🌞 Sol+Guard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover – 13ft x 27ft | Maximum Solar Heating Performance
Save £800+ Annually While Heating Your Pool Naturally*
Your pool loses money every day it’s uncovered. For a 13ft x 27ft pool (approximately 4m x 8.2m), you’re watching roughly £950-1,200 evaporate each swimming season through heat loss, water replacement, and chemical consumption. The Sol+Guard 500M GeoBubble cover stops this waste while actively heating your water through superior solar transmission technology.
What makes this different? While standard covers simply retain heat, Sol+Guard is engineered for maximum solar gain – its translucent material allows UV rays to penetrate and actively warm your water by up to 8°C. University testing confirms it delivers the highest solar heating performance of any bubble cover available.
Typical payback period: 4-5 months* | Expected lifespan: 6+ years
💰 Your Annual Savings Breakdown (13ft x 27ft Pool)
Based on typical UK pool operation (May-September, current energy rates of £0.28/kWh):
| Cost Category | Without Cover | With Sol+Guard | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Costs (heat pump) | £840-1,050 | £250-315 | £590-735* |
| Water Replacement (£4.40/m³) | £140-165 | £3-8 | £135-160* |
| Chemical Costs (chlorine, pH) | £180-220 | £125-155 | £55-65* |
| Total Annual Operating Costs | £1,160-1,435 | £378-478 | ✅ £780-960/year |
Calculations assume: 4m x 8.2m pool (33m²), May-September operation, heat pump heating to 26°C, UK average summer temperatures, £0.28/kWh electricity rate, £4.40/m³ water cost. Actual savings vary based on pool usage, local weather, heating method, and cover usage consistency. See detailed methodology in disclaimers section.
Cover investment: £293.84 | Break-even timeline: 3.7-4.5 months*
After your first season, this cover essentially operates for free – continuing to deliver £800-950 in annual savings for 6+ years.
🔥 Why Sol+Guard Dominates for Solar Pool Heating
The Solar Transmission Advantage
Most pool covers focus solely on heat retention. Sol+Guard does both – it retains heat while actively heating your water through advanced solar transmission technology.
The Science: Sol+Guard features a unique two-layer construction – a crystal-clear top surface that maximizes UV penetration, bonded to a translucent tinted underside that converts solar energy directly into pool heat. University research confirms that translucency is the critical factor for solar gain, and Sol+Guard’s material formulation delivers the highest solar energy transmission of any bubble cover tested.
Real-world performance: In UK summer conditions, Sol+Guard can raise pool temperature by 5-8°C above ambient on sunny days. For artificially heated pools, this means your heat pump or heater runs 50-70% less to maintain your target temperature.
How This Differs from Standard Covers
| Feature | Sol+Guard 500M | Standard Blue/Dark Covers | Your Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Transmission | High (translucent) | Low (opaque) | Actively heats water, not just retains |
| UV Penetration | Maximum | Minimal | Natural water warming from sun |
| Temperature Gains | Up to 8°C increase | 2-4°C retention only | Higher water temps, less heating needed |
| Best For | Pools wanting natural heating + retention | Pools prioritizing algae prevention | Solar gain + cost savings |
| Heating Cost Reduction | 60-70% vs uncovered | 40-50% vs uncovered | £200-300 extra savings per season |
If your priority is maximizing water temperature naturally while minimizing heating bills, Sol+Guard is the scientifically superior choice.
✅ Performance Specifications: What You’re Getting
GeoBubble Technology – 25% Longer Lifespan
Traditional bubble covers fail at the bubble’s weak points – where thin material creates stress points vulnerable to heat, UV, and chemical degradation. GeoBubble’s patented design eliminates these flaws entirely.
What makes GeoBubble different:
- Two interconnected bubbles joined at the waistline – no sharp corners or thin stress points
- 50% greater material thickness than traditional bubble covers at connection points
- Scientifically designed air expansion chambers to handle temperature fluctuations without material failure
- UV stabilizer package throughout the material – not just surface coating
Result: 6+ year typical lifespan vs 3-4 years for traditional bubble covers. That’s 2-3 additional seasons of savings from a single purchase.
