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FAQ's

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Why WeatherPod?

What does WeatherPod have that the competition doesn’t?

Besides more colors and style options, we offer customization. We invented the Sideline Presence category so naturally we’ve been around the longest. And, we don’t plan on going anywhere soon so if you ever need anything or have a concern, you will find us. We don’t imitate; we innovate and we have 80+ patents and trademarks to prove it. We are real live human beings headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and are available to answer your questions. Plus, we are a small, women-owned business. Want more?

Click here to learn more: https://shopweatherpod.com/pages/differentiators.

Was WeatherPod on Shark Tank?

Yes! Our founder, and a few brave employees, faced the Sharks in 2017. We have rebranded as "WeatherPod by Under the Weather" since then. See a clip from the show here!

Why is WeatherPod the Authority?

WeatherPod is not a participant in the Sideline Presence category. We are the originators.

  • Invented in 2010 by our founder, a soccer dad on the sidelines
  • Designed specifically for outdoor spectators
  • Featured on Shark Tank
  • Protected by patents and featuring proprietary materials
  • Trusted by families across thousands of games, events, and seasons

As the original brand, we don’t chase trends. We set the standard others follow.

Why Choose WeatherPod?

WeatherPod created the “Sideline Presence” category with its invention of the original personal weather protection system designed for outdoor spectators — helping families stay warm, dry, protected, and present on the sidelines.

Our products are designed for comfort and presence, not just shelter. They are for sideline life, not an occasional novelty. Most important they are backed by 15+ years of real-world use, testing and durability.

We believe being present matters and that comfort enables connection. From parents, friends, and grandparents to players, coaches and trainers, nobody should have to choose between weather and memories. Preparation is a form of care and sidelines are where life happens!

Why is WeatherPod better than cheaper pop-up pod imitations?

WeatherPod didn't just invent a product. We set the standard when we created the Sideline Presence category, a new innovative line of products which introduced a new way to experience the outdoors — comfortably, confidently, and together. Our products are backed by a 90-day warranty and a proven track record.

Why does WeatherPod have over 80 patents and trademarks?

Companies like ours invest in patents and trademarks to protect our investment in designing top-quality products. Our founder spent years designing and perfecting our designs and assets and our investment in and trademarks and patents helps ensure our quality stands up against copycats and imitators. It preserves our quality promise which is exactly what you deserve when you invest in a product like ours, top quality and standards. With over 80 registered patents and trademarks you can rest assured we are in this for the long haul and committed to our customer's satisfaction.

Why did WeatherPod invent the first pop-up Pod?

For decades, outdoor spectators were expected to tolerate the elements. Parents, grandparents, and fans on the sidelines were left with bad options from sitting in the car to juggling umbrellas, blankets and jackets which don't fully protect. This is the problem we exist to solve. We were tired of enduring cold, rain, wind, sleet, snow, sun and bugs. Tired of missing out or powering through without being fully present. Before WeatherPod, there was no product designed specifically for spectators — people who are stationary, exposed, and committed to being present. This is the problem we solve, the reason we exist.

What is the best way for parents to stay warm and dry at youth sports games?

The most effective solution is a WeatherPod, the original personal sideline sanctuary. Unlike umbrellas or standard tents, WeatherPod products feature use proprietary DuraShield™ materials for optimal protection from wind, rain, and cold temperatures, keeping spectators "in the moment" regardless of the weather.

Are personal sports pop-up pods effective for sun and bug protection?

Yes. Beyond inclement weather, most WeatherPod products are designed with UPF 50+ sun protection. We also have a full line of Pods designed with fine mesh screens specifically to protect from bugs, insects and no-see-ums offering a full "Sideline Suite" of products for protecting against bees, bugs and "no-see-ums" during summer tournaments.

Set Up & Maintenance

What’s the first thing I should do when my WeatherPod Pop-Up Pod arrives?

Alright, deep breath—your Pod is finally here! Here’s the game plan for a smooth setup:

Unwrap It Like a Gift!
Carefully remove your Pod from its case. Think of it as a new gadget, not a delicate glass ornament—handle it with a firm yet gentle touch, and you'll be good to go.

