System and method for pool equipment protection
A pool skimmer opening cover system for prevention of intrusion of debris and liquids into the pool filtration system during installation of the pool. The system has at least a first cover and a second cover designed to be installed on the above-ground circular opening of a pool skimmer and the subterranean pool facia rectangular opening. Each cover may be installed into the corresponding location subsequent to pool skimmer installation but prior to the completion of pool construction to prevent the intrusion of debris and liquids into the systems thereof. Each cover may be removed subsequent to installation and construction of the pool to enable use of the skimmer upon such completion. A third cover to be used upon construction completion prior to filling the pool and methods of use and/or installation.
1 . A system to prevent an intrusion of debris and a plurality of liquids into a pool skimmer during a construction of a pool, the pool having a subterranean area and the pool skimmer having a subterranean portion with a substantially rectangular throated opening substantially perpendicular to a ground, an above ground portion having a substantially round opening substantially parallel to the ground, and a plurality of ridges along a surface between the substantially rectangular throated opening and the substantially round opening, the system comprising:
a first cover having a top closed end having a first handle, a bottom open end having a perimeter featuring a second handle, a height and a diameter, said diameter corresponding to the substantially round opening of the pool skimmer, said first cover is configured with a plurality of openings to accommodate said plurality of ridges at said bottom open end; and
a second cover having a length and width, said length and said width corresponding to the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer;
wherein said first cover is capable of being inserted to surround the substantially round opening of the pool skimmer and said second cover is capable of being inserted to surround the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said first cover and said second cover comprise a polymeric material.
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein said polymeric material is rigid.
4 . The system of claim 2 , further comprising a third cover, said third cover having a second length a second width, and a pair of vertical beveled edges, said second length and said second width corresponding to the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer wherein said third cover is capable of being inserted to surround the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer.
5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the pool is constructed with 66° flares from said substantially rectangular throated opening.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein said third cover is beveled at 66° and constructed of an elastomeric material.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said second cover has an at least one handle proximate an edge.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said height is at least 5 inches.
9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein said height accommodates a pipe length of the pool skimmer.
10 . A method for preventing intrusion of debris and a plurality of liquids into a pool skimmer during the construction of a pool, wherein the pool comprises a subterranean area, and the pool skimmer includes a subterranean portion with a substantially rectangular throated opening substantially perpendicular to the ground and an above-ground portion with a substantially round opening substantially parallel to the ground and a plurality of ridges along a surface between the substantially rectangular throated opening and the substantially round opening, the method comprising:
providing a first cover having a top closed end, a bottom open end, a height and a diameter, wherein the diameter corresponds to the substantially round opening of the pool, the first cover further having a plurality of openings at the bottom open end configured to accommodate the plurality of ridges;
providing a second cover having a length and width, wherein the length and width correspond to the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer;
inserting the first cover about and into surrounding engagement with the substantially round opening of the pool skimmer such that the plurality of openings engage the plurality of ridges to inhibit displacement of said first cover; and
inserting the second cover to surround the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein said first cover and said second cover comprise a rigid polymeric material.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising a step of providing a third cover, said third cover having a second length a second width, and a pair of vertical beveled edges, said second length and said second width corresponding to the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer wherein said third cover is capable of being inserted to surround the substantially rectangular throated opening of the pool skimmer, said third cover comprises an elastomeric material.
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising a step of removing said second cover and installing said third cover.