🌞 Sol+Guard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover – 18ft x 36ft | Maximum Solar Heating Performance

Save £500-850+ Annually While Heating Your Pool Naturally*

Bottom Line: The Sol+Guard 500M is the UK’s leading translucent solar cover for pool owners who want to maximise free solar heating. With superior UV transmission technology, this cover can raise your pool temperature by up to 8°C through solar energy alone—while slashing your annual heating bills by £500-850, reducing chemical costs by £75-120, and saving 32,000+ litres of water per year.*

💰 Your Investment Return Calculator

Cover Price: £543.32 (inc VAT)

Annual Savings Breakdown for 18ft x 36ft Pool (~5.5m x 11m):

Saving Category	Annual Reduction	UK Cost Basis	Your Savings*
Heating Energy	50-70% less consumption	£0.24-0.34/kWh	£480-750/year
Water Loss	32,000-40,000 litres prevented	£4.40/m³	£140-176/year
Chemical Usage	30% reduction	£250-400/year typical	£75-120/year
Pool Cleaning	60% less debris removal	Time + supplies	£50-100/year
TOTAL ANNUAL SAVINGS			£745-1,146/year

Payback Period: 5-8 months based on typical UK swimming season (May-September)*

🔥 Why Sol+Guard Is Different: The Science of Maximum Solar Gain

What Makes This Cover the Best Solar Heater?

Most pool covers focus on heat retention. Sol+Guard is engineered for both solar heat capture AND retention—making it the ideal choice when your primary goal is raising water temperature through natural sunlight.

The Translucent Advantage:

Traditional opaque covers block UV rays. Sol+Guard’s unique two-layer translucent design allows maximum solar radiation to penetrate through to your water:

• Clear top surface – Transmits UV rays with minimal reflection loss
• Translucent tinted underside – Directs solar energy into the water while maintaining structural integrity
• Result: Up to 8°C temperature increase in optimal UK summer conditions (university-tested)*

This isn’t theoretical—research conducted with two UK universities confirmed that translucent covers deliver significantly higher solar energy penetration than darker alternatives.

When to Choose Sol+Guard Over Other Covers

Choose Sol+Guard 500M if you:

• Want to HEAT your pool using solar energy (not just retain existing heat)
• Have good sun exposure (south/west facing, minimal shading)
• Use a heat pump or solar panels and want to reduce their runtime
• Prioritise water temperature gains over algae prevention
• Swimming season is May-September when solar gain is highest

Consider Energy Guard 500M instead if:

• Your pool suffers from frequent algae blooms
• You need selective UV blocking (dark coating prevents algae-causing wavelengths)
• Heat retention is more important than active solar heating

Consider Gold 600M instead if:

• Maximum heat RETENTION is your priority (artificially heated pools)
• You want the longest-lasting premium cover (600 micron thickness)
• Your pool already reaches target temperature but loses heat overnight

🛡️ GeoBubble Technology: 25% Longer Lifespan Than Standard Covers

The Engineering Breakthrough

Traditional bubble covers fail at predictable weak points—the thin bubble shoulders where UV, heat, and chemical stress concentrate. Sol+Guard uses patented GeoBubble technology that eliminates these failure points entirely.

Smart Design Features:

✅ Scientifically-Designed Bubble Shape – Two interconnected bubbles joined at the waist, with no sharp corners or stress concentration points

✅ 50% Thicker Material – Uniform thickness throughout the bubble structure (no thin weak spots that crack under UV exposure)

✅ UV Stabilisation Package – Advanced additive combination protects against UV degradation, oxidation, and chemical attack

✅ Greater Air Expansion Room – Bubbles accommodate thermal expansion without material stress

The Result: Expected lifespan of 6+ years compared to 4-5 years for traditional bubble covers—that’s 25% longer working life.*

What This Means for Your Investment

A traditional cover at £400 lasting 4 years = £100/year ownership cost
Sol+Guard at £543 lasting 6+ years = £90/year ownership cost

You actually save money on the cover itself while getting superior solar heating performance.

📊 Performance Benefits: What You’ll Experience

1. Temperature Increase: Up to 8°C Solar Heating Gain*

Independent university testing in UK conditions demonstrated:

• Sunny days: 3-5°C temperature rise over 6-8 hours
• Partly cloudy: 1-3°C temperature rise
• Optimal conditions: Up to 8°C total temperature increase possible

This means you could heat an uncovered 16°C pool to a comfortable 21-24°C using solar energy alone during peak summer months.

