Abstract:
The present invention relates to apparatuses for improving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached to the skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatable relative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slot that feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocity of water flowing into the basket and that the system increases the debris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach through dirty water to remove the skimmer basket.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/021,128, filed Mar. 10, 2016, which is a national stage application of International Patent Application PCT/US14/31757, filed Mar. 25, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/023,415, filed Sep. 10, 2013. All of the aforementioned are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to apparatuses for improving the operation of pool skimmers, particularly those used in swimming pools, and methods of using the same. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , in the prior art, it is known to remove debris in swimming pools  110  through the use of skimmers  100 . Skimmers  100  generally include a rectangular skimmer opening  135  located in a sidewall  120  of the swimming pool  110 , a moveable weir  170  that pivots on a hinge  155  within the skimmer  100  and moves in response to changes in the water levels of the swimming pool  110 , and a skimmer basket  160 . The skimmer basket  160  sits in a well  198  located in the interior  137  of the skimmer  100 , collects debris and must be emptied. 
         [0004]    Water enters the skimmer  100  through the opening  135 , flows through water passageway  196  and over the weir  170 , and through the skimmer basket  160 . Ultimately, the filtered water is then pumped back into the swimming pool  110  through water jets  175  located in the pool sidewalls  120  using a pump  190  and a series of pipes  180 ,  181 ,  182  and  193 . The capacity of pool pumps  190  is usually provided in gallons per minute (gpm), which refers to the amount of water that the pump  190  is able to circulate in a minute. The pump  190  is usually connected to a pool drain  195  in addition to the skimmer  100 , and in some cases the pool owner is able to adjust the rate at which the pump  190  pulls water into the skimmer  100  by closing the drain valve  194 . However, closing the drain valve  194  requires manual intervention by the pool owner. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, swimming pool skimmers  100  have a number of problems. First, skimmer baskets  160  fill up quickly, particularly in residential areas with many trees. Thus, skimmer baskets  160  are a constant maintenance issue. Second, skimmer baskets  160  are often located more than six inches below the top access opening  197  to the skimmer  100 , which means that the pool owner has to clip his or her hands into dirty water to reach the skimmer basket  160 . This is particularly unappealing since creatures like snails and spiders are attracted to skimmers  110 . Third, many swimming pool pumps  190  lack sufficient suction force due to safety requirements such as the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act in the United States. Consequently, too often debris water is sucked into the skimmer  100  at too low of a rate, leaving the pool  110  dirty. Finally, skimmer baskets  160  are often provided with a plastic handle  166  so that they may be emptied. However, when a large amount of water-logged, heavy debris is located above the handle  166 , the pump  190  sucks the water-logged debris against the handle  166 , leading the handle  166  to snap (break). This is especially problematic in the case of cheap plastic baskets  160  with weak handles  166 . 
         [0006]    Attempts have been made in the prior art to address some of these issues. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,202,416 teaches a diverter plate that replaces the existing weir  170  and consists of two parts that move into the skimmer  100 . Although the diverter plate of the &#39;416 patent claims to increase suction power, it does nothing to address the lack of capacity of the skimmer basket  160 , the fact that a pool owner has to dip his or her hands into dirty water to remove the skimmer basket  160 , or breakage of basket handles  166 . 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,350 teaches a vented tower that extends from the floor  161  of the skimmer basket  160  and seeks to address a particular problem associated with the skimmer basket  160 , namely, the basket  160  being sucked to the skimmer well  198  by the pump  190 . The &#39;350 patent does nothing to address the small capacity of the skimmer basket  160 , as the vents in the tower are air vents. The &#39;350 patent also does not address the flow rate of water into the basket  160 . 
         [0008]    Skimmer baskets with floating weirs have also been developed, as described in for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,342 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,150. These baskets are designed to prevent water from flowing back into the pool  110  from the skimmer  100  and are not designed to increase basket  160  capacity, make the basket  160  easier to grab, or to increase the velocity of water and debris entering the basket  160 . 
         [0009]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,279 (“the &#39;279 patent”) teaches an apparatus that sits on top of a skimmer basket and has two flow paths, one via a coupling for a suction hose and the other via a weir-gated enclosure carried by the basket closure. The &#39;279 patent does not teach or suggest a system that has an inner and outer tube that are attached to a skimmer basket. The &#39;279 patent also teaches that the proper position of the apparatus is the position in which the open weir gated side of the enclosure faces toward the skimmer throat. See Column  8 , Lines  37 - 40 ;  FIG. 1 . 
