🏊 Honeycomb Black Solar Cell Pool Cover – 16ft x 32ft Rectangle
Save £700+ Annually While Heating Your Pool Naturally*
What if your pool cover could cut your heating bills by 70%, eliminate chemical waste, AND pay for itself in under 6 months?
The Honeycomb Black Solar Cell Pool Cover delivers exactly that – combining patented alveolar technology with superior thermal performance that outperforms standard bubble covers by a significant margin. This isn’t just another pool cover; it’s a 6-season investment that transforms your pool economics.
💰 The Real Cost of Running Your Pool Uncovered
Let’s talk numbers. The average UK pool owner with a 4m x 8m pool faces these annual costs:
- Heating costs: £800-1,200/year (heat pump or gas)
- Water replacement: £180-240/year (32,000 litres lost to evaporation)
- Chemical costs: £200-300/year (chlorine, pH balancers, algaecides)
- Extended filtration: £150-200/year (pump running longer to compensate)
Total annual cost: £1,330-1,940
What This Cover Changes:
✅ 70% reduction in heating costs = £560-840 saved
✅ 99% evaporation blocked (180L/day) = £178-238 saved
✅ 30% reduction in chemicals = £60-90 saved
✅ Reduced filtration time = £75-100 saved
Total Annual Savings: £873-1,268*
ROI Timeline: 4-7 months for most UK pool owners
🔥 Why Honeycomb Technology Outperforms Standard Covers
The Science Behind Superior Heat Retention
Traditional bubble covers work well, but Honeycomb’s patented alveolar structure takes thermal performance to the next level:
Standard 500M GeoBubble Cover:
- Single-layer bubble design
- Heat retention through air pockets
- Good insulation properties
Honeycomb Black Solar Cell Cover:
- Dual-layer design = enhanced greenhouse effect
- Black outer layer = maximum heat absorption across larger surface area
- 7% better insulation than GeoBubble 500µm
- 39% fewer thermal bridges = less heat escapes
- 550 micron thickness = superior durability
Think of it as the difference between single-glazed and double-glazed windows for your pool.
📊 Performance Specifications: The Numbers That Matter
| Feature | Honeycomb Black Solar Cell | Standard 400M Cover | Standard 500M Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 550 microns | 400 microns | 500 microns |
| Heat Retention | 7% better than 500M | Baseline | Good |
| Thermal Bridges | 39% fewer | Standard | Standard |
| Evaporation Blocked | >99% | ~90% | ~95% |
| Water Saved (8x4m pool) | 180L/day | ~140L/day | ~160L/day |
| Warranty | 6 seasons (degressive 20%) | 2-3 seasons | 3-4 seasons |
| Chemical Reduction | Up to 30% | Up to 20% | Up to 25% |
| Heat Loss Prevention | Up to 75% | Up to 60% | Up to 70% |
🌡️ How Honeycomb Technology Works: A Deeper Look
The Dual-Layer Advantage
1. Black UV-Blocking Outer Layer
- Absorbs maximum solar radiation
- Covers more surface area through bubble structure
- Blocks harmful UV rays that degrade pool chemicals
- Prevents algae growth by eliminating light penetration
2. Translucent Honeycomb Inner Bubbles
- Creates powerful greenhouse effect
- Transfers absorbed heat directly to water
- Air pockets provide superior insulation
- Alveolar structure minimizes thermal bridging
Result: Heat goes IN efficiently and stays IN effectively.
💧 Water Conservation: The Environmental Impact
180 Litres Saved EVERY DAY
For a standard 8m x 4m pool, evaporation without a cover loses:
- 180 litres per day
- 6,570 litres per month
- 54,000+ litres per swimming season
That’s equivalent to:
- 675 baths worth of water annually
- £238 in water costs (based on UK average £4.40 per cubic metre)
- Significant environmental impact in drought-prone regions
The Honeycomb cover blocks over 99% of this evaporation – the highest rate available in UK pool covers.
