🌞 Sol+Guard 500M 180 GeoBubble Solar Cover – Maximum Solar Heating with Enhanced UV Protection

Engineered for Hotter Climates | 6-Year Pro-Rata Warranty | Save £600+ Annually

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Why UK Pool Owners Choose the Sol+Guard 500M 180

The bottom line: This cover could save you £600-850 per year on heating, chemical, and water costs while heating your pool naturally—paying for itself in as little as 3-5 months.*

The Sol+Guard 500M 180 is the enhanced UV-resistant version of our bestselling solar heating cover, specifically engineered with an extra protective layer to withstand intense UV exposure. If you’re experiencing increasingly sunny summers or have a pool in direct sunlight, this is your optimal choice.

What makes it different? While standard solar covers focus on heat retention, the Sol+Guard prioritizes maximum solar heating—its translucent material actively transmits UV rays to warm your water by up to 8°C, while the 180-formulation protective layer ensures it won’t degrade under harsh sunlight.

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💰 The Real Cost of Running Your Pool Uncovered

Let’s look at what’s actually happening to your money when your pool sits uncovered:

Annual Costs WITHOUT a Cover (Average 4m x 8m Pool):

• Heating costs: £800-1,200/year running your heat pump constantly
• Water replacement: £160-240/year (32,000 litres lost to evaporation = 400 baths)
• Extra chemicals: £120-180/year (rebalancing after evaporation)
• Additional cleaning: £80-120/year in extra chemicals and time

Total annual waste: £1,160-1,740

Annual Costs WITH Sol+Guard 500M 180:

• Heating costs: £240-360/year (70% reduction)
• Water replacement: £8-24/year (98% evaporation prevention)
• Extra chemicals: £36-54/year (70% reduction)
• Additional cleaning: Minimal

Total annual costs: £284-438

Your Annual Savings: £600-850+*

ROI Timeline: For a 10ft x 20ft pool, your £195 investment pays for itself in approximately 3-5 months of swimming season.*

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🔥 How the Sol+Guard 500M 180 Works Differently

The Science of Maximum Solar Heating

Most pool covers focus purely on heat retention. The Sol+Guard 500M 180 does something smarter—it actively heats your water while also keeping that heat locked in.

The Dual-Action Technology:

1. Translucent UV Transmission (Heating Phase)
   • Unlike opaque covers that block sunlight, the Sol+Guard’s translucent material allows UV rays to penetrate deep into the water
   • GeoBubble air pockets act as thousands of tiny magnifying lenses, concentrating solar energy
   • Can raise water temperature by up to 8°C on sunny days
   • Effectively gives you free solar heating—no electricity required
2. GeoBubble Insulation (Retention Phase)
   • 500-micron thickness creates a thermal barrier
   • Unique patented bubble shape (not round like traditional covers) provides 25% longer lifespan
   • Prevents heat from escaping overnight or on cloudy days
   • Reduces heat loss by up to 75%
3. Enhanced UV Protection Layer (Durability Phase)
   • The “180” formulation includes an extra protective layer designed for UV exposure up to 180 kLys/yrs
   • Standard covers (140 formulation) can degrade in hot, sunny conditions
   • Perfect for UK’s increasingly sunny summers and pools in direct sunlight
   • Maintains performance year after year without degradation

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✅ Your Complete Benefits Breakdown

Financial Savings

Energy Costs:

• Reduces heating costs by up to 70%
• Saves up to 7,000 kWh of electricity annually when used with a heat pump
• At current UK energy rates (£0.30/kWh), that’s £560-840 in annual savings

Water Conservation:

• Prevents 98% of evaporation
• Saves approximately 32,000 litres annually (equivalent to 400 baths)
• At average UK water rates, saves £160-240 per year

Chemical Savings:

• Reduces chemical consumption by up to 30%
• Saves approximately 5kg of chlorine annually
• Annual chemical savings: £80-120

