💰 RaeGuard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover (16ft x 38ft) – Save Up to £650+ Per Year on Pool Heating 🔥
The UK’s Most Advanced Heat Retention Pool Cover – Lock In Warmth, Cut Energy Bills by 57%, Pay Back Your Investment in Under 12 Months
🎯 The Bottom Line: What This Cover Does For Your Wallet
Annual Savings: £500-£900+ depending on your current heating setup*
- 57% reduction in heating costs (that’s £650+ saved annually for typical UK pool)*
- 98% evaporation elimination saves 32,000 litres of water per year (worth ~£80)*
- 30% chemical reduction saves approximately £60-£90 annually*
- ROI Timeline: 9-11 months – this cover pays for itself in less than one swimming season*
Your 16ft x 38ft pool is costing you money every single day it’s uncovered. RaeGuard stops the bleeding.
🚨 The Problem: Your Pool Is Haemorrhaging Heat & Money
Every hour your pool sits uncovered, you’re literally watching your money evaporate:
❌ Heat escapes through radiation, convection, and evaporation
❌ Water evaporates at 32,000+ litres per year (that’s 400 baths down the drain)
❌ Chemicals degrade faster in UV light, requiring constant rebalancing
❌ Energy bills soar as your heat pump or boiler works overtime to compensate
❌ Indoor pools create condensation, humidity problems, and structural damage
The brutal truth: An uncovered pool can lose 75% of its heat overnight. If you’re heating to 28°C, you could wake up to 22°C water – requiring hours of expensive re-heating before anyone can swim.
✅ The Solution: RaeGuard 500M – Engineered Heat Retention Technology
Unlike standard solar covers that focus on adding heat, RaeGuard is specifically engineered to RETAIN the heat you’ve already paid for. Think of it as insulation for your pool – a thermal barrier that keeps warmth exactly where you want it.
How RaeGuard Works: The Triple-Action Heat Lock System
1. REFLECT 🪞
The silver top layer and white bubble design use scientifically selected pigments to reflect mid-infrared radiation back into the water. Heat that would normally escape upward is bounced back down.
2. INSULATE 🛡️
The patented GeoBubble air cell structure creates a substantial thermal barrier layer. Air is one of nature’s best insulators – RaeGuard traps it in thousands of engineered pockets across your pool’s surface.
3. ELIMINATE EVAPORATION 💧
When water evaporates, it carries thermal energy away with it. RaeGuard creates a 98% seal, virtually eliminating evaporative heat loss – the single biggest cause of pool temperature drop.
The Result: Up to 57% reduction in heat loss compared to an uncovered pool. That’s nearly 90% of the performance of a traditional 5mm foam cover, at a fraction of the weight and cost.
💷 Real-World Savings: What £534 Buys You
Let’s break down exactly what this investment delivers for a typical 16ft x 38ft pool in the UK:
Scenario 1: Gas Boiler Heating (Most Expensive)
Without RaeGuard:
- Annual heating cost: ~£1,400
- Water replacement: £80
- Extra chemicals: £90
- Total: £1,570/year
With RaeGuard:
- Heating cost reduced 57%: ~£602
- Water saved (98%): £78 saved
- Chemicals reduced 30%: £27 saved
- Total: £725/year
Annual Savings: £845
Cover Pays For Itself In: 7.6 months
Scenario 2: Heat Pump Heating (Most Common)
Without RaeGuard:
- Annual electricity: ~£900 (at £0.24/kWh)
- Water replacement: £80
- Extra chemicals: £90
- Total: £1,070/year
With RaeGuard:
- Heating reduced 57%: ~£387
- Water saved: £78 saved
- Chemicals reduced: £27 saved
- Total: £520/year
Annual Savings: £550
Cover Pays For Itself In: 11.7 months
Scenario 3: Indoor Pool (Maximum Efficiency)
Indoor pools face even higher evaporation due to warm ambient temperatures. RaeGuard delivers:
- Humidity control (reduces condensation and structural damage)
- Reduced dehumidifier running costs (£200-£400/year savings)
- Extended pool equipment life (less corrosion from moisture)
- Lower ventilation costs (less moisture to extract)
Combined Annual Savings: £750-£1,200+
🔬 Technical Specifications: Why RaeGuard Outperforms
| Specification | RaeGuard 500M | Standard Solar Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 500 microns | 300-400 microns |
| Heat Retention | Up to 57% reduction in losses | 30-40% reduction |
| Material Design | Silver reflective top + white bubble | Single-colour bubble |
| Evaporation Control | 98% elimination | 85-90% elimination |
| GeoBubble Technology | ✅ Yes (25% longer lifespan) | ❌ No (standard bubbles) |
| Warranty | 6-year pro-rata | 2-3 years typical |
| Expected Lifespan | 8+ years | 3-5 years |
| Ideal For | Indoor pools, heat retention priority | Outdoor solar heating |
| Heat Pump Compatibility | Optimised for heat pump efficiency | General use |
What Makes GeoBubble Superior?
