening in a relief chamber and has a relief port therethrough. On the underside of the cap and surrounding the port there is a hollow boss which serves as a valve seating against which a relief valve within the chamber seals. There is a bleed opening between the cap and the relief valve which is permanently connected to the main water passage. The bleed passage is formed either by an eccentric enlargement to the port or by a cut out in the boss.

Abstract: A pool cleaner and method for removing debris from the surface of a pool. The pool cleaner comprises a body having an open first end, open body sides, and a filtration second end, the body being generally hollow to form a conduit for water and having a water supply member which may be operably connected to a source of pressurized water. The body is supported by support means so that the body does not substantially interfere with the circulation of water through the open first end, the open body sides, or the filtration second end. A filter net is attached to the filtration second end of the body and one or more water jets are operably connected to the body for propelling water substantially toward the filter net to direct debris into the filter net.

Abstract: A light weight apparatus for introducing a gas or liquid from a supply source into an open-topped liquid treatment tank includes an elongated support rail mounted in the tank, and a fluid delivery pipe assembly having at least one nozzle at the bottom end thereof, and a union at the top end thereof for connecting the pipe assembly with the fluid supply source. The pipe assembly is supported on the rail by spacers when the assembly is in a lowered position in which the at least one nozzle is disposed within the tank and the top end of the pipe assembly is aligned with the union. The spacers allow the pipe assembly to be axially translated along the rail, when the pipe assembly is disconnected from the supply source, between the lowered position and a raised position in which the at least one nozzle is removed from the tank for cleaning or repair.

Abstract: An enlarged pool skimmer with a buoyancy component including a frame. The frame is formed of an upper horizontal tube in an inverted U-shaped configuration with downwardly extending ends and a lower angled tube in a U-shaped configuration with upwardly extending ends and with vertically extending brackets coupling the ends of the tubes at an outboard side and an inboard side. The brackets are formed with longitudinal slots extending vertically over the majority of the central extent of the brackets. A cylindrical pipe is positionable in a horizontal orientation with supports at the opposite ends thereof for adjustably coupling the ends of the pipe to the slots of the brackets. Also included are bolts and associated nuts which extend through the brackets at the ends of the pipe to allow for vertical adjustment of the pipe with respect to the frame. A fine mesh screen is formed of a plastic material covering the space between the upper tube, the lower tube and the side brackets.

Abstract: A pool skimmer apparatus used with a water filtration and recirculation system includes an outlet nozzle assembly and a scoop assembly. The outlet nozzle assembly is mounted to an inlet in the sidewall of a pool of water and operable for directing a flow of the water and debris floating on the surface of the water along an endless annular path extending substantially tangentially along the sidewall and the periphery of the pool of water. The scoop assembly is mounted to the outlet in the sidewall of the pool to project outwardly from the sidewall for intercepting and deflecting at least a portion of the water and debris carried by the water from the endless annular path of flow and into the outlet of the pool to thereby assist in skimming off portions of the debris floating on the surface of the pool of water.

Abstract: A closure device covers the inlet portal of a swimming pool weir. The closure device has a main opening that is controlled by a weir flap and a secondary opening to accommodate flexible piping leading to a pool cleaner, whereby water can be drawn into the weir simultaneously both through the flexible piping and the main opening. The weir flap has an elongated slot just below the upper edge.

Abstract: A deflecting device attachable to a pool edge for guiding surface debris into a pool skimmer. The device includes a clamp adjustably attachable to the pool edge by a pair of thumb screws. A pair of guide rods extend vertically from the clamp and are operable to movably support a floating deflector proximate the pool skimmer to guide surface debris thereinto. The guide rods allow the deflector to travel in a vertical direction to accommodate various fluctuations in surface water level. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a deflector formed of a plurality of portions pivotally coupled together such that an impact by a swimmer will uncouple such portions to preclude injury.

Abstract: A water treatment pill is disclosed having a cylindrical periphery and disklike end faces and comprising material that in use is eroded to treat the water. The cylindrical periphery of the pill is covered with a cover of water impermeable material to prevent water coming into contact with the periphery of the pill. A passage is provided between the sleeve and the periphery of the pill and running from one end face to the other. This passage may be formed in the periphery of the pill or in the sleeve. One end face of the pill is closed off by a closure member. Thus with the axis of the periphery vertical and the closure member on the upper face of the pill, any gases which may accumulate below one end face of the pill can escape along the groove to the other end face.

