Abstract:
The present pool filtering system provides an elongated fine mesh filter with a large surface area; which can be removed and inserted through a standard filter access port found on pool decks. Because the filter assembly length is at least twice the diameter measurement, a large surface area is possible while remaining compact. The filter assembly includes a cylindrical porous filter basket that is completely lined with a filter bag. The filter bag can filter particulate matter as fine as three hundred microns or less. The present filtering system can provide preliminary filtering before water is delivered for further conditioning by secondary filters, heater, or the like. The present filter permits fine filtering without constant clogging or maintenance. When maintenance is required, there is easy access for cleaning and replacement. The elongated weir housing and weir door allows for a greater operating range of pool water level.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Residential and commercial pool filtration systems are known in the art. Typically these systems comprise a skimmer intake with a basket-like trap for retaining large debris such as leaves that flout on the surface of a pool, and a drain intake for pulling water from the bottom of the pool where sediment and other non-floating debris collects. Occasionally, the lines for the skimmer and drain intake merge into a single line which passes through a main pool filter, usually comprising a fine mesh, caked with a filtering media such as diatomaceous earth or cellulose fiber. 
         [0002]    Small particulate debris taken in by the drain, and to a lesser extent having passed through the skimmer and trap, is collected by the filter and filtering media, which must be cleaned periodically. Cleaning the pool filter is a labor intensive, messy and water wasting task as it involves rinsing debris from the filter, possibly backwashing the filter, replacing the filter media and rinsing away the debris removed from the filter. In areas where deciduous trees and shrubs are near a pool, the trap must also be frequently emptied, since due to its small size it quickly fills with leaves. By pre-filtering the water with a fine mesh filter, trapping particles as small as 300 microns, before they reach the main pool filter, the main filter can remain in operation for a much longer period of time, clearing the water of even smaller particles. However, fine mesh filters require a large surface area to operate without requiring frequent maintenance due to clogging. Further, since filter/skimmer access portals are preferably small, such that they are inconspicuous and less of a pool-side trip hazard, large-area fine mesh filters cannot be easily fitted or removed through the small access portal. 
         [0003]    For these reasons, a filtering apparatus is needed, which provides a more robust skimmer trap or filter and an easily accessible drain line filter adjacent the skimmer, both capable of retaining very small particles. There is also a need for large-sized filters which require only minimal space for access and removal on a pool patio. There is also a need for a filter apparatus incorporating a fill water inlet and an overflow line into the apparatus, and which is also adaptable for incorporating ozone or other purification systems into the skimmer and drain lines. Finally, there is a need for a modular filter apparatus allowing a skimmer pre-filter to be installed by itself, or with a drain line pre-filter as desired. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A filtering system for a pool containing water and having a pool wall and an adjacent deck is provided. The improved filtering system permits the removal of fine particulate matter from the pool water, while requiring minimal maintenance, cleaning and water usage. The present filtering system permits the use of a large surface area fine mesh filter that can remove particles that are 300) microns and even smaller. The present filter can easily be inserted or removed from a standard filter port found on most pool decks (cement decks, natural material decks like grass or stone decks, and other deck materials used in industry). Thus, the present filter does not disrupt the appearance or safety of the deck adjacent to the pool. 
         [0005]    The present filtering system has a vertically elongated inlet housing with a drought tolerant water inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the pool through the wall, with the inlet housing having an access opening configured to be accessed through the deck. Further included is a filter chamber in fluid communication with the inlet housing, where the filter chamber has an outlet. Yet further included is an elongated filter assembly configured to be fitted within the filter chamber, the filter assembly has a length and a diameter, where the length is greater than twice the diameter. The filter assembly includes a porous filter basket removably secured within the filter chamber and a filter bag lining the porous filter basket, where the filter basket provides support for the filter bag. The diameter of the elongated filter assembly is sized to fit through the access opening. In operation, the water is drawn into the inlet housing from the pool and is delivered to the filter chamber. Then, the water is drawn through the filter bag and through the porous filter basket. Thereafter, the water is drawn into the outlet and delivered back to the pool. The water may be directly delivered back to the pool or further conditioned through a remote filtering system, a heating system, or the like. 
