🌞 Sol+Guard 500M 180 GeoBubble Solar Cover – 18ft x 36ft | Maximum Solar Heating for Year-Round Sunshine

Save £800+ Annually While Heating Your Pool Naturally – The Premium UV-Protected Solar Cover for Intense Sunlight

Your Pool, Powered by the Sun (Even in Harsh UV Conditions)

Imagine slashing your annual pool heating costs by £800-1,200 while extending your swimming season by an extra month on each end. The Sol+Guard 500M 180 GeoBubble Solar Cover transforms your pool into a solar-powered heating system specifically engineered to withstand the intense UV exposure found in southern UK locations, Mediterranean holidays homes, and sunnier climates worldwide.

This isn’t just bubble wrap for your pool – it’s a precision-engineered thermal barrier with enhanced UV protection rated for areas receiving up to 180 Kilolangley years (kLys/yrs) of ultraviolet exposure. For UK pool owners with south-facing locations or those with pools abroad, this represents the difference between a cover that lasts 6+ years versus one that degrades in 2-3 seasons.

The Bottom Line: An 18ft x 36ft pool loses approximately £1,100-1,400 in heat energy annually without proper coverage. This Sol+Guard 180 cover recovers its £634 investment in just 6-8 months through reduced heating bills, chemical savings, and eliminated water replacement costs.

💰 Your Annual Savings Breakdown (18ft x 36ft Pool)

Based on typical UK residential pool usage (May-September, weekend heating):

Saving Category	Without Cover	With Sol+Guard 180	Annual Savings
Heating Electricity	£1,240/year	£372-496/year	£744-868/year
Water Replacement	£176/year	£18/year	£158/year
Chemical Consumption	£180/year	£126/year	£54/year
Pool Cleaning Time	52 hours/year	15 hours/year	37 hours saved
TOTAL CASH SAVINGS	—	—	£956-1,080/year

Return on Investment: 6.7-8.0 months
5-Year Net Benefit: £4,146-4,766 (after cover cost)
Cover Lifespan Benefit: £5,102-5,846 over 6-year warranty period

Calculations based on: 54m² pool surface (18ft x 36ft = 5.49m x 10.97m), UK average electricity rate £0.24/kWh, water cost £4.40/m³, May-September season (150 days), target temperature 26°C, ambient average 16°C. Individual results vary based on location, usage patterns, existing heating system, and solar exposure hours.

🔬 Why Sol+Guard 180 Outperforms Standard Solar Covers

The UV Protection Advantage

Most solar covers fail prematurely not from wear, but from UV degradation. The Sol+Guard 180 formulation contains enhanced stabilizers designed for UV exposure up to 180 kLys/yrs – covering 95% of global locations including:

✅ Southern England, Wales, and sunnier UK microclimates
✅ France, Spain, Portugal, Italy (holiday home pools)
✅ Mediterranean, Southern Europe, Middle East
✅ High-altitude locations with intense solar radiation
✅ South-facing pools with maximum sun exposure (8+ hours daily)

The Standard Sol+Guard (140) vs. Enhanced 180:
While the standard 140 formulation works perfectly for most UK pools, the 180 version provides a 28% higher UV tolerance. If your pool location receives more than 140 kLys/yrs annually (see UV map reference below), using standard formulation will void your warranty and result in premature degradation – bubbles become brittle, material clouds, and heat retention drops within 2-3 years instead of the warranted 6+.

📊 View Global UV Map to confirm your location’s UV rating

The Solar Heating Difference

Unlike opaque covers that simply retain existing heat, Sol+Guard’s translucent material actively heats your water through solar transmission:

🌡️ Temperature increases up to 8°C in optimal conditions
☀️ 70-75% light transmission allows UV rays to penetrate and warm water molecules
🔄 Dual-action performance: Captures solar energy while preventing heat loss through evaporation
⚡ Reduces heat pump runtime by 60-70% – your existing heating system works far less

How It Works: The translucent blue material allows beneficial solar UV rays to pass through while the GeoBubble air pockets trap heat like a greenhouse. Water molecules absorb the UV energy, increasing temperature naturally. At night or during cloudy periods, those same air bubbles act as insulation to prevent heat escaping back into the atmosphere.