Performance Benefits

Temperature Control:

• Can increase pool temperature by up to 8°C in optimal conditions
• Extends your swimming season by 4-8 weeks (spring and autumn)
• Maintains comfortable swimming temperature with minimal heating system use

Water Quality:

• Keeps debris, leaves, insects, and bird droppings out of your pool
• Drastically reduces bacterial growth conditions
• Cleaner water = less cleaning time and chemical use

Environmental Impact:

• Reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing heating system usage
• Conserves thousands of litres of water annually
• Eco-friendly solution that pays you back

Durability & Warranty

• 6-year pro-rata warranty (UK & Ireland only)*
• GeoBubble technology lasts 25% longer than traditional bubble covers
• Enhanced UV protection prevents degradation in sunny conditions
• Made-to-order for perfect fit—no wasted material, no gaps

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🆚 Sol+Guard 500M 180 vs. Standard Covers: The Critical Difference

Feature	Sol+Guard 500M 180	Standard 500M Covers	Basic 400M Covers
UV Protection Rating	180 kLys/yrs ✅	140 kLys/yrs	Minimal
Solar Heating Capability	Maximum (translucent) ✅	Moderate	Low
Heat Retention	75% reduction ✅	75% reduction ✅	60-65%
Thickness	500 microns ✅	500 microns ✅	400 microns
Best For	Sunny locations, max heating ✅	Standard UK conditions	Budget option
Evaporation Prevention	98% ✅	95-98% ✅	90-95%
Warranty	6 years pro-rata ✅	5-6 years	3-4 years
Lifespan (GeoBubble)	25% longer than traditional ✅	25% longer ✅	Standard

When to Choose Sol+Guard 500M 180:

✅ Your pool receives direct sunlight for most of the day
✅ You live in an area with increasingly hot, sunny summers
✅ Your priority is actively heating the water, not just retaining heat
✅ You want the most heating performance from a solar cover
✅ You’ve had previous covers degrade quickly from UV exposure
✅ You want to extend your swimming season into spring and autumn

When to Consider Alternatives:

• Energy Guard 500M – If you have persistent algae problems (dark opaque cover blocks light)
• Gold 600M GeoBubble – If maximum heat retention is more important than solar heating (thicker, aluminum-backed)
• 400M Blue – If you need a budget-friendly option for minimal sun exposure

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📏 Available Sizes & Pricing

The Sol+Guard 500M 180 is available in the following standard sizes:

Pool Size	Price (Inc VAT)
10ft x 20ft	£195.00
12ft x 24ft	£281.24
13ft x 27ft	£342.98
15ft x 30ft	£440.00
16ft x 32ft	£500.76
16ft x 38ft	£594.84
17ft x 33ft	£548.78
18ft x 36ft	£634.00
20ft x 40ft	£783.00

Need a different size? We offer bespoke made-to-measure covers for pools of any shape or dimension. Contact us for a custom quote.

Important Note: All Sol+Guard covers are made-to-order items. This ensures perfect fit and minimal waste, but please allow appropriate lead time for manufacturing.

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🌍 Understanding UV Protection: Why the “180” Matters

The Sol+Guard comes in two UV formulations designed for different climate zones:

Sol+Guard 500M (140 Formulation)

• Suitable for areas receiving up to 140 kLys/yrs UV exposure
• Perfect for standard UK conditions and partially shaded pools
• The original, reliable solar heating cover

Sol+Guard 500M (180 Formulation) ← This Product

• Engineered for areas receiving up to 180 kLys/yrs UV exposure
• Enhanced protective layer prevents UV degradation
• Ideal for:
  • Pools in full, direct sunlight throughout the day
  • Increasingly sunny UK summers with high UV index
  • Southern England and sunnier regions
  • Pools without natural shade from trees or buildings

See the UV Map: Download the UV Protection Guide to understand UV exposure levels across the UK and determine which formulation is right for your location.