         [0010]    Thus, there is a need for cheap and safe devices that improve the operation of swimming pool skimmers. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0011]    The present invention relates to apparatuses for improving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube, and a second tube. More particularly, in some embodiments, the system includes a skimmer basket, the skimmer basket configured to be placed in a pool skimmer and comprising a basket interior, a basket exterior, a floor, a top/rim, a height extending from the floor to the top/rim, a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor, and a plurality of apertures located in at least one of the basket sidewall and the floor (i.e., in the sidewall and/or floor), wherein the basket floor and the basket sidewall separate the basket interior from the basket exterior; a first tube attached to the skimmer basket, the first tube comprising a top, a bottom comprising an opening, a first tube height extending from the bottom to the top, an interior, an exterior comprising a first flange extending from the first tube towards the basket sidewall, and a first tube slot configured to feed water from the first tube exterior to the first tube interior and ultimately the basket interior, the first tube slot located between the top and the bottom of the first tube, the first tube slot having a width perpendicular to the first tube height and a height parallel to the first tube height; and a second tube adjacent to the first tube and rotatable relative to the first tube, the second tube comprising a top, a bottom, a second tube height extending from the bottom to the top, and a second tube slot located between the top and the bottom of the second tube, the second tube slot having a width perpendicular to the second tube height and a height parallel to the second tube height. 
         [0012]    Optionally, the tops of the first and second tubes each comprise openings. Optionally, the first tube is located inside the second tube interior. Optionally, the system further includes a pool, the pool comprising a sidewall, the pool sidewall comprising a pool skimmer, the pool skimmer comprising a skimmer interior and a skimmer opening leading from the pool to the skimmer interior and further wherein the basket is located in the skimmer interior. Optionally, the widthwise center of the first tube slot is offset from the widthwise center of the skimmer opening by at least about 30 degrees. Optionally, the first flange and the skimmer basket are permanently attached to each other. Optionally, the first flange and the skimmer basket are mechanically/removably attached to each other. Optionally, the first flange is pivotally attached to the skimmer basket by a hinge. Optionally, the first flange is removably attached to the skimmer basket by a fastener. Optionally, the fastener is at least about 3 inches in length and comprises threads. Optionally, the first flange comprises a first fastener aperture and the fastener passes through the first fastener aperture. Optionally, the first fastener aperture substantially extends to an outer edge of the first flange. Optionally, the fastener passes through an aperture in the basket. Optionally, the first flange and the basket comprise mating threads for removably attaching the first flange to the basket. Optionally, the width of the first tube slot is at least about 1 inch, the width of the second tube slot is at least about 1 inch, the height of the first tube slot is at least about 4 inches and the height of the second tube slot is at least about 4 inches. Optionally, the first tube and the second tube are generally cylindrical. Optionally, the first tube height is greater than the second tube height, the second tube is located above the first flange and the first tube comprises an upper flange that extends about a circumference of the first tube, the upper flange located above the first flange and the second tube. Optionally, the first flange comprises a groove that is adjacent to the first tube, is located on the top surface of the first flange, and extends about a perimeter of the first tube, and the bottom of the second tube is located in the groove. Optionally, the first tube slot comprises a top and a bottom, and the bottom of the first tube slot is adjacent to a top of the first flange. Optionally, the system further comprises a washer attached to the first flange, the washer comprising a washer opening in fluid communication with the first tube bottom aperture. Optionally, the washer comprises a fastener slot configured to receive a fastener and the washer extends beyond a perimeter of the first flange. Optionally, the first tube slot extends from the first flange to the top of the first tube. Optionally, the first tube is immobile relative to the first flange and the basket. Optionally, the first tube, second tube, and first flange are comprised of plastic. Optionally, the width of the first tube slot is approximately equal to the width of the second tube slot. For example, the width of the first tube slot may be between about 90% and about 110% of the width of the second tube slot. Optionally, the interior of the first tube is hollow. Optionally, the first tube is located above the basket floor. Optionally, the height of the first tube is different than the height of the second tube. Optionally, the second tube comprises at least one additional aperture between the top and the bottom of the second tube, the at least one additional aperture generally opposite the second tube slot. Optionally, the first flange is adjacent to the top of the skimmer basket. Optionally, the first tube extends above and below the first flange. Optionally, the first flange is configured to inhibit (but not necessarily prevent) water from entering the basket without first entering the slot of the first tube. Optionally, the first tube height is at least about 4 inches. Optionally, the bottom of the basket is substantially flat. Optionally, the first tube is configured to increase the velocity of water (e.g., create a vortex) entering into the basket when the basket is placed in a swimming pool skimmer and the swimming pool skimmer is connected to a pump. 