🏗️ GeoBubble Technology: Engineering That Lasts 25% Longer

The Science Behind the Shape

Traditional round bubbles create stress points where they join the material, leading to early failure. GeoBubble’s patented design eliminates 50% of weak points through an interconnected geometric structure:

Standard Round Bubbles:
❌ Stress concentrations at joints
❌ Thin material at connection points
❌ Typical lifespan: 3-4 years
❌ Rapid pressure/temperature degradation

GeoBubble Technology:
✅ Scientifically optimized shape distributes stress evenly
✅ Thicker material at all connection points
✅ 25% longer lifespan (independently verified)
✅ Superior resilience to temperature fluctuations and chemical exposure
✅ Maintains insulation properties throughout entire lifespan

The Result: You get full heat retention and solar gains for 6+ years instead of watching performance degrade after 24-36 months as with conventional covers.

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📏 Technical Specifications: 18ft x 36ft (5.49m x 10.97m)

Specification	Details
Dimensions	18ft x 36ft (5.49m x 10.97m)
Surface Area	54.0 m² (581 sq ft)
Material Thickness	500 Micron (500M)
Bubble Design	GeoBubble patented technology
UV Formulation	180 kLys/yrs (enhanced protection)
Light Transmission	70-75% (translucent for solar heating)
Colour	Translucent blue
Weight	Approximately 16.2 kg (lightweight for handling)
Warranty	6 years pro-rata (UK & Ireland)
Manufacturing	Made to order (bespoke sizes available)
Maximum Water Temp	29°C (warranty void if exceeded)
Chemical Requirements	Must meet SPATA standards for warranty validity

Installation Note: Bubbles face DOWN toward water for optimal heat transfer. The smooth upper surface reduces wind resistance and simplifies cleaning.

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🆚 How Sol+Guard 180 Compares to Alternative Covers

Feature	Sol+Guard 500M (140)	Sol+Guard 500M (180)	Energy Guard 500M	RaeGuard 500M	600M Gold
UV Protection Rating	140 kLys/yrs	180 kLys/yrs ✓	180 kLys/yrs	140 kLys/yrs	140 kLys/yrs
Primary Function	Solar heating	Solar heating	Algae prevention	Heat retention	Premium retention
Light Transmission	70-75%	70-75% ✓	20% (selective)	65%	0% (opaque)
Temperature Gain	Up to 8°C	Up to 8°C ✓	Up to 6°C	Up to 5°C	Minimal gain
Thickness	500M	500M	500M	500M	600M
Best For	UK standard UV	High UV areas ✓	Algae-prone pools	Artificially heated	Maximum insulation
Warranty	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years	6 years
Price Point (18×36)	£598	£634	£648	£619	£847

Why Choose Sol+Guard 180 Over Standard 140?

✓ Essential for southern UK, holiday homes abroad, or high-altitude locations
✓ Only £36 more than standard version for 28% greater UV protection
✓ Prevents warranty voidance in locations exceeding 140 kLys/yrs
✓ Extended lifespan guarantee in harsh sunlight conditions
✓ Same excellent solar heating performance with superior durability

Why NOT Choose Sol+Guard if:
❌ Your primary concern is algae growth (choose Energy Guard instead)
❌ You have an artificially heated pool prioritizing heat retention over solar gains (choose RaeGuard or 600M Gold)
❌ Your pool is primarily shaded with minimal direct sunlight exposure
❌ Your location is northern UK/Scotland with minimal UV exposure (standard 140 rating sufficient)

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🎯 Is Sol+Guard 180 Right for Your Pool?