Why this matters: Standard covers can become brittle and degrade when exposed to prolonged intense UV. The 180 formulation adds years to your cover’s lifespan while maintaining peak performance.

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🏊 Real-World Usage Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Weekend Warrior

Pool: 12ft x 24ft outdoor pool, south-facing
Previous situation: Running heat pump 6-8 hours daily to maintain 26°C, monthly electricity bill: £140-180
With Sol+Guard 500M 180: Heat pump runs 2-3 hours daily, monthly bill: £45-60
Monthly savings: £95-120 | Annual savings: £760-960
ROI: Cover paid for itself in 4 months

Scenario 2: The Family Pool

Pool: 16ft x 32ft, used April-September
Previous situation: Constantly topping up water (evaporation), weekly chemical balancing, high heating costs
With Sol+Guard 500M 180: Water level stable, chemicals last 3x longer, pool reaches comfortable temp naturally by midday
Annual savings: £680-920 (heating + water + chemicals)
ROI: Cover paid for itself in 6 months

Scenario 3: The Extended Season Enthusiast

Pool: 15ft x 30ft, wants to swim March-October
Previous situation: Prohibitively expensive to heat pool in shoulder seasons
With Sol+Guard 500M 180: Solar heating extends season by 6-8 weeks, heat pump only needed on coldest days
Result: 50% more swimming days at 40% of previous heating cost

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Installation & Usage

Q: Which side of the cover faces the water?
A: Bubbles face down (toward the water). The air trapped in the bubbles is heated by the sun, and placing them directly against the water ensures maximum heat transfer.

Q: Can I run my pool pump with the cover on?
A: Yes! A properly secured Sol+Guard cover won’t affect your pump’s circulation. Many pool owners leave the cover on while filtering to maximize heat retention.

Q: How do I manage the cover? Is it heavy?
A: The 500M material is lightweight and easy to handle. For larger pools, we recommend a pool cover roller system for effortless installation and removal. Rollers available separately.

Q: Can I use this cover in winter?
A: Solar covers aren’t designed for winter use in UK conditions. We recommend switching to a purpose-made winter cover (October-March) and storing your Sol+Guard properly. This protects your investment and ensures it’s ready for next season.

Performance & Compatibility

Q: Will this cover completely eliminate the need for a heater?
A: No. While the Sol+Guard provides significant solar heating (up to 8°C increase), you’ll still need a reliable heat source (heat pump, solar heater, or gas heater) for consistent comfortable temperatures. The cover makes your heater far more efficient and reduces runtime by 60-70%.

Q: How much can this really heat my pool?
A: Temperature increase depends on:

• Sun exposure (hours of direct sunlight)
• Pool size and depth
• Ambient temperature
• Starting water temperature

In optimal UK summer conditions, expect 4-8°C temperature increase over several sunny days. The bigger benefit is maintaining that temperature overnight rather than losing it.

Q: Does it work with salt water pools?
A: Yes! The Sol+Guard is compatible with all pool types: chlorine, salt water, bromine, and mineral systems. The enhanced UV protection actually helps it resist chemical degradation.

Q: How does this compare to a pool heater alone?
A: They work together. Your pool heater brings water to desired temperature; the Sol+Guard maintains it with minimal heater runtime. Together, they create an efficient system where:

• Heater runs 60-70% less
• Pool reaches target temp faster
• Temperature stays stable overnight
• Your energy bills drop dramatically

Warranty & Durability

Q: What does the 6-year pro-rata warranty cover?
A: The warranty protects against material defects and degradation under normal use. Pro-rata means coverage decreases proportionally over the warranty period. Important warranty conditions:

• Valid in UK & Ireland only
• Void if pool water temperature exceeds 29°C
• Void if SPATA standards for chemical and TDS levels aren’t maintained
• Proper storage during winter required

Q: How long will this cover actually last?
A: With proper care and storage:

