Sol+Guard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover – 14ft x 30ft 🌞💰
Maximum Solar Heating Performance: Save £700-£1,200+ Annually While Heating Your Pool Naturally
💰 Bottom Line: What This Cover Delivers
The Sol+Guard 500M is the premium choice for UK pool owners prioritising solar heating gains over simple heat retention. Its translucent design maximises UV transmission, naturally warming pool water by up to 8°C while dramatically cutting heating bills.
Your Annual Savings Breakdown (14ft x 30ft pool):*
- Heating Costs: £650-£900/year saved*
- Water Bills: £140+/year saved*
- Chemical Costs: £35-£50/year saved*
- Total Annual Savings: £825-£1,090*
Payback Period: 4-5 months based on typical UK swimming season
See calculation methodology in Disclaimers section below
🔥 Why Sol+Guard Outperforms Standard Solar Covers
The Translucent Advantage
Unlike opaque covers that simply retain existing heat, Sol+Guard’s translucent material actively heats your water through solar transmission. University research confirms: the more translucent the cover, the greater the solar energy penetration into pool water.
What This Means For You:
- Passive Solar Heating: Up to 8°C temperature increase from sunlight alone
- Reduced Dependency: Cut artificial heating by 50-70%
- Extended Season: Swim comfortably weeks earlier in spring
- Lower Operating Costs: Minimal energy consumption for maximum warmth
Comparison: Sol+Guard vs Other Cover Types
| Feature | Sol+Guard 500M | Energy Guard 500M | Gold 600M | Blue 400M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Solar heating | Algae prevention | Heat retention | Budget protection |
| UV Transmission | Maximum ✅ | Selective | Minimal | Medium |
| Temperature Gain | Up to 8°C | 4-6°C | 2-4°C | 3-5°C |
| Heat Retention | Excellent | Excellent | Superior | Good |
| Algae Control | Standard | Maximum ✅ | Good | Standard |
| Thickness | 500M | 500M | 600M | 400M |
| Best For | Solar heating priority | Algae-prone pools | Artificially heated pools | Above-ground pools |
| Expected Lifespan | 6+ years | 6+ years | 7-8+ years | 4-5 years |
📊 Real-World Savings: Your 14ft x 30ft Pool
Annual Heating Cost Reduction
Without Cover:
- Energy consumption: 9,000-12,000 kWh/year
- Cost at £0.28/kWh average: £2,520-£3,360/year
With Sol+Guard 500M:
- Energy reduction: 50-70% (university-tested)
- Remaining consumption: 2,700-6,000 kWh/year
- Annual cost: £756-£1,680/year
- Your Savings: £840-£2,604/year depending on heating method*
Conservative Estimate: £650-£900/year saved
Water Conservation Benefits
Evaporation Loss (uncovered 14ft x 30ft pool):
- Annual water loss: ~45,000 litres
- Cost at £4.40/m³: £198/year
- Equivalent to 560+ baths wasted
With Sol+Guard (98% evaporation reduction):
- Remaining loss: ~900 litres
- Annual cost: £4/year
- Your Savings: £194/year
Conservative Estimate: £140/year saved
Chemical Consumption Reduction
Without Cover:
- Chlorine consumption: 18-22kg/year for this pool size
- Cost: £120-£150/year
- Frequent pH rebalancing required
With Sol+Guard (30% reduction):
- Chlorine saved: 5-6kg/year
- Rebalancing chemicals reduced
- Your Savings: £35-£50/year
Total First-Year ROI Analysis
| Investment | £351.80 (cover cost) |
|---|---|
| Conservative Annual Savings | £825/year |
| Payback Period | 5.1 months |
| 5-Year Net Savings | £3,773.20 |
| 10-Year Net Savings | £7,898.20 |
Based on 6-month UK swimming season (May-October)
🏆 Why Sol+Guard is THE Solar Heating Champion
1. GeoBubble Technology: 25% Longer Lifespan
The Problem with Traditional Bubble Covers: Traditional bubble wrap-style covers have inherent design weaknesses – thin stress points where bubbles connect that fail prematurely from heat, UV exposure, and chemical attack.
The GeoBubble Solution:
- Scientifically Optimised Design: Two bubbles joined at the waistline
- No Weak Points: 50% thicker overall with uniform material distribution
- Enhanced Air Expansion Room: Accommodates thermal expansion without stress
- University-Verified: Independently tested for longevity
Real-World Impact: 6+ year lifespan vs 4-5 years for traditional covers
2. Dual-Layer Translucent Technology
Unique Construction:
- Clear Top Surface: Maximises UV ray penetration
- Translucent Tinted Underside: Optimised light diffusion into water
- Two-Ply Design: Enhanced structural integrity
The Science: UK university research confirms translucent covers achieve significantly higher solar energy transmission than opaque alternatives, resulting in measurable temperature gains even on partly cloudy days.