         [0013]    Optionally, the system is provided as a kit that includes a first tube, the first tube comprising a top, a bottom comprising an opening, a height extending from the bottom to the top, an interior, an exterior, an inner diameter perpendicular to the height, an outer diameter perpendicular to the height, a first tube slot having a width of at least about 1 inch and a height of at least about 4 inches, the first tube slot width parallel to the inner and outer diameters, the first tube slot height perpendicular to the first tube inner and outer diameters, the first tube exterior comprising a first flange extending from the first tube, the first flange configured to attach to a skimmer basket, at least one of the first tube (e.g., the wall forming the first tube or a ledge extending from the interior surface of the wall) and the first flange comprising a plurality of fastener apertures for attaching the first tube to a skimmer basket; and a second tube, the second tube comprising a top, a bottom comprising a bottom aperture, a height extending from the bottom to the top, an interior, an exterior, an inner diameter perpendicular to said height, an outer diameter perpendicular to said height, and a second tube slot having a width of at least about 1 inch and a height of at least about 4 inches, the second tube slot width parallel to the second tube inner and outer diameters, the second tube slot height perpendicular to the second tube inner and outer diameters. Optionally, the inner diameter of the first tube is different than the inner diameter of the second tube and the outer diameter of the first tube is different than the outer diameter of the second tube. Optionally, the inner diameter of the second tube is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the first tube so that when the second tube is placed over the first tube, the second tube fits tightly on the first tube. Optionally, the first flange comprises a groove adjacent to the first tube and extending about an outer circumference of the first tube. Optionally, the kit further includes an upper flange extending about an outer circumference of the first tube. Optionally, the first flange substantially surrounds an outer circumference of the first tube. Optionally, the first tube is located between the fastener apertures. Optionally, the kit further includes a washer configured to attach to the first flange, the washer comprising a washer opening and the washer has a width/diameter of at least about 6 inches (e.g., about 6 inches to about 14 inches). Optionally, the washer comprises a fastener slot and the fastener slot substantially extends to an outer edge of the washer. Optionally, the kit further comprises two threaded fasteners, the fasteners each having a length of at least about 3 inches. Optionally, the interior of the first tube is hollow. Optionally, the tops of the first and second tube each comprise a top aperture. 
         [0014]    In one particular embodiment, the system includes: a pool skimmer, the pool skimmer comprising a skimmer interior, a skimmer exterior, a skimmer opening leading from the skimmer exterior to the skimmer interior; a skimmer basket disposed in the pool skimmer interior, the skimmer basket comprising a basket interior, a basket exterior, a floor, a top/rim, a height extending from the floor to the top/rim, a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor, and at least one aperture located in at least one of the basket sidewall and the floor, wherein the basket floor and the basket sidewall separate the basket interior from the basket exterior; a first tube located above the skimmer basket, the first tube comprising a top, a bottom comprising an opening, a first tube height extending from the bottom to the top, an interior, an exterior, and a first tube slot configured to feed water from the first tube exterior to the first tube interior and ultimately the basket interior, the first tube slot located between the top and the bottom of the first tube, the first tube slot having a width perpendicular to the first tube height and a height parallel to the first tube height; and a door adjacent to the first tube, the door configured to move horizontally relative to the first tube and at least partially cover the first tube slot. In some embodiments, the door is a second tube, the second tube configured to rotate relative to the first tube and at least partially cover the first tube slot, the second tube comprising a top, a bottom, a second tube height extending from the bottom to the top, and a slot located between the top and the bottom of the second tube, the second tube slot having a width perpendicular to the second tube height and a height parallel to the second tube height. Optionally, the system further includes a pump in fluid communication with the skimmer basket, a pool and a pool sidewall and the skimmer is attached to, or located inside, the basket sidewall. 
