🌡️ RaeGuard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover – 20ft x 40ft | Save Up to £900+ Annually on Pool Heating
Slash Your Pool Heating Bills by 57% While Eliminating 98% of Evaporation
£702.99 Inc VAT | Typical payback in under 12 months
💰 The Bottom Line: What This Cover Will Save You
For a 20ft x 40ft pool in the UK, the RaeGuard 500M can deliver:
- £500-900+ saved annually on heating costs (57% reduction vs. uncovered pools)*
- 32,000 litres of water saved per year (equivalent to 400 baths – worth £100-150 at UK water rates)*
- Up to 5kg of chlorine saved annually (£50-75 worth of chemicals)*
- Total annual savings: £650-1,125+ depending on your pool usage*
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 8-12 months, then continues saving you money year after year for 8+ years.
*Savings calculations based on: heated outdoor pool (28°C target temperature), UK climate conditions, £0.24/kWh electricity rate, 6-month swimming season (April-September), pool covered when not in use. Individual results will vary based on pool size, heating method, usage patterns, and local energy costs. See full disclaimer below.
🔥 The Problem: Your Pool is Hemorrhaging Heat and Money
Every hour your pool sits uncovered, you’re literally watching your money evaporate into thin air:
Without a proper heat retention cover:
- Heat loss through evaporation: Up to 70% of your pool’s heat escapes as water evaporates
- Radiative heat loss: Infrared radiation carries warmth away from the water surface
- Convective heat loss: Air movement constantly steals thermal energy
- Result: Your heating system runs constantly, burning through electricity while barely maintaining temperature
For a 20ft x 40ft pool, this means:
- Heating costs of £1,000-1,600 per season for uncovered pools
- 32,000+ litres of water lost to evaporation annually
- Chemical imbalances requiring constant rebalancing and additional chlorine
- Extended heat-up times making spontaneous swims impractical
The traditional solution? Expensive 5mm foam covers costing £1,500-2,500+ for this size pool. They work brilliantly but require significant upfront investment and can be cumbersome to handle.
✅ The Solution: RaeGuard 500M – Professional Heat Retention at Half the Cost
The RaeGuard 500M represents a breakthrough in pool cover technology: it delivers 90% of the heat retention performance of premium 5mm foam covers at a fraction of the price, while being significantly easier to handle and store.
How RaeGuard Works: Triple-Action Heat Protection
1. REFLECT 🔆
The specially engineered silver top layer and white bubble design reflect mid-infrared radiation back into your pool. Unlike standard solar covers that focus on UV transmission, RaeGuard’s pigments are precisely selected to bounce thermal radiation back down where it belongs – in your water.
2. INSULATE 🛡️
The unique GeoBubble air cell structure creates a substantial thermal barrier. Each air pocket acts as an insulating chamber, preventing heat transfer from your pool water to the cooler air above. Think of it as double-glazing for your pool.
3. ELIMINATE EVAPORATION 💧
By creating a physical barrier over the water surface, RaeGuard eliminates 98% of evaporation. This is crucial because evaporation is responsible for 70% of heat loss in uncovered pools. Stop the evaporation, stop the heat loss.
📊 Performance Data: The Numbers That Matter
| Metric | Uncovered Pool | With RaeGuard 500M | Your Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Loss Reduction | Baseline (100%) | 57% reduction | Heating system runs 57% less |
| Evaporation | 32,000L per year | 640L per year (98% reduction) | Save 31,360L annually |
| Annual Heating Cost | £1,000-1,600 | £430-688 | Save £570-912/year |
| Chemical Usage | 17kg chlorine/year | 12kg chlorine/year (30% reduction) | Save ~5kg chlorine (£50-75) |
| Heat-Up Time | 24-48 hours | 10-15 hours | Ready for swimming faster |
| Heat Retention Overnight | Loses 2-4°C | Loses 0.5-1°C | Wake up to a warm pool |
Data based on average UK outdoor pool (4x8m), 6-month season, comparative studies. RaeGuard achieves 90% of the heat retention performance of standard 5mm foam covers.
