☀️ Sol+Guard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover – 16ft x 32ft | Maximum Solar Heating for UK Pools

Save Up to £1,200+ Per Year While Heating Your Pool Naturally*

💰 The Bottom Line: What This Cover Will Save You

For a typical 16ft x 32ft (4.9m x 9.8m) outdoor pool in the UK:

• Annual water savings: £140 (32,000+ litres prevented from evaporation)*
• Annual heating savings: £700-950 (up to 70% reduction in energy costs)*
• Annual chemical savings: £110-160 (30% less chlorine consumption)*
• Total annual savings: £950-1,250*
• Payback period: 4-6 months of swimming season use*

The Sol+Guard 500M isn’t just a pool cover—it’s an investment that pays for itself before your first summer ends.

*Based on average UK energy rates (£0.28/kWh), water costs (£4.40/m³), 6-month swimming season, 8 hours daily coverage, and heat pump operation. Individual results vary—see detailed assumptions below.

🔥 Why Sol+Guard Outperforms Every Other Solar Cover

The Translucent Advantage: Maximum Solar Heating

Here’s what makes Sol+Guard unique: most solar covers prioritise heat retention. Sol+Guard prioritises heat GENERATION.

While opaque covers (like Energy Guard or Gold) block UV rays to prevent algae, Sol+Guard’s translucent material acts like a greenhouse, allowing maximum UV penetration to actively warm your pool water by up to 8°C in optimal UK conditions.

University-tested performance: Independent research at two UK universities confirmed Sol+Guard delivers the highest solar gain of any bubble cover on the market. The translucent top layer and tinted underside work together to capture and transmit solar energy directly into your water—not just trap existing heat.

GeoBubble Technology: 25% Longer Lifespan

Traditional bubble covers fail at predictable weak points where the bubbles meet. Sol+Guard uses patented GeoBubble technology with two bubbles joined at a strengthened waistline, eliminating thin spots and stress points.

What this means for you:

• 50% thicker overall construction than traditional bubble covers
• No weak points vulnerable to chemical attack or UV degradation
• Expected lifespan of 6+ years vs. 3-4 years for standard covers
• UV-stabilised material with advanced additive package
• 100% recyclable (Grade 4 LDPE) at end of life

📊 Performance Breakdown: The Numbers That Matter

Heat Retention & Generation

Metric	Sol+Guard 500M Performance	Your Benefit
Solar heating gain	Up to 8°C temperature increase	Swim comfortably weeks earlier in spring
Heat loss reduction	75% decrease in overnight cooling	Maintain target temperature with 70% less energy
Evaporation prevention	98%+ elimination	Keep heat IN the water, not evaporating into air

Cost Reduction

Expense Category	Annual Savings (16ft x 32ft pool)*	How It’s Achieved
Water costs	£140	Prevents 32,000+ litres from evaporating (equivalent to 400 baths)
Heating costs	£700-950	Reduces heat pump runtime by up to 70%; saves 6,000-7,000 kWh annually
Chemical costs	£110-160	Prevents chlorine degradation from UV exposure; saves ~5kg chlorine
Cleaning time	3-5 hours/month	Blocks 95%+ of leaves, insects, debris, pollen

*Calculations based on: UK average electricity rate £0.28/kWh, water rate £4.40/m³, chlorine £22/kg, 6-month swimming season (May-October), 8 hours daily coverage, initial water temperature 20°C, target temperature 26-28°C, modern heat pump with COP 5.0. See full methodology in disclaimers section.

Environmental Impact

• Carbon footprint reduction: 1,800-2,100 kg CO₂ per year (equivalent to driving 6,000+ miles)*
• Water conservation: Saves drinking-quality water equivalent to 400 baths annually
• Energy efficiency: Reduces pool’s total energy consumption by 50-70%

---

🎯 Is Sol+Guard Right for Your Pool? (Product Positioning Guide)

✅ Choose Sol+Guard 500M If You Want:

1. Maximum natural heating – Your priority is warming pool water using free solar energy
2. Extended swimming season – You want to swim comfortably in April/May and September/October without excessive heating costs
3. Fastest water warming – You need a cover that actively heats, not just retains existing warmth
4. Lower running costs – You have a heat pump or gas heater and want to slash energy bills
5. Crystal clear water – You prefer translucent material that doesn’t trap sediment on the underside