✅ Perfect For:

Geographic Suitability:
🌍 Southern England, Channel Islands, south-facing properties
🌍 Holiday homes in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece
🌍 Mediterranean climates or high-UV regions
🌍 High-altitude pools (increased UV at elevation)
🌍 Any location exceeding 140 kLys/yrs on UV map

Pool Characteristics:
☀️ Pools receiving 6+ hours direct sunlight daily
☀️ Outdoor pools with minimal tree/building shade
☀️ Pools used primarily in swimming season (not year-round)
☀️ Pools with heat pump or solar heating systems (maximizes efficiency)
☀️ Rectangle, oval, or custom shapes (made-to-measure available)

User Priorities:
💡 Maximizing free solar heat gains
💡 Reducing reliance on electric/gas heating
💡 Extending swimming season into shoulder months
💡 Eco-friendly heating solutions
💡 Long-term investment (6+ year lifespan)

❌ Consider Alternatives If:

🔄 You have persistent algae problems → Energy Guard 500M with selective transmission blocks algae-causing wavelengths
🔄 Your pool is artificially heated to 28°C+ → RaeGuard or 600M Gold focuses on retention over gains
🔄 You need safety/weight-bearing capacity → Solar covers support no weight; consider safety cover systems
🔄 Your pool is heavily shaded → Limited solar gains benefit; focus on retention-only covers
🔄 You’re in northern UK/Scotland → Standard Sol+Guard (140) formulation sufficient and £36 cheaper

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🌊 Real-World Performance: What to Expect

Temperature Performance

Optimal Conditions (Clear sky, 8+ hours sun, minimal wind):

• Morning temperature: 22°C
• Evening temperature: 28-30°C (6-8°C gain)
• Heat pump runtime: Reduced by 70%

Typical UK Summer Conditions (Mixed sun/cloud, 5-7 hours sun):

• Morning temperature: 20°C
• Evening temperature: 24-26°C (4-6°C gain)
• Heat pump runtime: Reduced by 50-60%

Marginal Conditions (Overcast, 2-4 hours weak sun):

• Morning temperature: 18°C
• Evening temperature: 20-21°C (2-3°C gain)
• Primary benefit: Heat retention prevents overnight loss

Overnight Performance:

• Without cover: 2-4°C heat loss (evaporation cooling)
• With Sol+Guard 180: 0.5-1°C heat loss (75-80% reduction)

Water & Chemical Savings

Annual Water Savings (18ft x 36ft pool):

• Evaporation without cover: 40,000 liters/year (~530 baths)
• Evaporation with cover: 2,000-4,000 liters/year (~30-50 baths)
• Water cost saved: £158-167 annually (at £4.40/m³)

Chemical Longevity:

• Chlorine dissipation reduced by 30% (saves ~5kg annually)
• pH balance stability improved (less frequent adjustments)
• Total dissolved solids (TDS) reduced (cleaner water longer)

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⚙️ Installation, Use & Maintenance

Installation (One-Time Setup)

What You’ll Need:

• The Sol+Guard 180 cover (16.2kg – manageable for 1-2 people)
• Pool roller system (strongly recommended for pools over 12ft length)
• 10-15 minutes for initial fitting

Installation Steps:

1. Unroll cover completely on flat surface to release packaging creases
2. Position at one end of pool with bubbles facing DOWN
3. Gradually unroll across water surface – material will float and self-position
4. Trim if needed (covers typically supplied slightly oversized for perfect fit)
5. Attach to roller if using (allows 30-second deployment thereafter)

Bubble Orientation Critical: The GeoBubble side MUST face down toward water. The smooth side faces up. This ensures:
✓ Maximum heat transfer from air pockets to water
✓ Easy surface cleaning (smooth top)
✓ Reduced wind catch
✓ Optimal solar transmission

Daily Use

Covering Your Pool:

• With roller: 30 seconds (one person)
• Manual placement: 2-3 minutes (two people recommended for 18ft x 36ft)
• Leave on whenever pool not in active use – even during day between swimming sessions

Can You Run Pool Pump with Cover On?
Yes, absolutely. The cover floats independently and does not obstruct:
✓ Skimmers (continue to draw surface water)
✓ Return jets (circulate water beneath cover)
✓ Pool cleaner operation (robotic/suction types work normally)

Secure cover edges if windy to prevent wind getting underneath and lifting cover.

