Pool or spa cover and methods therefor

Abstract

A pool or spa cover having a generally domed shape caused by bending of previously substantially straight support mechanisms, wherein the circumference is dependent upon curvature of the support mechanisms and is therefore adjustable to fit different size pools or spas, and wherein the pool or spa cover may be utilized as an umbrella when not in use as a pool or spa cover via attaching the pool or spa cover to a central pole having a base.

1 . A pool or spa cover comprising: 
 at least one connector;    a plurality of support mechanisms having a first end disposed proximate to said at least one connector;    a cover;    a plurality of receiving pockets for receiving a second end of said plurality of support mechanisms; and    at least one securing mechanism.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of support mechanisms are secured to said cover via a plurality of sleeves.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of support mechanisms are substantially straight prior to assembly and are disposed between said at least one connector and said plurality of receiving pockets, and wherein subsequent to assembly, said plurality of support mechanism are substantially curved via forces exerted on said plurality of support mechanisms by confinement between said at least one connector and said plurality of receiving pockets.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of straps fixably secured to said cover, wherein said straps are adjustable.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said plurality of straps have said at least one securing mechanism peripherally disposed for attachment to a lip.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said straps are shortened, applying force to said plurality of support mechanisms and forcing curvature of said plurality of support mechanisms.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said plurality of straps are tightenable, and wherein tightening bends said plurality of support mechanisms, thereby arcing said plurality of support mechanisms.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of support mechanisms comprise a plurality of rods.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said plurality of rods are adjustable in length.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one connector comprises a threaded aperture for receiving at least one pole.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein at least one end of said at least one pole is adapted to be threadedly received in said threaded aperture of said at least one connector.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one pole comprises a base on one end thereof.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said base comprises an auger.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said auger comprises a throughhole for receiving a dipole, wherein said dipole can be utilized to rotate said auger.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of said cover is permeable.  
   
   
       16 . A method for covering a pool or spa wherein the method comprises the steps of: 
 assembling a cover, wherein said assembling step further comprises the steps of inserting each of a plurality of supporting members into a plurality of sleeves disposed on said cover, inserting a first end of each of said plurality of supporting members into an aperture in a central receiver, and inserting a second end of each of said plurality of supporting members into a peripheral receiving mechanism;    placing said cover over a container; and    securing said cover to said container via at least one securing mechanism.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said securing step further comprises the step of: 
 tightening at least one strap, wherein said at least one strap is secured on a first end thereof to said at least one securing mechanism and on a second end thereof to said cover, and wherein said step of tightening brings said at least one securing mechanism and said central receiver closer together, thereby arcing each of said plurality of supporting members.    
   
   
       18 . A method of converting a pool cover into an umbrella, said method comprising the steps of: 
 releasing at least one securing mechanism disposed on an upper covering portion of a water retainer, wherein said upper covering portion comprises a central receiver, a plurality of supporting members extending radially from apertures peripherally disposed around said central receiver, said at least one securing mechanism and a cover disposed on said supporting members;    removing said upper covering portion from said water retainer; and    securing said upper covering portion to a central pole.    
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said receiving pockets are disposed on said cover.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said receiving pockets are disposed on said at least one securing mechanism.