GeoBubble™ Technology
The science behind the bubble
GeoBubble™ technology is an innovative, patented pool cover material using a bubble profile that has been scientifically designed to increase the expected lifespan of the swimming pool cover material by 25%+
What makes GeoBubble™ materials unique?
- Unique patented design of two bubbles joined together by a structural waistline centre section
- No sharp corners that could result in thin or weak points in the design
- No stress points due to the bubble’s smooth interconnected curves
- 50% thicker than a traditional bubble material at its thinnest point
- Increased resilience against UV rays and chemical attack
GeoBubble™’s unique features & benefits:
- Unique patented design of two bubbles joined together by a structural waistline centre section
- No sharp corners that could resist in thin or weak points in the design
- No stress points due to the bubble’s smooth interconnected curves
- 50% thicker than a traditional bubble material at its thinner point
- Increased resilience against UV rays and chemical attack
Traditional bubble design:
- Developed and adapted from high-volume, low quality bubble material with a short lifespan
- Thin points and high residual stress areas, creating weak points quickly broken down by UV rays and chemical attack.
Bubbles of the past
To understand the science of the GeoBubble™ and the reasons for its development, it helps to consider the traditional bubble material used for pool covers. The traditional swimming pool bubble cover was developed from the packaging industry’s bubble-wrap material. The lightweight, floating material saw improvements in evaporation control as well as in heating when compared to an uncovered pool. This material however, was high-volume and low quality, with a short lifespan. This traditional round bubble shape had inherent weaknesses in its design, including thin points and high residual stress areas.
In a typical swimming pool environment, thin points on a bubble become a significant problem, as they are broken down by high levels of UV radiation and chemical attack. This results in the bubble material breaking down and will ultimately cause the premature failure of the pool cover.
GeoBubble™ is a material designed specifically for the swimming pool environment, making the cover more resistant to these attacks and enabling a longer lifespan.
The geometric bubble shape is formed with a more uniform thickness, minimising the residual stress within the polymer structure.
The story of GeoBubble™
GeoBubble™ Technology was born through a collaboration between the manufacturer, Plastipack Ltd and the product design and material science departments of two UK universities.
The teams set out to remove the inherent weaknesses from the traditional pool cover design. A number of bubble shapes were researched and tested with the aim of creating a superior design which could provide the longevity necessary for the specific conditions of the swimming pool environment.
Investigations into the traditional profile highlighted thinning as a result of the angular profile of the traditional bubble design. It was discovered from extensive accelerated weathering testing that the profile was creating inherent stresses within the material resulting in a premature failure of the material.
The GeoBubble™ Profile was designed to create a smooth uniform profile to compliment the polymers natural behaviour. A domed bubble shape was created, 50% thicker than a traditional bubble at its thinner point. Two bubbles were then joined together to increase the room for air expansion and create a strong structural arch to resist collapse. Accelerated weathering testing proved the development significantly improved the material’s lifespan – up to 25% longer than materials with the traditional bubble design.
After 5 years of development, GeoBubble™ technology was launched in 2012, and has since been sold around the world, providing the longest possible lifespan for the material and ensuring the pool cover continues to provide energy and resource savings throughout its useful life.
Development of our materials continues to this day, with the introduction and continued development of the Guard product range, a range of materials designed to be the very best at meeting a specific need.
Environmental impact
GeoBubble™ materials help you to be more environmentally friendly in your pool usage by helping you to save important and limited resources such as water, energy and chemicals. The materials last far longer than a traditional bubble material, meaning that these savings are even more significant.
The Guard product range extends these savings with their specific qualities and even longer lifespans, significantly reducing environmental and economic cost.
All GeoBubble™ materials are fully recyclable (LDPE4), and the manufacturer (Plastipack Ltd) is fully committed to environmentally responsible cradle to the grave design and production processes. Efforts are made to minimise wastage and ensure efficient practices, and 100% of any material that is wasted, is recycled.