Patent attributes
An open-air filtration device cleans swimming pools and hot tubs in an efficient, reliable manner. An open-air filter with a suction chamber unit comprises two scrubbing brushes and an impeller powered by a motor drive. Water containing debris is pumped to a level above the swimming pool or hot tub surface. The debris containing water is discharged through a spout into a filter tube. A filter element associated with the filter tube, and open to atmosphere filters the debris containing water by gravitational forces solely. The spout and filter tube are, optionally, attached to a pole that manually propels the suction unit. They may alternatively be attached to a floating platform that floats on the water surface of the pool or hot tub. If filter efficiency decreases, the water level in the filter tube rises, indicating that the filter element must be replaced. A rise in water level is visually observed or detected automatically and communicated using a visible or audible alarm.