• GeoBubble technology: Lasts 25% longer than traditional bubble covers
• Expected lifespan: 6-8 years with proper seasonal storage
• UV protection: The 180 formulation significantly extends life in sunny conditions

Care tips for maximum lifespan:

• Store properly during winter (dry, away from direct sunlight)
• Maintain proper chemical balance (follow SPATA standards)
• Keep pool water below 29°C
• Rinse cover periodically to remove chemical buildup

Sizing & Customization

Q: What if my pool isn’t a standard size?
A: We offer bespoke made-to-measure covers for any pool shape or size. Use our solar cover calculator to input your exact dimensions, or contact our team for assistance.

Q: Should I order the exact size of my pool or larger?
A: Order the exact size or slightly larger. The cover should extend to your pool’s edges to maximize coverage. Our team can advise on optimal sizing during your consultation.

Q: Do you make covers for irregular-shaped pools?
A: Yes! We can create custom covers for L-shaped, kidney-shaped, or any irregular pool configuration. Contact us with your pool specifications for a quote.

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🎯 Is the Sol+Guard 500M 180 Right for You?

Choose This Cover If:

✅ Your primary goal is actively heating your pool using free solar energy
✅ Your pool receives 4+ hours of direct sunlight daily
✅ You want to extend your swimming season into spring and autumn
✅ You’re experiencing increasingly sunny, hot UK summers
✅ Previous covers have degraded quickly from sun exposure
✅ You want the fastest ROI through maximum heating efficiency
✅ You’re combining with a heat pump for an ultra-efficient system
✅ You want translucent material that lets light penetrate for maximum warming

Consider Alternatives If:

❌ Your pool has persistent algae problems → Try Energy Guard 500M (dark, selective transmission)
❌ You prioritize heat retention over solar heating → Try Gold 600M (thicker, aluminum-backed)
❌ Your pool is heavily shaded most of the day → Solar heating won’t be as effective
❌ You need safety protection for children/pets → You’ll need a dedicated safety cover (solar covers can’t support weight)
❌ You’re on a very tight budget → Consider 400M Blue as a starter option

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💡 Maximizing Your Investment: Pro Tips

Getting the Most from Your Sol+Guard:

1. Combine with a Heat Pump
   • Heat pumps + solar covers = ultimate efficiency
   • Heat pump brings water to temperature quickly
   • Sol+Guard maintains it naturally, reducing runtime by 70%
   • Can save 7,000 kWh annually (£560-840)
2. Use a Pool Cover Roller
   • Makes daily cover management effortless
   • Prevents damage from dragging cover
   • Encourages consistent use = maximum savings
   • Investment pays for itself through extended cover life
3. Cover Whenever Possible
   • Even on cloudy days, cover prevents evaporation and heat loss
   • Cover overnight to trap daytime solar gains
   • The more you use it, the more you save
4. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
   • Follow SPATA standards to protect warranty
   • Balanced chemistry extends cover lifespan
   • Keep water temperature below 29°C
   • Rinse cover monthly to prevent chemical buildup
5. Store Properly in Winter
   • Clean and dry thoroughly before storage
   • Store in cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
   • Avoid folding in same place repeatedly (causes stress lines)
   • Proper storage can double your cover’s lifespan

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📊 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Material	GeoBubble 500-micron translucent solar material
UV Protection Rating	180 kLys/yrs (enhanced formulation)
Thickness	500 microns (0.5mm)
Color/Opacity	Translucent (for maximum UV transmission)
Bubble Design	Patented GeoBubble (25% longer lifespan)
Heat Retention	Up to 75% reduction in heat loss
Evaporation Prevention	Up to 98% reduction
Temperature Increase Potential	Up to 8°C in optimal conditions
Warranty	6 years pro-rata (UK & Ireland)*
Manufacturing	Made-to-order for perfect fit
Compatibility	All pool types (chlorine, salt, bromine, mineral)
Recommended Use Season	April – September (UK)
Weight	Lightweight for easy handling