         [0015]    Preferably the system is used in a method of increasing the velocity of water flowing into a skimmer basket that includes a) providing the system and b) flowing water and debris through the slot of the second tube, through the slot of the first tube, into the first tube interior, and into the skimmer basket interior. Optionally, the method further includes rotating the second tube relative to the first tube. Optionally, the method further includes the step of rotating the second tube relative to the first tube so that the second tube partially covers the first tube slot, and rotation of the second tube relative to the first tube so that the second tube partially covers the first tube slot increases the velocity of water and debris entering the basket. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment, the system includes a pool skimmer system comprising a pool skimmer, the pool skimmer comprising a skimmer interior, a skimmer exterior, a skimmer opening leading from the skimmer exterior to the skimmer interior, a skimmer basket well located in the skimmer interior, and a water passageway leading to the skimmer basket well, the water passageway having a height and a width; a skimmer basket disposed in the skimmer basket well, the skimmer basket comprising a basket interior, a basket exterior, a floor, a top/rim, a height extending from the floor to the top/rim a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor, and at least one aperture located in at least one of the basket sidewall and the floor, wherein the basket floor and the basket sidewall separate the basket interior from the basket exterior; a tube located above the skimmer basket, the tube comprising a top, a bottom comprising an opening, a tube height extending from the bottom to the top, an interior, an exterior, and a tube slot configured to feed water from the tube exterior to the tube interior and the basket interior, the tube slot located between the top and the bottom of the tube, the tube slot having a width perpendicular to the tube height and a height parallel to the tube height, the tube adjacent to the water passageway, the tube configured to rotate relative to the water passageway and at least partially cover the water passageway. Optionally, the tube is attached to the skimmer basket. Optionally, the system further includes a pump in fluid communication with the skimmer basket, a pool and a pool sidewall and the skimmer is attached to, or located inside, the basket sidewall. Optionally, the water passageway has a width of at least about 2 inches and a height of at least about 4 inches. Optionally, the tube is generally cylindrical. Optionally, the system further includes a weir located in the water passageway, the weir moveable between a vertical position in which the weir is parallel to the water passageway height and a horizontal position in which the weir is parallel to the water passageway width. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front, perspective view of a prior art skimmer and pool sidewall. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the prior art skimmer of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic view of water circulating in a clockwise fashion in a swimming pool with a prior art skimmer. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front, perspective, exploded view of a skimmer basket system of one embodiment of the present invention; in this embodiment, the first flange of the basket system is removably attached to the basket by a fastener. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front, perspective view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates a close-up, perspective view of the circled area of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side, elevation view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates a section view of the basket system of  FIG. 7 , taken along line  8 - 8 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates a front, perspective, exploded view of a skimmer basket system of another embodiment of the present invention; in this embodiment the first flange of the basket system is removably attached to the basket by a fastener and the system further includes a groove and an upper flange to guide the second tube as it slides around the first tube. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates a front, perspective view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  illustrates a rear, perspective view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 12A  illustrates a front, perspective view of the first tube of the basket system of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 12B  illustrates a front, perspective view of a first tube with a small lip surrounding the bottom opening. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side, elevation view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  illustrates a section view of the basket system of  FIG. 13 , taken along line  14 - 14 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  illustrates a front, perspective, exploded view of a skimmer basket system of another embodiment of the present invention; in this embodiment, the first tube includes two ledges that receive bolts to attach the first tube to the skimmer basket. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  illustrates a front, perspective view of the assembled skimmer basket system of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  illustrates a close-up, perspective view of the circled area of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  illustrates a side, elevation view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  illustrates a section view of the basket system of  FIG. 18 , taken along line  19 - 19 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  illustrates a front, perspective, exploded view of a skimmer basket system of another embodiment of the present invention; in this embodiment, the first tube includes two posts that receive O-rings to attach the first tube to the skimmer basket handle. 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  illustrates a front, perspective view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  illustrates a section view of the basket system of  FIG. 21 , taken along line  22 - 22 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  illustrates a front, perspective, exploded view of a skimmer basket system of another embodiment of the present invention; in this embodiment, the first flange includes male threads that mate with female threads on the interior of the skimmer basket. 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  illustrates a front, perspective view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  illustrates a bottom view of the first flange and first tube of the basket system of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  illustrates a front, perspective, exploded view of a skimmer basket system of another embodiment of the present invention; in this embodiment, the first flange is attached to the basket via two hinges. 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  illustrates a side, elevation view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  illustrates a side, elevation view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 26 ; in  FIG. 28 , one of the hinge pins has been removed so that the basket can pivot about the other hinge pin. 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  illustrates a front, perspective view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 30  illustrates a close-up, perspective view of the circled area of  FIG. 29 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  illustrates a front, perspective view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 26 ; in  FIG. 31 , one of the hinge pins has been removed so that the basket can pivot about the other hinge pin. 
           [0049]      FIG. 32  illustrates a top view of the assembled basket system of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 33  illustrates a top view of a skimmer with the assembled basket system of  FIG. 26 ; in  FIG. 33 , the top access opening has been removed so that the basket system is visible. 
           [0051]      FIG. 34  illustrates a front, perspective view of a skimmer basket system of another embodiment of the present invention; in this embodiment, the basket, first flange, and first and second tubes are a single piece. 
           [0052]      FIG. 35  illustrates a front, perspective view of a skimmer that includes a tube that is configured to rotate within the skimmer so as to at least partially cover the water passageway. 
           [0053]      FIG. 36  illustrates a side view of a skimmer that is attached to the sidewall of a swimming pool; the skimmer has a longitudinal slot in the housing and the skimmer interior has a tube that is configured to rotate to partially cover the longitudinal slot. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0054]    The present disclosure provides a system  200  for improving a pool skimmer  100 . In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing for the sake of clarity. It will be understood that references herein to the singular form of a term encompass plural forms. The system  200  may be used in conjunction with any suitable pool skimmer, and are preferably used with immobile skimmers that are located in swimming pool, pond, fountain, or spa sidewalls, such as the skimmer  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . As used herein, the term “pool” means a swimming pool, pond, fountain or spa. While, the system  200  may be used in spas, it will be appreciated that the system  200  is preferably used in swimming pools, given that spas generally have a small surface area and collect less debris than pools. 
