Cleaning device for artificial pools

Abstract

A cleaning device for artificial pools comprises a flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material, and that is buoyant in water. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet is circular and is formed from a plurality of individual layers secured in overlapping relation to one another. Each of the layers comprises a fibrous mat composed of fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene.

1 . A cleaning device for artificial pools, comprising:
 a flexible sheet;   formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material; and   being buoyant in water.   
     
     
         2 . The cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet is a circular sheet. 
     
     
         3 . The cleaning device of  claim 2 , wherein the sheet is formed from a plurality of individual layers secured in overlapping relation to one another. 
     
     
         4 . The cleaning device of  claim 3 , wherein each layer comprises a fibrous mat containing fibers having a diameter between about 8 microns and about 18 microns. 
     
     
         5 . The cleaning device of  claim 4 , wherein the fibers are fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene. 
     
     
         6 . The cleaning device of  claim 5 , wherein the polypropylene has a specific gravity of 0.8. 
     
     
         7 . The cleaning device of  claim 6 , wherein the polypropylene has a basis weight of 450 grams per square meter. 
     
     
         8 . The cleaning device of  claim 2 , wherein the sheet has a diameter of about 11.5 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The cleaning device of  claim 2 , wherein the sheet has a diameter of about 23.5 inches. 
     
     
         10 . A method for cleaning an artificial pool, comprising:
 providing at least one flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material and being buoyant in water;   placing the at least one sheet in the artificial pool; and   allowing the at least one sheet to float on a surface of water in the artificial pool.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 removing the at least one sheet from the artificial pool;   rinsing at least a downside surface of the at least one sheet with water; and   replacing the at least one sheet in the artificial pool.