Translation to Heating Savings:

Each degree of “free” solar heating you achieve means fewer hours your heat pump or heater needs to run:

• Heating pump energy use: ~2-3 kWh per °C per day (5.5m x 11m pool)
• Cost at £0.30/kWh: £0.60-0.90 per degree per day
• 4°C solar gain: £2.40-3.60 saved per sunny day
• Over 120-day season: £288-432 in heating cost savings from solar gain alone

2. Evaporation Elimination: 98%+ Water Retention

Your 18ft x 36ft pool loses approximately:

• 40,000+ litres annually through evaporation (uncovered)
• Equivalent to 500+ bathtubs of water literally evaporating
• £176+ per year at UK water rates (£4.40/m³)*

Sol+Guard’s complete surface coverage eliminates 98% of this loss—you’ll top up your pool far less frequently.

Why This Matters Beyond Cost:

Evaporation = heat loss. Every litre that evaporates removes approximately 2.26 kJ of heat energy from your pool. Preventing evaporation means:

• Your solar gains stay in the water (not escaping into the air)
• Your heat pump runs 50-70% less
• Water temperature remains stable overnight

3. Chemical Savings: 30% Reduction in Chlorine Consumption*

When water evaporates, your chemicals don’t—they concentrate. Then you dilute by adding fresh water. Then you rebalance. This constant cycle wastes chemicals.

With Sol+Guard:

• Chlorine remains stable (minimal evaporation)
• pH balance stays consistent longer
• Save up to 5kg of chlorine annually for average pool
• £75-120 annual chemical savings (typical UK pool owner)*

4. Debris Protection: 90% Less Cleaning Time

Leaves, insects, pollen, bird droppings—all eliminated when your pool is covered.

Benefits:

• Fewer hours spent skimming and vacuuming
• Less filter backwashing (extends filter life)
• Cleaner, more inviting water
• Reduced risk of bacteria/algae growth from organic debris

🌡️ How Sol+Guard Works: The Heat Transfer Process

Step 1: Solar Energy Capture The translucent material allows UV and infrared radiation to pass through with minimal reflection loss—unlike opaque covers that block these warming rays.

Step 2: Bubble Layer Insulation The air-filled GeoBubble chambers act like thousands of tiny greenhouses, trapping heat between the cover and water surface.

Step 3: Direct Heat Transfer Heat conducts from the warmed bubbles directly into your pool water. The translucent underside ensures radiant heat reaches the water rather than reflecting back.

Step 4: Overnight Heat Retention When the sun sets, the insulating bubble layer prevents heat from radiating back into the cooler night air—maintaining the temperature gains you achieved during the day.

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⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Size	18ft x 36ft (5.49m x 10.97m)
Thickness	500 microns (0.5mm)
Material	UV-stabilised LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Bubble Technology	Patented GeoBubble design
Top Surface	Clear translucent
Underside	Translucent tinted (optimised for UV transmission)
UV Stabilisation	Advanced additive package for extended lifespan
Expected Lifespan	6+ years with proper care*
Weight	Approximately 25-30kg (lightweight for manual handling)
Installation	Bubbles face DOWN toward water
Recyclability	100% recyclable (Grade 4 LDPE)
Manufacturing	Made to order (allow 7-10 working days)

🔧 Installation & Usage Guide

Correct Installation (Critical for Performance)

BUBBLES FACE DOWN – This is essential. The air trapped in the bubbles is heated by the sun, and placing them downward ensures heat transfers directly into the water.

Trimming for Perfect Fit: Sol+Guard covers are slightly oversized to accommodate various pool shapes. You can easily trim to fit using scissors or a utility knife. Allow 2-3cm clearance from pool edges for optimal performance.

Daily Use with a Roller (Recommended)

For an 18ft x 36ft cover, we strongly recommend a roller system:

Benefits:

• One-person operation (takes 60-90 seconds to roll on/off)
• Protects cover from dragging damage
• Extends cover lifespan by reducing handling stress
• Makes daily use effortless (you’ll actually use it consistently)

Compatible Rollers:

• Plastica Slidelock Telescopic Reel
• Helios II Solar Telescopic Reel
• Ambassador Supreme Pool Roller (for larger pools)

Seasonal Use Recommendations

April-September (Swimming Season): Use Sol+Guard daily for maximum heating and protection. Deploy the cover whenever the pool is not in use—even overnight and on cloudy days.