Pop It Open! Give it a good unfold and let it open up on its own. Set it up in the sun for a few hours. The heat will help the plastic soften and loosen up the zippers—these bad boys might be a little stiff from their journey.

Unzip Like a Pro:
Zip and unzip a few times to get the groove back.

Pro tip: Pinch the plastic by the zipper when you're going around corners—it’ll make the whole process smoother with a new pod.

Check Those Memory Wires:
Sometimes, the wires inside might get a little twisty during shipping. If that happens, don’t panic! You’ll want to give them a quick untwist. Need help?  Check out our handy video: How to Untwist a Memory Wire - WeatherPo

Is that “S” shaped wire a problem?

Nope! It’s just one of our awesome patented memory wires. If it’s looking a bit flipped or wobbly when you unpack it, don’t stress. Check out our handy video: How to Untwist a Memory Wire - WeatherPod

Can I use my pod on concrete?

While it is technically possible to use your Pod on concrete or gravel, we discourage it, as the friction from these rough surfaces can cause tears in the floor and the fabric on the bottom of the Pod. Unfortunately, any damage to the floor resulting from use on these surfaces is not covered by our warranty.If you do need to use the Pod on a rough surface, we recommend adding a layer of padding underneath to help protect the floor. An old blanket or similar soft material works well for this purpose. 

Stiff zippers? We've got you:

Move It, Move It: Zippers love regular use! Zip them up and down a few times on the straight sections to get them moving smoothly.

Pinch and Glide: When zipping around those tight corners, pinch the plastic near the zipper to reduce tension. You’ll glide through it like a pro.

Zipper Teeth Still Stiff? Try a little graphite pencil on the teeth or some zipper wax to help things slide smoothly.

Why are there creases in the plastic?

Ah, the creases...They’re a side effect of shipping. Don’t panic! Here’s what to do:

Sunbathe It: Put your Pod in the sun for a
few hours. The heat will help the plastic smooth out like your favorite wrinkle-free shirt.

Use It Regularly: As you keep using it, the
creases should naturally fade—your Pod’s just getting used to life with you.

How do I clean my pop-up Pod?

Keeping it fresh and clean is easy-peasy. Just follow these steps:

Gather Supplies:
Soft brush, microfiber wipe (or chammy), and some mild soapy water. That’s it!

Brush Off Dirt:
Use the soft brush to get rid of any dirt on the zippered panels, fabric, and floor.

Wipe It Down:
Dampen your microfiber wipe or chammy with soapy water, and gently clean all surfaces. No heavy scrubbing—this isn’t a wrestling match.

Air Dry:
Let it air dry completely before packing it away. No moldy Pods, please!

Skip the Machine:
And definitely don’t toss your Pod in the washing machine or dryer. It’ll ruin everything.

How do I keep the plastic panels clear?

Want your Pod windows sparkling? Here’s the magic formula:

Dampen a Washcloth:
Get a clean washcloth and wet it with plain water. No harsh chemicals—this
isn’t a science experiment.

Wipe Gently:
Carefully wipe both sides of the plastic windows to remove any dirt or smudges.

Dry with a Lint-Free Cloth:
Dry it with a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel to avoid streaks. Clear views ahead!

Can I use a heater inside my pop-up Pod?

Short answer: Nope! Safety first, always. Here’s why:

No Heating Devices:
No space heaters, electric blankets, or any heating appliances near your Pod. It’s a fire hazard.

No Flames, Ever:
Matches, candles, and any open flames have no business in or around yourPod.

Smoking? Not in My Pod!
Keep the smoke outside. Fire risks are a serious concern.

Product Information

Can I customize or put a logo on my pop-up Pod?

You bet! You can totally give your Pod a personal flair with a snazzy roof cover—choose from funky patterns or classic solid colors (sold separately, because who doesn’t love options?). Feeling bold? Add custom text (up to 20 characters) in a rainbow of colors, on one or two sides, to really make it yours! CustomizablePopUp Pods | WeatherPod®

As for logos? You got it! Just give us a call at 513-871-0400 for details.

Head over to our Shop All - WeatherPod for all the details, and let’s make your Pod the envy of the neighborhood!

Do you have a Pod that protects from bugs and cold?