Traditional bubble covers use round bubbles that create stress points where they join – leading to premature tearing and failure.
GeoBubble’s patented design features interconnected geometric shapes that distribute stress evenly across the material. The result:
- 25% longer lifespan than traditional bubble covers
- Greater resistance to UV degradation and chemical attack
- More consistent performance throughout the cover’s life
- Better heat retention due to optimised air cell geometry
🆚 RaeGuard vs. Other Cover Types: The Honest Comparison
RaeGuard vs. Sol+Guard (Translucent Solar Cover)
Sol+Guard is designed to let maximum UV rays through to add heat from the sun.
RaeGuard is designed to retain heat you’ve already generated.
Choose RaeGuard if:
- You have indoor pool
- Your pool receives limited sunlight
- You use a heat pump or boiler
- Heat retention matters more than solar gains
- You want maximum energy savings
Choose Sol+Guard if:
- You want free solar heating
- Your pool gets 6+ hours direct sun daily
- You’re in a warmer climate
- You’re heating primarily with sunlight
RaeGuard vs. Energy Guard (Selective Transmission)
Energy Guard has a dark coating to prevent algae while allowing some UV penetration.
RaeGuard focuses purely on maximum heat retention with reflective technology.
Choose RaeGuard if:
- Algae isn’t your primary concern
- You want absolute best heat retention
- You maintain proper water chemistry
- Indoor pool use
Choose Energy Guard if:
- Your pool is prone to algae blooms
- You want heat retention + algae prevention
- You struggle with green pool issues
RaeGuard vs. 5mm Foam Covers
Traditional foam covers are excellent insulators but have significant drawbacks:
| Feature | RaeGuard 500M | 5mm Foam Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Retention | ~90% of foam performance | Maximum |
| Weight | Lightweight, easy handling | Very heavy, requires multiple people |
| Cost | £534 | £1,500-£3,000+ |
| Lifespan | 8+ years | 5-7 years |
| Storage | Compact, rolls easily | Bulky, difficult to store |
| Installation | DIY-friendly | Often requires professional setup |
The Verdict: RaeGuard delivers 90% of the heat retention at 30% of the cost and weight.
🏊 Perfect For These Pool Types
✅ Indoor Pools – Absolute best choice for climate-controlled environments
✅ School & Commercial Pools – Cost-effective heat retention for high-use facilities
✅ Heated Outdoor Pools – Maximise efficiency of your heating system
✅ Heat Pump Users – Optimised to work with modern heat pump technology
✅ Pools Open Throughout the Day – Cover at night to lock in daytime warmth
✅ Large Pools – Cost-effective alternative to heavy foam covers
📊 The 5-Year Cost Comparison
Let’s look at the total cost of ownership over 5 years for a heat pump heated pool:
Option 1: No Cover
- Heating costs (5 years): £4,500
- Water replacement: £400
- Extra chemicals: £450
- Total 5-Year Cost: £5,350
Option 2: RaeGuard 500M
- Cover investment: £534
- Heating costs (reduced 57%): £1,935
- Water costs (reduced 98%): £8
- Chemical costs (reduced 30%): £315
- Total 5-Year Cost: £2,792
5-Year Savings With RaeGuard: £2,558
Return on Investment: 379%
⚡ Energy Efficiency: The Environmental Impact
Beyond your wallet, RaeGuard makes a significant environmental difference:
Annual CO₂ Reduction: ~1.2 tonnes (equivalent to driving 3,000 fewer miles)*
Water Conservation: 32,000 litres saved (fills 15 dishwashers every day for a year)
Reduced Chemical Runoff: 5kg less chlorine entering waterways annually
For eco-conscious pool owners, this isn’t just about saving money – it’s about responsible resource use.
🛠️ Installation & Maintenance: Dead Simple
Installation:
- Roll RaeGuard out across your pool surface (bubbles facing DOWN)
- Trim to exact size if needed (though custom-cut to 16ft x 38ft)
- Optional: Attach to manual or automatic roller system for easy handling
Daily Use:
- Cover your pool whenever not in use (especially overnight)
- Can safely run pump and filter with cover on
- Rinse occasionally with hose to remove surface debris
Storage:
- Roll up and store dry during off-season
- Avoid sharp objects that could puncture bubbles
- Store out of direct sunlight when not on pool
Lifespan Maximisation:
- Use proper water chemistry (balanced pH and chlorine)
- Remove from pool during winterisation (swap for winter cover)
- Rinse and dry before long-term storage
Expected Lifespan: 8+ years with proper care and maintenance
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does RaeGuard heat the pool, or just retain heat?