         [0055]    Referring further to the system  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-36  the system  200  includes a skimmer basket  160  configured to be placed in the interior  137  of a pool skimmer  100 . The skimmer basket has a basket interior  167 , a basket exterior  168 , a floor  161 , a top/rim  162 , a height  165  extending from the floor  161  to the top/rim  162 , one or more sidewalls  163  extending upwardly from the floor  161 , and a plurality of apertures  164  located in the floor  161  and/or the sidewalls  163 . The basket floor  161  and the basket sidewall  163  separate the basket interior  167  from the basket interior  168 . In some embodiments, the basket  160  is generally cylindrical with the diameter of the cylinder decreasing from the top  162  to the floor  161  (e.g., a slight taper). In some embodiments, the basket floor  161  is substantially flat. However, the basket  160  can be any other suitable shape, such as rectangular. In some embodiments, the floor  161  is substantially flat. 
         [0056]    The system  200  further includes a first tube  210  that, when the system  200  is fully assembled, optionally attaches to the skimmer basket  160  and is located above the basket floor  161 . The first tube  210  optionally includes a wall  211  that forms the first tube  210 , a top  214 , a bottom  216  that includes a bottom opening  217 , a first tube height  218  extending from the bottom  216  to the top  214 , an interior  212 , an exterior  213  that includes a first flange  230  extending from the wall  211  towards the basket sidewall  163 , and a first tube longitudinal slot  221 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4, 5, 9, 10, 12A, 15, 16, 20-24, 26, 29, 31, 34, 35 , there is no lip surrounding the bottom opening  217  so that the bottom opening  217  extends to the wall  211  forming the first tube  210 . In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 12B , a small lip  225  surrounds the bottom opening  217  and the bottom opening  217  has a width/diameter  226  of from about 3 to about 4 inches. In use, water and debris from the first tube exterior  213  enters the first tube interior  212  through the first tube longitudinal slot  221 , flows through the bottom opening  217  and enters the basket interior  167 . Optionally, the top  214  of the first tube  210  includes a top opening  215  so that water and debris may enter the inner tube interior  212  through the top opening  215  when water and debris are located above the top  214  of the first tube  210 , which may occur when, for example, the water level in the skimmer  100  is particularly high. The first tube slot  221  preferably extends substantially the entire height  218  of the first tube  210 . Preferably, the first tube height  218  is at least about 4 inches (e.g., about 4 inches to about 15 inches). Preferably, the first tube slot  221  has a width  222  perpendicular to the first tube height  218  and a height  224  parallel to the first tube height  218 . In some embodiments, the first tube slot  221  has a width  222  of at least about 1 inch (more preferably about 2 to about 5 inches) and a height  224  of at least about 1 inch (more preferably about 4 inches to about 15 inches, even more preferably about 6 inches to about 9 inches). For example, the first tube slot may have an average width  222  of about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, even more preferably about 1 inch to about 3 inches, and even more preferably about 2 inches to about 3 inches). Preferably, the first tube  210  is generally cylindrical and the first tube  210  has an inner diameter  255  (measured as the distance between opposing interior surfaces of the wall  211 ) and an outer diameter  254  (measured as the distance between opposing exterior surfaces of the wall  211 ) of at least about 2 inches (more preferably, about 3 inches to about 9 inches). In some embodiments, the first tube  210  is generally cylindrical with the inner and outer diameters  254  and  255  of the cylinder gradually increasing from the top  214  to the bottom  216  (e.g., a slight taper) to facilitate injection of the first tube  210  during plastic injection molding. The first tube wall  211  may have any desired thickness  258  depending on the strength desired and the cost of the material. In some embodiments, the first tube wall thickness  258  is from about 0.05 inches to about 2 inches. Optionally, the first tube  210  includes a knurled surface  252  at the top  214  of the first tube  210  for gripping. Preferably, the bottom  290  of the first tube slot  221  is adjacent to (more preferably about co-planar with) the top  231  of the first flange  230 , as shown in  FIGS. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13-16, 18-24, 26, 29, 31 and 34 . Preferably, the first tube slot  221  extends from the first flange  230  to the top  214  of the first tube  210 . Preferably, the first tube  210  is immobile relative to the first flange  230 . 