Seasonal Maintenance

During Swimming Season (May-October):

• Weekly: Hose off debris from top surface (takes 2-3 minutes)
• Monthly: Check for any snags/tears; patch immediately if found
• Monitor: Pool water temperature should not exceed 29°C (warranty requirement)
• Chemical balance: Maintain SPATA standards – excessive chlorine/acid damages material

End of Season Storage (November-April):

1. Clean thoroughly with mild soap and water (no harsh chemicals)
2. Dry completely before storage (prevents mildew)
3. Roll loosely or fold carefully (avoid sharp creases)
4. Store indoors in cool, dry location away from rodents
5. Replace with winter cover for cold-season pool protection

Winter Note: Solar covers are NOT designed for winter use in UK conditions. Use a purpose-built winter cover from November-April to protect against debris and harsh weather. Sol+Guard covers stored properly will perform optimally for 6+ years when used seasonally.

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🛡️ Warranty & Longevity

6-Year Pro-Rata Warranty Coverage

What’s Covered:
✓ Material degradation under normal use
✓ GeoBubble structure integrity
✓ UV stabilizer performance (when used within 180 kLys/yrs rating)
✓ Seam separation or manufacturing defects

Warranty Requirements (CRITICAL – Non-Compliance Voids Warranty):

1. Maximum water temperature: Must not exceed 29°C at any point
   • Use pool thermometer to monitor
   • Turn off heating when approaching limit
   • Sol+Guard is for solar heating optimization, not for spa-temperature pools
2. Chemical balance: Must meet SPATA standards
   • Free chlorine: 1-3 ppm
   • pH: 7.2-7.6
   • Total alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
   • Calcium hardness: 200-400 ppm
   • Total dissolved solids (TDS): Below 1,500 ppm
3. Geographic use: Must be within 180 kLys/yrs UV zone
   • Check UV map
   • If your location exceeds 180 rating, no solar bubble cover carries warranty
4. Storage: Must be stored indoors during winter months
   • Not left on pool year-round in UK climate

Pro-Rata Structure:
Year 1-2: 100% coverage
Year 3: 80% coverage
Year 4: 60% coverage
Year 5: 40% coverage
Year 6: 20% coverage

Warranty Territory: UK & Republic of Ireland only

Expected Lifespan Beyond Warranty

With proper care and compliance with warranty terms:

• Average lifespan: 6-8 years
• Optimal conditions: 8-10 years possible
• Heat retention: Maintains 90%+ performance throughout warranty period
• Cosmetic aging: Some fading normal; doesn’t affect functionality

Performance Degradation Signs (Replace Cover When Seen):
❌ Bubbles becoming brittle/cracking when flexed
❌ Material developing opacity/cloudiness (reduced solar transmission)
❌ Persistent air bubble collapse (insulation loss)
❌ Tearing easily with normal handling

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💡 Maximizing Your Sol+Guard Investment

Pairing with Heating Systems

Best Combination: Sol+Guard + Heat Pump
Your heat pump does the heavy lifting to initial target temperature, then Sol+Guard maintains it with free solar energy:

• Without cover: Heat pump runs 6-8 hours daily (May-Sept)
• With Sol+Guard: Heat pump runs 2-3 hours daily
• Annual savings: £700-900 in electricity costs
• Heat pump lifespan extended due to reduced runtime/wear

Secondary Option: Sol+Guard + Solar Panels
Solar water heating panels + Sol+Guard creates 100% renewable heating system:

• Panels heat water during peak sun (10am-4pm)
• Sol+Guard retains gains overnight
• Near-zero operating cost after installation
• Most eco-friendly option available

Gas/Oil Heating:
Sol+Guard equally effective with gas boilers or oil heaters:

• Reduced fuel consumption by 60-70%
• Faster heat-up times when you do run heater
• Lower carbon footprint

Using a Pool Roller

Why You Need One (Especially for 18ft x 36ft):
A cover this size weighs 16kg and measures 200+ square feet. Without a roller:

• Requires 2 people to handle safely
• Takes 5-7 minutes to deploy/remove
• Risk of dragging on ground/damage
• Awkward storage when removed

With a roller system:
✓ 30-second deployment (one person)
✓ No lifting required (roll on/off)
✓ Cover stays clean and protected
✓ Zero ground contact/wear
✓ Convenient enough to use daily

Roller Investment: £180-350 depending on model
ROI: Cover lasts 2-3 years longer with proper roller use (saves £600+ in premature replacement)

Compatible Rollers:

• Manual crank rollers (£180-220)
• Telescopic reels for adjustable widths (£240-280)
• Motorized systems for ultimate convenience (£850-1,200)

Check our Pool Roller range for compatible options.