RaeGuard is specifically designed for heat retention, not solar heating. While it will reflect some heat back into the water, its primary function is to prevent the heat loss that occurs through evaporation and radiation.
Think of it like insulation in your home – it doesn’t generate heat, but it stops the heat you’ve paid for from escaping.
For maximum solar heating (free energy from the sun), consider Sol+Guard instead.
Will this work with my heat pump?
Absolutely! RaeGuard is actually optimised for use with heat pumps. Heat pumps are the most efficient pool heating method, and RaeGuard maximises that efficiency by preventing heat loss. Together, they create the most cost-effective and eco-friendly heating system possible.
Combined Benefits:
- Heat pump generates warmth efficiently
- RaeGuard locks that warmth in
- You run your heat pump less frequently
- Lower electricity bills, longer equipment life
Can I use this on an outdoor pool?
Yes! While RaeGuard is ideal for indoor pools, it works brilliantly on outdoor pools too – especially if:
- You use mechanical heating (heat pump, gas boiler, solar panels)
- Your pool doesn’t receive much direct sunlight
- Heat retention is your priority over solar gains
- You swim mainly in evenings/mornings when you can cover during the day
For outdoor pools with lots of sun exposure, Sol+Guard might deliver better overall performance through free solar heating.
How does the 6-year warranty work?
RaeGuard comes with a 6-year pro-rata warranty, which means:
- Years 1-2: Full replacement for manufacturing defects
- Years 3-6: Partial credit toward replacement based on remaining warranty period
This is significantly longer than the 2-3 year warranties typical of standard solar covers, reflecting RaeGuard’s superior GeoBubble construction and expected 8+ year lifespan.
Do the bubbles go up or down?
Bubbles face DOWN toward the water.
The air trapped inside the bubbles needs to be in direct contact with the pool surface to transfer and retain heat effectively. The flat silver top layer faces upward to reflect radiative heat.
Can I run my pool pump with the cover on?
Yes! A properly secured RaeGuard cover will not interfere with your pump’s circulation. In fact, we recommend keeping it on whenever the pool isn’t in use – even if the pump is running.
Pro Tip: Make sure the cover isn’t blocking your skimmer opening if your pump relies on skimmer suction.
How much does this weigh? Can I handle it myself?
At 500 microns thickness, RaeGuard is lightweight and manageable. A 16ft x 38ft cover weighs approximately 15-20kg when dry – easily handled by one person, though two makes it simpler.
Compare this to a 5mm foam cover of the same size, which can weigh 60-80kg and require multiple people to remove and replace.
Handling Tip: Consider pairing with a manual or automatic roller system (sold separately) for effortless daily use.
Will this prevent algae growth?
RaeGuard reduces algae growth by:
- Blocking 98% of sunlight (algae needs light to photosynthesise)
- Preventing debris contamination (less organic matter = less algae food)
- Maintaining chemical effectiveness (less evaporation = more consistent sanitisation)
However, if algae is your primary concern, Energy Guard (selective transmission cover with dark coating) is specifically engineered for algae prevention while still allowing some UV heat penetration.
What if my pool size isn’t exactly 16ft x 38ft?
This cover is cut to 16ft x 38ft, but you can easily trim it to fit your exact pool dimensions using sharp scissors or a utility knife.
Alternatively, Parts4Tubs offers bespoke sized covers for non-standard pools. Contact them for a custom quote.
How do I clean the cover?
Simple maintenance:
- Hose off surface debris weekly
- Use mild soap and soft brush for stubborn dirt
- Never use harsh chemicals or pressure washers
- Allow to dry before rolling for storage
Cleaning Time: 5-10 minutes depending on cover condition.
Can this cover support weight (children, pets)?
NO. RaeGuard is NOT a safety cover and cannot support the weight of people or animals.
If anyone or anything stands on the cover:
- The cover could tear or puncture
- The person/animal could fall through into the water
- Serious injury or drowning could occur
For safety: If you have young children or pets, consider:
- Installing a perimeter fence around the pool
- Using a proper safety cover instead (track-mounted covers rated for weight)
- Supervising pool area at all times
RaeGuard is a heat retention and evaporation control cover – not a safety device.
What’s the lead time for delivery?