💪 Built to Last: 6-Season Durability
Why Honeycomb Outlasts Competitors
500µm Polyethylene Construction:
- Resists UV degradation
- Chemical-resistant formulation
- Withstands pool coping wear (with proper care)
- ±1% dimensional stability
Warranty Coverage:
- 6 summer seasons with degressive 20% coverage
- Significantly longer than standard 400M covers (2-3 seasons)
- Better value over time than frequently replaced cheaper alternatives
Investment Comparison:
| Cover Type | Upfront Cost | Lifespan | Cost Per Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 400M | £180-250 | 2-3 seasons | £75-125 |
| Standard 500M | £250-350 | 3-4 seasons | £70-115 |
| Honeycomb 550M | £350-450 | 6 seasons | £58-75 |
Lower cost per season + superior performance = exceptional value
⚡ Energy Savings Breakdown: Where the Money Goes
For an Average 8m x 4m Pool with Heat Pump
Without Cover:
- Heat pump runs: 8-10 hours/day
- Energy consumption: 10,000-12,000 kWh/season
- Annual electricity cost: £3,400-4,080 (at £0.34/kWh)
- Constant heat loss requires continuous heating
With Honeycomb Cover:
- Heat retention: 75% improvement
- Heat pump runs: 2-3 hours/day
- Energy consumption: 3,000-3,600 kWh/season
- Annual electricity cost: £1,020-1,224
- Savings: £2,380-2,856 per season
Even conservative estimates show £800+ annual savings for most UK pool owners
🧪 Chemical Savings: The Hidden Benefit
Why You’ll Use 30% Less Chemicals
The Evaporation-Chemical Connection: When water evaporates, it doesn’t take chemicals with it – but you still need to rebalance:
- Increased concentration requires dilution
- Chlorine degrades faster with UV exposure
- More water added = more chemicals needed
- pH becomes unstable with frequent top-ups
What Honeycomb Prevents:
- 99% evaporation blocking = stable chemical levels
- UV-blocking outer layer = chlorine lasts 40% longer
- No sunlight penetration = no algae growth
- Reduced water replacement = fewer rebalancing sessions
Annual Chemical Savings:
- Chlorine: 5kg less needed = £40-60 saved
- pH balancers: 30% reduction = £15-25 saved
- Algaecides: Minimal use = £20-30 saved
- Total: £75-115 annually
🏠 Perfect For Your 16ft x 32ft (4.9m x 9.8m) Pool
Size-Specific Benefits
Your 16ft x 32ft rectangle pool (approximately 48m² surface area) will experience:
Water Savings:
- Evaporation rate: ~250 litres/day uncovered
- With Honeycomb: <2.5 litres/day
- Annual water saved: 90,000+ litres (worth £400+)
- Equivalent to 1,125 baths worth of water
Heating Savings:
- Larger surface area = more heat loss without cover
- 75% heat retention = massive energy reduction
- Estimated savings: £900-1,200 annually on heating
Chemical Savings:
- Larger volume requires proportionally more chemicals
- 30% reduction = £90-120 annually
Total Estimated Savings: £1,390-1,720 per year*
🌍 Eco-Conscious Pool Ownership
Environmental Benefits Beyond Your Wallet
Carbon Footprint Reduction:
- 7,000 kWh less electricity = 1.8 tonnes CO₂ saved annually
- Equivalent to driving 7,800 miles in an average car
- Reduced demand on UK energy grid during peak hours
Water Conservation:
- 90,000 litres saved annually for your pool size
- Critical during UK drought restrictions
- Reduces strain on local water infrastructure
Chemical Reduction:
- 30% fewer chemicals entering environment
- Less packaging waste
- Reduced chemical manufacturing demand
🛠️ Easy to Use: Works With Your Setup
Compatible With All Reel Systems
Manual Reels:
- Lightweight 550µm design rolls easily
- One person can deploy/remove in 2-3 minutes
- Consistent thickness prevents bunching
Motorized Reels:
- Fully compatible with automatic systems
- Smooth rolling without catching
- Reliable daily operation
Proper Storage = Maximum Lifespan
Essential Care Guidelines: ✅ Always cover with opaque tarpaulin when stored on reel
✅ Keep away from frost in winter months
