Pool cover drive mechanism

Abstract

An apparatus for retracting a pool cover from over a pool, or extending a pool cover over a pool, includes a pool cover collecting drum supported for rotation on its ends, and a drive gear connected to the drum. A power gear for engaging the drive gear is operably connected to a portable, battery operated electric drill by a power shaft. When the drill is activated, the drive gear rotates the pool cover collecting drum to collect and retract the pool cover from over the pool. The pool cover is placed back over the pool by operation of a complementary apparatus on the opposite side of the pool, such as a rope spool collecting apparatus having an engageable drive gear. The gear-driven spool pulls on a rope attached to a rigid end or carrier of the pool cover. As the pool cover is extended and retracted it slides in a track, allowing the cover to serve as a safety cover. The gears may be located in a sealed housing filled with lubricant. The drive shaft may include a universal joint, and the drill may be designed to engage the power shaft with a flexible socket adapter.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for uncovering a swimming pool, comprising: 
 a pool cover;    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means fixedly attached to a pool deck, the means configured and adapted to be activated by use of a portable low voltage power source;    coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling a portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that said portable low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position.    
     
     
         2 . The system of    claim 1   , further comprising a portable low voltage power source.  
     
     
         3 . The system of    claim 1   , where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.  
     
     
         4 . The system of    claim 3   , further comprising at least one track, in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         5 . The system of    claim 1   , further comprising extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position to an extended position covering the pool.  
     
     
         6 . The system of    claim 5   , where the extending means further comprises at least one line that is wrapped on at least one spool.  
     
     
         7 . The system of    claim 6   , wherein the extending means further comprises coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the extending means, such the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position.  
     
     
         8 . The system of    claim 7   , where the portable low voltage power source is releasably coupled to the extending means such that when the power source is activated, the at least one line is wound on the at least one spool causing the pool cover to be retracted from the pool.  
     
     
         9 . The system of    claim 5   , where the at least one line is attached to the pool cover.  
     
     
         10 . The system of    claim 1   , wherein the pool cover system complies with ASTM standards for a pool safety cover.  
     
     
         11 . A system for uncovering a swimming pool, comprising: 
 a pool cover;    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool;    perimeter securing means for securing the pool cover to the perimeter of the pool along at least two edges of the pool when the pool cover is in an extended position covering the pool;    a portable low voltage power source;    coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position.    
     
     
         12 . The system of    claim 11   , where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.  
     
     
         13 . The system of    claim 11   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises at least a first track, in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         14 . The system of    claim 13   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises a second track in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         15 . The system of    claim 14   , wherein the first and second tracks are parallel to one another and are disposed on opposite parallel sides of the pool.  
     
     
         16 . The system of    claim 11   , further comprising extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position to an extended position covering the pool.  
     
     
         17 . The system of    claim 16   , where the extending means comprises at least one line that is wrapped on at least one spool.  
     
     
         18 . The system of    claim 17   , where the portable low voltage power source is releasably coupled to the extending means such that when the power source is activated, the at least one line is wound on the at least one spool causing the pool cover to be extended over the pool.  
     
     
         19 . The system of    claim 17   , where the at least one line is attached to the pool cover.  
     
     
         20 . The system of    claim 11   , wherein the pool cover system complies with ASTM standards for a pool safety cover.  
     
     
         21 . A system for covering and uncovering a swimming pool, comprising: 
 a pool cover;    a portable low voltage power source;    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool;    first coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;    extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position to an extended position covering the pool, the means fixedly attached to the pool deck at a second end opposite the first end of the pool;    second coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the extending means such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to on extended position over the pool.    
     
     
         22 . The system of    claim 21   , where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.  
     
     
         23 . The system of    claim 21   , further comprising perimeter securing means for securing the pool cover to the perimeter of the pool along at least two edges of the pool when the pool cover is in an extended position covering the pool.  
     
     
         24 . The system of    claim 23   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises at least a first track, in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         25 . The system of    claim 24   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises a second track in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         26 . The system of    claim 25   , wherein the first and second tracks are parallel to one another and are disposed on opposite parallel sides of the pool.  
     
     
         27 . The system of    claim 21   , where the extending means comprises at least one line that is wrapped on at least one spool.  
     
     
         28 . The system of    claim 27   , where the at least one line is attached to the pool cover.  
     
     
         29 . The system of    claim 21   , wherein the pool cover system complies with ASTM standards for a pool safety cover.  
     