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🔍 Frequently Asked Questions

Product Performance

Q: Will this cover actually heat my pool, or just retain heat?
A: Both! Sol+Guard’s translucent material allows 70-75% of UV rays to penetrate and actively warm the water (solar gains up to 8°C in optimal conditions). Simultaneously, the GeoBubble insulation prevents heat escaping through evaporation. Think of it as a greenhouse for your pool – capturing solar energy while stopping heat loss.

Q: How much warmer will my pool be compared to uncovered?
A: Depends heavily on weather conditions:

• Sunny days: 6-8°C warmer by evening
• Mixed conditions: 3-5°C warmer
• Cloudy/rainy: 1-2°C warmer (mainly from preventing evaporative cooling)
• Overnight: 2-3°C warmer by morning (heat retention benefit)

Q: Can I achieve 28°C water temperature with solar gains alone in UK?
A: In peak summer (June-August) with consistent sunny weather, water can reach 26-28°C from solar gains alone, starting from a base of 20-22°C. However, for reliable comfort temperatures throughout the season, pair with heat pump or solar panels. Sol+Guard then reduces your heating system runtime by 60-70%.

Q: Does the translucent material contribute to algae growth?
A: No more than an uncovered pool. While light does reach the water (which is intentional for heating), proper chemical balance prevents algae. If your pool has persistent algae issues despite good chemistry, consider Energy Guard 500M instead – it blocks algae-causing wavelengths while still allowing some UV heating.

UV Protection & Warranty

Q: How do I know if I need the 180 formulation vs. standard 140?
A: Check the UV Map PDF. The 180 formulation is essential if you’re in:

• Southern England/Wales/Channel Islands
• Any property with south-facing pool and 8+ hours direct sun
• Holiday homes in Mediterranean, Southern Europe
• High-altitude locations
• Anywhere the map shows 140+ kLys/yrs

Using a 140-rated cover in a 180 zone voids your warranty and causes premature failure.

Q: What happens if pool water exceeds 29°C?
A: The warranty becomes void. Sol+Guard material is optimized for swimming pool temperatures (24-29°C). Higher temperatures accelerate chemical degradation and can cause bubble structure failure. If you operate a spa or prefer 30°C+ water, this cover is not suitable – consider RaeGuard or 600M alternatives designed for higher temps.

Q: Does the 6-year warranty mean the cover only lasts 6 years?
A: No, the warranty is 6 years but actual lifespan typically exceeds this. Expect 6-8 years average, with 8-10 years possible if meticulously maintained. The GeoBubble technology lasts 25% longer than conventional bubble covers which typically fail at 3-4 years.

Installation & Use

Q: Which way do the bubbles face – up or down?
A: Bubbles DOWN toward the water. This is critical:
✓ Air pockets transfer heat directly to water
✓ Smooth upper surface resists wind and simplifies cleaning
✓ Correct orientation prevents premature wear

Installing upside-down reduces heating efficiency by 30-40% and accelerates degradation.

Q: Can I leave the cover on while running the pool pump/filter?
A: Yes, absolutely! The cover floats independently and doesn’t interfere with:

• Skimmer operation (draws from beneath cover)
• Return jets (circulates water under cover)
• Automatic pool cleaners (work normally)
• Chemical dosing systems

In fact, leaving it on during filtration cycles INCREASES efficiency by maintaining temperature.