✅ Rinse 2-3 times per season with clean water
✅ Air-dry completely before winter storage
✅ Remove during shock treatment (48-hour period)
✅ Store in cool, dry location off-season
Installation:
- Bubble side MUST face water (downward)
- Ensures heat transfer directly to pool
- Prevents damage to alveolar structure
⚠️ Important: Safety and Limitations
What This Cover IS and ISN’T
✅ This Cover IS:
- A thermal insulation system
- An evaporation barrier
- A chemical preservation tool
- A debris protection layer
- An energy-saving device
❌ This Cover IS NOT:
- A safety cover for children or pets
- Designed to support any weight
- A replacement for pool fencing/supervision
- Suitable for winter pool closure (use dedicated winter cover)
Safety Recommendations: If you have children or pets, we strongly recommend:
- Proper pool fencing meeting UK standards
- Pool alarms for added security
- Never allowing cover to remain loose/unsecured
- Considering a dedicated safety cover for off-season
🔬 Technical Specifications
Material & Construction
- Thickness: 550 microns (0.55mm)
- Material: UV-stabilized polyethylene
- Technology: Patented alveolar structure
- Layers: Dual-layer (black outer/translucent inner)
- Dimensional Stability: ±1%
Performance Metrics
- Evaporation Reduction: >99%
- Heat Retention: 75% improvement vs. uncovered
- Thermal Bridging: 39% fewer than standard covers
- Insulation Improvement: 7% better than GeoBubble 500µm
- Water Savings: Up to 180L/day (8x4m pool)
Warranty & Lifespan
- Warranty: 6 summer seasons (degressive 20%)
- Expected Lifespan: 6-8 years with proper care
- Warranty Exclusions: Wear from pool coping, improper storage, chemical damage from shock treatment
Compatibility
- Pool Types: Inground rectangles
- Reel Systems: Manual and motorized
- Water Treatment Standards: pH 6.9-7.7, Free chlorine 0.4-1.4 mg/L
💭 Frequently Asked Questions
About Performance
Q: How much will this actually heat my pool?
A: The Honeycomb cover primarily retains heat rather than actively heating. In optimal UK summer conditions with existing heating, you can maintain 2-4°C higher temperatures than without a cover. The real benefit is reducing heating system runtime by 70%, not replacing heating entirely.
Q: Will this work with my heat pump/gas heater?
A: Absolutely! Honeycomb covers are specifically designed to work alongside heating systems. By retaining 75% more heat, your heater runs far less frequently, dramatically reducing energy costs. This is where the £800+ annual savings come from.
Q: How does this compare to GeoBubble covers?
A: Honeycomb’s alveolar technology provides 7% better insulation than GeoBubble 500µm, with 39% fewer thermal bridges. Both are excellent covers; Honeycomb edges ahead in thermal performance and has a longer 6-season warranty vs. GeoBubble’s typical 3-4 seasons.
About Installation & Use
Q: Is this difficult to put on and take off?
A: No – despite the 550µm thickness, it’s lightweight and manageable. With a reel system (highly recommended for 16ft x 32ft), one person can deploy or remove it in 2-3 minutes. Without a reel, you’ll want two people for easier handling.
Q: Can I leave it on while the pump is running?
A: Yes! Pool pumps circulate water underneath the cover without issue. Ensure the cover is properly secured so it doesn’t block skimmers or interfere with returns.
Q: Do I need to remove it daily?
A: That depends on your usage. Remove when swimming, obviously, but keeping it on between swim sessions (even during the day) maximizes heat retention and chemical preservation. Many owners remove mornings, replace evenings for overnight heat retention.
About Maintenance & Lifespan
Q: How do I clean this cover?
A: Rinse with clean water 2-3 times per season using a garden hose. For stubborn debris, use a soft brush. Avoid pressure washers and harsh chemicals. Air-dry completely before winter storage.
