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

A skimmer basket with weighted handle having a novel locking mechanism is disclosed. The body of the skimmer basket may comprise a plurality of openings. The apparatus may comprise a cylindrically shaped weighted handle having a top side and a bottom side wherein the top side is fixed with a handle. Further, a base cap may be fixed to the bottom side of the weighted handle, wherein the bottom side of the base cap has a rectangular notch. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a base adaptor having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the top side of the base adaptor comprises of a T-shaped bar that locks into the rectangular notch provided on the bottom side of the base cap, and wherein the bottom side of the base cap is fastened to the base portion of the skimmer basket using one or more fasteners.

A first valve of a manifold for a fluid distribution system may regulate a fluid flow to a first fluid handling device (“FHD”). A second valve of the manifold may communicate with a second FHD, a reservoir, or a recirculation line. A target flow condition for the manifold may be determined by a manifold control system (“MCS”) based on a device setting received for the first FHD. The MCS may determine a fluid distribution system operation for obtaining the target flow condition based on the target flow condition, a flowrate of the fluid flow, and an operational state of a supply device. The operation may include the MCS controlling at least one of the supply device, the first valve, and the second valve to change the flowrate. The MCS may continuously operate at least one manifold valve to maintain the target flow condition once exhibited by the manifold.

A system and method for controlling operations of a fluid distribution may include a first manifold receiving a next mode of operation for the fluid distribution system. The first manifold may calculate first and second flow requirements for the first and second manifolds that may respectively include a first and second total flowrates from the first and second manifolds. The first manifold may determine required operation states for valves of the first manifold and the second manifold for the next mode based on the first and second flow requirements. The first manifold may be controllably operated to cause the second manifold and a supply device of the fluid distribution system to operate in the required operation states and provide first and second flow requirements. The first manifold may direct the second manifold to independently balance individual outlet flowrates of the second manifold while continuing to provide the second flow requirements.

A fluid distribution manifold may receive a first required flow rate for a first flow of fluid that flows to a fluid handling device or a reservoir. A first operation state may be determined for a first valve assembly that regulates the first flow, the manifold may operate the first valve assembly based on the first operation state, and a first position tracker may be incremented based on the first operation. Based on a value of a cycle tracker, the manifold may identify a second valve assembly in an operation cycle and access a second control input that includes a second required flow rate for a second flow of fluid regulated by the second valve assembly. The manifold may cause the second valve assembly to operate based on at least one of a second operation state and a change in the second actual flow rate resulting from the first operation.

A fluid distribution manifold may receive a first required flow rate for a first flow of fluid that flows to a fluid handling device or a reservoir. A first operation state may be determined for a first valve assembly that regulates the first flow, the manifold may operate the first valve assembly based on the first operation state, and a first position tracker may be incremented based on the first operation. Based on a value of a cycle tracker, the manifold may identify a second valve assembly in an operation cycle and access a second control input that includes a second required flow rate for a second flow of fluid regulated by the second valve assembly. The manifold may cause the second valve assembly to operate based on at least one of a second operation state and a change in the second actual flow rate resulting from the first operation.

A drainage device for an above-ground pool, and an above-ground pool including the drainage device are provided. The drainage device includes a drainage pipe, with inlet and outlet ends, and a drainage valve connected to the inlet end of the drainage pipe. The drainage valve includes a water inlet periphery, defining a water inlet in fluid communication with the inlet end of the drainage pipe, and a connecting member disposed circumferentially around the water inlet periphery. The connecting member is radially spaced apart from the water inlet periphery. The connecting member may be formed by injection molding around the water inlet periphery.

A water faucet includes a first pipe, a housing and a first sealing ring. The first pipe includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall and a first sliding portion. The first pipe includes a first accommodate space and an inlet. The housing includes a top wall, a second pipe and a second sliding portion corresponding to the first sliding portion. The second pipe includes a fourth sidewall connected with the top wall to form a second accommodate space and an outlet. When the first sliding portion slides to a first position, the first sealing ring is located between the fourth and the second sidewall to prevent water flowing between the first pipe and the housing. When the first sliding portion slides to a second position, water from the inlet can flow to the outlet via the first accommodate space, the though hole and the second accommodate space.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a user interface associated with the pump designed to receive input instructions from a user, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller determines a power parameter associated with the motor and compares the power parameter to a predetermined threshold value. The controller triggers a safety vacuum release system based on the comparison of the power parameter and the threshold value.

An interface module of a skimmer for a swimming pool or spa includes an adjustable face assembly that rotatably adjusts within an angular range, inward and/or outward with respect to vertical, that includes the expected possible angles of the pool wall, to provide a substantially planar mounting surface that is parallel to the wall of the swimming pool or spa. A waterproof shroud interconnects mounting brackets of the assembly, expanding and contracting as the mounting brackets are rotated relative to each other. The assembly can be integrated with the skimmer during manufacture of the skimmer, or poolside during skimmer installation. The installer positions the assembly approximate a skimmer aperture in the pool wall, actuates the adjustment mechanism of the interface module to select and lock the desired angle, and secures the interface module flush against the angled pool wall, with the throat module and vessel of the skimmer remaining upright.