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, the first flange  230  is configured so that it alone, or in combination with a washer  260 , inhibits (but does not necessarily prevents) water and debris from entering the basket  160  without first entering the slot  221  of the first tube  210 . To accomplish this, the first flange  230  alone, or the first flange  230  and the washer  260 , extends to or beyond the sidewall  163  of the basket  160  when the basket  160  is placed in the well  198  of the skimmer  100 . The first flange  230  and, if included, the first flange  230  and the washer  260 , are preferably adjacent to the top  162  of the skimmer basket  160 . The purpose of the washer  260  is that it may be desirable to provide a universal basket system  200  that works with a number of different sized skimmer baskets  160  and the washer  260  allows the system  200  to be used with larger skimmer baskets  160  and, in combination with the first flange  230 , the washer  260  substantially creates a seal to force water and debris into the slot  210 . In some embodiments, the length  233  and width  256  of the first flange  230  (i.e., the diameter of the first flange  230  if the first flange  230  is circular) is at least about 4 inches (e.g., about 4-10 inches) and the length  261  and width  268  of the washer  260  (i.e., the diameter of the washer  260  if the washer  260  is circular) is larger than the length  233  and width  256  of the first flange  230 —e.g., about 6 to about 14 inches—so that the washer  260  extends beyond the perimeter of the first flange  230 . The first flange  230  and washer  260  can be any suitable shape, including generally circular and generally rectangular, depending on the shape of the basket  160 . If included, the washer  260  includes a central opening  262  that is substantially aligned with the bottom hole  217  of the first tube  210  such that water and debris flows through the first slot  221 , through the bottom hole  217 , through the washer hole  262  and into the skimmer basket interior  167 . In some embodiments, the washer hole  262  has a width/diameter  269  of from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. If included, the washer  260  may be placed above or below the first flange  230 . Preferably, the washer  260  is placed below the first flange  230  and the first tube  210  extends below the first flange  230  to assist in the positioning of the washer  260 , as best seen in  FIGS. 19 and 25, 28 . It will be understood that the first flange  230  and washer  260  inhibit but do not necessarily prevent water and debris from entering the basket interior  167  without first entering the slot  221  of the first tube  210  because the first flange  230  and washer  260  may each comprise small fastener apertures  237  and  263  as described below and water and debris may enter the top opening  215  of the first tube  210  if the water level in the skimmer  135  is high, as described above. 
         [0058]    The purpose of using the first flange  230  alone or in combination with the washer  260  to inhibit water and debris from entering the basket  160  without first entering the slot  221  of the first tube  210  is that skimmer baskets in the prior art without the system  200  often lack a pump with sufficient force to pull debris and water into the skimmer basket. However, by providing a first tube  210  with the slot  221 , the present invention is able to take advantage of the Bernoulli principle, which holds that velocity of water increases when water flows through a narrow constriction. Thus, by constricting the flow of the water and debris into the basket  160  using the first tube slot  221 , it has been observed that water and debris flows into the basket  160  at a higher rate than without the system  200 . It has also been observed that offsetting the widthwise center  223  of the slot  221  from the widthwise center  136  of the skimmer opening  135  increases the flow of water and the debris into the basket  160  because the offset requires water and debris to travel around the first tube  210 , like water drawing in a toilet, before entering the slot  221 . For example, if the widthwise center  136  of the skimmer opening  135  is assigned the 6 o&#39;clock position, it has been observed that positioning the widthwise center  223  of the slot  221  at the 2 o&#39;clock position is optimal in pools  110  that have a clockwise drain bias in the skimmer  100 . See  FIG. 33 . It would be deduced that positioning the slot  221  at the 10 o&#39;clock position would be optimal in pools  100  that a have clockwise drain bias in the skimmer  100 . Preferably, the widthwise center  223  of the slot  221  is offset from the widthwise center  136  of the skimmer opening  135  by at least about 30 degrees (e.g., about 30 degrees to about 330 degrees—i.e., between the 7 o&#39;clock and 5 o&#39;clock positions if the widthwise center  136  of the skimmer opening  135  is assigned the 6 o&#39;clock position). 
