Method and system for enhanced swimming pool skimming

Abstract

A method and apparatus for skimming the surface of water in a swimming pool by causing water at the upper surface of the swimming pool to migrate along the perimeter of the pool and then directing the migrating water to a skimmer from a region proximate to said skimmer

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for skimming the surface of water in a pool comprising:
 directing water to a skimmer water return from a region proximate to said skimmer water return; and   causing water at its upper surface to migrate along a perimeter of the pool.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein directing water to a skimmer water return comprises:
 providing an obstacle at a level substantially equal to a level of the water's surface, said obstacle encroaching over the surface of the water at an acute angle and oriented in a direction substantially opposite to the migrating water. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein directing water to a skimmer water return comprises:
 providing an obstacle at a level substantially equal to a level of the water's surface wherein said obstacle forming a funnel-like shape at the surface of the water. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein directing water to a skimmer water return comprises:
 providing an obstacle at a level substantially equal to a level of the water's surface wherein said obstacle includes a feature that penetrates through the surface of the water. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein directing water to a skimmer water return comprises:
 providing an obstacle at a level substantially equal to a level of the water's surface wherein said obstacle is attached at a trailing edge of the skimmer water return relative to the direction of the migrating water. 
 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein directing water to a skimmer water return comprises:
 providing an obstacle at a level substantially equal to a level of the water's surface wherein said obstacle dislodges from the skimmer water return when a substantial force is applied to said obstacle. 
 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein providing an obstacle comprises:
 allowing the obstacle to move in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surface of the water in order to follow said surface of the water. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein causing water at its upper surface to migrate along a perimeter of the pool comprises redirecting water from a water inlet toward the water's surface and in a direction substantially along the perimeter of the pool. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein causing water at its upper surface to migrate along a perimeter of the pool comprises:
 removing a water inlet nozzle from an inlet water source; 
 attaching a redirection fitting to the inlet water source; 
 orienting the redirection fitting to direct water from the inlet in a direction including at least one or more of along a perimeter of the pool and/or a level coincident with a surface of water in the pool. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein providing an obstacle comprises: redirecting water from a water inlet toward the water's surface so as to causes a bubbling sound effect at the water's surface. 
     
     
         11 . An system for improving collection of debris by a water skimmer comprising:
 obstacle for attachment to a water skimmer return; and   redirection fitting for redirecting inlet water toward a surface of water and along a perimeter of a pool.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the obstacle is set at an acute angle relative to the water skimmer return. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the obstacle is set at an acute angle relative to the water skimmer return and said acute angle is directed opposite a flow of water flowing along the perimeter of the pool. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the obstacle includes a feature that penetrates the surface of the water. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the obstacle includes a detachable coupler that allows the obstacle to separate from the water skimmer return when said obstacle experience a substantially downward force. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the obstacle is attached to a sliding member that moves up and down substantially in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the water. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the redirection fitting comprises:
 threaded inlet section; 
 redirection section; and 
 threaded outlet section.