Material & Construction Details
- Thickness: 500 microns (0.5mm) – optimal balance of solar transmission and heat retention
- Material: Two-layer LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) with UV stabilizers and anti-oxidant package
- Top Layer: Crystal clear for maximum UV penetration
- Bottom Layer: Translucent tint for solar energy conversion
- Bubble Design: GeoBubble patented shape with uniform thickness throughout
- Size: 13ft x 27ft (3.96m x 8.23m / 32.6m²)
- Application: Outdoor pools, above-ground or in-ground
- Recyclability: 100% recyclable (Grade 4 LDPE)
UK Climate Optimization
Sol+Guard is specifically effective in UK conditions because:
- Moderate temperatures maximize solar transmission – warmer climates might benefit from selective transmission covers to prevent overheating/algae
- Variable weather patterns make heat retention critical between sunny periods
- Extended seasonal use (May-September) allows full payback within first season
- Lower ambient temperatures mean greater relative temperature gains from solar heating
🎯 Who Should Choose Sol+Guard?
✅ Perfect For:
1. Cost-Conscious Pool Owners Wanting Maximum ROI
- Fastest payback period of any solar cover due to active heating performance
- Dual benefit of solar heating + retention = lowest operating costs
- Premium GeoBubble durability means 6+ years of savings
2. Pools with Limited or No Artificial Heating
- Solar heater systems – Sol+Guard amplifies their effectiveness
- Unheated pools – raises temperature to comfortable swimming levels naturally
- Heat pump users – reduces runtime by 60-70%, dramatically cutting electricity bills
3. Extended Season Swimmers
- Need warmer water in May and September shoulder seasons
- Want comfortable temperatures without expensive heating bills
- Value natural heating over chemical-intensive pool maintenance
4. Environmentally Conscious Pool Owners
- Minimize carbon footprint through passive solar heating
- Reduce energy consumption by thousands of kWh annually
- Conserve water resources (32,000+ litres saved per year)
⚠️ Consider Alternatives If:
You have persistent algae problems → Energy Guard 500M (selective transmission blocks algae-causing light while still allowing heat transfer)
You prioritize absolute maximum heat retention over solar gain → RaeGuard 500M or Gold 600M (thicker, more opaque for heavily heated pools)
You need year-round protection → Sol+Guard is seasonal (May-September); pair with winter cover for cold months
Safety is primary concern → Pool covers don’t support weight; add perimeter fencing or consider rigid safety cover
📊 Comprehensive Benefits: Beyond Just Heating
1. Eliminate 98% of Water Evaporation
The hidden cost of evaporation: An uncovered 13ft x 27ft pool loses approximately 33,000-35,000 litres annually in UK climate conditions.
What this means:
- £145-155 in water costs (at £4.40/m³)
- 410-440 bathtubs of wasted water
- Increased chemical rebalancing as water chemistry changes
- Additional heating to warm replacement water
With Sol+Guard: Reduce evaporation to less than 2%, saving 32,000+ litres and £140-150 annually.
In windier locations or during heatwaves, evaporation losses can be 30-40% higher, making cover benefits even more dramatic.
2. Reduce Chemical Consumption by 30%
Why chemicals disappear faster without a cover:
- UV degradation breaks down chlorine molecules
- Evaporation removes chlorine from water
- Debris introduces contaminants requiring extra sanitizer
- Temperature fluctuations affect chemical effectiveness
University research findings: Sol+Guard covers reduce chemical needs by approximately 30%, equating to 4-5kg less chlorine per season for average pools.
Your savings: £55-65 annually in chlorine alone, plus reduced need for pH adjusters, alkalinity balancers, and shock treatments.
Hidden benefit: More stable water chemistry means less time testing and adjusting, fewer skin/eye irritations, and better overall water quality.