         [0059]    The system  200  further includes a door configured to move horizontally and partially cover the first tube longitudinal slot  221 . In some embodiments, the door is a second tube  270  adjacent to the first tube  210  and rotatable relative to the first tube  210 . The second tube  270  includes a wall  276  that forms the second tube  270 , an interior  281 , an exterior  282 , a top  271 , a bottom  274  that includes a bottom opening  273 , a second tube height  275  extending from the top  271  to the bottom  274 , and a second tube longitudinal slot  283  located between the top  271  and the bottom  274  of the second tube  270 . Preferably, the second tube slot  283  has a width  285  perpendicular to the second tube height  275  and a height  284  parallel to the second tube height  275 . Preferably, the top  271  includes a top opening  272 . A function of the second tube  270  is that the second tube  270  can be rotated relative to the first tube  210  to partially cover the first tube slot  221  to increase the velocity of water and debris flowing into the skimmer basket  160  and another function is that the second tube  270  can be rotated relative to the first tube  210  to close the first tube slot  221  when a user desires to remove the system  200  from the skimmer interior  137  in order to remove debris from the first tube  210  and the skimmer basket  160  (i.e., empty the first tube  210  and the skimmer basket  160 ). It has been observed that the velocity of water entering skimmer baskets  160  varies depending on pump  190  horsepower and whether the pump  190  has been recently cleaned. Thus, the second tube  270  allows a pool owner to rotate the second tube  270  relative to the first tube  210  to partially cover the first tube slot  221  when the owner has a weak pump  190  and/or a pump system that has not been recently cleaned (so as to increase the velocity of water and debris entering the skimmer basket  160 ) and to leave the first tube slot  221  uncovered (i.e., leaving the first and second tube slots  221  and  283  aligned, as shown in  FIGS. 5, 10, 16, 21, 24, 29, 31 and 34 ) when the owner has a strong pump  190  and/or a pump system that has been recently cleaned. Preferably, the second tube  271  has one or more apertures  280  opposite the second tube slot  283 , which saves material cost, provides flexibility to the second tube  270 , and allows the manufacturer to include graphics such as the product&#39;s name, as shown in  FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, the second tube slot  283  has a width  285  of at least about 1 inch (more preferably about 2 to about 5 inches) and a height  284  of at least about 1 inch (more preferably about 4 inches to about 15 inches). Preferably, the second tube slot  283  has the same size and shape as the first tube slot  221 . Preferably, the second tube  270  is generally cylindrical and the second tube  270  has an inner diameter  277  (measured as the distance between opposing interior surfaces of the wall  276 ) and an outer diameter  278  (measured as the distance between opposing exterior surfaces of the wall  276 ). Preferably, the second tube inner diameter  277  is between 100 and 110% of the size of the first tube outer diameter  254  so that the second tube  270  hugs the first tube  210 . In other words, preferably the connection is tight enough so that both tubes  210  and  270  move vertically when a user lifts the system  200  out of the skimmer  100  to empty the basket  160  but the user is able to rotate the second tube  270  relative to the first tube  210  to open and close the slot  221 . In some embodiments, the second tube inner diameter  277  and the second tube outer diameter  278  are at least about 2 inches (more preferably, about 3 inches to about 9 inches). Preferably, if the first tube  210  is tapered, as described above, the second tube  270  has a similar taper. The second tube wall  276  may have any desired thickness  286  depending on the strength desired and the cost of the material. In some embodiments, the second tube wall thickness  286  is from about 0.05 inches to about 2 inches. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 9, 10, and 12 , the top surface  231  of the first flange  230  includes a groove  235  that extends around a perimeter  219  of the first tube  210  (more particularly, the circumference of the first tube  210  if the first tube  210  is cylindrical) to create a track for the second tube  270 . In some embodiments, the width  236  of the first flange groove  235  is from about 100% to about 120% of the second tube wall thickness  286  so that the bottom  274  of the second tube  270  fits snugly in the groove  235 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 10, 11, 13 and 14 , the first tube  210  includes an upper flange  220  and the second tube is located between the first flange  230  and the upper flange  220 . In such embodiments, the first tube height  218  is greater than the second tube height  275 . Optionally, the second tube  270  includes a plurality of protrusions/ears  310  located at the top of the second tube  270  to make it easier for a user to rotate the second tube  270 . 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, the first tube  210  is located inside the second tube interior  281 , as shown in  FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 28, 29 , and  31 - 34 . In such embodiments, the inner diameter  255  of the first tube  210  is different than the inner diameter  277  of the second tube  270  and the outer diameter  254  of the first tube  210  is different than the outer diameter  278  of the second tube  270 . Preferably, the first tube interior  212  is hollow. In other embodiments, the second tube  270  is located in the first tube interior  212 . 
         [0061]    Preferably, the first tube  210 , the second tube  270 , the washer  260  and the first flange  230  are comprised of plastic. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, the first flange  230  and the skimmer basket  160  are permanently attached to one another and the first and second tubes  210  and  270 , first flange  230 , and skimmer basket  160  are a single piece of plastic, as shown in  FIG. 34 . 