October-March (Winter): Switch to a dedicated winter cover. Sol+Guard is not designed for harsh winter conditions, freezing temperatures, or supporting snow loads. Proper winter storage extends its lifespan significantly.

Storage Tips:

1. Clean the cover thoroughly (remove debris, rinse with fresh water)
2. Allow to dry completely (prevents mildew)
3. Roll or fold loosely (avoid tight creases)
4. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight
5. Keep off concrete floors (can cause chemical reactions)

🆚 Sol+Guard vs. Alternative Covers: Performance Comparison

Cover Type	Solar Heating	Heat Retention	Algae Prevention	Lifespan	Best For
Sol+Guard 500M	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	6+ years	Maximum solar heat gain
Energy Guard 500M	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	6+ years	Algae-prone pools
Gold 600M	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	7+ years	Heated pools (retention priority)
Blue 400M	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	4-5 years	Budget-conscious buyers
Standard Bubble Cover	⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐	3-4 years	Basic protection only

The Sol+Guard Advantage:

Unlike opaque covers (Energy Guard, Gold series), Sol+Guard’s translucent material actively HEATS your water through solar transmission—not just retains existing heat. This makes it the optimal choice for pools relying on solar energy or looking to minimise heat pump runtime.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will this cover heat my pool without a heater?

Yes, to an extent. Sol+Guard can raise water temperature by 3-8°C through solar gain alone in good UK summer conditions. However, this depends on:

• Starting water temperature
• Hours of sunlight exposure
• Ambient air temperature
• Wind conditions

For most UK pool owners, Sol+Guard works best in combination with a heat pump or solar panels—significantly reducing (but not entirely eliminating) the need for powered heating.

How much will this actually save me on my heating bill?

For a pool this size (18ft x 36ft), typical UK savings are:

Heat Pump Users: £480-750 annually (50-70% reduction at £0.24-0.34/kWh)*
Gas/Oil Heaters: £350-600 annually (depending on fuel costs)*
Solar Panel Users: Reduced panel array requirement (up to 50% fewer panels needed)*

Savings vary based on your target temperature, season length, location, and existing heating efficiency.

Can I leave the cover on while running my pool pump and filter?

Absolutely yes. The cover does not interfere with circulation. Many pool owners keep Sol+Guard deployed 24/7 during the season (removing only for swimming).

Tip: Ensure your cover is properly secured or weighted to prevent it from being drawn toward the skimmer intake.

How do I know if this cover is the right size for my pool?

This cover measures 18ft x 36ft (5.49m x 10.97m) and is designed for pools approximately this size or slightly smaller (covers are typically cut slightly oversized).

What’s the difference between this and the Energy Guard cover?

Sol+Guard = Maximum solar heating (translucent, allows UV through)
Energy Guard = Algae prevention priority (dark coating blocks algae-causing wavelengths while allowing heating UV through)

Choose Sol+Guard if: You want maximum water temperature gains and don’t have algae issues

Choose Energy Guard if: Your pool struggles with algae blooms and you need selective UV blocking

Both use the same GeoBubble technology and offer similar heat retention and evaporation prevention.

Is the 500M thickness adequate, or should I get 600M?

For solar heating applications, 500M is optimal. Here’s why:

500M advantages:

• Better UV transmission (thinner = more solar energy reaches water)
• Lighter weight (easier to handle manually)
• Lower cost with excellent performance

600M advantages:

• Superior heat RETENTION (thicker insulation)
• Longer lifespan (more material = better durability)
• Best for artificially heated pools where retention > solar gain

For Sol+Guard specifically, the 500M thickness is engineered for the perfect balance of solar transmission and durability.

How long will this cover last?

6+ years with proper care (based on manufacturer testing and customer experience). This is 25% longer than traditional bubble covers.*

Lifespan factors:

• ✅ Extends life: Daily use with roller, proper winter storage, correct chemical balance (7.2-7.6 pH)
• ❌ Reduces life: Dragging across rough surfaces, exposure to chlorine >5ppm, leaving deployed in winter, tight folding when stored

Can I use this cover in winter?