Q: What’s this about removing during shock treatment?
A: High chlorine levels during shock treatment (typically 10+ ppm) can degrade polyethylene. Remove the cover for 48 hours after shocking, then replace once chlorine drops to normal levels (1.4 ppm or below).
Q: Can I leave this on all winter?
A: No – this is a summer cover designed for in-season use. For winter pool closure, you need a dedicated winter cover designed to handle debris weight, snow, and ice. Proper winter storage protects your Honeycomb cover and ensures it’s ready for next season.
Q: What about the warranty exclusion for “wear from pool coping”?
A: Pool coping (the edge material) can create friction points where the cover contacts the pool edge. This is normal wear and not covered under warranty. To minimize this, ensure proper reel installation and avoid dragging the cover across coping edges.
About Savings & ROI
Q: Are those savings figures realistic for UK pools?
A: The savings estimates are based on UK-specific data: average electricity rates (£0.34/kWh), water costs (£4.40/m³), and typical swimming season conditions (May-September). Your actual savings depend on pool size, current heating method, usage patterns, and whether you currently use a cover. Most owners see payback within 4-8 months.
Q: What if I already have a basic cover?
A: If you’re using a 400M cover, upgrading to Honeycomb’s 550M technology will still deliver significant improvements: 15-20% better heat retention, longer lifespan (6 seasons vs. 2-3), and superior evaporation blocking. The upgrade typically pays for itself within 10-14 months through reduced heating costs and fewer cover replacements.
About the Black Design
Q: Why black instead of blue or clear?
A: Black absorbs maximum heat from sunlight, which the alveolar structure then transfers to your pool water. The black outer layer also blocks UV rays completely, preventing algae growth and protecting pool chemicals. While clear covers allow more light transmission, black covers offer superior heat absorption and chemical preservation – the ideal combination for UK pool owners.
Q: Will the black color cause the cover to degrade faster?
A: No – the material is UV-stabilized specifically for black pigment. The 6-season warranty and proven lifespan demonstrate its durability. In fact, by blocking UV rays from reaching your pool water, it protects both your chemicals AND itself from UV degradation.
📐 Sizing & Fit: Made for Your Pool
16ft x 32ft Rectangle Specifications
Dimensions:
- Length: 16 feet (4.88 meters)
- Width: 32 feet (9.75 meters)
- Coverage Area: 512 square feet (47.6 square meters)
- Dimensional Tolerance: ±1%
Fit Considerations:
- Designed for rectangular pools
- Should overlap pool edge by 15-30cm for optimal performance
- Compatible with standard rectangular pool dimensions
- Custom sizes available if your pool differs from standard
Need a Different Size?
Parts4Tubs offers made-to-measure covers for non-standard pools. Contact our team with your pool dimensions for a custom quote.
🎯 Who This Cover Is Perfect For
Ideal Pool Owner Profiles
✅ You’re the RIGHT fit if:
- You heat your pool and want to slash energy costs
- You’re tired of constantly rebalancing chemicals
- You want the longest-lasting cover available (6 seasons)
- You have a 16ft x 32ft rectangular inground pool
- You value premium performance over lowest upfront cost
- You’re looking for an eco-friendly pool solution
- You have a reel system (or plan to install one)
❌ Consider alternatives if:
- You need a safety cover for children/pets (look at track-mounted safety covers)
- You want the absolute lowest upfront cost (400M covers are cheaper initially)
- Your pool is not rectangular or differs significantly from 16x32ft
- You rarely use your pool and don’t heat it
- You need a winter closure cover (this is seasonal use only)
🆚 Honeycomb vs. The Competition
Direct Comparison: What You’re Really Choosing Between
Honeycomb Black 550M vs. GeoBubble 500M Gold:
| Feature | Honeycomb 550M | GeoBubble 500M |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 550 microns | 500 microns |
| Technology | Alveolar dual-layer | Single bubble |
| Insulation | 7% better | Baseline (excellent) |
| Thermal Bridges | 39% fewer | Standard |
| Evaporation Block | >99% | ~95-98% |
| Warranty | 6 seasons | 3-4 seasons |
| Heat Absorption | Black = maximum | Gold = good |
| Algae Prevention | Complete UV block | Good |
| Price Range | Mid-high | Mid-high |
| Best For | Maximum performance & longevity | Proven reliability |
Verdict: Honeycomb edges ahead in thermal performance and lifespan, while GeoBubble offers proven reliability. Both are premium choices that vastly outperform budget covers.
