Photosynthesis active radiation blocking solar pool cover and method of making the pool cover

Abstract

A swimming pool cover which retards algae growth. Two films are sealed together so as to create air pockets which allow the pool cover to float on the surface of the water. One or both of the films contains a material which prevents the passage of light in those wavelengths which are necessary for algae growth, especially 350-500 nm and 600-700 nm. The material may either be a dye which has a color associated with that wavelength or may be a transparent material which removes those wavelengths of light. The remaining wavelengths of light are allowed to pass through the cover in order to heat the water but not cause algae growth. Additionally, the cover can be made by mixing light absorbing material into the plastic before making the film for the pool cover or may be made by applying a layer of light absorbing material to the film.

1 . An algae retardant pool cover for a pool of water, comprising: 
 at least one plastic film;    said plastic film containing a material for absorbing light in selected wavelengths necessary for algae growth.    
   
   
       2 . The pool cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the selected wavelengths are 350-500 nm and 600-700 nm.  
   
   
       3 . The pool cover according to  claim 2 , wherein the selected wavelengths are 410 nm, 430 nm, and 453 nm, 642 nm, and 662 nm.  
   
   
       4 . The pool cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one plastic film includes an upper plastic film and a lower plastic film, at least one of said upper and lower plastic film containing material for absorbing light in selected wavelengths necessary for algae growth.  
   
   
       5 . The pool cover according to  claim 4 , wherein the absorbent material is contained within one of said upper plastic film and said lower plastic film.  
   
   
       6 . The pool cover according to  claim 4 , wherein the absorbent material is applied as an additional layer to one of said upper plastic film and said lower plastic film.  
   
   
       7 . The pool cover according to  claim 4 , wherein air pockets are formed between said films to contain air and make said cover float on water.  
   
   
       8 . The pool cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent material is colored in the selected wavelengths.  
   
   
       9 . The pool cover according to  claim 8 , wherein the absorbent material is colored orange.  
   
   
       10 . The pool cover according to  claim 8 , wherein the absorbent material is colored blue-green.  
   
   
       11 . The pool cover according to  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent material is absorbent in the selected wavelengths.  
   
   
       12 . The pool cover according to  claim 7 , wherein the absorbent material is at least one of sulfates, carbonates, silicates and silica.  
   
   
       13 . An algae retardant pool cover for a pool of water, comprising: 
 at least one plastic film; and    means for absorbing light in selected wavelengths necessary for algae growth.    
   
   
       14 . The pool cover according to  claim 13 , wherein the selected wavelengths are 350-500 nm and 600-700 nm.  
   
   
       15 . The pool cover according to  claim 14 , wherein the selected wavelengths are 410 nm, 430 nm, and 453 nm, 642 nm, and 662 nm.  
   
   
       16 . The pool cover according to  claim 13 , wherein the at least one plastic film includes an upper plastic film and a lower plastic film, at least one of said upper and lower plastic film containing means for absorbing light in selected wavelengths necessary for algae growth.  
   
   
       17 . The pool cover according to  claim 16 , wherein the absorbent means is contained within one of said upper plastic film and said lower plastic film.  
   
   
       18 . The pool cover according to  claim 16 , wherein the absorbent means is applied as an additional layer to one of said upper plastic film and said lower plastic film.  
   
   
       19 . A method for making an algae retardant pool cover, comprising: 
 providing material for absorbing light in selected wavelengths necessary for algae growth;    mixing said material into a plastic material;    forming a plastic film including said plastic material and said material for absorbing light; and    forming a pool cover from said plastic film.    
   
   
       20 . A method of making an algae retardant pool cover, comprising: 
 forming a plastic film; and    applying a layer of material for absorbing light in selected wavelengths necessary for algae growth onto a surface of said plastic film.