No—not recommended. Sol+Guard is designed for April-September swimming season use. For winter pool closure, switch to a dedicated winter cover that can handle:

• Freezing temperatures
• Snow loads
• Debris accumulation
• Harsh weather conditions

Properly storing your Sol+Guard during winter significantly extends its usable life.

Will this work with my automatic pool roller?

Yes, Sol+Guard is compatible with most standard pool rollers. For this 18ft x 36ft size, ensure your roller can accommodate:

• Length: At least 36ft of material
• Weight capacity: ~25-30kg
• Tube diameter: Standard roller tubes work well with 500M covers

We recommend reviewing our roller selection or contacting us for compatibility confirmation.

Does this cover prevent algae growth?

Partially, but not as effectively as Energy Guard.

Sol+Guard’s translucent nature means it allows UV light through—which heats your water but also provides some light for potential algae growth. However:

✅ By reducing debris and maintaining stable water chemistry (less evaporation), you significantly reduce algae risk
✅ The cover prevents sunlight from encouraging photosynthetic algae growth on the bottom and walls
❌ It doesn’t actively block algae-causing UV wavelengths like Energy Guard’s selective transmission coating

For pools with chronic algae issues, Energy Guard 500M is the better choice.

Is this cover safe for pets and children?

No. Solar bubble covers (including Sol+Guard) are not safety covers and cannot support the weight of children or animals.

If someone walks onto the cover:

• Risk of the cover collapsing into the water
• Potential entrapment hazard
• Cover damage

Safety recommendations:

• Never leave the cover unsecured when children/pets are present
• Consider a perimeter fence for additional safety
• If safety is a primary concern, investigate slatted automatic covers or mesh safety covers instead

What maintenance does the cover require?

Minimal—but important for longevity:

Weekly:

• Remove debris from the top surface (hose off or brush gently)
• Check for proper positioning and secure edges

Monthly:

• Clean with mild soap and water if needed (avoid harsh chemicals)
• Inspect for wear, tears, or bubble damage

Seasonally:

• Deep clean before winter storage
• Check water chemistry (extreme pH or chlorine levels can degrade the material)

Pro tip: Use a pool cover cleaner or car wash soap—never use abrasive chemicals or brushes.

🌍 Environmental Benefits: Pool Ownership with a Conscience

Beyond saving money, Sol+Guard significantly reduces your pool’s environmental impact:

Energy Conservation:

• 7,000 kWh saved annually = equivalent to powering an average UK home for 2+ months*
• Reduced CO₂ emissions: ~2,500kg less per year (based on UK grid carbon intensity)

Water Conservation:

• 32,000-40,000 litres preserved = enough drinking water for one person for 80+ days
• Reduces strain on local water supplies during summer months

Chemical Reduction:

• 30% less chlorine use = fewer chemicals entering ecosystems via backwashing
• More stable water chemistry = less frequent chemical corrections

Material Sustainability:

• 100% recyclable LDPE (Grade 4 recycling)
• Longer lifespan = less frequent replacement waste
• Manufactured using environmentally responsible processes

💡 Maximising Your Sol+Guard Performance: Expert Tips

1. Combine with Heat Pump for Optimal Efficiency

Sol+Guard and heat pumps are the perfect partnership:

• Heat pump raises water to target temperature faster (due to reduced heat loss)
• Sol+Guard maintains that temperature using free solar energy
• Heat pump runs 50-70% fewer hours = dramatic energy savings

Real-world example:
Without cover: Heat pump runs 6-8 hours/day = 8-11 kWh daily
With Sol+Guard: Heat pump runs 2-3 hours/day = 3-4 kWh daily
*Savings: 5-7 kWh/day × 120 days = 600-840 kWh per season = £144-252 saved

2. Deploy the Cover Every Night

Even if your pool reaches target temperature during the day, nighttime heat loss is significant (especially May and September when nights are cool).

Covering your pool overnight:

• Prevents 3-5°C temperature drop
• Means your heat pump doesn’t work overtime the next morning
• Maintains comfortable swimming temperature consistently

3. Keep Your Water Chemistry Balanced

Extreme pH (below 7.0 or above 7.8) and high chlorine levels (above 5ppm) accelerate cover degradation.