3. Cut Heating Costs by 60-70%
How heat loss occurs without a cover:
- 75-80% through evaporation (evaporating water carries heat away)
- 15-20% through radiation (heat escapes to cooler air)
- 5-10% through conduction (pool walls/floor lose heat to ground)
Sol+Guard’s dual mechanism:
- Passive retention: Eliminates evaporative heat loss completely, traps warm air layer above water
- Active solar gain: Captures and transmits solar energy directly into water, adding 5-8°C temperature boost
For heat pump users: A typical swimming season (May-September) requires 6,000-8,000 kWh to maintain 26°C in uncovered pools. With Sol+Guard, this drops to 2,000-2,800 kWh.
At £0.28/kWh: That’s £1,120-1,680 savings annually for heat pump users.
For gas heaters: Natural gas costs approximately £0.08/kWh equivalent, but heating requirements are similar. Sol+Guard saves £320-480 annually in gas costs.
4. Debris Protection = Less Maintenance
What your cover keeps out:
- Leaves, grass clippings, seed pods
- Insects (living and dead)
- Bird droppings (high in phosphates = algae food)
- Pollen, dust, dirt, airborne contaminants
- Rainwater dilution
Time savings: Reduce manual cleaning/skimming by 60-80%, saving 2-4 hours weekly during swimming season.
Cost savings: Less filter operation (reducing pump runtime by 20-30%), fewer emergency chemical corrections, extended filter life.
5. Environmental Impact Reduction
Your annual carbon footprint reduction with Sol+Guard:
- Electricity saved: 4,000-5,000 kWh (heat pump pools)
- CO₂ emissions avoided: Approximately 1,000-1,250 kg (based on UK grid average)
- Water conserved: 32,000+ litres (drinking water quality)
Context: This carbon reduction equals taking a car off the road for 3-4 months annually, or planting 45-55 mature trees.
🔧 Technical Comparison: Sol+Guard vs Other GeoBubble Covers
To help you choose the right cover for your specific needs:
| Specification | Sol+Guard 500M (This Product) | Energy Guard 500M | RaeGuard 500M | Gold 600M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Solar heating + retention | Algae prevention + heating | Maximum heat retention | Premium heat retention |
| Material Type | Translucent two-layer | Selective transmission (dark) | Medium translucency | Opaque with aluminium |
| Thickness | 500M | 500M | 500M | 600M |
| Solar Gain Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐ Minimal |
| Heat Retention | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum |
| Algae Prevention | ⭐⭐ Basic (through debris exclusion) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent (light blocking) | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| Temperature Increase | Up to 8°C | Up to 6°C | Up to 4°C | Up to 3°C |
| Best Pool Type | Unheated, solar heated, or heat pump | Outdoor pools prone to algae | Heavily heated pools (gas/electric) | Indoor or heavily heated pools |
| Ideal Climate | UK temperate (moderate sun) | Hot/sunny climates | Any climate | Any climate |
| Estimated Lifespan | 6+ years | 6+ years | 6+ years | 7+ years |
| Price Point | Mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range | Premium |
Decision Guide:
Choose Sol+Guard if:
- You want maximum water temperature with minimal heating costs
- Your pool relies on solar heating or heat pump
- You need the fastest ROI/payback period
- Algae isn’t a persistent problem in your pool
Choose Energy Guard if:
- You struggle with algae growth (even with proper chemistry)
- Your pool gets intense direct sunlight most of the day
- You want heat benefits without risking algae blooms
- You’re in particularly sunny/hot regions
Choose RaeGuard if:
- Your pool is artificially heated year-round or to high temperatures
- Heat retention is more important than solar gain
- You have indoor or semi-enclosed pool environment
- You prioritize keeping existing heat over adding new heat
Choose Gold 600M if:
- You want the absolute best heat retention available
- Your pool is extensively heated (spa temperatures)
- Budget allows for premium product with longest lifespan
- You’re willing to sacrifice solar gain for maximum retention
🛠️ Installation & Usage Guidelines
Proper Installation (Bubbles Down!)