🎯 Who is RaeGuard Perfect For?
✅ Ideal for:
- Indoor pool owners seeking cost-effective heat retention without bulky foam covers
- School and commercial pools needing reliable performance and easy handling by staff
- Pools open throughout the day that require quick on/off coverage during non-use periods
- Heat pump users who want to maximize their system’s efficiency
- Budget-conscious pool owners who want foam-cover performance without the foam-cover price
- Anyone struggling with heavy foam covers – RaeGuard is significantly lighter and easier to manage
⚠️ Not ideal for:
- Pools seeking maximum solar heating gains (consider Sol+Guard 500M instead)
- Above-ground pools without secure attachment systems
- Pools in extremely windy locations without proper anchoring
🆚 RaeGuard vs. Other Pool Cover Options
RaeGuard 500M vs. Traditional 5mm Foam Covers
| Feature | RaeGuard 500M | 5mm Foam Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Retention | 90% of foam performance (57% reduction vs. uncovered) | Excellent (60%+ reduction vs. uncovered) |
| Price (20ft x 40ft) | £702.99 | £1,500-2,500+ |
| Weight | Lightweight, easy handling | Heavy, requires 2+ people |
| Lifespan | 8+ years | 5-7 years (degrades faster) |
| Storage | Rolls up compactly | Bulky storage requirements |
| ROI Timeline | 8-12 months | 18-30 months |
| Best For | Indoor/heated outdoor pools | Commercial/therapy pools |
RaeGuard 500M vs. Standard Solar Covers (Sol+Guard, Blue 400M)
| Feature | RaeGuard 500M | Standard Solar Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Heat retention (reflect & insulate) | Solar heating (UV transmission) |
| Heat Retention | Excellent (57% reduction) | Good (40-50% reduction) |
| Solar Heating Gain | Minimal (not designed for solar gains) | Up to 8°C temperature increase |
| Evaporation Control | 98% elimination | 90-95% elimination |
| Ideal Climate | All climates, especially cloudy UK | Sunny climates with strong UV |
| Best Pool Type | Indoor pools, heated outdoor pools | Outdoor pools relying on solar heating |
| Price Point | Mid-range (£702.99) | Lower (£400-600) to similar |
The Key Difference: Standard solar covers like Sol+Guard prioritize heating your pool using free solar energy. RaeGuard prioritizes retaining the heat you’ve already paid to generate – making it perfect for UK climates where solar gains are inconsistent.
🏊 Real-World Scenarios: See Your Savings
Scenario 1: Outdoor Heated Pool (Most Common)
Pool: 20ft x 40ft outdoor pool, heated with heat pump
Usage: Weekend swims + occasional weeknight use (April-September)
Heating target: 28°C
Without RaeGuard:
- Heat pump runs 8-12 hours daily to maintain temperature
- Energy consumption: ~8,000 kWh per season
- Annual cost: £1,920 (at £0.24/kWh)
- Water loss: 32,000L (£128 at £4/1,000L)
- Chemical consumption: 17kg chlorine (£85)
- Total annual cost: £2,133
With RaeGuard:
- Heat pump runs 3-5 hours daily
- Energy consumption: ~3,440 kWh per season (57% reduction)
- Annual cost: £826 (at £0.24/kWh)
- Water loss: 640L (£2.56)
- Chemical consumption: 12kg chlorine (£60)
- Total annual cost: £888.56
YOUR ANNUAL SAVINGS: £1,244.44
Payback period: 6.8 months
Scenario 2: Indoor Leisure Pool
Pool: 20ft x 40ft indoor pool, maintained year-round
Usage: Daily use, family of 4
Heating target: 30°C
Without RaeGuard:
- Continuous heating load due to high ambient temperature increasing evaporation
- Energy consumption: ~15,000 kWh per year
- Annual cost: £3,600 (at £0.24/kWh)
- High evaporation in warm indoor environment: 50,000L+ annually
- Total annual cost: £3,800+
With RaeGuard:
- Heating load reduced by 57% when covered (16+ hours daily)
- Energy consumption: ~7,500 kWh per year
- Annual cost: £1,800 (at £0.24/kWh)
- Evaporation reduced to ~2,000L
- Total annual cost: £1,900
YOUR ANNUAL SAVINGS: £1,900
Payback period: 4.4 months
Indoor pools see even better returns due to year-round usage and higher evaporation rates in warm environments.