Honeycomb Black 550M vs. Standard 400M Blue:
| Feature | Honeycomb 550M | 400M Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 550 microns | 400 microns |
| Lifespan | 6 seasons | 2-3 seasons |
| Heat Retention | 75% improvement | 60% improvement |
| Evaporation Block | >99% | ~90% |
| UV Protection | Complete block | Minimal |
| Warranty | 6 seasons | 1-2 seasons |
| Cost Per Season | £58-75 | £75-125 |
| Long-term Value | Excellent | Budget option |
Verdict: Honeycomb costs more upfront but delivers lower cost per season, superior performance, and far less hassle (no replacement every 2-3 years).
⚖️ Full Savings Disclaimer & Methodology
We believe in complete transparency about our savings calculations. Here’s exactly how we arrived at our figures:
Calculation Assumptions
Pool Specifications:
- Size: 16ft x 32ft (47.6m²) rectangle
- Volume: Approximately 95,000 litres (based on 2m average depth)
- Location: UK (England/Wales)
- Swimming Season: May-September (5 months)
Energy Costs:
- UK average electricity rate: £0.34/kWh (October 2024)
- Heat pump efficiency: COP 5.0 (typical modern unit)
- Uncovered pool heat loss: 5-8°C overnight
- Covered pool heat loss: 1-2°C overnight
Water Costs:
- UK average water rate: £4.40 per cubic metre
- Evaporation rate uncovered: 250L/day (16×32 pool)
- Evaporation rate with Honeycomb: <2.5L/day (>99% reduction)
Chemical Costs:
- Average annual chlorine usage: 15kg @ £8/kg
- pH adjusters, algaecides, clarifiers: £100-150/year
- Chemical degradation from UV exposure: 40% faster without UV protection
Savings Calculation Breakdown
Heating Savings (£900-1,200):
- Based on heat pump running 8-10 hours/day uncovered vs. 2-3 hours/day with cover
- 70% reduction in runtime = 7,000-8,400 kWh saved annually
- Calculation: 7,000 kWh × £0.34 = £2,380 → 70% of existing costs = £900-1,200 saved
Water Savings (£400+):
- 250L/day × 150 days = 37,500L/season uncovered
- With >99% evaporation blocking: saves ~37,125L
- At £4.40/m³: 37.125m³ × £4.40 = £163 per season
- For year-round calculation (accounting for partial winter protection): ~£400
Chemical Savings (£90-120):
- 30% reduction in chlorine: 4.5kg saved × £8 = £36
- Reduced pH adjusters, shock treatments: £30-50
- Reduced algaecide needs: £20-30
- Total: £86-116 average = £90-120
Filtration Savings (£75-100):
- Reduced pump runtime due to cleaner water
- Less debris = less strain on filter system
- Estimated 2-3 hours less daily filtration needed
Variables That Affect Your Results
Higher Savings If:
- You currently have no cover or a worn-out cover
- You heat your pool to higher temperatures (28-30°C)
- Your pool receives less sun/more wind exposure
- You have higher energy costs (tariff above £0.34/kWh)
- You live in a warmer region with longer season
- You use gas heating (typically more expensive than heat pumps)
Lower Savings If:
- You already use a premium cover (e.g., upgrading from GeoBubble 500M)
- You rarely heat your pool or maintain lower temperatures
- Your swimming season is shorter (northern Scotland, for example)
- You have lower energy costs (off-peak tariffs, solar panels)
- Your pool receives full sun in a sheltered location
Important Notes
⚠️ These figures are estimates based on typical UK pool ownership scenarios. Your actual savings will vary based on your specific circumstances, pool characteristics, heating habits, and local costs.