Critical: GeoBubble side (bubbles) must face DOWN toward the water. The smooth side faces up toward the sun.
Why this matters:
- Air trapped in bubbles is heated by sun and directly transfers heat into water
- Smooth top surface maximizes UV penetration without reflection
- Incorrect installation reduces solar gain by 40-50%
Installation steps:
- Unroll cover across pool surface with bubbles facing down
- Trim to exact pool shape if needed (leave 25-50mm overlap on all sides)
- Ensure cover sits flat with no air pockets underneath
- Consider roller system for pools over 12ft length (see accessories section)
Daily Use Best Practices
For maximum savings and performance:
✅ Keep cover on whenever pool not in use – even 2-3 hours of coverage between swim sessions retains heat and reduces evaporation
✅ Remove only for swimming – don’t remove “to let pool breathe” (this is a myth that costs you money)
✅ Can run pump/filter with cover on – properly placed cover won’t interfere with circulation
✅ Safe to heat pool with cover on – actually recommended, as it makes heating far more efficient
✅ Store rolled/folded out of direct sunlight when removed – extends cover lifespan
⚠️ Safety reminders:
- Never allow children or pets to walk on cover
- Cover doesn’t support weight – drowning hazard if someone falls through
- Consider perimeter fencing for pools accessible to unsupervised children/animals
- Not a substitute for proper pool safety measures
Seasonal Usage
In-season (May-September):
- Use daily for maximum savings
- Clean cover monthly with soft brush and mild soap solution
- Inspect for damage or excessive wear monthly
- Store on roller or in shaded area when pool in use
Off-season (October-April):
- Remove Sol+Guard and store indoors – not designed for winter weather
- Swap to purpose-built winter cover for debris protection
- Clean thoroughly before storage (prevents mildew)
- Store rolled in dry location away from chemicals/sharp objects
- Do not leave on pool during freezing temperatures – ice formation can damage material
Proper storage extends cover life from 6 years to 7-8 years.
🧮 Detailed Savings Methodology & Assumptions
To ensure transparency, here’s exactly how we calculated your potential savings:
Pool Specifications (13ft x 27ft Cover)
- Surface Area: 32.6m² (351 sq ft)
- Assumed Average Depth: 1.3m (4.3ft)
- Estimated Volume: 42,400 litres (9,330 gallons)
- Usage Season: May 1 – September 30 (153 days)
Heating Cost Calculations
Scenario: Heat pump maintaining 26°C target temperature
Uncovered pool:
- Heat loss through evaporation: ~5,000-6,000 kWh/season
- Heat loss through radiation: ~1,200-1,500 kWh/season
- Total heating requirement: 6,200-7,500 kWh/season
- Cost at £0.28/kWh: £1,736-2,100/season
Covered with Sol+Guard:
- Evaporation eliminated: 98% reduction
- Solar gain offset: 5-8°C passive warming reduces heating need
- Remaining heating requirement: 1,900-2,400 kWh/season
- Cost at £0.28/kWh: £532-672/season
Net savings: £1,204-1,428 per season
Note: These calculations assume heat pump with COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 5.0, average UK May-September temperatures of 14-17°C, target pool temperature of 26°C, and daily pool heating. Gas heater savings would be proportionally similar but at different energy rates (approximately £0.08/kWh equivalent).
Water Replacement Costs
Evaporation rates:
- Uncovered pool: ~6mm per day average (UK summer conditions)
- Total seasonal evaporation: ~920mm over 153 days
- Water loss: 32.6m² × 0.92m = 30,000 litres
With Sol+Guard (98% reduction):
- Water loss: ~600 litres/season
Savings calculation:
- Water saved: 29,400 litres
- Cost at £4.40/m³: 29.4 × £4.40 = £129.36 saved
Water costs vary by region and include both supply and wastewater charges. UK average of £4.40/m³ used. Some areas may be £3.80-5.20/m³.