Scenario 3: School or Commercial Pool
Pool: 20ft x 40ft commercial pool, used during school hours
Usage: Covered overnight and weekends (16+ hours daily)
Heating target: 29°C
Without RaeGuard:
- Constant overnight heat loss requiring significant morning warm-up
- Energy consumption: ~12,000 kWh per year
- Annual cost: £2,880 (at £0.24/kWh)
With RaeGuard:
- Minimal overnight heat loss, faster morning warm-up
- Energy consumption: ~5,160 kWh per year (57% reduction)
- Annual cost: £1,238 (at £0.24/kWh)
YOUR ANNUAL SAVINGS: £1,642
Payback period: 5.1 months
Plus: Reduced staff time dealing with debris, simpler water chemistry management, improved health and safety (covered pool when not supervised).
🔬 The Science Behind RaeGuard: Why It Works
Understanding Pool Heat Loss
Heat escapes from your pool through three mechanisms:
- Evaporation (70% of heat loss)
When water molecules evaporate, they carry massive amounts of thermal energy with them. For every litre that evaporates, your pool loses approximately 640 kWh of thermal energy. - Radiative Heat Loss (20% of heat loss)
Your warm pool water emits infrared radiation into the cooler air and sky above – exactly like how you feel warmth radiating from a fireplace. - Convective Heat Loss (10% of heat loss)
Air movement across the water surface constantly carries away warm air and replaces it with cooler air.
How RaeGuard Combats Each Mechanism
Against Evaporation:
The physical barrier eliminates 98% of water vapor escape, immediately cutting 70% of your total heat loss potential.
Against Radiative Loss:
The silver top layer contains specially selected pigments that reflect mid-infrared wavelengths (the “heat” part of the spectrum) back down into the pool. This is why RaeGuard outperforms clear or blue solar covers for heat retention – it’s engineered specifically for reflection, not transmission.
Against Convective Loss:
The GeoBubble air cell structure creates dead air spaces that prevent thermal conduction. Air is an excellent insulator when it’s trapped and still.
The GeoBubble Advantage:
Traditional bubble covers use round bubbles that are vulnerable to stress fractures and UV degradation. GeoBubble technology uses a patented two-joined-bubble design that distributes stress more evenly and is 25% more resistant to UV and chemical damage. This means your cover lasts 8+ years instead of 3-4 years.
📋 Complete Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20ft x 40ft (6.1m x 12.2m) |
| Material Thickness | 500 microns (0.5mm) |
| Bubble Design | GeoBubble patented technology |
| Top Layer | Silver reflective coating |
| Bubble Color | White (optimized for reflection) |
| Heat Loss Reduction | Up to 57% vs. uncovered pools |
| Evaporation Reduction | 98% |
| UV Resistance | High (GeoBubble technology) |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent (designed for chlorine pools) |
| Expected Lifespan | 8+ years with proper care |
| Warranty | 6-year pro-rata material warranty |
| Weight | Lightweight (significantly lighter than foam) |
| Installation | Bubbles facing down |
| Compatibility | Indoor and outdoor pools, works with all heating systems |
| Lead Time | 15-20 working days (made to order) |
| Suitable For | Chlorine, saltwater, and mineral pools |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
General Performance
Q: How is RaeGuard different from regular solar pool covers?
A: Regular solar covers (like Sol+Guard or blue covers) are designed to heat your pool by transmitting UV rays through transparent material. RaeGuard is designed to retain heat by reflecting infrared radiation and providing superior insulation. Think of it this way: solar covers are for capturing free heat from the sun; RaeGuard is for keeping the heat you’ve already paid to generate.