Optimal ranges for cover longevity:

• pH: 7.2-7.6
• Free chlorine: 1-3ppm
• Total alkalinity: 80-120ppm

Balanced chemistry = longer cover life = better return on investment.

4. Use a Roller System

Manual handling of large covers leads to:

• Dragging across rough pool edges (abrasion damage)
• Inconsistent deployment (gaps that reduce effectiveness)
• Lower user compliance (too much effort = cover stays off)

A roller system solves all of this and pays for itself through extended cover life and daily use consistency.

📋 Important Disclaimers & Performance Variables

About Our Savings Calculations:

All savings figures marked with * are estimates based on:

• Pool size: 18ft x 36ft (~5.5m x 11m, ~60m³ volume)
• Season length: 120-150 days (typical UK May-September)
• Energy costs: £0.24-0.34/kWh (UK average 2024-2025)
• Water costs: £4.40/m³ (UK average including wastewater)
• Usage pattern: Daily swimming with target temperature 24-28°C
• Location: UK climate with moderate sun exposure

Your actual savings will vary based on:

• Your specific pool size, shape, and volume
• Local climate and sun exposure hours
• Starting water temperature and target temperature
• Heating system efficiency (heat pump COP, gas/oil heater efficiency)
• Season length and usage frequency
• Local energy and water rates
• Water chemistry maintenance practices
• Cover deployment consistency

Performance Variables:

Temperature increases, evaporation prevention, and chemical savings depend on:

• Hours of direct sunlight (shading reduces solar gain)
• Ambient air temperature and wind conditions
• Pool orientation (south-facing = better solar performance)
• Water depth (deeper pools heat more slowly)
• Cover deployment consistency (partial coverage = reduced benefit)

Lifespan Expectations:

The 6+ year lifespan estimate assumes:

• Proper installation (bubbles down, appropriate sizing)
• Daily use with roller system (minimal dragging/handling stress)
• Balanced water chemistry (pH 7.2-7.6, chlorine 1-3ppm)
• Seasonal removal and proper winter storage
• No prolonged exposure to extreme conditions

Lifespan may be reduced by:

• Incorrect installation or improper storage
• Extreme chemical imbalances (pH <7.0 or >7.8, chlorine >5ppm)
• Physical damage from dragging, sharp objects, or improper handling
• Year-round outdoor deployment (winter use not recommended)

University Testing Reference:

Performance claims regarding solar transmission, temperature increases, and evaporation prevention are based on independent research conducted in collaboration with two UK universities. Individual results may vary based on environmental conditions and usage patterns.

Product Warranty:

Sol+Guard covers are manufactured to high quality standards. Warranty coverage and terms are provided by the manufacturer. Contact us for specific warranty details. This is a made-to-order product—please allow 7-10 working days for manufacture and delivery.

✅ Ready to Transform Your Pool Heating Costs?

What You’re Getting:

• ✅ Sol+Guard 500M GeoBubble Solar Cover (18ft x 36ft)
• ✅ Patented GeoBubble technology (25% longer lifespan)
• ✅ Maximum solar heat transmission (up to 8°C temperature increase)
• ✅ 98% evaporation prevention (save 32,000+ litres annually)
• ✅ 50-70% heating cost reduction (£480-750/year savings)
• ✅ 30% chemical reduction (£75-120/year savings)
• ✅ 6+ year expected lifespan with proper care
• ✅ Made to order for perfect quality
• ✅ 100% recyclable LDPE material

Investment: £543.32 (inc VAT)
Estimated Payback: 5-8 months based on typical savings*
Delivery: 7-10 working days (made to order)

📞 Need Help Deciding?

Not sure if Sol+Guard is right for your pool? Our team can help you:

✓ Confirm the correct size for your pool shape
✓ Compare Sol+Guard vs. Energy Guard vs. Gold series
✓ Calculate your specific savings potential
✓ Recommend compatible roller systems
✓ Answer technical questions about installation and use

Why Buy from Parts4Tubs?

🏆 Expert Knowledge – Owned and operated by Andi, who built his own hot tub and understands pool equipment intimately
🛠️ Personal Service – You’re buying from a person, not just a website
📦 Quality Products – GeoBubble technology backed by university research
💷 Competitive Pricing – Unbeatable prices on made-to-order solar covers
🇬🇧 UK-Based Support – Local expertise for UK climate conditions