Solar heat reflective pool covering

Abstract

A multilayer cover for a pool containing water comprising (a) an uppermost layer having a solar heat reflective material; and (b) a lower layer having a first thermoplastic film (i) having a plurality of portions wherein each of the portions defines a cavity; and (ii) is in sealing engagement with the uppermost layer to provide a plurality of closed cavities; wherein the uppermost layer provides an effective reflective barrier to the ingress of solar radiation through the cover to the water in the pool to prevent or reduce the rate of the water temperature increase.

1 . A multilayer cover for a pool containing water comprising 
 (a) an uppermost layer comprising a solar heat reflective material; and    (b) a lower layer comprising a first thermoplastic film 
 (i) having a plurality of portions wherein each of said portions defines a cavity; and  
 (ii) is in sealing engagement with said uppermost layer to provide a plurality of closed said cavities; wherein said uppermost layer provides an effective reflective barrier to the ingress of solar radiation through the cover to the water in the pool.  
   
   
   
       2 . A cover as defined in  claim 1  wherein said solar heat reflective material is selected from the group consisting of a thin foil of metal and a metallized thermoplastic film.  
   
   
       3 . A cover as defined in  claim 2  wherein said metal is aluminum.  
   
   
       4 . A cover as defined in  claim 1  wherein said lower layer is formed of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, a nylon and PVC.  
   
   
       5 . A cover as defined in  claim 1  wherein said solar heat reflective material has a protective top layer of a second thermoplastic material.  
   
   
       6 . A cover as defined in  claim 5  wherein said top layer of said second thermoplastic material constitutes a coating having a thickness of less than about 0.5 mm.  
   
   
       7 . A swimming pool cover comprising in whole or in part a multilayer cover as defined in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       8 . A covered pool assembly comprising in combination a pool containing water and a multilayer cover for said pool disposed above said water, said cover comprising a multilayer cover for a pool containing water comprising 
 (a) an uppermost layer comprising a solar heat reflective material; and    (b) a lower layer comprising a first thermoplastic film 
 (i) having a plurality of portions wherein each of said portions defines a cavity; and  
 (ii) is in sealing engagement with said uppermost layer to provide a plurality of closed said cavities wherein said uppermost layer provides an effective reflective barrier to the ingress of solar radiation through the cover to the water in the pool.  
   
   
   
       9 . An assembly as defined in  claim 8  wherein said solar heat reflective material is selected from the group consisting of a thin foil of metal and a metallized thermoplastic film through the cover to the water in the pool.  
   
   
       10 . An assembly as defined in  claim 9  wherein said metal is aluminum.  
   
   
       11 . An assembly as defined in  claim 8  wherein said lower layer is formed of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, a nylon and PVC.  
   
   
       12 . An assembly as defined in  claim 8  wherein said solar heat reflective material has a protective top layer of a second thermoplastic material.  
   
   
       13 . An assembly as defined in  claim 12  wherein said top layer of said second thermoplastic material constitutes a coating having a thickness of less than about 0.5 mm.  
   
   
       14 . An assembly as defined in  claim 8  wherein said combination comprises in whole or in part said cover as defined in  claim 8 .  
   
   
       15 . A method of preventing or reducing the rate of increase in water temperature in a pool containing water by solar-radiation, said method comprising covering said pool, in whole or in part, with a multilayer cover for a pool containing water comprising 
 (a) an uppermost layer comprising a solar heat reflective material; and    (b) a lower layer comprising a first thermoplastic film 
 (i) having a plurality of portions wherein each of said portions defines a cavity; and  
 (ii) is in sealing engagement with said uppermost layer to provide a plurality of closed said cavities; wherein said uppermost layer provides an effective reflective barrier to the ingress of solar radiation through the cover to the water in the pool.