Solar-powered floating pool heater

Abstract

A solar heater for floating on water generally comprises a flexible outer ring and a bottom cover. The ring and the cover can absorb solar radiation, reduce pool water evaporation and preserve heat in pool. Holes through the cover permit drain of rain from above the cover and egress of air from under the cover.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A floating solar pool heater comprising: an outer ring and a bottom cover; said outer ring defining a closed shape; said bottom cover attached to said ring to form a half open space; whereby said one or more floating solar pool heaters inherently float on the pool water surface, and heat the water by absorbing solar radiation. 
     
     
         2 . The solar pool heater as defined in  claim 1  wherein: said outer ring are formed of synthetic plastic material. 
     
     
         3 . The solar pool heater as defined in  claim 1  wherein: said outer ring is constructed of flexible pipes and couplings; in the preferred embodiment of the invention said outer ring is constructed of one pipe and one coupling to form a circle shape; in a second embodiment said outer ring is constructed of four pipes and four couplings to form a square shape. 
     
     
         4 . The solar pool heater as defined in  claim 1  wherein: said bottom cover comprises a transparent upper film and a dark color lower film; and the upper film and lower film form a thermo sheet with a plurality of bubble chambers in between; the lower side of cover rests substantially on the water when solar pool heater is placed on water. 
     
     
         5 . The solar pool heater as defined in  claim 1  wherein: said bottom cover is made of sufficiently pliable plastic material so as to be rolled into a bundle. 
     
     
         6 . The solar pool heater as defined in  claim 1  wherein: said bottom cover has holes for flow of rain from above the cover and egress of air from under the cover when solar pool heater is placed on water.