Q: Will the cover support weight if a child or pet walks on it?
A: NO – absolutely not. Solar covers support ZERO weight. They will sink immediately, creating a drowning hazard. If you have young children or pets with pool access:

• Install perimeter fencing as primary safety measure
• Consider upgrading to a safety cover system (track-mounted, weight-bearing)
• Never rely on solar covers for safety protection

Q: How do I handle the cover in windy conditions?
A: Wind can get underneath and lift/flip the cover:

• Use cover clips/weights around perimeter (available separately)
• If very windy, remove and store cover rather than risk damage
• Roller systems help prevent wind catch during deployment

Sizing & Customization

Q: This is 18ft x 36ft but my pool is 18ft x 35ft – will it fit?
A: Covers are supplied slightly oversized for optimal fit. For your pool:

• An 18×36 cover will overlap by ~1ft (perfect)
• Simply trim with scissors to exact size after floating on pool
• Slight overlap prevents gap formation as material relaxes

Q: Can I get a bespoke size for my non-standard pool shape?
A: Yes! Sol+Guard covers are made-to-order, so custom sizes are available:

• Rectangle, oval, L-shape, kidney – all possible
• Measure pool at widest points (length x width)
• Contact for custom quote – typically 10-15% premium over standard sizes
• Lead time: 2-3 weeks for bespoke manufacturing

Q: Will this fit my Roman-end or curved pool?
A: For pools with curves/rounded ends, order the rectangular size that covers the maximum dimensions, then trim to shape after delivery. The material cuts easily with scissors and won’t fray (sealed edges).

Maintenance & Longevity

Q: How do I clean the cover?
A: Simple 3-minute process:

1. Hose off debris from smooth upper surface (weekly)
2. If needed, use soft brush with mild soap/water (monthly)
3. Never use harsh chemicals, pressure washers, or abrasive scrubbers

The smooth top surface is specifically designed for easy cleaning.

Q: Can I leave this on year-round in UK weather?
A: NO – do not use November-April. Solar covers are not designed for winter:

• Freezing temperatures damage bubble structure
• Snow/ice weight causes tearing
• Autumn debris (leaves) stains material
• UV stabilizers optimized for swimming season, not winter storage

Replace with a winter cover in October/November, store Sol+Guard indoors until spring.

Q: What’s the best way to store the cover in winter?
A: Follow this process to maximize lifespan:

1. Clean thoroughly with soap/water (remove all chemicals)
2. Dry completely – wet storage causes mildew
3. Roll loosely or fold with minimal creasing
4. Store in garage/shed away from rodents (they chew plastic)
5. Avoid direct contact with metal (can cause staining)
6. Don’t place heavy items on top (causes permanent creases)

Q: How do I repair small tears or holes?
A: Minor damage is easily repairable:

• Use vinyl repair patches (available at pool supply stores)
• Clean/dry area around damage
• Apply patch to smooth (non-bubble) side
• Patches last 1-2 years typically

Major damage (>6″ tears, widespread bubble collapse) usually means replacement needed.

Value & Alternatives

Q: Is the £634 worth it vs. a cheaper £200 cover?
A: Consider total cost of ownership:

Cheap Cover (£200):

• Standard bubbles (not GeoBubble)
• No UV stabilization (degrades in 2-3 years)
• 50% less heat retention
• Replacement cost every 2-3 years
• 5-year cost: £400-600 (2-3 replacements)

Sol+Guard 180 (£634):

• GeoBubble technology (25% longer life)
• Enhanced UV protection (6-8 year lifespan)
• Superior heating performance
• One purchase lasts entire period
• 5-year cost: £634 (one purchase)
• Plus: Better savings performance = £200-400 extra saved annually

The premium cover is actually cheaper long-term AND performs better.

Q: Should I choose this or the 600M Gold cover for maximum savings?
A: Depends on your priority:

Choose Sol+Guard 180 if:
✓ Solar heating is your primary goal
✓ Pool receives good sun exposure
✓ You want maximum temperature gains
✓ Heat pump/solar panels installed (reduce their runtime)

Choose 600M Gold if:
✓ Heat retention matters more than solar gains
✓ You run artificial heating to high temps (27-29°C)
✓ Pool is partially shaded (limited solar benefit anyway)
✓ Budget allows (£847 vs £634 for this size)

For most UK pool owners with decent sun exposure, Sol+Guard 180 delivers better ROI.

