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Shelter Systems’ BubbleDome line was developed to provide maximum interior space with a minimum footprint. We have taken our standard domes and added an additional band of poles and covering to the bottom, which creates more height. The walls actually come in a little at the bottom, like a bubble, so the diameter at the ground is about a foot less than the widest part of the dome. Bubble Domes only have one door and because we have removed one pole section to allow for a tall door so that you can walk in without bending. The BubbleDome has a unique and friendly look that you will be proud to use.

BubbleDome 10 are a stock dome all other sized BubbleDomes are special ordered and not returnable. Small triangular windows that do not open, can be special ordered. All BubbleDomes come with two upper vents. Any BubbleDome can be made from our Shelter Systems’ GreenhouseTranslucent (best for greenhouses), or Shelter Systems’ ShelterWhite material for shelter use. Make sure to specify what type of material you want when ordering.

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Easy set up

BubbleDomes can be set up by most people in less than 30 minutes without tools. Insert the interchangeable poles into factory-attached connectors spaced evenly over the cover. The poles bend slightly when inserted, tightening the cover into a wind- and waterproof shelter. The cover is freestanding, requiring no guy lines and can be moved into the desired position or location without disassembly. The Dome can be taken down in 5 minutes: just remove the poles and roll up the covering into a compact package that is easy to transport or store.

Sturdy design

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Shelter Systems’ Domes are stronger than any other structure made of the same materials. Because of its curved shape with no corners, there are no weak points. Our patented structure is drum tight, waterproof and wind-resistant. Shelter Systems’ Domes have the poles on the outside with the covering suspended under the frame via Shelter Systems’ own Grip Clips™ tarp fasteners, such that the frame and the covering are not in direct contact. Because the covering is under constant and even tension, the tent will not flap or shred in high wind, poles cannot rub against the covering, which would eventually wear holes in it, and water and leaf debris cannot get caught in dips between poles. The shingled panels of our Domes overlap each other by 6″, making the structure very strong and completely leak proof (we have a leak-proof guarantee for all of our domes). The shingling design allows the structure to breathe for excellent air circulation and so moisture is driven out by vapor pressure, preventing condensation. Shelter Systems’ patented Grip Clips™ tarp fasteners are used to join the dome’s cover to the pole frame and to fasten the shingled panels together. Grip Clips remove the need for sewn seams or grommets that puncture the cover, which would allow rain to enter.

Durable materials

The Covering is made of wholly of a superstrong, tear-proof, white multilaminate woven ripstop film which will not rot or mildew. It is UV stabilized to withstand up to 3 years full sun exposure and treated with fire retardant. The fabric is a super strong, high tensile strength, rip-stop, completely waterproof, mildew resistant, and cannot be torn by hand even after it is cut. The white color of the covering reflects the heat of the sun and provides 40% shade. This US made, proprietary material is the finest material we could find to make our tents from.

The Poles are of high quality US made PVC that is admirable for its strength, resiliency, long life, natural UV stability for a long sun life, and its strength to weight and cost ratio. The poles we use are Class 200 PVC tubing.

Shelter Systems’ Patented Grip Clips that we use to join the domes cover to its poles are molded of a UV stabilized resin blended specifically for it high strength and durability.

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Light filled, well ventilated, comfortable and inviting
Shelter Systems’ BubbleDome shelters are light filled and well ventilated. The translucent covering creates a bright interior, transmitting 60% of the light. Because the panels of our domes are shingled, overhead ventilation is can easily be attained by inserting “ventilation tubes” between several panels (two vent tubes are included with each Dome). When the vent tube is removed, the panels snap shut and are watertight. For maximum ventilation, the walls themselves can be rolled up, transforming the domes into an opened-arch form.

Shelter Systems’ BubbleDomes are winter ready in case you get cold or wet weather
They do not require a fly or liner and are completely watertight and will not leak. They resist condensation build up because the shingled construction drives out moist air by vapor pressure. The dome shape has minimal surface area for volume so it is easy to keep warm with a wood stove (installation instructions are included with each tent). If you plan on using your Dome in snow or windy conditions, read our important Snow and Wind Warnings. The Dome shape has other comfort features. The interior can be divided into “rooms”.

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Affordable

Shelter Systems BubbleDomes are reliable and affordable shelters. Our waterproof design does not require a rain fly and the particular geometric shape utilizes material efficiently. The high performance covering is affordable and the design and tarp fasteners used mean our tents are labor efficient to build.

A Shelter System

Shelter Systems’ BubbleDomes come complete with poles, 12″ long high-quality Durapeg stakes, guy lines for use in strong winds, ventilation tubes, spare parts (Grips Clips and pole connectors) and a complete Shelter Systems’ Instruction Manual. Our manual gives details about floors, site selection, anchoring, cooling, winterizing, and stove installation. Shelter Systems offers Accessories to enhance functionality and versatility of your Dome.

Shipping and storage

All Shelter Systems’ BubbleDomes are shipped by UPS and pack up into compact packages that one person can handle, take as baggage on a plane, transport in a car or store in a small space.

Size Diameter Height at max. Doors Weight
10′ Bubble Dome™ 9 ft. 8.5 ft. 1 35 lb.
14′ Bubble Dome™ 12 ft. 11 ft. 1 50 lb.
18′ Bubble Dome™ 15.5 ft. 13 ft. 1 75 lb.
20′ Bubble Dome™ 17 ft. 15 ft. 1 90 lb.