     
         30 . A system for uncovering a swimming pool, comprising: 
 a pool cover;    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the means fixedly attached to a pool deck;    a portable low voltage power source;    gear reduction means attached to the retracting means, the gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the means including a gear reduction mechanism.    
     
     
         31 . The system of    claim 30   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.  
     
     
         32 . The system of    claim 31   , wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         33 . The system of    claim 30   , further comprising perimeter securing means for securing the pool cover to the perimeter of the pool along at least two edges of the pool when the pool cover is in an extended position covering the pool.  
     
     
         34 . The system of    claim 33   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises at least a first track, in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         35 . The system of    claim 34   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises a second track in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         36 . The system of    claim 35   , wherein the first and second tracks are parallel to one another and are disposed on proximate sides of the pool.  
     
     
         37 . The system of    claim 30   , where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.  
     
     
         38 . The system of    claim 30   , further comprising extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position to an extended position covering the pool, and gear reduction means attached to the extending means, the gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover from a retracted position, the means including a gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         39 . The system of    claim 38   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that is operably connected to the retracting means.  
     
     
         40 . The system of    claim 39   , wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         41 . The system of    claim 38   , where the extending means comprises at least one line that is wrapped on at least one spool.  
     
     
         42 . The system of    claim 38   , where the portable low voltage power source is releasably coupled to the extending means such that when the power source is activated, the at least one line is wound on the at least one spool causing the pool cover to be retracted from the pool.  
     
     
         43 . The system of    claim 41   , where the at least one line is attached to the pool cover.  
     
     
         44 . The system of    claim 30   , wherein the pool cover system complies with ASTM standards for a pool safety cover.  
     
     
         45 . A system for uncovering a swimming pool, comprising: 
 a pool cover;    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means fixedly attached to a pool deck;    a portable low voltage power source;    gear reduction unit comprising 
 a housing,  
 at least one retraction shaft attached to the retracting means,  
 a power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and  
 gear reduction means disposed inside a sealed housing, the gear reduction means operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft and the power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position by activating the retracting means through the rotating the at least one retraction shaft through action of the gear reduction means;  
 restriction means for restricting the pool cover from extending from the retracted position when the pool cover is in the retracted position.  
   
     
     
         46 . The system of    claim 45   , wherein the gear reduction means comprises the restriction means.  
     
     
         47 . The system of    claim 45   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the power shaft, and a relatively larger diameter gear that is operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft.  
     
     
         48 . The system of    claim 47   , wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.  
     
     
         49 . The system of    claim 48   , wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil.  
     
     
         50 . The system of    claim 45   , further comprising perimeter securing means for securing the pool cover to the perimeter of the pool along at least two edges of the pool when the pool cover is in an extended position covering the pool.  
     
     
         51 . The system of    claim 50   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises at least a first track, in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         52 . The system of    claim 51   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises a second track in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         53 . The system of    claim 52   , wherein the first and second tracks are parallel to one another and are disposed on opposite parallel sides of the pool.  
     
     
         54 . The system of    claim 45   , where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.  
     
     
         55 . The system of    claim 45   , further comprising extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position to an extended position covering the pool, and gear reduction unit comprising 
 a sealed housing,    at least one retraction shaft attached to the extending means,    a power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and    gear reduction means disposed inside a sealed housing, the gear reduction means operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft and the power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to retract the pool cover from an extended position by activating the extending means through the rotating the at least one retraction shaft through action of the gear reduction means.    
     
     
         56 . The system of    claim 55   , wherein the gear reduction means includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the power shaft, and a relatively larger diameter gear that is operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft.  
     
     
         57 . The system of    claim 55   , wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.  
     
     
         58 . The system of    claim 57   , where the lubricant is a petroleum based oil.  
     
     
         59 . The system of    claim 55   , where the extending means comprises at least one line that is wrapped on at least one spool.  
     
     
         60 . The system of    claim 59   , where the portable low voltage power source is releasably coupled to the extending means such that when the power source is activated, the at least one line is wound on the at least one spool causing the pool cover to be retracted from the pool.  
     
     
         61 . The system of    claim 60   , where the at least one line is attached to the pool cover.  
     
     
         62 . The system of    claim 45   , wherein the pool cover system complies with ASTM standards for a pool safety cover.  
     
     
         63 . A system for uncovering a swimming pool, comprising: 
 a pool cover;    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool;    a portable low voltage power source; and    coupling means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the coupling means comprising a flexible socket shaft, such that the low voltage portable power source may be coupled and used from a plurality of positions.    
     
