Apparatus for use with a swimming pool cover

Abstract

An apparatus and method used in conjunction with a swimming pool cover for covering and uncovering a swimming pool to reduce or prevent standing water, dirt or debris from entering the pool when uncovering the pool. The apparatus includes a buoyant support member, and inflatable/deflatable bladder attached to the support member and a conduit for providing a fluid used to inflate and deflate the bladder. In operation, inflation of the bladder raises the pool cover above the pool deck, railing or peripheral edge whereby standing water, dirt or debris can be removed or washed from the cover prior to removing the cover from the pool.

1 . An apparatus for use with a swimming pool cover comprising:
 a support member;   a bladder attached to said support member; and   a conduit connected to and extending from said bladder, said conduit configured for bidirectional fluid flow used for inflating and deflating said bladder.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said support member is buoyant. 
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said support member includes a hollow elongated portion. 
   
   
       4 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said support member is formed of a polystyrene material. 
   
   
       5 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said support member includes an inflatable tubular portion. 
   
   
       6 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said support member includes a buoyant, elongated portion configured in a closed shape defining an opening with said bladder located in said opening. 
   
   
       7 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 6  including a plurality of clips extending from said support member to said bladder to secure said bladder in said opening. 
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said support member has an annular configuration. 
   
   
       9 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said support member and said bladder are one-piece. 
   
   
       10 . A method of covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising the steps of:
 covering the swimming pool by placing an apparatus including a support member, a bladder connected to said support member and a conduit on a surface of the water in said swimming pool with said bladder deflated;   placing a pool cover over said apparatus and securing said pool cover in place;   uncovering said swimming pool by supplying fluid through said conduit to said bladder to inflate said bladder and raise the level of said pool cover to a position above a peripheral edge of said swimming pool; and   removing any debris from said pool cover prior to unsecuring and removing said pool cover from said swimming pool.   
   
   
       11 . A method of covering and uncovering a swimming pool as set forth in  claim 10  including the step of partially inflating said bladder to raise a portion of said pool cover above said peripheral edge of said swimming pool whereby standing water on said pool cover congregates adjacent said peripheral edge of said swimming pool and pumping a portion of said standing water off of said pool cover prior to removing said pool cover. 
   
   
       12 . A method of covering and uncovering a swimming pool as set forth in  claim 10  including the step of rinsing said pool cover to remove any said debris therefrom prior to removing said pool cover. 
   
   
       13 . A method of covering and uncovering a swimming pool as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the step of placing said apparatus in said swimming pool includes the step of partially inflating said bladder after said pool cover is placed on said swimming pool to center said apparatus and space said apparatus from said peripheral edge of said swimming pool. 
   
   
       14 . A method of covering and uncovering a swimming pool as set forth in  claim 13  wherein after said apparatus is centered, said bladder is deflated and said pool cover holds said apparatus in position. 
   
   
       15 . A method of uncovering a swimming pool comprising the steps of:
 initially covering the swimming pool by placing an apparatus having a buoyant support member and an inflatable bladder capable of moving between a first, deflated position and a second, inflated position underneath a pool cover with said bladder in said first, deflated position;   inflating said bladder to raise the said pool cover to a level above an upper edge of said swimming pool to remove any debris located on said pool cover.   
   
   
       16 . A method of uncovering a swimming pool as set forth in  claim 15  including attaching a fluid conduit to said bladder and using said fluid conduit to supply fluid to said bladder to inflate said bladder. 
   
   
       17 . A method of uncovering a swimming pool as set forth in  claim 16  were in said fluid includes air. 
   
   
       18 . A method of uncovering a swimming pool as set forth in  claim 15  including the step of partially inflating said bladder to partially raise said pool cover whereby water located on said pool cover congregates adjacent a peripheral edge of said swimming pool and pumping at least a portion of said water off of said pool cover prior to further inflating said bladder and raising said pool cover.