Low pressure automatic swimming pool cleaner

Abstract

A pool cleaner operating with a pool cleaning system which is not equipped with a booster pump. The apparatus may comprise a frame having a forward end and a rearward end with a water inlet mounted on the frame and receiving a supply of water having a volume per unit time. The inlet may comprise a supply mast having a number of openings for supplying water to the various components of the cleaner. The frame is carried on a plurality of transport wheels mounted on the frame. The apparatus further includes a vacuum system including a collection bag positioned on a suction mast having water injection ports positioned such that at least one opening in the water injection port injects water into the collection bag to create suction and draw debris into the bag. A drive system is provided to move the apparatus around the pool. The drive system includes a turbine having a plurality of vanes rotating and mounted in a turbine housing. The turbine housing has a first water input and a second water input each oriented to allow a stream of water passing therethrough to impact an individual vane at the same angle of incidence as the vane passes through the stream. A drive axle couples to the turbine and at least one of the plurality of transport wheels. In a further aspect the drive system may include thruster jets positioned on the mast adjacent to the rearward end of the frame.