Floating skimmer

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. The perforated basket additionally defines a secondary debris collection chamber for capturing floating surface debris drawn over at least one weir, with a flow control valve assembly regulating the weir surface flow to insure that a sufficient flow is drawn through the pool cleaner for proper pool cleaner operation. A water level regulator float responds to the water level within the skimmer housing to variably open and close submerged auxiliary intake ports therein to maintain the water level generally between predetermined maximum and minimum limits. The collection basket is mounted within the buoyant housing for quick and easy removal as needed to dispose of collected debris.