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.

1 . A water bag for heating water using solar radiation comprising: 
 first and second sheets of pliable, expandable, non-porous material joined together at their outer edges to form a pouch which can hold water; the first and second sheets being of a material and color that can absorb solar radiation and convert it into heat;    a first orifice formed in the pouch for enabling the first orifice to be coupled to a pool of water for enabling water to flow from the pool into the pouch and causing the pouch to expand and for enabling the rays of the sun incident on the pouch to heat the water in the pouch;    a second orifice formed in the pouch for coupling said second orifice to the pool of water for enabling water to flow from the water bag into the pool of water; and    wherein, when the water bag is not in use, the pouch may be deflated such that said first and second sheets lie one on top of the other, touching each other, with little air and water therebetween; and said pouch, when the water bag is in use, expanding to its fullest extent.    
   
   
       2 . The water bag as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein, when the water bag is not in use, the sheets may be folded to occupy little space.  
   
   
       3 . The water bag as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein, when the water bag is not in use, the sheets may be rolled-up to occupy little space.  
   
   
       4 . The water bag as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the sheets are formed of polyvinyl chloride.  
   
   
       5 . The water bag as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pool of water is one of a swimming pool, a spa and a pond.  
   
   
       6 . The water bag as claimed in  claim 1  further including ribs formed along the length of the water bag, between the two ends of the bag, for producing channels within the water bag.  
   
   
       7 . The water bag as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the first and second orifices are located at opposite ends of the water bag.  
   
   
       8 . The water bag as claimed in  claim 6  wherein as hose and a valve are coupled to the second orifice to control the discharge of water from the water bag.  
   
   
       9 . The water bag as claimed in  claim 6  wherein as hose and a valve are coupled to the first orifice to control the flow of water into the water bag.  
   
   
       10 . A system for providing solar heating for a pool of water, comprising: 
 first and second sheets of expandable, pliable, non-porous material joined together to form a pouch which can hold water; the sheets being of a material having a texture and being generally of dark color in order to absorb the rays of the sun and heat the water in the pouch;    the pouch having an input port at one end of the pouch for enabling the input port to be coupled via a hose to a pool of water and for enabling water to flow from the pool of water into the pouch;    the pouch having an output port located on the pouch at a point relative to the input port to ensure the longest path of travel for the water to flow within the pouch;    wherein the pouch when exposed to the sun heats up the water with which it is filled; and    wherein when the pouch is not in use it can be emptied of water and said first and second sheets collapse and are in touch with each other for enabling the pouch to be tightly rolled or folded.    
   
   
       11 . The system as claimed in  claim 10 , further including means for selectively enabling water to flow continuously through the pouch and for selectively enabling water to fill the pouch until certain conditions of time and temperature are met and the water in the pouch is then discharged.  
   
   
       12 . A method for heating water using a water bag comprised of first and second sheets of pliable, expandable, non-porous material joined together at their outer edges to form a pouch which can hold water; the first and second sheets being of a material and color that can absorb solar radiation and convert it into heat and having a first orifice formed in the pouch for enabling the first orifice to be coupled to a pool of water for enabling water to flow from the pool into the pouch and causing the pouch to expand and for enabling the rays of the sun incident on the pouch to heat the water in the pouch and having a second orifice formed in the pouch for coupling said second orifice to the pool of water for enabling water to flow from the water bag into the pool of water and wherein, when the water bag is not in use, the pouch may be deflated such that said first and second sheets lie one on top of the other, touching each other, with little air and water therebetween comprising the steps of: 
 selectively introducing water into the bag so the water can flow continuously through the bag and then discharge into a pool of water; and    selectively introducing water into the bag and holding the water in the bag until the temperature reaches a desired level and then discharging the contents of the bag into a pool of water.