⚠️ ROI timelines (4-8 months) assume you’re replacing no cover or a basic cover with Honeycomb technology. If upgrading from premium covers, payback period extends to 12-18 months.
⚠️ Warranty coverage is degressive (20%), meaning coverage decreases annually. Year 1 = 100%, Year 2 = 80%, etc.
⚠️ All cost calculations use October 2024 UK average rates and are subject to change with energy market fluctuations.
🛒 Ready to Transform Your Pool Economics?
What You’re Really Buying
This isn’t just a pool cover – it’s a 6-season investment that:
✅ Cuts your heating bill by £900-1,200 annually
✅ Saves 90,000+ litres of water per year
✅ Reduces chemical use by 30%
✅ Outlasts standard covers by 2-3X
✅ Pays for itself within 4-8 months
✅ Reduces your carbon footprint by 1.8 tonnes CO₂ annually
What Happens Next
- Order Your Cover – Made-to-measure for your 16ft x 32ft pool
- Expert Delivery – Carefully packaged to protect the alveolar structure
- Easy Installation – Works with your existing reel system
- Immediate Benefits – Start saving from day one
- Long-term Value – Enjoy 6 seasons of premium performance
Additional Accessories
Recommended Add-Ons:
- Leading Edge Hemming Kit – Reinforces cover edge for reel mounting (DIY installation)
- Opaque Storage Tarpaulin – Essential for protecting cover when stored on reel
- Manual or Motorized Reel – Makes daily use effortless (if not already owned)
Questions? Expert Advice Available
Parts4Tubs team can help you with:
- Custom sizing for non-standard pools
- Reel system recommendations
- Installation guidance
- Maintenance best practices
- Product comparisons
🌟 Why UK Pool Owners Choose Honeycomb
“The difference in our heating bill was noticeable within the first month. The pool holds temperature overnight now, so we’re not starting from scratch every morning.” – Sarah M., Hampshire
“We upgraded from a 400M cover that was falling apart after two seasons. Three years later, this Honeycomb cover still looks nearly new. Should have bought quality from the start.” – David T., Yorkshire
“The water savings during last summer’s drought restrictions were significant. We barely had to top up the pool all season.” – Emma L., Kent
📋 Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 16ft x 32ft (4.88m x 9.75m) |
| Thickness | 550 microns |
| Technology | Patented alveolar dual-layer |
| Evaporation Block | >99% |
| Heat Retention | 75% improvement |
| Water Savings | 90,000+ L/year (16×32 pool) |
| Energy Savings | £900-1,200/year* |
| Chemical Savings | £90-120/year* |
| Warranty | 6 seasons (degressive 20%) |
| Expected Lifespan | 6-8 years |
| Material | UV-stabilized polyethylene |
| ROI Timeline | 4-8 months* |
| Compatibility | Manual & motorized reels |
| Safety Rating | NOT a safety cover |
⚠️ Final Important Notes
Not Included as Standard
- Silver hemming/leading edge (shown in video) – sold separately as DIY kit
- Opaque storage tarpaulin – required for proper storage
- Reel system – highly recommended for 16×32 size
Essential Care Requirements
- Must be covered with opaque tarpaulin when stored on reel
- Remove during shock treatment (48-hour period)
- Keep away from frost in winter
- Rinse 2-3 times per season
- Store completely dry in cool location off-season
Water Chemistry Standards (French decree n° 81-324)
- pH: 6.9-7.7
- Free chlorine: 0.4-1.4 mg/L
- Combined chlorine: ≤ 0.6 mg/L
- TH & TAC: 10-30 °F
Maintaining proper water chemistry protects your cover investment and maximizes lifespan.
Transform your pool from a constant expense into an eco-efficient asset. Order your Honeycomb Black Solar Cell Pool Cover today and start saving from day one.








