Abstract: An openable and closable opening is formed in a pool cover, adjacent to or at the pool cover leading edge, and a mechanism for enabling opening and closing of the cover opening is provided.Upon opening of the cover opening, water, which may accumulate on the pool cover when the cover is extended over the pool, is able to drain through the cover opening into the pool during retraction of the cover.Upon closing of the cover opening, the cover may be smoothly and evenly extended so as to cover, and retracted so as to uncover the pool.A mesh bag depends from the sides of the cover adjacent the cover opening, so as to prevent objects from falling through the opened cover opening into the pool.A foam strip is secured to the mesh bag, so as to enable the section of the cover which includes the opening therein to float if the cover contacts the water in the pool, so as to prevent such water from being scooped onto the cover during retraction thereof.

Abstract: A mechanism for limiting extension and retraction of the pool cover is provided to prevent overtravel thereof and damage to the cover driving motor.

Abstract: A device for extending and retracting a pool cover, for covering and uncovering a pool. A mechanism for coupling and uncoupling cover driving and driven sections includes a floppy clutch mechanism including a floppy clutch arm, pivotally mounted and operable so as to rotate, pivot, and drop into and out of engagement responsive to rotational and gravitational forces, so as to provide positive coupling and uncoupling for cover operation. The cover driving section includes a cable reel which includes a pair of adjacent sections, to each of which one end of a cable is connected, with the opposite end of such cable connected to the cover leading edge, for enabling efficient extension of the pool cover. A pair of tracks are mounted directly in the sides of the pool, through which tracks the sides of the pool cover extend, and a pair of sliders are directly connected and secured to the cover leading edge, to provide support and guidance for the cover during extension and retraction thereof.