3. Multi-Benefit Performance
✅ Solar Heating: Up to 8°C temperature increase ✅ Heat Retention: Eliminates overnight heat loss ✅ Evaporation Barrier: 98%+ reduction ✅ Chemical Protection: Reduces chlorine consumption by 30% ✅ Debris Shield: Keeps leaves, insects, dirt out ✅ UV Stabilised: Resistant to sun degradation ✅ Eco-Friendly: 100% recyclable LDPE (Grade 4)
🌍 Environmental Impact: Beyond Cost Savings
Your Pool’s Carbon Footprint Reduction
Annual Energy Saved: 4,500-8,400 kWh CO₂ Emissions Prevented: 1.0-1.9 tonnes/year* Equivalent to:
- Taking a car off the road for 6-12 months
- Planting 45-85 trees annually
Water Conservation:
- 44,000+ litres saved annually
- Enough drinking water for a family of 4 for 120 days
Based on UK grid carbon intensity of 0.227 kg CO₂/kWh
🎯 Is Sol+Guard Right for Your Pool?
✅ Perfect If You:
- Want to maximise solar heating and reduce artificial heating costs
- Have good sun exposure (4+ hours daily during swimming season)
- Use a heat pump or electric heater and want to reduce runtime
- Prefer natural heating methods over high energy consumption
- Have clear or lightly shaded pool areas
- Want extended swimming season without huge energy bills
❌ Consider Alternatives If You:
- Have chronic algae problems → Energy Guard 500M (selective transmission blocks algae-causing light)
- Prioritise maximum heat retention over solar gain → Gold 600M (thicker, better insulation)
- Have heavily shaded pool → RaeGuard 500M (optimised for artificial heating retention)
- Need safety cover → Slatted or safety track covers (Sol+Guard not weight-bearing)
📏 Perfect Fit Guarantee: 14ft x 30ft Specifications
Dimensions:
- Length: 30 feet (9.14 metres)
- Width: 14 feet (4.27 metres)
- Coverage Area: 420 sq ft (39 m²)
Material Specifications:
- Thickness: 500 microns
- Material: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- UV Stabilisation: Advanced additive package
- Colour: Translucent with tinted underside
- Weight: Lightweight for easy handling
Installation:
- Bubbles face DOWN (towards water)
- Compatible with standard pool rollers
- Easy one-person deployment with roller
- No special tools required
Made-to-Order: Each cover is custom manufactured to ensure perfect fit. Non-standard sizes available – contact us for custom dimensions.
🔧 Installation & Maintenance
Setting Up Your Cover
- Orientation: Place bubbles facing down towards water
- Positioning: Ensure full water surface coverage
- Securing: Attach to roller system (recommended) or use weighted edges
- Air Bubbles: The trapped air is heated by sun, then transfers to water
Pro Tip: Invest in a pool roller system for effortless deployment and storage. Reduces handling wear and makes daily use practical.
Care Instructions
During Swimming Season:
- Remove debris from cover surface before rolling up
- Rinse monthly with fresh water to remove chemical residue
- Store rolled on reel when not in use (protects from UV when pool in use)
- Avoid dragging across rough pool edges
End of Season:
- Clean thoroughly with mild soap and water
- Dry completely before storage
- Roll loosely and store in cool, dry location
- Critical: Replace with winter cover for cold months
What to Avoid:
- Walking on cover (not weight-bearing)
- Exposure to excessive chlorine levels (>5 ppm damages material)
- Sharp objects (automatic cleaners should be used before covering)
- Folding creases (always roll)
Expected Lifespan: 6+ years with proper care
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Performance & Heating
Q: How much will this actually heat my pool? A: Up to 8°C in optimal conditions (full sun exposure, no wind, dark pool bottom). Realistic UK gains: 4-6°C on sunny days, 2-3°C on cloudy days. Results vary by location, season, and sun exposure hours.
Q: Can I use this instead of a pool heater? A: No. Sol+Guard provides excellent solar gains but won’t maintain consistent swim-ready temperatures (typically 26-28°C) without auxiliary heating. It’s most effective when paired with a heat pump or solar panels, reducing their runtime by 50-70%.