Abstract: A self-cleaning system and method for a whirlpool includes a whirlpool basin having inner and outer surfaces, a drain, closable nozzles for introducing a water/air mixture into the basin, a water circuit, an air circuit, and a one-way valve that couples the water circuit and the air circuit. Hot and/or cold water sources are connected to the air circuit for introducing water into the basin via the air circuit, the one-way valve, the water circuit, and the opened nozzles. A detergent dispensing unit is also connected to the air circuit for use during a self-cleaning mode. In a whirlpool mode, hot and/or cold water is introduced into the basin by water flow through the air circuit, the one-way valve, and the water circuit. Water is withdrawn from the basin through an inlet into the water circuit, mixed with air provided from the air circuit, and reintroduced into the basin under pump-supplied pressure as a water/air mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for first cleaning and thereafter rinsing a bathtub (10) by a cleaning liquid (60) and a rinsing liquid (61). Once the cleaning liquid has reached a predetermined level, the liquid is recycled via a suction extraction device (70) and is returned to the bath via a supply mechanism (11) disposed along the upper edge of the bathtub. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid is run off via a bottom outlet (13). The rinsing liquid (61) is supplied to the bath and recycled thereto via the suction extraction device (70) and the supply mechanism (11). A pump (40) is disposed to supply or discharge, via a conduit (23, 24), liquid from the bathtub. At least one (23) of the conduits is connected to the supply mechanism (11), and in addition control and regulation devices (50) are provided for starting and stopping the pump (40) and for adjusting the valve devices (41, 42, 43) to closed or opened positions for the supply of cleaning liquid or rinsing liquid to the bathtub.

Abstract: A tool for remotely manipulating an auxiliary cuff provided on the end of a flexible vacuum hose of a portable pool cleaner residing on the floor of a swimming pool. The tool comprises an elongated handle having its lower end pivotally held on the auxiliary cuff so that it lies against the flexible vacuum hose when in a storage position. By rotating the elongated handle so that it extends forwardly of the auxiliary cuff, the operator can insert the end of the handle into the inlet of the skimmer so that it extends out of the top opening thereof. Then, by holding the upper end of the handle the operator can remotely direct and insert the auxiliary cuff down into the suction outlet of the skimmer. The operator can then remotely remove the auxiliary cuff from the suction outlet by reversing the procedure.

Abstract: A filter unit capable of receiving a cartridge-type filter element is provided for use in-line with a suction-type pool cleaning device. The unit has an elongated housing with intake and outlet ports at opposite ends. The intake port may be connected via a hose to a pool cleaning device and the outlet port to a suction port in the pool circulation system. The unit can use a filter cartridge with an element that offers a filtration coarseness somewhere between that of the system filter and a strainer element. The housing may be adapted to receive a strainer basket in place of the filter cartridge and thus serve as a conventional leaf-trap.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for enhancing the surface cleaning of a swimming pool having a skimmer inlet in a wall of the pool and the pool having peripheral water movement generally along the wall. A first rigid plate, having an upper and lower edge and inner and outer ends is supported by a support generally vertically adjacent the skimmer inlet such that an upper edge of the first plate is above water level, the inner end of the first plate extends generally vertically downward intermediate the sides of the skimmer inlet and the plate extends inwardly at an angle with the pool wall in a direction opposite the direction of water movement. The lower edge of at least the inner end of the first plate is substantially adjacent the bottom edge of the skimmer inlet.

Abstract: A tool comprising an elongated handle on the upper end of a driver member for remotely changing the rotational setting of a diverter valve mounted in the suction outlet of a skimmer for a swimming pool. The diverter valve is provided with an adapter ring having a protrusion on the top surface thereof. The driver member comprises a skirt with an upper hub portion. The skirt is provided with a slot on the bottom edge thereof and openings on the sidewall thereof. The hub portion has the elongated handle extending upwardly therefrom and an axial projection extending downwardly therefrom. While the circulating pump for the pool is running, the axial projection enables the skirt to be readily positioned and seated over the upper end portion of the diverter valve and the openings on the sidewall of the skirt enable the driver member to be removed from the diverter valve by permitting water in the skimmer to flow into the suction outlet thereof to break the suction.