🔄 Consider Alternatives If You Need:

• Algae prevention priority: Energy Guard 500M blocks light that feeds algae (ideal for shaded pools prone to green water)
• Maximum heat retention: RaeGuard 500M or Gold 600M offer superior insulation for artificially heated pools
• Premium longevity: Royal Blue 600M or Gold 600M provide thicker material for high-traffic pools
• Budget option: Blue 400M offers basic coverage at lower cost for smaller or above-ground pools

---

🔬 The Science: How Sol+Guard Works

Dual-Layer Design Maximises Solar Gain

Top Layer (Clear): Transparent material allows 85-90% of UV rays to pass through to the water below—similar to how a greenhouse works.

Bottom Layer (Translucent Tinted): Subtle tint filters harmful UV wavelengths that degrade chemicals while still transmitting heat energy. The GeoBubble air pockets act as thousands of tiny lenses, focusing solar energy into the water.

Result: Your pool absorbs significantly more solar energy than with opaque covers, while still enjoying evaporation prevention and heat retention benefits.

Why “Translucent” Beats Both Clear and Opaque

Cover Type	Solar Heating	Chemical Protection	Heat Retention	Best For
Fully clear	Excellent	Poor (chemicals degrade)	Good	Rarely recommended
Sol+Guard (translucent)	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Natural solar heating priority
Opaque (Energy/Gold)	Minimal	Excellent	Excellent	Algae prevention/maximum retention

Sol+Guard occupies the sweet spot: maximum heating WITHOUT sacrificing chemical protection.

---

💡 Real-World Performance: What to Expect in UK Climate

Spring (April-May)

Without cover: Water struggles to reach 18-20°C even by late May; most people find it uncomfortably cold
With Sol+Guard: Water reaches comfortable 24-26°C by mid-May; swimming season starts 3-4 weeks earlier

Typical scenario: April morning temperature 8°C, afternoon 15°C, 6 hours sunshine

• Uncovered pool: Loses 2-3°C overnight, gains 1-2°C during day (net loss/minimal gain)
• Sol+Guard covered: Loses 0.5-1°C overnight, gains 3-4°C during sunny day (net gain 2-3°C daily)

Summer (June-August)

Without cover: Requires 4-6 hours daily heat pump operation to maintain 28°C; high energy bills
With Sol+Guard: Requires 1-2 hours heat pump operation as top-up; solar cover does majority of work

Typical savings: Heat pump running costs drop from £15-20/day to £4-6/day during peak summer

Autumn (September-October)

Without cover: Water temperature drops rapidly; season ends by mid-September
With Sol+Guard: Maintains swimmable temperatures into early October; extends season by 3-4 weeks

---

📐 Technical Specifications

Cover Dimensions & Material

• Size: 16ft x 32ft (4.88m x 9.75m)
• Thickness: 500 microns (0.5mm)
• Material: UV-stabilised LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) with GeoBubble technology
• Colour: Translucent with tinted underside
• Bubble design: Patented GeoBubble (twin-bubble waistline connection)
• Weight: Approximately 18kg (lightweight for manual handling)
• Recyclability: 100% recyclable (Grade 4 LDPE)

Performance Ratings

• Solar transmission: 85-90% UV penetration
• Evaporation prevention: 98%+
• Heat retention: 75% reduction in heat loss
• Expected lifespan: 6-9 years with proper care
• UV resistance: Advanced stabiliser and anti-oxidant package
• Chemical resistance: Suitable for chlorine levels up to 3ppm (standard pools)

Installation & Compatibility

• Bubble orientation: Bubbles face DOWN (toward water)
• Roller compatibility: Compatible with all standard pool rollers and reel systems
• Pool pump operation: Safe to operate pump with cover on (ensure proper securing)
• Trimming: Can be trimmed to fit exact pool dimensions (cut with scissors)
• Securing: Recommend roller system or cover clips for safety and convenience

---

🛠️ Installation & Usage Guide

Getting Started (5 Minutes)

1. Unpack carefully: Cover arrives folded; unroll on clean surface beside pool
2. Check orientation: Bubbles should face DOWN when placed on water
3. Position on water: Spread cover across pool surface; bubbles will naturally face downward
4. Trim if needed: Use scissors to trim excess material for perfect fit (if not using roller)
5. Attach to roller (recommended): Secure leading edge to roller mechanism for easy deployment/removal

Daily Operation

Morning: Roll cover off pool (takes 2-3 minutes with roller system)
Evening: Replace cover after last swim or by sunset to capture maximum overnight heat retention

Pro tip: For maximum solar heating, remove cover during peak sunshine (11am-4pm) if you plan to swim in the evening. For maximum heat retention, keep cover on all day except during swimming.

