Pool cover system and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

A movable pool cover system that includes a pool cover having a perimeter that is configured to cover the associated pool surface area, the pool cover having a buoyant, insulating, and rigid composition, a depth control system that raises and lowers the pool cover of the associated pool, and a perimeter seal assembly operatively interposed between the pool cover perimeter and the associated pool.

1 . A movable pool cover system for an associated pool having a predetermined surface area, the moving pool cover system comprising:
 a pool cover having a perimeter that is configured to cover the associated pool surface area, the pool cover having a buoyant, insulating, and rigid composition; and   a depth control system that raises and lowers the pool cover of the associated pool.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a perimeter seal operatively interposed between the pool cover perimeter and the associated pool. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the body includes a plurality of discrete cells. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of cells are filled with a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the pool cover can support loads of at least 40 lb/ft 2 . 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the pool cover includes at least one of cosmetic flooring or panels that form a top surface of the pool cover. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the depth control system further comprises a winch system including a winch motor and winch drum. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the depth control system is affixed to the bottom surface of the pool cover. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the depth control system includes a flexible member that engages the winch drum and is secured to the pool cover. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the flexible member includes at least one of a strap, rope, or plastic-coated wire. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the depth control system includes a pulley configured to be secured to the associated pool. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the pulley is configured to be secured to a bottom surface of the associated pool. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the pulley receives the flexible member therearound to facilitate raising and lowering of the pool cover relative to the associated pool. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the depth control system includes an electric winch system comprising a winch motor and winch drum configured to be secured to one of a side or bottom surface of the associated pool. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the winch system is not submerged in water, and flexible members operatively associated with the winch system terminate and are accessible at the winch motor/winch drum. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the depth control system includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to a bottom surface of the pool cover, a pulley mounted to the bottom of the pool cover, and a flexible member configured to be secured to a bottom surface of the associated pool. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the perimeter seal assembly includes a selectively collapsible seal member. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the seal member is configured to be received by the associated pool. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the perimeter seal is compartmentalized to provide a seal at first portions of a perimeter of the pool cover, and do not seal at second portions of the pool cover perimeter to allow water to flow there past for the correct function of the hydraulic flows of the pool design. 
     
     
         20 . A prefabricated plunge pool system comprising:
 a pool body;   a pool cover having a perimeter that is configured to cover the precast pool body surface area, the pool cover having a buoyant, insulating, and rigid composition capable of supporting loads of at least 40 lb/ft 2 ;   a depth control system that raises and lowers the pool cover of the pool body.   
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  further comprising a perimeter seal assembly operatively interposed between the pool cover perimeter and the pool body. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the seal assembly includes an inflatable seal member that when selectively inflated, is received in a recess defined in the pool body. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22  wherein the recess is located along an upper portion of the pool body to seal and interlock the pool cover and pool body.