         [0006]    In an alternative embodiment, the porous filter basket has a cylindrical wall and a domed bottom. The filter bag may have a porosity of three hundred microns or less. Alternatively, the length of the filter assembly may be greater than three times the diameter. Again, alternatively, the length of the filter assembly may be greater than four times the diameter. 
         [0007]    To aid in installation of the filtering system during the construction of the pool the inlet housing may include a locator (a slot, ribs, etc.) for positioning a reinforcement bar and a hole for tying the reinforcement bar to the inlet housing. The filter bag may completely covers an inside surface of the porous filter basket. Alternatively, a weir housing may provide the water inlet to the skimmer inlet housing, where the weir housing has an elongated weir door with a float. 
         [0008]    In an alternate embodiment, a filtering system for a pool containing water and having a pool wall, a drain, and an adjacent deck is provided. The filtering system includes a skimmer filter with an inlet housing that has a water inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the pool through the wall; a porous filter basket removably secured within a filter chamber, and a filter bag completely lining the porous filter basket, where a length of the porous filter basket is greater than twice a diameter of the porous filter basket. The system further includes a pool drain filter with a drain inlet housing that has a drain water inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the pool through the drain; a drain porous filter basket removably secured within a drain filter chamber; and a drain filter bag completely lining the drain porous filter basket, where a second length of the drain porous filter basket is greater than twice a second diameter of the drain porous filter basket. Yet further included is an equalizer line fluidly connecting the skimmer inlet housing with the drain inlet housing. In operation, the water is drawn from the pool and into the skimmer inlet housing through the water inlet and is delivered to the filter chamber. Then, the water is drawn through the filter bag and through the porous filter basket. Thereafter, the water is drawn into the outlet and delivered back to the pool. Yet further, the water is drawn from the pool and into the drain inlet housing through the drain water inlet and is delivered to the drain filter chamber. Then the water is drawn through the drain filter bag and through the drain porous filter basket. Thereafter, the water is drawn into the drain outlet and delivered back to the pool. 
         [0009]    Alternatively, the skimmer inlet housing includes an access opening configured to be accessed through the deck and the drain inlet housing includes a second access opening configured to be accessed through the deck. In this way, the diameter of the porous filter basket is sized to fit through the access opening; and the diameter of the drain porous filter basket is sized to fit through the second access opening. Alternatively, the skimmer filter is structurally connected to the pool drain filter by a stabilizing member. Again alternatively, an ozone bubble plate is configured to introduce ozone into the water through the inlet housing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a cut-away view of a pool filter having a skimmer inlet. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a skimmer inlet housing. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cut-away view of the pool filter having a skimmer inlet and including a drain filter. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a drain filter housing. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5.1  and  5 . 2  are a side view of a filter basket and a side view of a filter basket with a filter bag, respectively. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the pool filter including a two-port adapter for an ozone system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the two-port adapter having an ozone bubble plate. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 8-1  and  8 - 2  are exploded views of the pool filter. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               10 . Filter 
               12 . Skimmer Inlet Housing 
               14 . Skimmer Filter Chamber 
               16 . Primary Opening Flange 
               18 . Primary Lid 
               20 . Weir Door 
               22 . Weir Housing 
               24 . Primary Portal 
               26 . Lock Down Ring 
               28 . Skimmer Filter Basket 
               30 . Filter Bag 
               32 . Primary Outlet 
               34 . Slots 
               36 . Holes 
               38 . Face Frame 
               40 . Overflow Outlet 
               42 . Primary Equalizer Port 
               44 . Drain Inlet Housing 
               46 . Drain Filter Chamber 
               48 . Equalizer Line 
               50 . Secondary Equalizer Port 
               52 . Secondary Opening Flange 
               54 . Secondary Lid 
               56 . Secondary Portal 
               58 . Lock Down Cap 
               60 . Optional Vacuum Port 
               62 . Drain Filter Basket 
               64 . Secondary Outlet 
               66 . Water Fill Inlet 
               68 . Drain Inlet 
               70 . Spacer 
               72 . Spacer Ports 
               74 . Stabilizing Pipes 
               76 . Stabilizer Pipe Fitting 
               78 . Cylindrical Wall 
               80 . Dome Cap 
               82 . Lower Lip 
               84 . Upper Lip 
               86 . Mesh Surface 
               88 . Ribs 
               90 . Pool Inlet Fitting 
               92 . Vertical PVC Pipe 
               94 . Ozone Stone 
               96 . Two Port Ozone Adapter 
               98 . Ozone Bubble Plate 
               100 . Perforations 
               102 . PVC Pipe to House Ozone Tubing 
               104 . Clips 
               106 . Weir Door Cap 
               108 . Primary Threaded Collar 
               110 . Secondary Threaded Collar 
               112 . Primary Bag Collar 
               114 . Secondary Bag Collar 
               116 . Zinc Anode 
               118 . Handle 
           
         
       
     
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0073]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a pool filter  10  has a skimmer inlet housing  12  and a skimmer filter chamber  14 . The skimmer inlet housing  12  has a primary opening flange  16  bearing a primary lid  18 , preferably at the top of the skimmer inlet housing  12 . The skimmer inlet housing  12  also includes a weir door  20 , disposed in a weir housing  22 , which is generally incorporated into and a part of the skimmer inlet housing  12 , and a primary portal  24 , which includes a lock down ring  26 , acting much like a retaining ring. Because the skimmer inlet housing  12  is vertically elongated, along with the weir door  20 , the filter can accommodate a greater span of water levels as evaporation occurs, avoiding the need for refilling the pool frequently. 