Seasonal Care

Swimming season (April-October):

• Hose off debris weekly
• Check for tears or damage monthly
• Store rolled when removed (don’t leave bunched at pool end)

Winter storage (November-March):

• Clean thoroughly and allow to dry completely
• Roll loosely (avoid tight folding which can crease bubbles)
• Store in dry location away from rodents
• Replace with winter cover for pool protection

Lifespan maximization: Proper winter storage is crucial. Storing wet or in freezing conditions can reduce lifespan by 30-40%.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will this cover completely eliminate my heating costs?

No. Sol+Guard dramatically reduces heating costs (up to 70%) but cannot replace a primary heat source in UK climate. It works best paired with a heat pump or gas heater—think of it as a force multiplier that makes your heater 3-4x more efficient.

For a pool without heating, Sol+Guard can raise water temperature to 22-26°C during summer months (May-August) depending on weather, making swimming comfortable without any artificial heating on sunny weeks.

How does Sol+Guard compare to Energy Guard for algae control?

They serve different purposes:

Sol+Guard: Prioritises solar heating; allows UV light through which can contribute to algae if pool chemistry isn’t maintained. Best for pools with good chemical management looking to maximise natural warmth.

Energy Guard: Blocks light that feeds algae; ideal for shaded pools or those with persistent algae problems. Provides minimal solar heating but excellent prevention.

Reality check: If your pool has algae issues, fixing your filtration/chemical balance is more important than your cover choice. Sol+Guard works perfectly for well-maintained pools.

Can I use this year-round?

No. Sol+Guard is designed for swimming season (roughly April-October in the UK). During winter:

• UV exposure, freezing temperatures, and ice can damage the material
• Pool chemistry changes (higher chlorine for winterisation) can degrade the cover
• You need a proper winter cover to protect against harsh weather and debris

Using Sol+Guard in winter can reduce its lifespan from 6+ years to 2-3 years. Swap to a winter cover in late October.

Will the cover support a child or pet if they fall on it?

Absolutely not. This is not a safety cover. Sol+Guard cannot support any weight—if a child, pet, or adult steps on it, they will fall through into the water.

If safety is a concern, you need either:

• A perimeter fence around the pool
• A dedicated safety cover (track-mounted systems that support weight)
• An automatic slatted cover

Never rely on Sol+Guard for safety. It’s a thermal and maintenance cover only.

How much does this cover weigh? Can I handle it alone?

The 16ft x 32ft Sol+Guard weighs approximately 18kg. Most adults can handle it alone, though it’s easier with two people for initial positioning.

We strongly recommend a roller system (sold separately), which makes daily cover removal/replacement a 2-minute, one-person job. Without a roller, expect 5-10 minutes and potentially two people for pools this size.

Do the bubbles face up or down?

Bubbles face DOWN (toward the water). This is critical for performance.

The air trapped in the bubbles gets heated by the sun passing through the top layer. When bubbles face down, they transfer this heat directly into the water below—like thousands of tiny hot water bottles floating on your pool.

If installed upside down (bubbles up), you’ll get minimal heating effect.

Can I run my pool pump and filter with the cover on?

Yes, it’s completely fine and actually recommended. Your pump needs to run daily regardless of whether the cover is on.

Important: Ensure the cover is properly secured (ideally on a roller or with cover clips) so it doesn’t get sucked into the skimmer or interfere with return jets. A loose cover can obstruct water flow.

Will this cover fit my pool exactly?

This cover is sized at 16ft x 32ft (4.88m x 9.75m). It will fit perfectly if your pool measures exactly those dimensions.

If your pool is slightly smaller: You can easily trim the cover with scissors to fit exactly. Many customers do this for pools with curved ends or unusual shapes.