Q: Will it work in the UK climate? A: Absolutely. University testing was conducted specifically in UK conditions. You’ll see best results May-September, with measurable gains even on partly cloudy days. Northern UK pools benefit from extended daylight hours in summer.
Q: How long does it take to heat the pool? A: Depends on starting temperature, pool volume, and weather. Typical scenario: starting at 18°C on a sunny June day, expect to reach 22-24°C within 3-5 days with cover on continuously between swims.
Durability & Lifespan
Q: How long will this cover last? A: 6+ years with proper maintenance. GeoBubble technology extends lifespan 25% beyond traditional bubble covers. Factors affecting longevity: chemical balance (high chlorine degrades material), UV exposure (store on roller when not covering pool), and winter storage (must be replaced with winter cover).
Q: What’s the warranty? A: Manufacturer warranties vary by model. Contact Parts4Tubs for specific warranty details on this cover. Pro-rata warranties typically available.
Q: Is it really stronger than regular bubble covers? A: Yes. The GeoBubble design has 50% more material thickness with no weak stress points. Traditional covers fail at the thin connection points between bubbles – GeoBubble’s waistline design eliminates this vulnerability.
Practical Use
Q: Can I leave it on while the pump runs? A: Yes. Properly secured covers don’t interfere with circulation. However, remove cover if using automatic pool cleaners to avoid damage.
Q: Do I need a roller? A: Highly recommended for 14ft x 30ft size. Manual handling this size cover daily is impractical and increases wear from dragging. Roller systems pay for themselves in convenience and cover longevity.
Q: Can I cut it to fit my pool shape? A: Yes, but order slightly oversized. Sol+Guard can be trimmed with heavy scissors for custom shapes. Measure carefully – you can always trim more, but can’t add material back.
Q: How do I store it in winter? A: Clean, dry completely, roll loosely, store indoors in cool/dry location. Never leave solar covers on pool during winter – they’re not designed for freezing conditions. Use dedicated winter cover for cold months.
Cost & Value
Q: How quickly will this pay for itself? A: 4-5 months based on conservative savings estimates for 14ft x 30ft pool (£825/year saved). If you have electric heating and high usage, payback can be as short as 2-3 months.
Q: Are the savings claims realistic? A: Yes, but highly variable. Factors affecting your savings: current heating method (electric heaters = higher savings), swimming season length, sun exposure, starting energy consumption, local energy rates, and pool usage patterns. Our calculations use conservative assumptions – many users exceed these savings.
Q: Is Sol+Guard worth £100 more than the Blue 400M cover? A: For solar heating priority, absolutely. The £100 difference pays back in 6-8 weeks through superior solar gains and longer lifespan. Blue 400M is best for above-ground pools or budget-conscious buyers prioritising basic protection over heating performance.
Technical Questions
Q: Why translucent instead of clear? A: Pure clear covers offer maximum UV transmission but minimal chemical protection and faster degradation. Sol+Guard’s translucent design balances excellent solar gain (better than opaque) with UV stabilisation for longer lifespan and better chemical protection.
Q: What does “500M” mean? A: Micron thickness. 500M = 500 microns = 0.5mm. Thicker covers (600M) offer better insulation but reduced solar transmission. 500M is the optimal balance for solar heating applications.
Q: Will it prevent algae growth? A: Standard algae prevention (reduces sunlight, maintains chemical levels). For severe algae problems, consider Energy Guard 500M with selective transmission technology that specifically blocks algae-promoting light wavelengths.
Q: Can I use this on a saltwater pool? A: Yes. GeoBubble material is compatible with saltwater systems. Rinse more frequently to prevent salt buildup on cover surface.