Chemical Cost Reductions
Uncovered pool chemical usage (42,400L pool, 153 days):
- Chlorine tablets/granules: ~15-18kg/season (£120-145)
- pH adjusters: £25-35
- Alkalinity/hardness: £20-25
- Shock treatments: £15-20
- Total: £180-225
Covered pool (30% reduction per university research):
- Chlorine: ~10-12kg/season (£80-95)
- pH adjusters: £18-25
- Other chemicals: £25-30
- Total: £123-150
Net savings: £57-75 per season
Chemical costs based on UK retail prices for standard pool chlorine (£7-9/kg), pH decreaser/increaser (£8-12/kg), and typical dosing requirements. Actual costs vary by brand, purchase volume, and specific pool chemistry.
Variables That Affect Your Actual Savings
Factors increasing savings above estimates:
- Windier locations (higher evaporation without cover)
- Longer swimming season (May-October usage)
- Higher energy rates (some UK regions pay £0.32-0.34/kWh)
- Higher target temperature (28°C vs 26°C)
- Less efficient heating system (older heat pumps)
Factors reducing savings below estimates:
- Inconsistent cover use (not covering when pool idle)
- Shadier pool location (less solar gain benefit)
- Warmer climate with algae issues (Sol+Guard may not be ideal)
- Very short swimming season (June-August only)
- Pool already partially covered (pergola, pool house, etc.)
Most users with proper cover usage fall within or above the estimated savings range.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
About Sol+Guard Performance
Q: How much will Sol+Guard actually heat my pool?
A: Sol+Guard can increase water temperature by 5-8°C above ambient in optimal conditions (sunny UK summer day, cover on for 6+ hours). However, this varies significantly based on:
- Amount of direct sunlight received (south-facing is best)
- Outside air temperature (warmer days = greater effect)
- Starting water temperature (heating from 18°C to 24°C is easier than 24°C to 30°C)
- Pool depth (shallower pools heat faster)
- Wind conditions (wind reduces effectiveness)
Realistic expectation: Most UK pools see 3-6°C temperature gains on sunny days, with higher gains in May/June when solar radiation is strongest. On overcast days, Sol+Guard primarily prevents heat loss rather than adding significant heat.
Q: Is Sol+Guard better than a dark/blue cover for heating?
A: Yes, for active solar heating. Dark covers are better at heat retention but poor at solar gain because they absorb heat into the cover material itself rather than transmitting it to the water. Sol+Guard’s translucent design allows UV to penetrate directly into the water where heat is needed.
Think of it like a greenhouse vs. a blanket – Sol+Guard is the greenhouse (lets light in to warm what’s inside), dark covers are the blanket (keeps existing heat from escaping but doesn’t add new heat).
For pools that rely primarily on solar heating or heat pumps, Sol+Guard typically delivers 20-35% better overall results than opaque covers.
Q: Will this prevent algae growth?
A: Partially, but it’s not designed for algae prevention. Sol+Guard helps reduce algae through:
- Keeping debris out (which feeds algae)
- Reducing chemical degradation from UV
- More stable water temperature/chemistry
However, if your pool has persistent algae problems despite proper chemistry, consider Energy Guard 500M instead – it uses selective transmission to block algae-causing light wavelengths while still allowing heat transfer.
Sol+Guard is best for pools with good water quality that want maximum heating performance.
Q: Can I use this on an indoor pool?
A: Not recommended. Sol+Guard is optimized for outdoor pools with direct sunlight exposure. For indoor pools, consider:
- RaeGuard 500M for pools with skylights/windows (some solar gain possible)
- Foam covers specifically designed for higher ambient temperatures of indoor environments
- Gold 600M if heat retention is the only priority
Indoor environments have different needs (higher humidity, less temperature fluctuation, no direct UV) that aren’t Sol+Guard’s strengths.
About Installation & Usage
Q: Do I need a roller for this cover?