     
         64 . The system of    claim 63   , further comprising gear reduction means attached to the retracting means, the gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         65 . The system of    claim 64   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.  
     
     
         66 . The system of    claim 65   , wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         67 . The system of    claim 65   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism is located inside a sealed housing, with a shaft of the relatively smaller diameter gear protruding from said housing for making operable connection to the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means.  
     
     
         68 . The system of    claim 67   , wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.  
     
     
         69 . The system of    claim 68   , wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil.  
     
     
         70 . The system of    claim 63   , where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.  
     
     
         71 . The system of    claim 63   , further comprising perimeter securing means for securing the pool cover to the perimeter of the pool along at least two edges of the pool when the pool cover is in an extended position covering the pool.  
     
     
         72 . The system of    claim 71   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises at least a first track, in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         73 . The system of    claim 72   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises a second track in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         74 . The system of    claim 73   , wherein the first and second tracks are parallel to one another and are disposed on proximate sides of the pool.  
     
     
         75 . The system of    claim 63   , further comprising extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position to an extended position covering the pool with coupling means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover from a retracted position, the coupling means comprising a flexible socket shaft, such that the low voltage portable power source may be coupled and used from a plurality of positions.  
     
     
         76 . The system of    claim 75   , further comprising gear reduction means attached to the extending means, the gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover from a retracted position, the means including a gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         77 . The system of    claim 76   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.  
     
     
         78 . The system of    claim 77   , wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         79 . The system of    claim 77   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism is located inside a sealed housing, with a shaft of the relatively smaller diameter gear protruding from said housing for making operable connection to the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means.  
     
     
         80 . The system of    claim 79   , wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.  
     
     
         81 . The system of    claim 80   , wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil.  
     
     
         82 . The system of    claim 75   , where the extending means comprises at least one line that is wrapped on at least one spool.  
     
     
         83 . The system of    claim 82   , where the at least one line is attached to the pool cover.  
     
     
         84 . The system of    claim 75   , where the portable low voltage power source is releasably coupled to the coupling means such that when the power source is activated, the at least one line is wound on the at least one spool causing the pool cover to be retracted from the pool.  
     
     
         85 . The system of    claim 63   , wherein the pool cover system complies with ASTM standards for a pool safety cover.  
     
     
         86 . A system for uncovering a swimming pool, comprising: 
 a flexible pool cover;    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means comprising a cover collection shaft on which the pool cover is wound;    a portable low voltage power source;    coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position.    
     
     
         87 . The system of    claim 86   , further comprising the cover collection shaft being attached to the coupling means to the low voltage power source by a universal joint.  
     
     
         88 . The system of    claim 86   , wherein the shaft further comprises a collecting drum on which the pool cover is wound when the cover is in a retracted position.  
     
     
         89 . The system of    claim 86   , wherein the flexible pool cover is a flexible sheet.  
     
     
         90 . The system of    claim 89   , wherein the flexible pool cover comprises at least one layer.  
     
     
         91 . The system of    claim 89   , wherein the flexible sheet is constructed from canvas.  
     
     
         92 . The system of    claim 89   , wherein the flexible sheet is constructed of fiberglass textile.  
     
     
         93 . The system of    claim 86   , wherein the pool cover system complies with ASTM standards for a pool safety cover.  
     
     
         94 . The system of    claim 86   , further comprising perimeter securing means for securing the pool cover to the perimeter of the pool along at least two edges of the pool when the pool cover is in an extended position covering the pool.  
     
     
         95 . The system of    claim 94   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises at least a first track, in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         96 . The system of    claim 95   , wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises a second track in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.  
     
     
         97 . The system of    claim 96   , wherein the first and second tracks are parallel to one another and are disposed on proximate sides of the pool.  
     
     
         98 . The system of    claim 86   , wherein the coupling means further comprises a flexible socket shaft, such that the low voltage portable power source may be coupled and used from a plurality of positions.  
     
     
         99 . The system of    claim 86   , further comprising gear reduction means attached to the retracting means, the gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         100 . The system of    claim 99   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.  
     
     
         101 . The system of    claim 100   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism is located inside a sealed housing, with a shaft of the relatively smaller diameter gear protruding from said housing for making operable connection to the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means.  
     
     
         102 . The system of    claim 101   , wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.  
     