⚠️ Important Safety Information
CRITICAL: This is NOT a Safety Cover
❌ Cannot support weight of children, pets, or adults ❌ Not a drowning prevention device ❌ Not designed for winter use
Safety Recommendations:
- Install perimeter fencing if children/pets have pool access
- Never allow anyone to walk on cover
- Remove completely before allowing pool use
- Consider dedicated safety cover if drowning prevention is priority
- Replace with winter cover during cold months
Proper Use: ✅ Covers unattended pool between swim sessions ✅ Reduces heating and chemical costs ✅ Keeps debris out of water ✅ Can remain on while pump operates
📋 Detailed Disclaimers & Calculation Methodology
Savings Calculations Transparency
All savings figures are estimates based on typical scenarios and will vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
Heating Cost Savings Assumptions:
- Pool size: 14ft x 30ft x 4ft average depth (42,000 litres / 48m³)
- Swimming season: 6 months (May-October)
- Energy rate: £0.28/kWh (UK average 2024-2025)
- Heating method: Electric heat pump (COP 5.0)
- Target temperature: 26°C maintained
- Baseline energy consumption: 9,000-12,000 kWh/year uncovered
- Sol+Guard reduction: 50-70% (based on university research)
- Conservative estimate uses 65% average reduction
Variables Affecting Your Savings:
- Geographic location and sun exposure hours
- Local energy rates (£0.20-£0.35/kWh typical range)
- Heating system type and efficiency (gas, electric, heat pump, solar)
- Pool usage frequency and temperature preferences
- Surrounding shade, wind exposure, ambient temperature
- Starting energy consumption (higher = greater absolute savings)
Water Savings Assumptions:
- Pool surface area: 39m² (420 sq ft)
- Annual evaporation uncovered: ~1,150mm (UK average)
- Total water loss: ~45,000 litres/year
- Water rate: £4.40/m³ (UK average including sewerage)
- Sol+Guard evaporation reduction: 98% (university-tested)
Chemical Savings Assumptions:
- Baseline chlorine consumption: 18-22kg/year for this pool size
- Chlorine cost: £7-8/kg average
- Reduction from evaporation prevention: 30% (university research)
- Includes reduced need for pH balancing chemicals
ROI Calculations:
- Based on 6-month swimming season use
- Cover cost: £351.80
- Annual savings: £825 (conservative average)
- Excludes roller system cost if purchased separately
- Assumes proper maintenance for full 6+ year lifespan
Performance Claims Disclaimers
Temperature Increase (Up to 8°C): This represents maximum potential gain under optimal conditions: full sun exposure, calm conditions, dark pool bottom, starting temperature well below ambient. Typical realistic gains: 4-6°C on sunny days. Factors affecting performance: cloud cover, wind speed, ambient temperature, pool colour, water circulation, time of year.
Lifespan (6+ Years): Based on proper maintenance including: balanced water chemistry (chlorine 1-3 ppm, pH 7.2-7.6), storage on roller when not covering pool, winter storage indoors, avoiding sharp objects. Covers exposed to excessive chemicals, constant UV, or improper storage will have reduced lifespan.
Energy Reduction (50-70%): Based on controlled university research comparing covered vs uncovered pools with identical heating systems. Your reduction depends on: baseline energy consumption, heating system efficiency, swimming season length, climate, usage patterns. Lower baseline consumption = lower absolute savings.
Evaporation Reduction (98%+): University-tested figure achieved with properly fitted cover providing complete water surface coverage. Small gaps or improper fit reduce effectiveness.
Manufacturer Information
Material Specifications:
- Material: Virgin LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- UV stabilisation: Proprietary additive package
- Recyclability: Grade 4 LDPE (100% recyclable at end of life)
- Manufacturing: Made-to-order in UK
Quality Assurance:
- Each cover manufactured to order
- Quality control inspection before dispatch
- Custom sizes available for non-standard pools
Important Notes
Made-to-Order Product: All GeoBubble covers are custom manufactured. This ensures perfect fit but means:
- Lead time: 2-3 weeks typical
- Non-returnable unless manufacturing defect
- Measure your pool carefully before ordering
- Custom sizes available – contact for quote
Compatibility:
- Works with all pool types (concrete, vinyl liner, fibreglass)
- Compatible with saltwater systems
- Can be used with most pool rollers (check roller weight capacity)
- Not compatible with: automatic safety covers, slatted covers
Health & Safety:
- Keep chemicals balanced to protect cover material
- Remove before swimming (slip/entanglement hazard)
- Store safely away from children when not in use
- Supervise pool area regardless of cover type
🛒 Ready to Start Saving?
Why Buy from Parts4Tubs?
✅ Direct From Andi: Personal service, not faceless internet shopping ✅ Expert Advice: Hot tub and pool specialist with years of hands-on experience ✅ Made-to-Measure: Perfect fit guaranteed for your pool ✅ Quality Assurance: Genuine GeoBubble technology with manufacturer backing ✅ UK-Based Support: Quick communication and knowledgeable assistance
Current Price: £351.80 Inc VAT
What Happens Next:
- Order placed and confirmed within 24 hours
- Cover manufactured to exact specifications (2-3 weeks)
- Delivered to your door with handling instructions
- Start saving immediately on heating costs
Questions Before Buying? Contact Andi directly – he owns Parts4Tubs and personally assists with every order. Not sure about sizing? Need advice on cover selection? Wondering about compatibility with your pool setup? Just ask.