Q: Can RaeGuard heat my pool water?
A: RaeGuard provides minimal solar heating gains because its silver-and-white design prioritizes reflection over transmission. If your primary goal is to heat your pool using solar energy, consider Sol+Guard 500M instead. RaeGuard excels at maintaining temperature, not raising it.
Q: Will this work with my heat pump?
A: Absolutely! RaeGuard is actually ideal for heat pump users. By reducing heat loss by 57%, your heat pump runs far less frequently, dramatically reducing your electricity consumption. Many heat pump owners report their systems running 50-60% less often after adding RaeGuard.
Q: How does RaeGuard compare to 5mm foam covers?
A: RaeGuard delivers approximately 90% of the heat retention performance of traditional 5mm foam covers at less than half the price. The trade-off is that foam covers retain slightly more heat (60%+ reduction vs. 57%), but RaeGuard is significantly lighter, easier to handle, and more affordable – making it the smarter choice for most pool owners.
Installation & Usage
Q: Which way do the bubbles face?
A: Bubbles should face DOWN, directly touching the water surface. This ensures the trapped air pockets can effectively insulate and transfer reflected heat into the water.
Q: Can I use this with my pool roller?
A: Yes! RaeGuard is compatible with standard pool roller systems. The lightweight design makes it much easier to roll and unroll than foam covers. For a 20ft x 40ft cover, a roller system is highly recommended for convenient daily use.
Q: Can I run my pool pump with the cover on?
A: Yes, absolutely. A properly secured RaeGuard cover will not interfere with your pump’s circulation system. In fact, we recommend leaving it on whenever the pool is not in use to maximize heat retention.
Q: How do I secure the cover to prevent wind lift?
A: For outdoor pools, use pool cover weights, water bags, or ropes with weights around the perimeter. The cover is lightweight, which makes handling easy but also means it needs proper anchoring in windy conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
Q: How long will this cover last?
A: With proper care, RaeGuard covers typically last 8+ years. The GeoBubble technology is 25% more resistant to UV and chemical damage than standard bubble covers. Key to longevity: remove the cover during winter months, store it properly when not in use, and avoid dragging it across rough surfaces.
Q: What’s the warranty?
A: RaeGuard comes with a 6-year pro-rata material warranty, which is excellent for a bubble-style cover and reflects the superior durability of GeoBubble technology.
Q: How do I clean the cover?
A: Simply rinse with fresh water and use a soft brush with mild soap if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers. Most pool owners find that regular hosing is sufficient to keep the cover clean.
Q: Can I use this in winter?
A: RaeGuard is designed for swimming season use (typically April-September in the UK). For winter pool closing, we recommend switching to a purpose-made winter cover that’s designed for debris protection and harsh weather. Store your RaeGuard properly during winter to extend its lifespan.
Cost & Value
Q: Is RaeGuard worth the investment for a seasonal pool?
A: Absolutely. Even with a 6-month season (April-September), typical savings of £650-900+ annually means your cover pays for itself in less than a year. Then it continues saving you money for 8+ years. Over its lifetime, a £703 investment can save you £5,000-7,000+.
Q: How much money will I actually save?
A: For a 20ft x 40ft heated pool, expect annual savings of £650-1,125+ depending on your heating costs, usage patterns, and local energy rates. The higher your current heating bills, the more you’ll save. Indoor pools and year-round heated pools see even better returns.
Q: What if my pool is a different size?
A: RaeGuard is available in multiple standard sizes, and custom sizes can be manufactured to order. Contact our team for sizing guidance and pricing for your specific pool dimensions.
Suitability
Q: Is this suitable for indoor pools?
A: Yes! RaeGuard was specifically designed with indoor pools in mind. Indoor pools experience high evaporation rates due to warm ambient temperatures, making heat retention covers essential for cost control. RaeGuard is lighter and easier to handle than foam covers while delivering 90% of the performance.
Q: Will this work for saltwater pools?