Abstract: A water driven cleaning apparatus for use in spas, hot tubs and like open-topped enclosures suitable for bathing and having a pressurized water system. This fast, efficient, easy-to-use cleaning system extends the pressurized water system to create vacuum pressure used to remove sand, gravel, leaves, needles and other unwanted foreign matter collected in the vessel. An in-line filter traps these particles and permits removal before they enter the primary filtration system. This apparatus can be used by the bather from inside or outside the vessel. The vessel may be located indoors or outdoors. The apparatus operates without modifying the spa, hot tub or like open-topped enclosure.

Abstract: A pool skimming device is stably secured to the peripheral structure of a pool so that the hoop and net are situated in the path of the water surface current caused by the water input of a pool's circulation system.

Abstract: An apparatus including valving structure to direct in a circular swimming pool a first conduit to effect a circular stream within the swimming pool, with a second conduit directed to a basket, and the second conduit having a nozzle directing fluid flow into the basket in association with the first conduit to direct debris from the swimming pool into the basket structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device used in conjunction with a swimming pool, especially an aboveground pool for skimming debris floating on the surface of the water, catching the debris in a pocket formed in a net made of a mesh material, and then removing the debris from the pool. A pole is detachably mounted to the side of the pool, and extends inwardly toward the center of the pool. The mesh net is disposed over the pole and depends downwardly below the surface of the water. The end of the net distant from the pole receives a rod which weighs the net down and keeps it below the water level. The lower portion of the net is then folded upward to some distance below the water level and the two vertical edges of the net are then sealed together thereby forming a pocket for catching the debris.

Abstract: A portable swimming pool skimmer with a movable friction fit adjustable support holder. The friction fit support permits the skimmer to be adjusted up or down by sliding in a friction tube. The skimmer has a debris director to direct debris from along the pool side into the skimmer opening. The portable skimmer is used to save water by periodically adjusting the level of the skimmer by sliding along the holder so that the water level in the swimming pool remains in the skimmer opening so water can readily flow into the skimmer housing.

Abstract: A debris trap and in-pool skimmer for use in combination with a swimming pool cleaner having a housing; a housing lid having a conduit with an inlet and an outlet; a filter suspended within the housing; a downspout normal to and intersecting the conduit that penetrates the lid and the filter, is in fluid communication with the inlet and prevents direct flow between the inlet and the outlet; an exit port in the outlet that opens within the housing; and a one-way relief valve in the housing that opens within the filter.

Abstract: A floatable stationary pool cleaner and method in cooperation with a pool recirculation system for removing circulating debris from the surface of a pool. The pool cleaner has a body having a generally scoop-shaped configuration. The body is generally hollow to form a conduit for water and the body has an open first end and a second end. A filter net is attachable to and cooperates with the second end for entrapping debris directed thereto. The filter net cooperates with the second end such that a portion of the filter net end is located slightly above the surface and a remainder of the filter net is located below the surface. Jets are provided which are connected to the hollow for propelling water away from the body in a direction to extend the scoop-shaped configuration of the body to increase the entrapment of debris and to propel water toward the second end to direct debris into the filter net.

Abstract: A swimming pool pop-up fitting having a pop-up head responsive to the intermittent application of water under pressure to reciprocate between retracted and projected positions for directing a jet of water over the adjacent inner surface of a swimming pool from a nozzle in the head.The pop-up fitting includes a fixed retainer having cams that are engageable by camming pins carried by the nozzle head to incrementally rotate the head during its movement between retracted and projected positions. The pins can be removed and the head constrained against rotation to convert the head from a rotary head to a pop-up head which is rotationally stationary or fixed.The pop-up head includes a stem which mounts the nozzle. The nozzle has diametrically opposed nozzle openings which are selectively alignable with an opening in the stem.

Abstract: A spa or bath is disclosed having a molded shell with a filter cavity molded therein, the cavity being proportioned and arranged to receive a filter, and the cavity further being open inwardly and upwardly of the shell, thereby simplifying removal and insertion of the filter.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed having a pleated filter element, hollow perforated core, a lower annular end cap sealed to the bottom ends of the core and filter element and an upper circular end cap sealed to the top ends of the filter element and core. A hollow threaded nipple open at both ends extends coaxially downwardly from the annular end cap, the hollow interior of the nipple being continuous with the hollow interior of the core. A handle extends upwardly from the circular end cap.