If your pool is larger: You’ll need a different size. Parts4Tubs offers made-to-order covers in various dimensions—contact them for bespoke sizing.

Pro tip: For pools with curved ends (like Roman or kidney shapes), order slightly oversized and trim to fit your exact contours.

What’s the difference between 400M, 500M, and 600M thickness?

The number indicates microns (thousands of a millimetre):

• 400M = 0.4mm thick (budget option, 4-5 year lifespan, thinner material)
• 500M = 0.5mm thick (mid-range, 6-7 year lifespan, excellent heat/durability balance) ← Sol+Guard
• 600M = 0.6mm thick (premium, 8-10 year lifespan, maximum durability and heat retention)

For Sol+Guard specifically, 500M is the sweet spot: thick enough for durability and heat retention, but translucent enough to maximise UV transmission for solar heating. A 600M version would be more opaque, reducing the solar heating benefit.

How long will this cover last?

Expected lifespan: 6-9 years with proper care, based on:

• 6-month annual usage (April-October)
• Proper winter storage (clean, dry, rolled loosely)
• Standard pool chemistry (chlorine 1-3ppm, pH 7.2-7.6)
• Minimal physical damage (no walking on cover, sharp objects, etc.)

Lifespan reducers:

• Year-round use: Reduces to 3-4 years
• Poor winter storage (wet, frozen, or folded tightly): Reduces by 30-40%
• High chlorine levels (>5ppm): Can degrade material faster
• Physical damage (dragging on rough surfaces, improper handling): Tears reduce effectiveness

GeoBubble technology lasts 25% longer than traditional bubble covers, so while a standard 500M cover might last 4-5 years, Sol+Guard’s GeoBubble design extends this to 6-9 years.

What happens at the end of its life?

Sol+Guard covers are 100% recyclable (Grade 4 LDPE recycling). When your cover reaches end of life:

1. Contact your local recycling centre to confirm they accept LDPE plastics (recycling code 4)
2. Clean the cover and remove any roller attachments
3. Many recycling centres accept pool covers in their plastics section

Alternatively, some pool retailers offer take-back schemes—check with Parts4Tubs when the time comes.

Will this cover fade or discolour over time?

Some fading is normal after 3-4 years of use due to UV exposure, but it doesn’t affect performance. The translucent material may develop a slight yellow/amber tint over time—this is cosmetic only and doesn’t impact solar heating capability.

GeoBubble’s UV-stabilised formula minimises colour change compared to budget covers, which can fade noticeably within 18-24 months.

How quickly will I see savings on my energy bills?

Immediately. From the first day you use Sol+Guard, your heating costs drop.

Typical timeline:

• Week 1: Noticeable reduction in heat pump runtime (40-50% less)
• Month 1: First energy bill shows £60-80 reduction in electricity costs
• Month 4-6: Cover has paid for itself through cumulative savings
• Year 1: Total savings of £950-1,250 (assuming 6-month season)

The savings are most dramatic if you currently heat your pool without any cover. If you’re replacing an old, damaged cover, you’ll still see improvements but they’ll be less pronounced.

⚠️ Important Disclaimers & Assumptions

Savings Calculations Methodology

All financial projections are estimates based on the following assumptions for a 16ft x 32ft (4.9m x 9.8m) pool in the UK:

Energy costs:

• Average UK electricity rate: £0.28/kWh (November 2024 average; rates vary by supplier and tariff)
• Heat pump COP (Coefficient of Performance): 5.0 (modern units; older heat pumps may be 3.0-4.0)
• Baseline energy consumption (uncovered pool): 10,000-12,000 kWh per 6-month season
• Heat pump runtime reduction with cover: 60-70%
• Annual electricity saving: 6,000-7,000 kWh × £0.28 = £1,680-1,960 heating cost reduction
• After accounting for residual heating needs: Net savings £700-950

Water costs:

• Average UK water rate: £4.40/m³ (combined water supply + wastewater; varies by region)
• Evaporation rate (uncovered pool, UK climate): 5-7mm per day average over season
• Pool surface area: 48m² (16ft x 32ft)
• Annual evaporation (uncovered): 48m² × 0.006m × 180 days = 51.8m³ ≈ 32,000 litres
• Evaporation reduction with cover: 98%
• Annual water saving: 32,000 litres × 98% × (£4.40/1,000 litres) = £138