A: Yes, RaeGuard is compatible with chlorine, saltwater, and mineral pool systems. The GeoBubble material is resistant to chemical degradation.
Q: Can I use this for an above-ground pool?
A: RaeGuard works on above-ground pools, but ensure you have a proper securing system. Above-ground pools are more susceptible to wind lift due to their elevated position. Consider a cover roller or secure tie-down system.
Q: What if I have an unusual pool shape?
A: This particular listing is for a rectangular 20ft x 40ft cover. If you have an irregular shape, custom-cut covers can be manufactured to order. Use the pool cover calculator on the site or contact our team for assistance.
💡 Maximizing Your RaeGuard Investment: Pro Tips
- Use it consistently: Cover your pool whenever it’s not in use – even for short periods. Every hour covered = money saved.
- Pair with a pool roller: Makes deployment and removal effortless, increasing your likelihood of actually using the cover daily.
- Heat to target temp, then cover: Let your heater bring water to desired temperature, then cover immediately. RaeGuard will maintain that temperature with minimal additional heating.
- Time your heating: Heat during off-peak electricity hours (if applicable), then rely on RaeGuard to maintain temperature during peak rate periods.
- Combine with a heat pump: Heat pumps + RaeGuard = maximum efficiency. The cover allows the heat pump to cycle less frequently while maintaining perfect water temperature.
- Monitor your energy bills: Track your heating costs before and after installing RaeGuard to quantify your actual savings.
- Proper storage in winter: When closing your pool for winter, clean the cover thoroughly, dry it completely, roll it loosely, and store in a cool, dry place away from UV exposure.
- Check water chemistry: With 98% evaporation reduction, you’ll add less fresh water, meaning less dilution of chemicals. Adjust your chemical routine accordingly – you may find yourself using significantly less.
🌍 Environmental Benefits Beyond Cost Savings
Choosing RaeGuard isn’t just smart for your wallet – it’s a responsible choice for the environment:
- 32,000 litres of water conserved annually – enough to fill 400 baths, critical in drought-prone regions
- 4,560 kWh of electricity saved per year – equivalent to the average UK household’s energy use for 4 months
- 1.1 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided annually (based on UK grid carbon intensity)
- 5kg less chlorine production and transport – reducing manufacturing environmental impact
- Reduced pool chemical runoff – less frequent water changes mean fewer chemicals entering drainage systems
Over an 8-year lifespan, one RaeGuard cover can save:
- 256,000 litres of water (equivalent to 3,200 baths)
- 36,480 kWh of electricity (nearly 3 years of average household consumption)
- 8.8 tonnes of CO₂ emissions (equivalent to driving 35,000 miles)
📦 What’s Included & What You’ll Need
Included with Your Purchase:
- 1x RaeGuard 500M GeoBubble Cover (20ft x 40ft)
- 6-year pro-rata material warranty
- Installation instructions
- Care and maintenance guidelines
You May Also Want to Consider:
- Pool cover roller – Makes daily use effortless (highly recommended for this size)
- Cover weights or water bags – For securing outdoor covers against wind
- Storage bag – For proper off-season storage
Delivery Details:
- Lead time: 15-20 working days (made to order for perfect quality)
- Delivery: Standard UK shipping included
- Custom sizes available: Contact us if your pool dimensions don’t match standard sizes
⚠️ Important Disclaimers & Assumptions
Savings Calculations Disclaimer:
All savings figures presented on this page are estimates based on the following assumptions and may vary significantly based on individual circumstances:
Pool Specifications:
- Pool size: 20ft x 40ft (800 sq ft surface area)
- Pool depth: Average 4-5 feet (60,000-75,000 litres capacity)
- Pool type: Heated outdoor or indoor pool
Usage Assumptions:
- Target water temperature: 28-30°C
- Season length: 6 months (April-September) for outdoor pools; year-round for indoor
- Cover used whenever pool is not actively in use (16-20 hours per day)
- Climate: UK average weather conditions
Energy & Cost Assumptions:
- Electricity rate: £0.24 per kWh (UK average as of 2024; rates vary by supplier and region)
- Heating system: Modern heat pump or electric heater
- Base heating cost calculated against uncovered pool baseline
- Heat loss reduction: 57% as per manufacturer specifications
Water & Chemical Assumptions:
- UK water rates: £4 per 1,000 litres (varies by region: £3-£5 typical range)
- Evaporation baseline: 32,000 litres annually for uncovered 4x8m pool
- Chemical savings based on 30% reduction in chlorine usage
- Chlorine cost: £17 per kg (average UK price for granular chlorine)
Performance Variables:
Your actual savings will depend on numerous factors including:
- Your specific pool size, shape, and depth
- Your local climate and weather patterns
- How consistently you use the cover
- Your target water temperature
- Your current heating system efficiency
- Your local energy and water costs
- How many hours per day your pool is uncovered
- Whether your pool is sheltered or exposed to wind
- Your water chemistry management practices
Payback Period Disclaimer:
Stated payback periods (8-12 months typical) are estimates based on the savings assumptions above. Your actual payback period may be shorter or longer depending on your specific circumstances. Higher current energy costs = faster payback. Lower usage or warmer climate = longer payback.
