Alternative Covers for the Bubble Dome

This past winter, Sonostar introduced the Bubble Dome:  a very solid 11.75’ diameter frame, using our ½” molded PVC connectors, plus a custom-fitted all-clear cover, with 2 windows and a door.  They were popular, and now there’s a lot of them in people’s yards, schools and restaurants.  One question we received, though, is ‘Don’t you have any other covers for these?”  The short answer is “Not yet”.  But the longer answer is, “We’re working on it”.  That’s where R&D comes in.  We want to develop something practical, durable, and maybe even a little bit stylish.

Mosquito-Screen cover in the lab

The first alternative is all-practical.  It’s an all mesh, mosquito-net cover with a door.  It will be sized to fit the Bubble Dome frame, and it’s inspired by the dream of being able to sit outside all summer long with no bugs bugging you.  I can think of a lot of places where these would be practical – in the south, where the mosquitoes can get thick, and in the far north, like Alaska and Canada, where the flies and mosquitoes can be especially bad.  It fits over the dome exactly like the clear cover, but it’s obviously a lot lighter and easier to handle.  Velcro straps at the bottom will attach it to the frame.  We’re definitely going to be adding these to our accessories list for the summer.

The second alternative is what we’re calling a ‘Mini Glamping Dome’ cover.  This is a cover that’s 2/3 waterproof shade with a 1/3 clear transparent bay window in it.  The diameter and size is the same as for the Bubble Domes, but this one will have 3 pentagonal-shaped windows (that zip tight) to let in air and let out heat when needed.  We’re calling it a

mini-glamping dome because it’s possible to put this up and leave it up for a while – more permanent than a tent, and quite a bit more glamorous.  How about privacy? It’s really easy to make a privacy shade by putting a piece of fabric between the frame and the transparent part of the cover.

Here’s a video that shows a walk completely around the dome and inside it:

We’re also experimenting with a floor that would keep everything dry, even in a rainy area.  We want the floor to be removable, but easily attachable, too.  So the floor will attach with both Velcro all around, and then a zipper will seal it. And of course, it has to be waterproof.

Our target date to have these available is mid-June.

Do you have any ideas for Bubble Dome covers?  We’d love to hear about them.