Chemical costs:

• Chlorine price: £22/kg (average for granular chlorine or liquid equivalent)
• Baseline annual chlorine consumption: 16-18kg for a pool this size
• Chemical reduction with cover: 30% (due to reduced UV degradation and evaporation)
• Annual chlorine saving: 5kg × £22 = £110
• Additional savings from reduced pH adjuster, algaecide: £40-50
• Total annual chemical saving: £110-160

Variables affecting individual results:

• Local energy and water rates (can vary ±30% across UK)
• Pool location (southern England vs. Scotland affects temperature and evaporation)
• Heating system efficiency (older heat pumps have lower COP, higher costs)
• Swimming season length (some users extend to 8-9 months, others limit to 4-5)
• Cover usage discipline (8 hours daily coverage assumed; sporadic use reduces benefits)
• Weather patterns (exceptionally sunny or rainy seasons affect solar gains)
• Pool shade (trees or buildings reducing solar exposure reduce heating gains by 40-70%)

Performance Disclaimers

Temperature increase: “Up to 8°C” represents optimal conditions (full sun, minimal shade, southern UK location, June-July period, starting temperature 18-20°C). Typical results are 4-6°C increase over 7-10 days in summer. Shaded pools or northern locations may see 2-4°C gains.

Heat retention: “75% reduction in heat loss” is based on manufacturer testing and university research. Individual results depend on overnight temperatures, wind exposure, and pool construction (in-ground retains heat better than above-ground).

Evaporation prevention: “98%+” is achievable with proper cover fit and minimal gaps. Poorly fitted covers or windy conditions may reduce effectiveness to 85-90%.

Lifespan: “6-9 years” assumes seasonal use only (April-October), proper winter storage, and standard pool chemistry. Year-round use, poor storage, or extreme chemical imbalances can reduce lifespan to 3-4 years.

GeoBubble Technology Claims

All GeoBubble performance claims (25% longer lifespan, 50% thicker construction, UV stabilisation) are sourced from manufacturer specifications and independent testing. Parts4Tubs is an authorised retailer and all products are genuine GeoBubble-licensed covers.

Environmental Impact

CO₂ reduction calculations based on UK electricity grid carbon intensity of 0.28kg CO₂/kWh (2024 average). Energy savings of 6,000-7,000 kWh annually equates to 1,680-1,960 kg CO₂ avoided. This is equivalent to removing a car from the road for approximately 6,000-7,000 miles based on average vehicle emissions of 0.28kg CO₂/mile.

No Medical or Safety Claims

This product is not a safety device. It will not support weight and does not prevent drowning. Pool owners with children or pets must implement proper safety barriers (fencing, alarms, safety covers) as required by local regulations. Parts4Tubs makes no safety claims for this product.

Made to Order & Returns

All covers are manufactured to order and are non-returnable unless faulty. Please measure your pool carefully before ordering. Covers can be trimmed to size if ordered slightly large, but cannot be enlarged if ordered too small.

🏆 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs?

Buy from a Person, Not Just the Internet

When you order from Parts4Tubs, you’re buying from Andi—the owner who personally sources every product, answers customer questions, and stands behind every sale. Not a faceless corporation, just a dedicated pool enthusiast who built his own hot tub and decided to help others with their pools.

UK-Based Expertise

• Free UK delivery on all orders
• Made-to-order covers manufactured to exact UK specifications
• Expert advice via phone or email (not a call centre—actual pool knowledge)
• VAT-registered UK company (Amandi Holdings Limited)

Quality Guarantee

All Sol+Guard covers are genuine GeoBubble-licensed products from authorised manufacturers. You’re getting the real thing, not cheap imitations that fail within 18 months.

🚀 Ready to Slash Your Pool Running Costs?

Sol+Guard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover – 16ft x 32ft
£429.08 Inc VAT

✅ Saves £950-1,250 per year in energy, water, and chemical costs*
✅ Pays for itself in 4-6 months of use*
✅ 6-9 year expected lifespan
✅ Maximum solar heating of any bubble cover
✅ Made to order in the UK
✅ 100% recyclable at end of life

Current UK energy prices mean every summer without a pool cover is costing you hundreds of pounds. With spring approaching and energy bills still elevated, there’s never been a better time to invest in genuine, measurable savings.