Pool Skimmer

A method of making a pool skimming device, comprising the steps of:

• integrally forming or securing a hollow body on the end of an elongate handle such that the hollow body has an open end and an elongate slot extending from the open end and such that the end of the elongate handle extends within the hollow body;
• inserting a spool on which an elongate continuous length of webbing material is wound into the open end of the hollow body onto the end of the handle such that the spool is housed within the hollow body and such that the spool is rotatable about the handle for purposes of extending and retracting the webbing material relative to the hollow body;
• and
• securing an end piece to a proximal end of the webbing material, the end piece being of a shape to prevent passage through the slot of the hollow body and having a fastening element for securing the end piece to an edge of a structure of a swimming pool;
• during said inserting step, inserting the webbing material into the slot of the hollow body such that the end piece is located exterior of the hollow body.

A method of skimming a pool of water with a skimming device, comprising the steps of:

• positioning a hand-held portable skimming device adjacent a pool structure, the skimming device having an elongate handle, a hollow body connected to one end of the handle, and a spool within the hollow body on which a continuous elongate length of webbing material is wound in a spiral configuration, the webbing material extending through a slot formed in the hollow body and having a proximal end with an end piece having a fastening element located external of the hollow body;
• disposing the hand-held skimming device in a substantially vertical position with the hollow body partially submerged within the pool of water;
• securing the fastening element to the pool structure;
• after said securing step, moving the hand held skimming device including the handle and the hollow body in a path of travel around the perimeter of the pool one time such that the webbing material is automatically extended from and retracted onto the spool to maintain the webbing material in a taut vertical position extending above and below a waterline of the pool along an entire extended length of the webbing material between the end piece and the hollow body to enable debris floating on a surface of the pool to be corralled by the webbing;
• and
• after said moving step, disconnecting the end piece from the structure and entirely removing the skimming device from the pool.