RaeGuard covers are made to order with a lead time of 15-20 working days (approximately 3-4 weeks).
This ensures you receive a fresh, UV-protected product rather than one that’s been sitting in a warehouse degrading under fluorescent lights.
Plan ahead when ordering, especially if you’re preparing for the swimming season.
How does this compare to a winter cover?
Different products for different seasons:
RaeGuard (Summer/Swimming Season):
- Heat retention and evaporation control
- Lightweight, easy daily handling
- Used when pool is active
- Removed for swimming
Winter Cover (Off-Season):
- Heavy-duty mesh for debris and weather protection
- Secured around perimeter
- Stays on for months at a time
- More durable against harsh conditions
Best Practice: Use RaeGuard during swimming season (April-October), then swap to a proper winter cover when closing your pool for winter.
🎁 What’s Included
✅ RaeGuard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover – 16ft x 38ft (custom-cut)
✅ Silver reflective top layer for mid-infrared heat reflection
✅ White GeoBubble underside for superior insulation
✅ 6-year pro-rata warranty
✅ 8+ year expected lifespan
✅ Made to order for optimal freshness and UV protection
📋 Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16ft x 38ft (4.88m x 11.58m) |
| Material Thickness | 500 microns (0.5mm) |
| Top Layer | Silver reflective (mid-infrared optimised) |
| Bubble Colour | White |
| Technology | GeoBubble patented design |
| Heat Loss Reduction | Up to 57% |
| Evaporation Control | 98% elimination |
| Warranty | 6 years pro-rata |
| Expected Lifespan | 8+ years |
| Lead Time | 15-20 working days |
| Weight | ~15-20kg (dry) |
| Ideal Pool Types | Indoor, heated outdoor, commercial |
| Compatible With | Heat pumps, gas boilers, solar heating |
⚠️ Important Disclaimers & Assumptions
Savings Calculations:
All financial savings figures are estimates based on:
- Average UK energy prices (£0.24/kWh electricity, £0.08/kWh gas as of November 2024)
- Pool size: 16ft x 38ft with average depth of 4.5ft (~190,000 litres)
- Swimming season: April-October (7 months)
- Target temperature: 28°C
- UK climate averages (Midlands region)
- Heat pump COP of 5.0 or gas boiler efficiency of 85%
- Proper cover usage (covering pool whenever not in use)
- Maintained water chemistry
Your actual savings will vary based on:
- Your specific energy tariff rates
- Local climate and weather patterns
- Actual pool dimensions and depth
- Swimming season length and usage patterns
- Type of heating system and its efficiency
- How consistently you use the cover
- Wind exposure and ambient humidity
- Current water chemistry practices
ROI Timeframes:
Payback periods are calculated using the cost savings scenarios above. Faster payback occurs with higher energy costs, larger pools, longer swimming seasons, or inefficient existing heating systems.
Performance Metrics:
Heat retention, evaporation reduction, and chemical savings percentages are based on manufacturer testing and industry studies comparing covered vs. uncovered pools under controlled conditions. Real-world results depend on proper installation, consistent usage, and environmental factors.
Warranty:
The 6-year pro-rata warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse, improper chemical balance, physical damage, or normal wear and tear. See manufacturer’s warranty documentation for complete terms.
Safety:
This is NOT a safety cover. It cannot support weight. Never allow people or animals to walk on this cover. Drowning hazard if cover gives way. Supervision and proper pool fencing are essential for household safety.
🏆 Why Choose Parts4Tubs for Your RaeGuard Cover
✅ Made to Order – Fresh product, optimal UV protection
✅ Expert Guidance – Andi personally assists with sizing and product selection
✅ Competitive Pricing – £534 including VAT (unbeatable value)
✅ UK-Based – Fast delivery, no import complications
✅ Trusted Supplier – Built on the success of buildahottub.com
✅ Genuine Products – Authorised GeoBubble distributor
💰 Investment Summary: The Smart Choice
Upfront Cost: £534 (inc VAT)
Annual Savings: £500-£900+
Payback Period: 7-12 months
Expected Lifespan: 8+ years
Total 8-Year Savings: £4,000-£7,200
One decision. One cover. Thousands saved.
🛒 Ready to Lock In Your Savings?
Price: £534.00 Inc VAT
Lead Time: 15-20 working days (made to order)
SKU: AQF-RAE500-16-38
This cover is an investment that pays for itself in less than a year, then continues delivering savings for 8+ years. Every day you wait is another day of unnecessary heat loss and higher energy bills.
Questions before ordering? Contact Andi directly – he personally helps every customer find the perfect pool solution.