     
         103 . The system of    claim 102   , wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil.  
     
     
         104 . The system of    claim 99   , wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         105 . The system of    claim 86   , where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.  
     
     
         106 . The system of    claim 86   , further comprising extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position to an extended position covering the pool with coupling means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover from a retracted position.  
     
     
         107 . The system of    claim 106   , wherein the coupling means further comprises a flexible socket shaft, such that the low voltage portable power source may be coupled and used from a plurality of positions.  
     
     
         108 . The system of    claim 106   , further comprising gear reduction means attached to the extending means, the gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover from a retracted position, the means including a gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         109 . The system of    claim 108   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.  
     
     
         110 . The system of    claim 109   , wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction mechanism.  
     
     
         111 . The system of    claim 109   , wherein the gear reduction mechanism is located inside a sealed housing, with a shaft of the relatively smaller diameter gear protruding from said housing for making operable connection to the portable low voltage power source via the coupling means.  
     
     
         112 . The system of    claim 111   , wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.  
     
     
         113 . The system of    claim 112   , wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil.  
     
     
         114 . The system of    claim 106   , where the extending means comprises at least one line that is wrapped on at least one spool.  
     
     
         115 . The system of    claim 114   , where the at least one line is attached to the pool cover.  
     
     
         116 . The system of    claim 106   , where the portable low voltage power source is releasably coupled to the coupling means such that when the power source is activated, the at least one line is wound on the at least one spool causing the pool cover to be retracted from the pool.  
     
     
         117 . A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising 
 a pool cover,  
 retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means fixedly attached to a pool deck,  
 a portable low voltage power source, and  
 connecting means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;  
   (b) connecting the low voltage power source to the connecting means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.    
     
     
         118 . A method of covering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising 
 a pool cover,  
 extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position pool cover to an extended position covering the pool, the extending means fixedly attached to a pool deck,  
 a portable low voltage power source, and  
 connecting means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the extending means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover from a retracted position;  
   (b) connecting the low voltage power source to the connecting means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be extended from the retracted position.    
     
     
         119 . A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising    a pool cover,    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means fixedly attached to a pool deck, the means configured and adapted to be activated by use of a portable low voltage power source,    coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;    (b) coupling the low voltage power source to the coupling means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.    
     
     
         120 . A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising    a pool cover,    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool,    perimeter securing means for securing the pool cover to the perimeter of the pool along at least two edges of the pool when the pool cover is in an extended position covering the pool,    a portable low voltage power source,    coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;    (b) coupling the low voltage power source to the coupling means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.    
     
     
         121 . A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising    a pool cover,    a portable low voltage power source,    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool,    first coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position,    extending means for extending the pool cover from a retracted position to an extended position covering the pool, the means fixedly attached to the pool deck at a second end opposite the first end of the pool,    second coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the extending means such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to on extended position over the pool;    (b) coupling the low voltage power source to the first coupling means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.    
     
     
         122 . The method of    claim 1   , further comprising the steps: 
 (d) coupling the low voltage power source to the second coupling means;    (e) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be extended to the extended position.    
     
     
         123 . A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising    a pool cover,    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means fixedly attached to a pool deck,    a portable low voltage power source,    gear reduction means attached to the retracting means, the gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the means including a gear reduction mechanism;    (b) coupling the low voltage power source to the coupling means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.    
     
     
         124 . A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising    a pool cover,    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means fixedly attached to a pool deck,    a portable low voltage power source,    gear reduction unit comprising 
 a housing,  
 at least one retraction shaft attached to the retracting means,  
 a power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and  
 gear reduction means disposed inside a sealed housing, the gear reduction means operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft and the power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position by activating the retracting means through the rotating the at least one retraction shaft through action of the gear reduction means,  
 restriction means for restricting the pool cover from extending from the retracted position when the pool cover is in the retracted position;  
   (b) coupling the low voltage power source to the coupling means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.    
     
     
         125 . A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising    a pool cover,    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool,    a portable low voltage power source, and    coupling means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the coupling means comprising a flexible socket shaft, such that the low voltage portable power source may be coupled and used from a plurality of positions;    (b) coupling the low voltage power source to the coupling means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.    
     
     
         126 . A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of: 
 (a) installing a pool cover system, comprising    a flexible pool cover,    retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means comprising a cover collection shaft on which the pool cover is wound,    a portable low voltage power source,    coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;    (b) coupling the low voltage power source to the coupling means;    (c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.