Performance Claims:
- “Up to 57% heat loss reduction” is based on manufacturer testing comparing covered vs. uncovered pools under controlled conditions
- “98% evaporation elimination” is based on standard pool cover testing methodology
- “90% of foam cover performance” is based on comparative heat retention testing
- Individual results will vary based on installation quality, weather conditions, and usage patterns
Warranty Information:
The 6-year pro-rata warranty covers material defects under normal use conditions. Warranty does not cover damage from improper installation, misuse, extreme weather events, or failure to follow care instructions. See full warranty terms for details.
Professional Advice:
These calculations are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional financial or energy advice. For precise energy auditing or ROI calculations specific to your pool, consult with a qualified pool professional or energy consultant.
✅ Ready to Start Saving? Here’s What Happens Next
Step 1: Add to Cart
Click “Add to Cart” to secure your RaeGuard 500M cover at £702.99
Step 2: Expect Delivery in 15-20 Working Days
Your cover is made to order to ensure perfect quality and freshness. This isn’t sitting in a warehouse – it’s manufactured specifically for you with the latest GeoBubble technology.
Step 3: Install (Takes 10 Minutes)
Simply unfold, position with bubbles facing down, and secure around the perimeter. Your pool roller (if you have one) makes this even easier.
Step 4: Watch Your Bills Drop
Within the first month, you’ll notice your heating system running less. By the end of the season, you’ll have recouped a significant portion of your investment.
Step 5: Enjoy 8+ Years of Savings
This isn’t a one-time saving – RaeGuard continues delivering value season after season for 8+ years of reduced heating bills, water conservation, and hassle-free pool maintenance.
🎯 The Investment Decision Made Simple
You’ll spend £702.99 once.
You’ll save £650-1,125+ every single year for 8+ years.
That’s a potential lifetime savings of £5,200-9,000+
The question isn’t whether you can afford RaeGuard.
The question is: can you afford NOT to have one?
Every day you wait is another day of wasted energy, evaporated water, and depleted chemicals floating away into the atmosphere – along with your money.
📞 Questions? Our Pool Experts Are Here to Help
Not sure if RaeGuard is right for your specific pool setup? Want help calculating your exact savings potential? Need advice on sizing or installation?
Contact Andi and the Parts4Tubs team:
- Email: Via the contact form on the website
- Response time: We’re a small team who actually know our products – expect genuine expertise, not scripted responses
“When you buy parts from my site you are buying from me – not just the internet!” – Andi, Owner
🛒 Your Next Step: Invest in 8 Years of Savings
RaeGuard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover – 20ft x 40ft
£702.99 Inc VAT
✅ Reduce heating costs by up to 57%
✅ Eliminate 98% of evaporation
✅ Save £650-1,125+ annually
✅ 8+ year lifespan
✅ 6-year pro-rata warranty
✅ Made to order (15-20 working days)