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📋 What’s Included

✅ Sol+Guard 500M 180 GeoBubble solar cover cut to your specified size
✅ 6-year pro-rata warranty (terms apply)*
✅ Expert sizing and installation guidance
✅ Access to our team for ongoing support

Not Included (Available Separately):

• Pool cover roller system (highly recommended for pools over 12ft)
• Winter storage bag
• Pool water testing kit

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⚠️ Important Disclaimers & Warranty Information

Savings Calculations

*All savings figures are estimates based on typical UK conditions and usage patterns for an average 4m x 8m (approximately 12ft x 24ft) outdoor pool used April-September. Actual savings depend on:

• Pool size and depth
• Hours of daily sun exposure
• Local climate and weather patterns
• Current energy rates (calculated at £0.30/kWh)
• Water rates in your area
• Frequency of pool use
• Existing heating system efficiency
• Proper cover usage and maintenance

Individual results will vary. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes to help you understand potential benefits.

Performance Metrics

*Temperature increase of “up to 8°C” represents optimal conditions: full sun exposure for 6+ hours daily, initial water temperature of 18-20°C, ambient temperature 20-25°C, minimal wind. Typical UK conditions may see 4-6°C increase over several sunny days.

*ROI timelines assume consistent daily use during swimming season, average UK energy prices, and moderate pool usage. Actual payback period depends on factors listed above.

Warranty Terms

The 6-year pro-rata warranty is subject to the following conditions:

• Valid in UK & Ireland only
• Warranty is void if pool water temperature exceeds 29°C at any time
• Warranty is void if SPATA standards for water chemistry and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels are not maintained
• Proper winter storage required (cover must be clean, dry, and stored away from direct sunlight)
• Normal wear and tear, improper use, or damage from sharp objects not covered
• Pro-rata coverage decreases proportionally over the warranty period

SPATA Standards Reference: Maintain pH 7.2-7.6, chlorine 1-3ppm, total alkalinity 80-120ppm, TDS below manufacturer recommendations.

Safety Warning

CRITICAL: Solar pool covers, including the Sol+Guard 500M 180, are NOT safety covers and cannot support the weight of children, adults, or animals. This cover is designed solely for heat retention, solar heating, and debris protection.

• Do NOT walk on or allow anyone to walk on this cover
• If safety is a concern, install a perimeter fence or consider a dedicated safety cover
• Supervise children around pools at all times
• This cover does not prevent drowning or provide any safety protection

Made-to-Order Information

All Sol+Guard covers are manufactured to order to ensure:

• Perfect fit for your specific pool dimensions
• Minimal material waste
• Optimal performance

Please note: Made-to-order items may have extended lead times. Contact us for current manufacturing schedules. Custom sizes are non-returnable except in cases of manufacturing defect.

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🎁 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs?

Not Just a Website—Buy from a Real Person

Hi, I’m Andi, owner of Parts4Tubs. When you buy from my site, you’re buying directly from me—not some faceless corporation. I built my own hot tub years ago and created this business to help people like you get the right parts and advice.

What Sets Us Apart:

✅ Expert Guidance – Direct access to knowledgeable advice, not automated responses
✅ Perfect Fit Guarantee – Made-to-measure options ensure your cover fits properly
✅ Competitive Pricing – Best value for premium GeoBubble technology
✅ UK-Based Support – Real people who understand UK pool conditions
✅ Quality Assurance – We only stock products we believe in

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch—I’m here to help.

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🚀 Ready to Start Saving?

Your Next Steps:

1. Measure Your Pool – Get accurate dimensions (length x width)
2. Choose Your Size – Select from standard sizes or request a custom quote
3. Order Today – Covers are made-to-order (allow for manufacturing time)
4. Install & Save – Start saving money from day one of the swimming season