         [0074]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the skimmer inlet housing  12  is connected to the elongated skimmer filter chamber  14  by the primary portal  24 . Preferably, the primary portal  24  is below the weir door  20  to prevent air from entering the pool pump lines (not shown) attached to the filter  10 , and is disposed directly below the primary opening flange  16 . The skimmer filter chamber  14  includes an elongated skimmer filter basket  28  and a filter bag  30  (not shown in this view) lining the skimmer filter basket  28 . 
         [0075]    Ideally the primary portal  24  and skimmer filter basket  28  are smaller than the primary opening flange  16  such that with the primary opening flange  16  disposed directly above the primary portal  24 , the skimmer filter basket  28  may be easily removed from the filter  10  for cleaning. At the bottom of the skimmer filter chamber  14 , a primary outlet  32  leads to the pool pump (not shown). In one embodiment the primary outlet  32  is adapted for two inch suction. 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the skimmer inlet housing  12  is shown. To ensure an accurate installation prior to pouring a concrete or similar pool foundation (not shown) the skimmer inlet housing  12  includes slots  34  for rebar (not shown) and holes  36  for wiring the rebar to the skimmer inlet housing  12 . Also shown in  FIG. 2  is the weir housing  22  which is incorporated as a part of the skimmer inlet housing  12 . The weir housing  22  terminates in a face frame  38  which holds the weir door  20  (not shown in this view) in place. The skimmer inlet housing  12  also includes an overflow outlet  40  to prevent pool overflows, and a primary equalizer port  42  for connecting to a drain inlet housing  44  (not shown in this view). 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of the filter  10  having both skimming and drain suction functions is shown. In this embodiment, the filter  10  includes the skimmer inlet housing  12  and skimmer filter chamber  14 , but also includes apparatus for drain filtration, including a drain inlet housing  44 , and a drain filter chamber  46 . Notably, in embodiments where only a skimming function is needed, the primary equalizer port  42  will be capped. In embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, where both skimming and drain suction functions are needed, the primary equalizer port  42  will connect to the drain inlet housing  44  using an equalizer line  48 , discussed below, which connects to a secondary equalizer port  50  on the drain inlet housing  44 . 
         [0078]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the drain inlet housing  44  has a secondary opening flange  52  bearing a secondary lid  54 , preferably at the top of the drain inlet housing  44 . The drain inlet housing  44  also includes a secondary portal  56 , which includes a lock down cap  58 . The lock cap  58  may include an optional vacuum port  60  for easily attaching a pool vacuum hose (not shown). The lock down cap  58  may also be exchanged for the lock down ring  26  for vacuuming through the skimmer inlet housing  12 . 
         [0079]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , like the skimmer inlet housing  12 , the drain inlet housing  44  includes a secondary portal  56  disposed directly below the secondary opening flange  52 . An elongated drain filter chamber  46  includes a drain filter basket  62  lined with a filter bag  30  (not shown in this view). Also, like the skimmer inlet housing  12 , the secondary portal  56  and drain filter basket  62  are smaller than the secondary opening flange  52  such that with the secondary opening flange  52  disposed directly above the secondary portal  56 , the drain filter basket  62  may be easily removed from the filter  10  for cleaning. At the bottom of the drain filter chamber  46 , a secondary outlet  64 , preferably adapted for two-inch suction leads to the pool pump (not shown). 
