Automated pool level and skimming gutter flow control system

• US 4,133,058 A
• Filed: 10/03/1977
• Issued: 01/09/1979
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: William Harris Baker
• Original Assignee: William Harris Baker
• Inventors: Baker, William H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Levy, Stuart S.
• Application Number:
  US05/838,700
• Time in Patent Office: 463 Days
• Field of Search: 4/172, 4/172.15, 4/172.16, 4/172.17, 210/169, 210/102, 210/104, 210/105, 210/123, 210/126, 137/386
• US Class Current: 4/494
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1209 Treatment of water for swimming pools filters B01D

Abstract

A fully automated pool level and skimming gutter flow control system is provided, automatically establishing and controlling pool level and skimming gutter flow under both normal and extraordinary pool use conditions, sensing changes in water level and water activity, and actuating appropriate response mechanisms controlling water feed and skimming gutter drain flow, as well as make-up water and rate of recirculation of the water between the pool and the filtration system.

Claims

1. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools comprising, in combination, a gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, receiving overflow across a top edge thereof and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level in the swimming pool;

a make-up valve which when open allows feed from a water make-up supply to proceed to the pool and when closed stops such feed; and

at least two water level-responsive sensors in operative controlling relation to the valve, one of the two sensors sensing and directy responding to the level of water in the pool, the other of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of overflow, one of said sensors opening the valve to allow feed from the water make-up supply to proceed to the pool whenever pool or overflow level falls below a predetermined level, and the other of the two said sensors closing the valve whenever pool or overflow level reaches a predetermined level, whereby only one of the sensors opens the make-up valve, and the other one of the sensors closes the make-up valve.

2. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, comprising a second gutter receiving skimming flow and also providing additional gutter capacity for extraordinary gutter flow, including relief flow from the first gutter in the event of considerable activity in the pool.

3. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sensor responsive to overflow senses water level in a gutter.

4. An automatated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, comprising a balance tank and wherein the sensor responsive to overflow senses water level in the balance tank.

5. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, comprising a vacuum filter tank and wherein the sensor responsive to overflow senses water level in the vacuum filter tank.

6. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sensor that senses a first level of water in the gutter corresponding to below-normal skimming flow when this is below a predetermined level opens the valve allowing feed of make-up water to the pool;

and the sensor that senses water level in the pool is arranged to close the valve whenever the pool water level reaches a predetermined level.

7. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sensor that senses water level in the pool when this is below a predetermined level opens the valve allowing feed of make-up water to the pool;

and the sensor that senses overflow water level corresponding to normal skimming flow is arranged to close the valve whenever overflow water level reaches the normal skimming flow level.

8. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, comprising a skimming weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions;

and a third sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which skimming flow corresponds to a greater-than-normal skimming flow, and closes the weir closure, arresting skimming flow and retaining water in the pool, but allowing flow surges to proceed over the top edge of the gutter into the gutter.

9. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, comprising a recirculation system including a main drain valve movable between open and closed positions, controlling flow via the main drain from the pool, the recirculation system receiving and recirculating pool water from the gutter and the main drain, and a third sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which overflow exceeds normal recirculation flow, and closes the main drain valve, so that the recirculation system accepts only pool water flowing into the recirculation system from the gutter.

10. An automated water level and skimming fow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, comprising a recirculation system including a recirculating flow throttling control valve movable between open and closed positions, controlling flow through the recirculation system to and from the pool, and a third sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and opens the recirculating flow throttling control valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodate this excess flow.

11. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 10, comprising a recirculation system including a filter and a line bypassing the filter having a valve movable between open and closed positions, and opening and cosing the bypass line, and the third sensor opens and closes the bypass line valve.

12. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 10, comprising a recirculation system including a main drain valve movable between open and closed positions controlling flow via the main drain from the pool, and a recirculating flow throttling control valve movable between open and closed positions, and in the open position having a plurality of positions providing greater and lesser throttling of the recirculation flow, the recirculation system receiving and recirculating pool water from the gutter and main drain and water return flow via the recirculating flow throttling control valve to the pool;

and the third sensor closes the main drain valve, so that the recirculation system accepts only pool water flowing into the recirculation system from the gutter; and

a fourth sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and opens the recirculating flow throttling control valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodate this excess flow.

13. An automated water level and skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1, comprising a skimming weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions, and a recirculation system including a main drain valve movable between open and closed positions, controlling flow via the main drain from the pool and a recirculating flow throttling control valve, flow in the recirculation system proceeding through the recirculating flow throttling control valve in return to the pool;

a third sensor which closes the skimming weir closure, arresting skimming flow and retaining water in the pool, but allowing flow surges to proceed into the gutter;

a fourth sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which overflow exceeds normal recirculation flow, and closes the main drain valve so that the recirculation system accepts only pool water flowing into the recirculation system from the gutter; and

a fifth sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and opens the recirculating flow throttling control valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodate this excess flow.

14. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter water level control system comprising, in combination, a gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit, the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, to provide a skimming flow of water over the top of such predetermined water level in the pool, and to allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into the gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the gutter conduit, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a make-up valve movable between open and closed positions and controlling feed of make-up water to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow;

at least two water-level responsive sensors in operative controlling relation to the make-up valve, one of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the pool, the other of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of overflow;

one of said sensors sensing a first water level in the overflow downstream of the pool corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool, and responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool; and

the other of the two sensors sensing a predetermined water level in the pool characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow and responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first sensor;

whereby only one of the sensors opens the make-up valve, and the other one of the sensors closes the make-up valve and a second overflow sensor sensing a higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave action and surges into the gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve and increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased overflow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

15. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter water level control system comprising, in combination, a gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit;

the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool;

to provide a skimming flow of water over the top of the wall at such predetermined water level in the pool, and to allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into the gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool; and

including a make-up valve movable between open and closed positions and controlling feed of make-up water to the pool; and

a water recirculation throttling valve controlling the capacity for recirculating water flow of the water cleaning and recirculating system;

at least two water-level responsive sensors in operative controlling relation to the make-up valve, one of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the pool, and the other of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of overflow;

one of said sensors sensing a first water level in the overflow downstream of the pool corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool, and responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool; and

the other of the two sensors sensing a predetermined water level in the pool characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow and responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first sensor whereby only one of the sensors opens the make-up valve, and the other one of the sensors closes the make-up valve; and

a second overflow sensor sensing a higher level in the overflow characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave actions and surges into the gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the water recirculation throttling valve and increase recirculation system capacity to accommodate such increased overflow, and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

16. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter water level control system comprising, in combination, a gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit;

at least one surge weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions and disposed through the retaining wall below the top thereof, at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, and in the open position of the closure to provide a skimming flow of water through the weir at such predetermined water level in the pool, the top of the wall being spaced above the weir at a height to retain the pool water within the pool perimeter when the weir is closed at water flows, wave actions and surges up to a predetermined minimum, while allowing excessive flows, wave actions and surges beyond such minimum to flow over the top of the wall into the gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the gutter conduit, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a make-up valve movable between open and closed positions and controlling feed to make-up water to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow;

at least two water-level responsive sensors in operative controlling relation to the make-up valve, one of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the pool, and the other of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of overflow;

one of said sensors sensing a first water level in the overflow downstream of the pool corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool, and responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool; and

the other of the two sensors sensing the predetermined water level in the pool characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow and responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first sensor whereby only one of the sensors opens the make-up valve, and the other one of the sensors closes the make-up valve;

a second overflow sensor sensing a second higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a low threshold of pool activity but excessive weir skimming flow, and responsive thereto to close at least one weir closure; and

a third overflow sensor sensing a third higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave actions and surges into the gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve and increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased overflow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

17. A twin-gutter automated pool perimeter skimming gutter water level control system comprising, in combination, a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a second gutter conduit for dispostion about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into a gutter conduit;

the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, to provide a skimming flow of water at such predetermined water level in the pool, and to allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into a gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the first and second gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a make-up valve movable between open and closed positions and controlling feed of make-up water to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow;

at least two water-level responsive sensors in operative controlling relation to the make-up valve, one of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the pool, and the other of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of overflow;

one of said sensors sensing a first water level in the overflow corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool, and responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool; and

the other of the two sensors sensing the predetermined water level in the pool characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow and responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first overflow sensor whereby only one of the sensors opens the make-up valve, and the other one of the sensors closes the make-up valve; and

a second overflow sensor sensing a second higher lever in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave actions and surges into the gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve and increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased overflow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

18. A twin-gutter automated pool perimeter skimming gutter water level control system comprising, in combination, a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the first gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the first gutter conduit;

a second gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, to provide a skimming flow of water over the top of the wall at such predetermined water level in the pool, and allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the first and second gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool; and

including a make-up valve movable between open and closed positions and controlling feed of make-up water to the pool; and

a water recirculation throttling valve controlling the capacity for recirculating water flow of the water cleaning and recirculating system;

at least two water-level responsive sensors in operative controlling relation to the make-up valve, one of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the pool, and the other of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of overflow;

one of said sensors sensing a first water level in the overflow downstream of the pool corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool, and responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool; and

the other of the two sensors sensing a predetermined water level in the pool characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow and responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first gutter sensor whereby only one of the sensors opens the make-up valve, and the other one of the sensors closes the make-up valve; and

a second overflow sensor sensing a higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave actions and surges into the first gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the water circulation throttling valve and increase recirculation system capacity to accommodate such increased overflow, and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

19. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter water level control system comprising, in combination, a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit;

a second gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

at least one surge weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions, and disposed through the retaining wall below the top thereof, at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, and in the open position of the closure to provide a skimming flow of water through the weir at such predetermined water level in the pool, the top of the wall being spaced above the weir at a height to retain the pool water within the pool perimeter when the weir is closed at water flows, wave actions and surges up to a predetermined minimum, while allowing excessive flows, wave actions and surges beyond such minimum to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the first and second gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a make-up valve movable between open and closed positions and controlling feed of make-up water to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow;

at least two water-level responsive sensors in operative controlling relation to the make-up valve, one of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the pool, and the other of the two sensors sensing and directly responding to the level of overflow;

one of said sensors sensing a first water level in the overflow downstream of the pool corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool, and responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool; and

the other of the two sensors sensing the predetermined water level in the pool corresponding to a level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow and responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first overflow sensor whereby only one of the sensors opens the make-up valve, and the other one of the sensors closes the make-up valve;

a second overflow sensor sensing a second higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a low threshold of pool activity but excessive weir skimming flow and responsive thereto to close at least one weir closure; and

a third overflow sensor sensing a third higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave actions and surges into the first gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve to increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased overflow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

20. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter with water level control comprising, in combination, a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit;

a second gutter conduit in fluid flow communication with the first gutter conduit at a predetermined maximum water level in the first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool and in the first gutter conduit;

at least one surge weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions and disposed through the retaining wall below the top thereof, at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, and in the open position of the closure to provide a skimming flow of water through the weir at such predetermined water level in the pool, the top of the wall being spaced above the weir at a height to retain the pool water within the pool perimeter when the weir is closed at water flows, wave actions and surges up to a predetermined minimum, while allowing excessive flows, wave actions and surges beyond such minimum to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the poll and water flowing into and along the first and second gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a make-up valve movable between open and closed positions and controlling feed of make-up water to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow;

a first sensor sensing a first water level in the second gutter corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool, and responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool;

a second sensor sensing the predetermined water level in the pool corresponding to a second higher level in the second gutter characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow and responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first sensor;

a third sensor sensing a third higher level in the second gutter characteristic of a low threshhold of pool activity but excessive weir skimming flow, and responsive thereto to close at least one weir closure; and

a fourth sensor sensing a fourth higher level in the second gutter characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave action and surges into the first gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve and increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased gutter flow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

21. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter with water level control according to claim 20, wherein the pool comprises a main drain leading to the water recirculation system and a main drain valve movable between positions opening and closing the main drain, and a fifth sensor which senses a fifth water level in the second gutter, intermediate the third and fourth water levels, and is responsive thereto to close the main drain valve, thereby increasing water recirculation capacity for gutter flow.

22. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 20 in which the first gutter conduit is an open trough.

23. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 20 in which the fluid flow connection between the first and second gutter conduits is in the form of a plurality of slots at the predetermined maximum level of water in the first gutter conduit.

24. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 20 in which a water-feed conduit is provided for feed of fresh water into the pool.

25. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 24, in which the water feed conduit is disposed beside the first gutter conduit.

26. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 24, in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the first gutter conduit.

27. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 24, in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the second gutter conduit.

28. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 20 in which the two gutter conduits are separated by a common wall, and the fluid flow connection between the two gutters is provided by a plurality of openings through the wall.

29. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 20, comprising at least one jet water feed inlet in either the first or the second gutter conduit or both, for driving water and debris along the gutter conduit.

30. An automated pool permiter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 20, in the form of a modular wall unit adapted to be assembled end-to-end with other such units to form the perimeter gutter wall of a swimming pool.

31. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 20, in which the second gutter is within the poolside retaining wall of the first gutter conduit.

32. An automated pool perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 20, in which the second gutter is within an external peripheral wall of the first gutter conduit.

33. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter comprising, in combination, a gutter conduit disposed about the perimeter of the swimming pool, receiving overflow across a top edge thereof and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level in the swimming pool;

a make-up valve which when open allows feed from a water make-up supply to proceed to the pool and when closed stops such feed; and

at least two water level-responsive sensors in operative controlling relation to the valve, a first sensor sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the pool, and a second sensor sensing and directly responding to the level of overflow, one of said sensors opening the valve to allow feed down from a water make-up supply to proceed to the pool whenever pool or overflow level falls below a predetermined level, and the other of said sensors closing the valve whenever pool or overflow level reaches a predetermined level, whereby only one of the sensors opens the make-up valve, and the other one of the sensors closes the make-up valve.

34. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, in which the perimeter skimming gutter comprises a second gutter receiving skimming flow and also providing additional gutter capacity for extraordinary gutter flow, including relief flow from the first gutter in the event of considerable activity in the pool.

35. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, in which the sensor responsive to overflow level senses water level in a gutter.

36. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a balance tank and in which the sensor responsive to an overflow level senses water level in the balance tank.

37. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a vacuum filter tank and in which the sensor responsive to an overflow level senses water level in the vacuum filter tank.

38. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, in which the sensor that senses a first level of water in the gutter corresponding to below-normal skimming flow when this is below a predetermined level opens the valve allowing feed of make-up water to the pool;

and the sensor that senses water level in the pool is arranged to close the valve whenever the pool water level reaches a predetermined level.

39. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, in which the sensor that senses water level in the pool when this is below a predetermined level opens the valve allowing feed of make-up water to the pool;

and the other sensor that senses overflow water level corresponding to normal skimming flow is arranged to close the valve whenever the overflow water level reaches the normal skimming flow level.

40. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a skimming weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions;

and a third sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which skimming flow corresponds to a greater-than-normal skimming flow, and closes the weir closure, arresting skimming flow and retaining water in the pool, but allowing flow surges to proceed over the top edge of the gutter into the gutter.

41. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a recirculation system including a main drain valve movable between open and closed positions, controlling flow via the main drain from the pool, the recirculation system receiving and recirculating pool water from the gutter and the main drain, and a third sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which overflow exceeds normal recirculation flow, and closes the main drain valve, so that the recirculation system accepts only pool water flowing into the recirculation system from the gutter.

42. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a recirculation system including a recirculating flow throttling control valve movable between open and closed positions, controlling flow through the recirculation system to and from the pool, and a third sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and opens the recirculating flow throttling control valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodate this excess flow.

43. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a recirculation system including a filter and a line bypassing the filter having a valve movable between open and closed positions, and opening and closing the bypass line, and a third sensor which opens and closes the bypass line valve.

44. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a recirculation system including a main drain valve movable between open and closed positions controlling flow via the main drain from the pool, and a recirculating flow throttling control valve movable between open and closed positions, and in the open position having a plurality of positions providing greater and lesser throttling of the recirculation flow, the recirculation system receiving and recirculating pool water from the gutter and main drain and water return flow via the recirculating flow throttling control valve to the pool;

a third sensor which closes the main drain valve, so that the recirculation system accepts only pool water flowing into the recirculation system from the gutter; and

a fourth sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and opens the recirculating flow throttling control valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodate this excess flow.

45. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a skimming weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions, and a recirculation system including a main drain valve movable between open and closed positions, controlling flow via the main drain from the pool and a recirculating flow throttling control valve, flow in the recirculation system proceeding through the recirculating flow throttling control valve in return to the pool;

a third sensor which closes the skimming weir closure, arresting skimming flow and retaining water in the pool, but allowing flow surges to proceed into the gutter;

a fourth sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which overflow exceeds normal recirculation flow, and closes the main drain valve so that the recirculation system accepts only pool water flowing into the recirculation system from the gutter; and

a fifth sensor which senses a predetermined overflow water level at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and opens the recirculating flow throttling control valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodaate this excess flow.

46. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit, the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, to provide a skimming flow of water over the top at such predetermined water level in the pool, and to allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into the gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the gutter conduit, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow;

the sensor sensing a first water level in the gutter downstream of the pool corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool being responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool;

the sensor sensing a predetermined water level in the pool characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow being responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first overflow sensor; and

a third sensor sensing a higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow wave action and surges into the gutter conduit, and responsive thereto move the flow control valve and increase water recircultion system capacity to recirculate such incresed overflow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

47. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 46, in which the flow control valve is a water recirculation throttling valve controlling the capacity for recirculating water flow of the water cleaning and recirculating system;

the third sensor sensing a higher level in the overflow characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave action and surges into the gutter conduit being responsive thereto to move the water recirculation throttling valve and increase recirculation system capacity to accommodate such increased overflow, and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

48. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit;

at least one surge weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions and disposed through the retaining wall below the top thereof, at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, and in the open position of the closure to provide a skimming flow of water through the weir at such predetermined water level in the pool, the top of the wall being spaced above the weir at a height to retain the pool water within the pool perimeter when the weir is closed at water flows, wave actions and surges up to a predetermined minimum, while allowing excessive flows, wave actions and surges beyond such minimum to flow over the top of the wall into the gutter conduit;

a third sensor sensing a second higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a low threshold of pool activity but excessive weir skimming flow, and responsive thereto to close at least one weir closure; and

a fourth sensor sensing a third higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave action and surges into the gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve and increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased overflow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

49. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a first gutter conduit disposed about the perimeter of the swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a second gutter conduit disposed about the perimeter of the swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into a gutter conduit;

the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, to provide a skimming flow of water at such predetermined water level in the pool, and to allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into a gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the first and second gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow; and

a third sensor sensing a second higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave action and surges into the gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve and increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased overflow and prevent washback from a gutter conduit to the pool.

50. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a first gutter conduit disposed about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the first gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the first gutter conduit;

a second gutter conduit disposed about the perimeter of the swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, to provide a skimming flow of water over the top of the wall at such predetermined water level in the pool, and allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the first and second gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool; and

including a water recirculation throttling valve controlling the capacity for recirculating water flow of the water cleaning and recirculating system; and

a third sensor sensing a higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave action and surges into the first gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the water circulation throttling valve and increase recirculation system capacity to accommodate such increased overflow, and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

51. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit;

a second gutter conduit disposed about the perimeter of the swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

at least one surge weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions, and disposed through the retaining wall below the top thereof, at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, and in the open position of the closure to provide a skimming flow of water through the weir at such predetermined water level in the pool, the top of the wall being spaced above the weir at a height to retain the pool water within the pool perimeter when the weir is closed at water flows, wave actions and surges up to a predetermined minimum, while allowing excessive flows, wave actions and surges beyond such minimum to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the first and second gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow;

a third sensor sensing a second higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a low threshold of pool activity but excesive weir skimming flow and responsive thereto to close at least one weir closure; and

a fourth sensor sensing a third higher level in the overflow downstream of the pool characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave action and surges into the first gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve to increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased overflow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

52. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 33, comprising a first gutter conduit disposed about the perimeter of the swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool;

a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter conduit;

a second gutter conduit in fluid flow communication with the first gutter conduit at a predetermined maximum water level in the first gutter conduit and disposed about the perimeter of the swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool and in the first gutter conduit;

at least one surge weir having a weir closure movable between open and closed positions and disposed through the retaining wall below the top thereof, at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, and in the open position of the closure to provide a skimming flow of water through the weir at such predetermined water level in the pool, the top of the wall being spaced above the weir at a height to retain the pool water within the pool perimeter when the weir is closed at water flows, wave actions and surges up to a predetermined minimum, while allowing excessive flows, wave actions and surges beyond such minimum to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit;

a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water from the pool and water flowing into and along the first and second gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;

a flow control valve movable between positions providing, respectively, low and high recirculation capacity for gutter flow;

the sensor sensing a first water level in the second gutter corresponding to a less than the predetermined water level in the pool being responsive thereto to open the make-up valve and feed water to the pool;

the sensor sensing the predetermined water level in the pool corresponding to a second higher level in the second gutter characteristic of normal quiescent pool skimming flow being responsive thereto to close the make-up valve and stop water feed initiated by the first sensor;

a third sensor sensing a third higher level in the second gutter characteristic of a low threshhold of pool activity but excessive weir skimming flow, and responsive thereto to close at least one weir closure; and

a fourth sensor sensing a fourth higher level in the second gutter characteristic of a high degree of water flow, wave action and surges into the first gutter conduit, and responsive thereto to move the flow control valve and increase water recirculation system capacity to recirculate such increased gutter flow and prevent wash-back from a gutter conduit to the pool.

53. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 52, wherein the pool comprises a main drain leading to the water recirculation system and a main drain valve movable between positions opening and closing the main drain, and a fifth sensor which senses a fifth water level in the second gutter, intermediate the thirrd and fourth water levels, and is responsive thereto to close the main drain valve thereby increasing water recirculation capacity for gutter flow.

54. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 52, in which the first gutter conduit is an open trough.

55. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 52, in which the fluid flow connection between the first and second gutter conduits is in the form of a plurality of slots at the predetermined maximum level of water in the first gutter conduit.

56. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 52, in which a waterfeed conduit is provided for feed of fresh water into the pool.

57. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 56, in which the water feed conduit is disposed beside the first gutter conduit.

58. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 56, in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the first gutter conduit.

59. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 56, in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the second gutter conduit.

60. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 52, in which the two gutter conduits are separated by a common wall, and the fluid flow connection between the two gutters is provided by a plurality of openings through the wall.