Insulation for above ground swimming pools

This invention relates to ways in which panels of insulation may be attached to the exterior face of the walls of above ground swimming pools.

Granted UK applications by the inventor GB2425146 and GB2425147 describe clips which may be used to attach such insulation to above ground pools, mainly of the steel walled variety. Prior to these innovations it was generally not considered necessary or possible to attach insulation to the walls of above ground pools, even though many users would attempt to heat their pools at some considerable expense to try and extend the swimming season beyond the height of Summer.

The present invention describes a method of attaching inflatable insulation panels as described below to above ground swimming pools where the walls of the pool are formed by a plastic liner supported by a metal frame.

It is advantageous to use transparent material as an insulation material, since the solar energy of the sun will pass through the material and heat up the pool wall and hence the water. The greater the degree of transparency of the insulation material the quicker the sun\'s energy will be transferred to the pool wall. Heat loss from the pool by means of conduction and convection will be greatly reduced by using an insulation material that incorporates air. Where a pool is heated by means of electricity, gas, or solid fuel, significant savings in energy will be made. A warmer pool, for more of the year and/or cost savings will be achieved with a pool insulated in this way.

For convenience, and for economies of transportation and storage, it is desirable to fashion the insulation panels by using a transparent plastic material to construct standard size inflatable ribbed panels. These will be of compact dimensions when deflated, but of a size to match the dimensions of the swimming pool wall when inflated.

For the insulation to be effective the standard sized panels must be installed as a continuous ring around the outside of the pool and with as much contact with the pool wall as possible. The ring can be made bigger or smaller depending on the size of the above ground pool.