         [0080]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the drain inlet housing  44  includes a water fill inlet  66 , allowing it to connect to a water source (not shown) for re-filling a pool (not shown) as water evaporates. At the bottom of the drain inlet housing  44 , a drain inlet  68  allows water from a main drain line (not shown) to enter the drain inlet housing  44  and proceed to the drain filter basket  62 . To account for the extra space taken up by the drain inlet  68 , a spacer  70  may be included between the lock down cap  58  and drain filter basket  62 . In one embodiment, the spacer  70  may include spacer ports  72  for closing off the drain inlet  68 . 
         [0081]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , stabilizing pipes  74  are disposed between the skimmer inlet housing  12  and drain inlet housing  44 , and the skimmer filter chamber  14  and drain filter chamber  46 , linking and holding them firmly together. There is no water flow between the stabilizing pipes  74 . The equalizer line  48  which connects the skimmer inlet housing  12  and drain inlet housing  44  also helps anchor them together. The purpose of the equalizer line  48  is to maintain the water level in the drain inlet housing  44 , thereby preventing a loss of prime if the pool drain (not shown) becomes obstructed.  FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the drain inlet housing  44 , including a stabilizer pipe fitting  76 , drain inlet  68  and secondary equalizer port  50 . 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIGS. 5.1  and  5 . 2 , the elongated nature of the filter assembly is shown, with a filter basket  28  lined by a filter bag  30  ( FIG. 5.2 ). The skimmer filter basket  28 , which as mentioned may be identical to the drain filter basket  62  (not shown) for economy, comprises an elongated basket structure to maximize the surface area of the skimmer filter basket  28  and provide for longer filter runs, avoiding the need for frequent filter backwashing or full-scale cleaning. In the illustrated embodiment, the skimmer filter basket  28  includes a cylindrical wall  78  with a dome cap  80 . At the top of the skimmer filter basket  28 , a lower lip  82  and upper lip  84  are disposed for engaging the primary portal  24 , and preventing the skimmer filter basket  28  from being drawn into the skimmer filter chamber  14 . 
         [0083]    The elongated filter assembly has a length dimension L that is substantially greater than the diameter dimension D. The ratio of length L to diameter D should be at least 2:1. The ratio can be increased depending on filtered water flow characteristics and the quantity of particles within the water. For example, for higher flow rates and greater quantities of particulates, the length L can vary from twice the diameter D to five times or greater the diameter D. In the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the length L is greater than three times the diameter D. In this way, maximum filtering area is achieved while the diameter D is sufficiently small to fit through the primary opening flange  16 . 
         [0084]    Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the skimmer filter basket  28  has a mesh surface  86  covering the cylindrical wall  78 , dome cap  80  or bottom, and even extending into an area between the lower lip  82  and upper lip  84 . Since the mesh surface  86  is typically weaker than a solid surface, ribs  88  are incorporated into the skimmer filter basket  28 , running along its length and around its circumference. A filter bag  30 , in one embodiment capable of filtering to 300 microns or less, is adapted to fit inside the skimmer filter basket  28 , and pulled against the mesh surface  86  under suction. Referring specifically to  FIG. 5.1 , the skimmer filter basket  28  ideally also includes a zinc anode  116  for electrolysis to preserve metal filter components, and a handle  118  for easily removing the skimmer filter basket  28  when cleaning is occasionally necessary. 