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📦 What’s Included & Shipping

Your Package Contains

✅ Sol+Guard 500M 180 GeoBubble Solar Cover – 18ft x 36ft (5.49m x 10.97m)
✅ 6-year pro-rata warranty documentation
✅ Installation guide with bubble orientation diagram
✅ Care & maintenance instructions
✅ Winter storage recommendations

Important Delivery Notes

⏱️ Lead Time: Made-to-order item – please allow 2-3 weeks for manufacturing and delivery
📍 Delivery: UK mainland addresses (Channel Islands/Scottish Highlands may incur surcharge)
📦 Packaging: Arrives rolled in protective plastic sleeve
♻️ Recyclability: Packaging materials fully recyclable

Why Made-to-Order?
Each cover is precision-manufactured to exact specifications, ensuring perfect GeoBubble bubble formation and optimal UV stabilizer distribution. This eliminates warehouse storage degradation and guarantees you receive the freshest possible product with maximum remaining lifespan.

Can’t Wait 2-3 Weeks?
Check our in-stock 400M Blue Solar Covers for immediate dispatch – lower performance but faster availability.

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⚠️ Critical Disclaimers & Performance Variables

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY – Understanding these factors prevents disappointment and maximizes your investment:

Savings Calculations Methodology

All financial savings figures presented are estimates based on typical UK residential pool usage scenarios. Your actual results will vary based on:

Pool-Specific Variables:

• Exact surface area and water volume
• Pool shape affecting heat distribution
• Depth (deeper pools heat slower)
• Surface material type (liner, concrete, fibreglass)
• Location of plumbing/equipment (heat loss points)

Environmental Factors:

• Your specific geographic location and microclimate
• Daily sun exposure hours (shading from trees, buildings, hills)
• Prevailing wind conditions (increases evaporative cooling)
• Ambient air temperature ranges throughout season
• Relative humidity levels (affects evaporation rate)
• Altitude (UV intensity and air temperature both affected)

Usage Pattern Variables:

• Season length (number of swimming days annually)
• Desired water temperature preference
• Frequency of pool use (daily vs. weekends)
• Cover deployment consistency (daily vs. occasional use)
• Existing heating system type and efficiency

Energy Cost Assumptions:
Our calculations use £0.24/kWh as the UK average electricity rate. Your actual rate may be:

• Lower: £0.18-0.22/kWh (recent fixed tariffs)
• Higher: £0.28-0.34/kWh (standard variable or peak rates)
• Variable: Economy 7, time-of-use tariffs

Adjust savings estimates proportionally to your specific rate.

Water Cost Assumptions:
Calculations use £4.40/m³ combining water supply and wastewater charges (UK average). Your actual cost varies:

• English regional water companies: £3.80-5.20/m³
• Scottish Water: £3.20-3.80/m³
• Welsh Water: £4.00-4.60/m³
• Private boreholes: Variable/minimal cost

Performance Expectations

Temperature Gains:
“Up to 8°C” represents optimal conditions (clear sky, 8+ hours direct sun, low wind, proper installation). Realistic typical gains:

• Optimal days: 6-8°C
• Good days: 4-6°C
• Average days: 2-4°C
• Poor days: 0-2°C (still provides heat retention benefit)

Factors reducing solar gains:
❌ Cloud cover (reduces UV transmission by 50-80%)
❌ Pool shading from trees, buildings, fences
❌ High wind (increases heat loss despite cover)
❌ Dirty/debris-covered material (blocks UV transmission)
❌ Incorrect installation (bubbles facing up)
❌ Degraded material after 5-6 years use

Heat Retention:
Evaporation reduction “up to 98%” requires:
✓ Complete pool surface coverage (no gaps)
✓ Calm wind conditions
✓ Proper cover securing (wind doesn’t get underneath)

Realistic expectations:

• Perfect conditions: 95-98% reduction
• Typical conditions: 85-92% reduction
• Windy conditions: 70-80% reduction
• Partial coverage: Proportionally reduced benefit

Chemical Savings:
“Up to 30% reduction” based on reduced chlorine dissipation from UV exposure and reduced water replacement. Variables affecting this:

• Starting chemical usage (already-efficient users save less)
• Water balance quality (affects chlorine demand)
• Bather load (more swimmers = more chemical demand)
• Debris levels (organics consume chlorine)

Warranty Disclaimers

Temperature Limit (29°C Maximum):
Exceeding 29°C water temperature immediately voids warranty. No exceptions. Use a floating thermometer to monitor. If approaching 29°C:

1. Remove cover immediately
2. Turn off all heating
3. Allow natural cooling before replacing cover

Chemical Balance Requirements:
Warranty void if SPATA standards not maintained:

• Test water minimum weekly (daily during heat waves)
• Keep detailed log if warranty claim needed
• Excessive chlorine (>5ppm sustained) degrades material
• Low pH (<7.0) causes acidic damage
• High calcium can cause scaling on bubbles

UV Rating Compliance:
Using a 180-rated cover in an area exceeding 180 kLys/yrs voids warranty. If uncertain about your location:

1. Check official UV map
2. Consider regional sun exposure hours
3. Account for altitude (adds 10-15% UV per 1000m elevation)
4. When in doubt, choose 180 formulation (only £36 more)

Normal Wear vs. Defects:
Warranty covers manufacturing defects and premature degradation. Not covered:
❌ Cosmetic fading (doesn’t affect performance)
❌ Damage from improper storage
❌ Tears from dragging on ground/rough surfaces
❌ Chemical burns from spilled chlorine/acid
❌ Animal damage (chewing, clawing)
❌ Degradation from exceeding temperature/chemical limits

Product Limitations

Not a Safety Device:
This cover provides ZERO safety protection. It will not support the weight of:

• Children of any age
• Pets (dogs, cats, wildlife)
• Adults
• Any object heavier than light debris

Accidental contact causes immediate submersion risk. If you have young children or pets, you MUST:

1. Install code-compliant perimeter fencing (primary safety)
2. Consider upgrading to weight-bearing safety cover system
3. Never leave cover partially deployed (creates entrapment risk)
4. Supervise all pool access regardless of cover status

Not a Winter Cover:
Do not use October-April in UK climate:

• Material not designed for freezing temperatures
• Snow/ice weight causes structural damage
• Winter debris causes staining
• Prolonged cold exposure accelerates degradation

Failure to remove for winter voids warranty and typically results in cover failure by spring.

Heating System Still Required:
Sol+Guard is a heating optimization tool, not a complete heating system. You will still need:

• Heat pump, solar panels, or gas/oil boiler for reliable temperatures
• Initial heat-up capacity (cover maintains, doesn’t create heat from cold)
• Backup heating for extended cloudy/rainy periods

Don’t expect comfortable swimming temperatures (25-28°C) throughout UK season from solar gains alone unless paired with artificial heating.

Bespoke Size Disclaimer

Custom/Made-to-Order Considerations:

• All covers manufactured specifically for your order
• Non-refundable except for manufacturing defects
• Measure carefully – we cannot accept returns for incorrect sizing
• Lead times may extend during peak season (April-June)
• Bespoke sizes typically supplied 5-10cm oversized for trimming to exact fit

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🎯 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

Personal Service, Not Just E-Commerce:
When you buy from Parts4Tubs, you’re buying from Andi – a real person who built his own pool and understands your needs. Not a faceless corporation or automated warehouse.

✅ Expert Guidance: Andi personally responds to product questions
✅ Honest Recommendations: We’ll tell you if a cheaper option suits you better
✅ Post-Purchase Support: Help with installation, troubleshooting, maintenance
✅ UK-Based: Faster shipping, easier returns, understands UK climate/regulations
✅ Competitive Pricing: Direct supplier relationships = better value

Need Help Choosing?

• Unsure if Sol+Guard 180 is right for your situation?
• Need advice on compatible roller systems?
• Want to discuss your specific pool setup?

Contact Andi directly: About/Contact Page

🛒 Ready to Save £1,000+ Annually?

Your Investment:
£634.00 including VAT

Your Returns:
💰 £956-1,080 annual savings
📅 6.7-8.0 month payback period
🌞 6-8°C temperature gains
⏱️ 37 hours/year cleaning time saved
🌍 70% reduction in pool heating carbon footprint
📆 Extended swimming season (April-October vs. June-August)

Limited-Time Considerations:
⏰ Made-to-order item (2-3 week lead time)
📆 Order by early April for late-April/May delivery (start of swimming season)
🏊 Each week without cover = £15-20 in lost heating efficiency