A: Highly recommended for 13ft x 27ft size. While not strictly required, manual handling of a 32.6m² cover is:
- Physically awkward for one person
- Takes 5-10 minutes to remove/replace properly
- Increases wear from dragging on deck
- More likely to blow into pool if not secured
A roller makes deployment/removal a 60-second job and significantly extends cover lifespan by preventing damage.
Budget option: Manual telescopic roller (£120-180) Premium option: Motorized system (£400-600)
Q: Which way do the bubbles go?
A: Bubbles ALWAYS face DOWN into the water. The smooth side faces up toward the sun. This ensures:
- Sun heats air in bubbles, which directly warms water through conduction
- Smooth surface maximizes UV penetration
- Proper insulation layer created
Backwards installation reduces solar gain by 40-50% and heat retention by 20-30%.
Q: Can I leave it on when the pump runs?
A: Yes, absolutely. Your pump needs to run regardless of cover position to maintain filtration and chemistry. Sol+Guard won’t interfere with:
- Water circulation
- Skimmer operation (if properly positioned)
- Return jet function
- Chemical dosing systems
Just ensure cover doesn’t block skimmer opening. For pools with automatic cleaners, you’ll need to remove cover during cleaning cycles.
Q: How do I clean the cover?
A: Simple maintenance monthly:
- Brush cover with soft pool brush while still on water
- Use mild soap solution (dish soap) for any stubborn spots
- Rinse thoroughly with hose
- Never use harsh chemicals, pressure washers, or abrasive brushes
For storage cleaning:
- Remove from pool
- Lay flat on deck or grass
- Wash both sides with soap and soft brush
- Rinse completely
- Allow to dry fully before rolling/folding for storage
Proper cleaning prevents algae/bacteria growth on cover material and maintains UV transmission properties.
About Durability & Lifespan
Q: How long will this cover last?
A: Expected lifespan: 6-8 years with proper care. This assumes:
- Used seasonally (May-September) with winter storage
- Cleaned monthly during use
- Stored properly when not on pool
- Reasonable care (not dragged across rough surfaces)
- Maintained pool chemistry (balanced chlorine/pH)
Factors that extend lifespan:
- Using roller system (prevents deck abrasion)
- Storing indoors during winter
- Keeping pool chemistry balanced (high chlorine damages material)
- Removing during storms/high winds
Factors that reduce lifespan:
- Year-round outdoor exposure
- Storage in direct sunlight
- Persistent pool chemistry imbalances (pH <7.0 or >8.0)
- Physical damage (sharp objects, pets, dragging)
GeoBubble technology already adds 25% lifespan vs traditional bubble covers (4-5 years typical), so you’re getting premium durability.
Q: What’s covered by warranty?
A: Sol+Guard covers come with manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This typically covers:
- Manufacturing defects (bubble detachment, seam failures)
- Material degradation beyond normal wear
- UV stabilizer failure
Not covered:
- Physical damage (tears, punctures, pet damage)
- Improper storage damage
- Chemical damage from imbalanced pool water
- Normal aging and gradual UV exposure
Contact Parts4Tubs directly for specific warranty terms and claims process.
Q: Is this made to measure or standard size?
A: This specific listing is a standard size: 13ft x 27ft (3.96m x 8.23m). However, if this doesn’t fit your pool exactly:
Option 1: Order the next size up and trim to fit (Sol+Guard can be cut with sharp scissors or utility knife)
Option 2: Contact Parts4Tubs for custom made-to-measure cover – available for any pool shape/size at marginal additional cost
Note: All Sol+Guard covers are “made to order” items (produced per order rather than stocked), so delivery is typically 7-14 days.
About Costs & Value
Q: Why is this more expensive than basic blue covers?
