Apparatus and method for solar heating of a pool of water

Abstract

A solar heating system for heating a pool of water includes a water bag formed of materials such that when it is not in use, it is deflated and compressed so as to occupy little space. When the water bag is in use it is inflatable and expandable so as to contain a substantial amount of water which can be heated by the rays of the sun absorbed by the water bag. A water bag embodying the invention can be formed of inexpensive materials (e.g., plastic, rubber or canvas). The water bag is very portable and can be set up (to collect water and heat it) quickly and easily. When not in use it can be folded or rolled up taking up very little storage space. It does not interfere with the use of the pool of water it is intended to warm. It can be set up any place, close to the pool of water or by using longer hoses it can be located away from the pool, where the best sunlight and solar heat is available.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 512,427 filed Oct. 20, 2003 and titled Swimming Pool Solar Heating Bag.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to heating of water by solar radiation. [0003] Heating of water by means of electricity or gas is well known and effective. But, it is costly. Passive solar heating of water has been disclosed as an alternative. However, known apparatus and systems suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages. They are difficult to manufacture, are expensive, and are not easily portable or foldable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] The disadvantages discussed above are overcome in systems embodying the invention. [0005] A solar heating system for heating a pool of water includes a water bag formed of materials which enable the water bag to be deflated and compressed so as to occupy little space, when not in use. When the water bag is in use it is inflatable and expandable so as to co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] A solar heating system for heating a pool of water includes a water bag formed of materials which enable the water bag to be deflated and compressed so as to occupy little space, when not in use. When the water bag is in use it is inflatable and expandable so as to contain a substantial amount of water which can be heated by the rays of the sun absorbed by the water bag. A water bag embodying the invention can be formed of inexpensive non-porous materials (e.g., plastic, rubber or canvas) of a texture and color which can absorb the rays of the sun and heat the contents of the water bag. The water bag is very portable and can be set up so as to be filled with water which can be heated quickly and easily. When not in use the water bag can be folded or rolled up taking up very little storage space. It does not interfere with the use of the pool of water it is intended to warm. It can be set up any place, close to the pool of water or by using longer hoses it can be located away from the pool, where the best sunlight and solar heat is available. The water bag can be coupled via hoses and valves to a pool of water to permit water to flow through the bag continuously. Alternatively, the valves may be used to allow the bag to be filled with water from a pool of water and for the water to be held in the bag until it is heated for a predetermined period or time or until it reaches a predetermined temperature, before the heated water is discharged into the pool of water.

Problems solved by technology

However, known apparatus and systems suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages.

They are difficult to manufacture, are expensive, and are not easily portable or foldable.

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