         [0063]    In other embodiments, the first flange  230  and the skimmer basket  160  are mechanically attached to one another. For example, the system  200  may include two hinge pins  250  and two hinges  249  so that the basket  160  can pivot relative to the first flange  230  upon removal of one of the hinge pins  250 , as shown in  FIGS. 26-33 . In other embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 23-25 , the first flange  230  and the inner rim of the basket  160  include mating threads  245  and  246  so that the first flange  230  can removably attach to the basket  160 . In such embodiments, the washer  260  may include threads  266  that mate with threads  246  located in the inner rim of the basket  160  and the bottom surface  232  of the first flange  230  may include one or more protrusions  264  that mate with and lock into apertures  263  in the washer  260  so that the washer  260  is removably attached to the first flange  230 . In some embodiments, the first flange  230  and the skimmer basket  160  may be removably attached by a fastener  238 . In some such embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4-19 , the fastener  238  includes a series of bolts  239 , washers  242 , and nuts  243 . In some embodiments, the bolt  239  includes threads  240  and the bolt  239  passes through the apertures  164  located in the floor  161  of the basket  160 . Preferably, the bolt  239  has a length  241  of at least 3 inches (e.g., about 3 to about 12 inches). Preferably, the top end  257  of the bolt  239  passes through one or more fastener apertures  237  located in the first flange  230  and one or more fastener apertures  263  located in the washer  260 . Preferably, the washer fastener apertures  263  substantially extend to the outer edge  265  of the washer  260  and the first flange fastener apertures  237  substantially extend to the outer edge  244  of the first flange  230  which makes the system  200  easy to assemble. Alternatively, instead of a bolt  239 , the system  200  may include a threaded rod that has a nut  243  and washer  242  at each end. In other embodiments, the interior  212  of the first tube  210  includes a ledge  253  and the top end  257  of the bolt  239  passes through an aperture located in the ledge  253 , as seen in  FIGS. 15-19 . It has been observed that a stainless steel threaded rod or bolt  239  having 4-40 thread is particularly well-suited for use with the present system  200 . In other embodiments, instead of a bolt  239  or threaded rod, the fastener  218  may be an O-ring  248  that attaches to a post  247  located in the first tube interior  212 , as shown in  FIGS. 20-22 . 
         [0064]    Preferably the system  200  is used in a method of increasing the velocity of water flowing into a skimmer basket  160  that includes providing the system  200 , placing the basket  160  in the well  198  of a skimmer  100 , and flowing water and debris through the slot  221  of the first tube  210  and into the skimmer basket  160 . Optionally, the method further includes rotating the second tube  270  relative to the first tube  210 . Optionally, the method further includes the step of rotating the second tube  270  relative to the first tube  210  so that the second tube  270  partially covers the first tube slot  221 , and this rotation of the second tube  270  relative to the first tube  210  so that the second tube  270  partially covers the first tube slot  221  increases the velocity of water and debris entering the basket  160 . 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 35 , the system  200  does not include a discrete first tube  210  but instead the housing  300  of the skimmer  100  acts as the first tube  210 . More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 35 , the system  200  includes a pool skimmer  100  that has a skimmer interior  137 , a skimmer exterior  138 , a skimmer opening  135  leading from the skimmer exterior  138  to the skimmer interior  137 , a skimmer basket  160  located in a well  198  of the skimmer interior  137 , and a water passageway  196  leading from the skimmer opening  135  to the skimmer basket well  198 , the water passageway  196  having a height  139  and a width  140 , a second tube  270  located above the skimmer basket  160 , the second tube  270  comprising a top  271 , a bottom  274  comprising an opening  273 , a second tube height  275  extending from the bottom  274  to the top  271 , an interior  281 , an exterior  282 , and a second tube slot  283  configured to feed water from the second tube exterior  282  to the second tube interior  281  and the basket interior  167 , the second tube slot  283  located between the top  271  and the bottom  274  of the second tube  270 , the second tube slot  283  having a width  285  perpendicular to the second tube height  275  and a height  284  parallel to the second tube height  275 , the second tube  270  adjacent to the water passageway  196 , the second tube  270  configured to rotate relative to the water passageway  196  and at least partially cover the water passageway  196 . Optionally, the skimmer  100  further includes a weir  170 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 36  shows a variation of the system of  FIG. 35 . In  FIG. 36 , the skimmer  100  is attached to the pool wall  120  via an arm  320 , and a pipe  180  feeds water that is filtered by the skimmer basket  160  to the pump  190 . In such an embodiment, the water passageway  196  and the skimmer opening  135  are the same—meaning that there is there is no channel between the basket well  198  and skimmer opening  135 . Skimmers  100  attached to the pool sidewall  120  are known in the art and include the INTEX Deluxe Wall Mount Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer. However, it is believed that previously known wall-mounted skimmers lack a slot  135  to increase the velocity of water entering the basket  160  as well as a door (in this case second tube  270 ) which can be used to partially cover the slot  135  to further increase the flow of water entering basket  160 . 
         [0067]    Terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies. 
         [0068]    Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined and limited solely by the following claims.