         [0085]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the filter  10  may also be equipped to incorporate an ozone unit (not shown). In this configuration, a pool inlet fitting  90 , preferably about 1½ inches in diameter, leads to a vertical PVC pipe  92 , also preferably about 1½ inches in diameter. An ozone stone  94  is placed at the bottom of the vertical PVC pipe  92 , and connected to an ozone source (not shown). A customary connection might incorporate ¼ inch flexible tubing. The top of the vertical PVC pipe  92  terminates in a two port ozone adapter  96  incorporated into the bottom of the skimmer inlet housing  12 . 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the two port ozone adapter  96  is shown along with an ozone bubble plate  98 . The bubble plate  98  includes perforations  100  which allow ozone-bearing water and ozone gas to rise through the vertical PVC pipe  92  and enter the skimmer inlet housing  12  where it can mix with and purify water being drawn through the filter  10 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , preferably, a one inch PVC pipe to house ozone tubing  102  also connects to the two port ozone adapter  96 , providing a path for the flexible ozone tubing (not shown) from the skimmer inlet housing  12  back to the ozone unit (not shown). By constructing the one inch PVC pipe to house ozone tubing  102  to be higher than the overflow outlet  40  in the skimmer inlet housing  12 , (Hartford loop) the amount of water in the ozone tubing is minimized. 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an exploded view of a filter  10  is shown. In this view, the components of the weir door  20  are shown. The enlarged weir housing  22  extends from the skimmer inlet housing  12  and is large enough to allow the weir door  20  to swing approximately ninety degrees without obstruction. Clips  104  incorporated into the weir door  20  and weir housing  22  create a hinged connection. To ensure that the weir door  20  remains near the surface of the water, a weir door cap  106  is placed on the weir door  20  with an air-tight seal, thereby creating a float. The face frame  38  covers the weir door  20  to engage the surface of a pool (not shown). 
         [0088]    Still referring to  FIG. 8 , the skimmer filter basket  28  and drain filter basket  62  each nest in a primary threaded collar  108  and secondary threaded collar  110 , respectively. The primary threaded collar  108  engages the lock down ring  26  to anchor the skimmer filter basket  28  in place, and the secondary collar  110  engages the lock down cap  58  to anchor the drain filter basket  62  in position. Also shown are a primary bag collar  112  which is sandwiched between the lock down ring  26  and the upper lip  84  of the skimmer filter basket  28 , and a secondary bag collar  114  sandwiched between the spacer  70  and the upper lip  84  of the drain filter basket  62 . 
       Method of Operation 
       [0089]    In order to use the pool filter  10 , a user will first decide whether only skimming activity is needed or both skimming and draining. While the pool filter  10  is designed modularly, such that skimming-only installations (discussed below) are possible, for purposes of illustration, a complete skimming and drain pool filter is discussed. 
         [0090]    Installation of the pool filter  10  ideally occurs during construction of a swimming pool. After the pool has been designed and excavated, the skimmer inlet housing  12  is placed in the desired position adjacent the side of the pool. To ensure an accurate installation, prior to pouring the pool foundation rebar will be attached to the skimmer inlet housing  12  using the slots  34  and wire wrapped around the rebar and through the holes  36  to hold the skimmer inlet housing  12  in place. 
         [0091]    The weir housing  22  extends from and is incorporated into the skimmer inlet housing  12 . With the skimmer inlet housing  12  in place, the weir housing  22  and its face frame  38  which holds the weir door  20  in place will be disposed at the edge of the pool wall. By masking the face frame  38 , the area around it can be plastered or tiled as desired, once the foundation is poured. 
         [0092]    Prior to pouring the foundation, however, the drain inlet housing  44  will be connected to the skimmer inlet housing  12 . Also, for stability, the drain filter chamber  46  depending from the drain inlet housing  44  will be attached to the skimmer filter chamber  14  which depends from the skimmer inlet housing  44 . Both attachments may be accomplished using the stabilizing pipes  74 . An additional attachment between the skimmer inlet housing  12  and drain inlet housing  44  is the equalizer line  48 , which adds stability, although that is not its primary purpose. 
         [0093]    Additional attachments that may be necessary before pouring the pool foundation include the overflow outlet  40 , if desired, from the skimmer inlet housing  12  to a suitable overflow source, a water source attaching to the water fill inlet  66  to provide a way of refilling the pool out-of-sight, attaching a main drain line coming from the drain at the bottom of the pool to the drain inlet  68 , and most importantly, attaching the primary outlet  32  from the skimmer filter chamber  14  and secondary outlet  64  from the drain filter chamber  46 , both of which lead to the pump which drives debris into the pool filter  10 . 
         [0094]    Other attachments may include connecting the two port ozone adapter  96  and bubble plate  98  to the skimmer inlet housing, and connecting a pool inlet fitting  90  to the vertical PVC pipe  92  for ozonation. An ozone stone  94  is placed in the vertical PVC pipe  92  with a line running through the PVC pipe to house ozone tubing  102  to an ozone source. Ideally, the ozone source may be installed near the pump or in an adjacent out-of-the-way place. 
