Pool Skimmer Assembly

Abstract

A pool skimmer assembly able to be fluidly connected to a pool pump, the pool skimmer assembly including: a first vacuum plate having a first opening through which pool water is able to be sucked from below the vacuum plate when the pool pump operates in suction; and a first valve member which is connected relative to the vacuum plate, the valve member being displaceable between a closed position in which the valve member closes off the first opening and an open position in which the valve member is spaced from the first opening.

1 . A pool skimmer assembly able to be fluidly connected to a pool pump, the pool skimmer assembly including:
 a first vacuum plate having a first opening through which pool water is able to be sucked from below the vacuum plate when the pool pump operates in suction; and   a first valve member which is connected relative to the vacuum plate, the valve member being displaceable between a closed position in which the valve member closes off the first opening and an open position in which the valve member is spaced from the first opening.   
     
     
         2 . The pool skimmer assembly of  claim 1  wherein the valve member is pivotally connected to the vacuum plate. 
     
     
         3 . The pool skimmer assembly of  claim 1  or  claim 2  including a cooperating cam and follower, one of the cam or follower forming part of the vacuum plate and the other forming part of the valve member, the cam configured to alternate the valve member between the closed position and the open position. 
     
     
         4 . The pool skimmer assembly of  claim 3  wherein the follower is resiliently displaceable relative to the cam. 
     
     
         5 . The pool skimmer assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vacuum plate includes a hose suction opening through which pool water may be sucked when the valve member is in the closed position. 
     
     
         6 . The pool skimmer assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve member is positively buoyant. 
     
     
         7 . The pool skimmer assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve member preferably includes a float. 
     
     
         8 . The pool skimmer assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the pool skimmer assembly includes a vacuum release valve in the vacuum plate. 
     
     
         9 . The pool skimmer assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the pool skimmer assembly includes two or more vacuum release valves, wherein the vacuum release valves are adapted to each be triggered at a different suction pressure. 
     
     
         10 . The pool skimmer assembly of any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve member is preferably in the form of a first flap. 
     
     
         11 . The pool skimmer assembly of any one of the preceding claims including a second vacuum plate having a second opening through which pool water is able to be sucked and a second valve member which is connected relative to the second vacuum plate, the second valve member being displaceable between a closed position in which the valve member closes off the second opening and an open position in which the valve member is spaced from the second opening, wherein the second vacuum plate and second valve member are located below the first vacuum plate and first valve member. 
     
     
         12 . A pool weir system having at least two weir members locatable in a skimmer throat, a first weir member having a passage there through for fluidly connecting a suction hose to a pool skimmer assembly and the other weir member being pivotal with respect to the first weir member. 
     
     
         13 . The pool weir system of  claim 12  wherein the first weir member includes a cover for closing off the passage when a suction hose is not connected to the passage. 
     
     
         14 . The pool weir system of  claim 12  or  13  wherein the first weir member is fixed in the centre of the throat. 
     
     
         15 . The pool weir system of claim of any one of  claims 12  to  14  wherein the pool weir system comprises the first weir member in the centre of the throat and two side weir members in the form of weir doors on either side of the first weir member. 
     
     
         16 . A method of operating a skimmer assembly, the method including the steps of:
 applying suction below a vacuum plate to move a valve member to a closed position to close an opening located within the vacuum plate;   removing the suction below a vacuum plate to enable the valve member to move to a first float position; and
 applying suction below a vacuum plate to move a valve member to an open position in which the valve member is spiced from the an opening located within the vacuum plate.