A: Sol+Guard costs 40-60% more than basic 400M blue covers but delivers:
- Better savings performance: Additional £200-300/year from superior solar gain vs basic covers
- 25% longer lifespan: GeoBubble lasts 6-8 years vs 3-5 years for traditional bubble
- Higher quality materials: UV stabilizers throughout (not just surface coating)
- University-tested technology: Scientifically proven performance vs marketing claims
Cost comparison over 6 years:
- Basic blue cover: £180 × 2 covers needed = £360 total investment, ~£600/year savings = £3,600 total savings
- Sol+Guard 500M: £293.84 × 1 cover needed = £294 total investment, ~£850/year savings = £5,100 total savings
Net benefit of Sol+Guard: £1,446 additional value over 6 years despite higher upfront cost.
Q: Will this pay for itself?
A: Yes, typically within 3.7-4.5 months of use based on £780-960 annual savings vs £293.84 purchase price. After break-even, every month delivers pure savings.
Year 1: £780-960 savings – £294 cost = £486-666 net benefit Years 2-6: £780-960 savings per year = £3,900-4,800 additional savings 6-year total: £4,386-5,466 value delivered
Few pool purchases offer this kind of documented ROI.
Q: Are there ongoing costs?
A: Minimal. Sol+Guard’s only recurring costs are:
- Occasional mild soap for cleaning (£2-3/year)
- Potential roller maintenance/replacement (£20-30 every 3-5 years if applicable)
No special treatments, coating renewals, or replacements needed during normal lifespan. The cover is essentially maintenance-free beyond basic cleaning.
About Ordering & Delivery
Q: How long until delivery?
A: Typically 7-14 business days. Sol+Guard covers are made-to-order items (produced upon purchase rather than warehouse-stocked) to ensure fresh material with full UV stabilizer potency.
Ordering timeline:
- Order placed → Day 0
- Manufacturing begins → Day 1-2
- Production complete → Day 5-8
- Shipping to Parts4Tubs → Day 7-10
- Delivery to you → Day 8-14
For urgent needs: Contact Parts4Tubs directly – sometimes faster delivery possible depending on production schedule.
Q: Can I return it if it doesn’t fit?
A: Check Parts4Tubs’ return policy directly as made-to-order items may have different terms than stock products. Generally:
- Unopened covers in original packaging may be returnable
- Custom-cut or trimmed covers typically non-returnable
- Manufacturing defects covered regardless of use
Best practice: Measure your pool carefully before ordering. If uncertain about fit, contact Parts4Tubs for sizing advice before purchase.
Q: Do you offer custom sizes?
A: Yes! If 13ft x 27ft doesn’t match your pool dimensions, Parts4Tubs can produce Sol+Guard in virtually any size/shape at similar pricing per square metre.
To order custom size:
- Measure pool at waterline (not deck measurements)
- Contact Parts4Tubs with dimensions
- Receive quote (typically delivered within 24 hours)
- Custom production time similar to standard sizes (7-14 days)
🎁 Recommended Accessories
Roller Systems
Manual Telescopic Roller (£120-180)
- Fits pools up to 30ft wide
- Reduces cover handling time from 10 minutes to 60 seconds
- Extends cover life by preventing deck abrasion
- Lightweight aluminum construction
Benefits for 13ft x 27ft pool: Essential at this size – cover weighs ~12kg and is awkward to handle manually.
Pool Thermometer
Digital Floating Thermometer (£15-25)
- Track temperature gains from Sol+Guard
- Optimize cover usage timing
- Know exactly when pool reaches target temperature
Wireless models (£35-60) sync to smartphone for historical tracking and prove your savings.
Winter Cover (For Off-Season)
Mesh Winter Cover (£150-250 for this size)
- Essential October-April protection
- Allows Sol+Guard to be stored safely indoors
- Prevents debris accumulation during closed season
- Not compatible with summer swimming (Sol+Guard is your summer cover)
Strategy: Sol+Guard for May-September active swimming, winter cover for October-April closed season. Maximize both product lifespans while maintaining year-round protection.