         [0095]    With all of the attachments in place, the pool foundation poured, and the pool plastered and/or tiled as desired, the pool filter  10  may commence operation. 
         [0096]    When the pump is activated, suction draws water out of the primary outlet  32  and secondary outlet  64 . Water is consequently drawn into the skimmer inlet housing  12  through the weir door  20  and weir housing  22 . And water is drawn into the drain inlet housing  44  through the drain inlet  68 . The equalizer line  48  ensures water on top of the lock down cap  58  to prevent loss of prime in the drain inlet housing  12 . 
         [0097]    Water travels through the primary portal  24  and spacer  70 , into the skimmer filter chamber  14  and drain filter chamber  46 , respectively. There, it is drawn through the skimmer filter basket  28  and drain filter basket  62 , and through the filter bags  30  lining them. Any debris, from leaves drawn in by the skimmer to small particulates drawn in from the drain are retained in the filter bags, which may have a porosity of 300 microns or smaller. 
         [0098]    Since the skimmer filter basket  28  and drain filter basket  62  are extremely elongated, they may collect substantial debris before any measurable drop in performance is detected. Furthermore, since the skimmer inlet housing  12  may draw in more debris than the drain inlet housing  44 , the skimmer filter basket  28  may be easily removed and cleaned independently of the drain filter basket  62 . 
         [0099]    To clean the skimmer filter basket  28 , a user simply opens the primary lid  18 , thereby gaining access to the skimmer filter chamber  12 . Reaching down through the skimmer filter chamber  12 , the user unlocks the lock down ring  26 , perhaps by rotating a threaded connection, removes the lock down ring  26  and draws the skimmer filter basket  28  and attendant filter bag  30  from the skimmer filter chamber  14 . A similar action is used to clean the drain filter basket  62  by accessing it through the secondary lid  54 , unlocking the lock down cap  58 , and removing the spacer  70  if necessary. 
         [0100]    Once debris from the filter bags  30  has been discarded and new or perhaps cleaned filter bags  30  installed, the skimmer filter basket  28  and drain filter basket  62  are inserted into the skimmer filter chamber  14  and drain filter chamber  46 , and locked in place. During this process, suction from the pump, prevents the filter bags  30  from floating out of the baskets  28 ,  62 . 
         [0101]    As the pool filter  10  operates, ozone from an ozone source may be pumped through the PVC tube, through the two port ozone adapter  96  and down to an ozone stone  94  at the bottom of the vertical PVC pipe  92 . Ozone bubbles through the ozone stone  94 , rising, and with the intake action of the weir housing  22 , drawing pool water through the pool inlet fitting  90 . The ozone bubbles, travelling through the vertical PVC pipe and bubble plate  98 , act to disinfect the water, killing microorganisms. 
         [0102]    On occasion, manual vacuuming of the pool may be desired. This is easily accomplished using the optional vacuum port  60  in the lock down cap  58 . If maximum vacuum suction is desired, a user can stop the flow through the drain inlet  68 . In such an arrangement, water from the equalizer line still travels into the drain filter chamber  46 , thereby preventing air in the system and a loss of prime. 
         [0103]    An automatic water fill system is contemplated. If an automatic water fill is not available or malfunctions, the weir housing  22  is designed to accommodate a six-inch weir door  20 , which will allow up to six inches of evaporation before the pool filter  10  ceases to operate. Likewise, if the water fill system malfunctions and remains on, the overflow outlet  40  in the skimmer inlet housing  12  prevents the pool from overflowing. 
         [0104]    In an installation where drain filtering is not necessary, the stabilizing pipes  74  may be omitted, and the primary equalizer port  42  capped. In this manner, the skimmer inlet housing  12  and skimmer filter chamber  14  work alone to pre-filter the pool. In such an instance, a water fill inlet  66  may be included on the skimmer inlet housing  12  along with the overflow outlet  40 . In this manner, the filling and overflowing, manual vacuuming, and ozone saturation functions can still be performed. 
         [0105]    Since the pool filter  10  with regular cleaning will prevent the intrusion of particulate matter over 300 microns into the main pool filter, it is anticipated using the pool filter  10  will avoid the necessity of cleaning a main filter, greatly reducing the cleaning cycle.