Abstract: An inflatable solar collector for heating a swimming pool comprising:A plurality of individual solar heating sections;Each of the sections having an upper portion which is transparent or translucent and a lower portion having an internal surface which absorbs solar energy, the lower portion being connected to the upper portion to provide a substantially enclosed intermediate dead air space;The sections having a major plane which is substantially parallel to the surface of the water in the pool when the collector is floating on the water;When inflated, the upper portions intersecting the plane at at least two locations such that the angles formed by the intersections of the upper surface with the plane is about 40.degree. to 70.degree.;A plurality of tabs interconnecting the sections and providing air passageways therebetween; andInflating means to permit the sections to become inflatable by gas pressure, the collector being floatable on the water surface when inflated.