⚠️ Important Disclaimers & Limitations
Performance Variables
Savings calculations are estimates based on typical UK residential pool usage and may vary significantly based on:
- Climate/weather: Actual sunshine hours, ambient temperature, wind conditions
- Pool specifics: Depth, surface area, construction materials, location (sun exposure)
- Usage patterns: Hours of daily coverage, frequency of pool use, seasonal duration
- Heating system: Heat pump efficiency (COP 3-6 range), gas heater type, solar panel array size
- Energy rates: Electricity costs vary by supplier, tariff, and region (£0.24-0.34/kWh typical)
- Water costs: Vary by water company (£3.80-5.20/m³ typical)
- Baseline costs: Assumes pool is properly maintained with balanced chemistry
No guarantee of specific savings amount. Individual results will differ.
Safety Limitations
Sol+Guard is NOT a safety cover:
- Does not support weight of people or animals
- Can be drowning hazard if someone/something stands on it and falls through
- Not a substitute for proper supervision, perimeter fencing, or pool alarms
- Should be completely removed during swimming/pool access
If unsupervised children or pets can access pool area, install appropriate physical barriers (fencing, locked gates, cover alarms) regardless of cover type.
Usage Restrictions
Not designed for:
- Year-round outdoor use (seasonal May-September only)
- Winter weather exposure (freezing, heavy snow/ice)
- Indoor pools with high ambient temperature/humidity
- Pools with severe ongoing algae problems (use Energy Guard instead)
- Safety/access control purposes
Requires:
- Proper pool chemistry maintenance (pH 7.2-7.8, chlorine 1-3ppm)
- Regular cleaning and care
- Winter storage in protected location
- Correct installation (bubbles down)
Product Specifications
- Made to order item: 7-14 day delivery time, potential limited return options
- Material limitations: Will degrade over time from UV exposure (6+ years typical)
- Not suitable for: Pools with sharp edges, rough coping, or abrasive surfaces without roller system
- GeoBubble patent: Authentic GeoBubble covers only from licensed manufacturers (Parts4Tubs is authorized dealer)
🚀 Why Order from Parts4Tubs?
Authorized GeoBubble Dealer – Genuine manufacturer-backed products with proper warranty support, not grey-market imports
Made-to-Order Quality – Your cover is freshly manufactured with full-potency UV stabilizers, not warehouse stock that’s been aging
Expert Pool Equipment Knowledge – Andi (owner) built his own pool and personally answers questions about product selection and usage
Competitive Pricing – Direct relationship with manufacturers means better pricing than big-box retailers
UK-Based Support – No overseas customer service runaround, direct contact with knowledgeable staff who understand UK pool conditions
📏 Is This the Right Size for Your Pool?
This cover fits: 13ft x 27ft pools (3.96m x 8.23m) at waterline measurement
Measuring your pool correctly:
- Measure at waterline level (not deck/coping)
- Measure width at widest point
- Measure length at longest point
- For irregular shapes, measure to outermost points
Cover should extend 25-50mm beyond waterline on all sides for proper coverage and roller attachment.
Alternative sizes available:
- Smaller pools: 12ft x 24ft option available
- Larger pools: Up to 20ft x 40ft standard sizes
- Custom sizes: Any dimensions possible via made-to-measure service
Not sure about fit? Contact Parts4Tubs with your measurements for sizing recommendations before ordering.
✅ Ready to Start Saving £800+ Per Year?
Your investment: £293.84 Your typical annual savings: £780-960 Break-even timeline: 3.7-4.5 months Expected lifespan: 6+ years Total value delivered: £4,386-5,466 over product life
Every day you wait is money literally evaporating from your pool. Sol+Guard 500M is the scientifically proven choice for UK pool owners who want maximum solar heating performance with the fastest ROI.
This is a made-to-order product – your cover is manufactured fresh upon purchase with full-potency UV stabilizers. Order now for delivery in 7-14 days, ready for the upcoming swimming season.
Questions before ordering? Contact Parts4Tubs directly – Andi and team are available to discuss your specific pool situation, confirm sizing, or recommend alternative covers if Sol+Guard isn’t ideal for your needs.