Yes! The MegaPod Deluxe was designed with exactly that in mind! It features both plastic and mesh screen panels. Check this out here.



Do you offer a pop-up Pod that accommodates a stroller or wheelchair?

Absolutely! Most of our multi-person Pods are roomy enough to fit a stroller or an average-size wheelchair—just be sure to measure your gear before you make the leap!

You’ll find all the details in the product specs on our pages, so you can make sure everything fits like a glove. Not sure? Give us a ring at (513) 871-0400 Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm ET, and we’ll help you figure it out. We got you, no worries!

Pack up the stroller, the kiddos, and the whole crew—your Pod’s ready for the adventure!

Do all your pop-up Pods hold more than 1 person?

Not all of them, but a lot do! Looking for room to stretch out with your folding sport chair (or maybe even your favorite recliner)? We’ve got you covered! Our Pods are spacious enough for a standard or large folding sport chair, and we’ve got options for every crew—from cozy 1-person Pods to roomy 6-person Pods, plus supersized dome tents for when you're ready to throw an epic gathering!

HINT: Folding sport and camp chairs come in all kinds of shapes these days—even rockers and recliners! We offer several seating options for convenient shopping. (Pop Up Pod Accessories: Roofs, Chairs & Throw Blankets | WeatherPod) Be sure to check out the floor dimensions of the Pod you’re eyeing under the "Specifications" tab to
make sure it’s the perfect fit.

For all the details, head over to Shop All - WeatherPod and find the Pod of your dreams!

For more info, visit our SHOP.

Are there different Pod colors to choose from?

You bet! Many of our Pods come in a variety of colors and styles, depending on the model. Plus, we offer limited quantities of seasonal colors if you’re looking for a more unique color or vibe. Subscribe to our email list and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest scoop!

Do you offer a discount for bulk or larger quantity orders?

We don’t do bulk discounts (we’re not that fancy), but here’s the good news: if you’re ordering a bunch of Pods and having them shipped to the same location, we can help you save on shipping costs! Shoot us an email at support@utwpods.com for all the details.

Do you sell to wholesalers?

We don’t sell to wholesalers, but if you’re looking to order 18 or more Pods, we’ve got you covered with shipping discounts! Just drop us a line at support@utwpods.com or call us at 513-871-0400 and we’ll provide you with all the details.

Shipping, Returns & Exchanges

When will my order arrive?

We’ve got you covered! Here’s the breakdown:

Orders ship Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

Ground shipments usually take 3-5 business days to process and ship out.

Need it faster? We offer expedited shipping! Expedited orders placed after 1:00 PM (ET) will ship the next business day.

Holidays may slow things down, so plan accordingly!

Do you ship outside of the contiguous U.S.?

We also ship to Canada and Australia/New Zealand—so if you’re in one of those places, we’ve got you covered! Of course, we do ship to Hawaii and Alaska as well!

Got other shipping questions? Just shoot us an email at support@utwpods.com, and we’ll be happy to help!

Can I return my Pod?

Absolutely! Most of our products can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase. Just make sure it’s in the same condition you received it—back in its original carry case (stakes included!).

Here’s what you’llneed:

Order number or proof of purchase (we’ll need that to track it).

Please note: Shipping and handling charges are not refundable.

Exclusions:

Customized items (once personalized, they're yours for good!).

Clearance items

Oversized items (like our 6-panel dome tents) have different return rules, so check those out before sending them back.

For all the details, take a peek at our Returns & Exchanges and Shipping policies. We’ve got everything you need to make the return process easy!

Need extra help? Call or email us:

Phone: 513-871-0400

Email: support@utwpods.com

We’re here to make the return process as easy as possible!

How do I cancel or change my order?

Uh-oh, changed yourmind? No worries, we got you! If you need to change or cancel an order, here's what to do:

During business hours (9 AM - 2 PM ET), call us at 513-871-0400 within 30 minutes of placing your order. (We usually ship the same day!)

If it’s after hours, don’t panic—leave a voicemail or shoot us an email at support@UTWPods.com.

We can’t make any promises, but we’ll do our best to work some magic and help you out!

I bought a WeatherPod elsewhere. What is return policy for that?

We totally get it—you purchased a WeatherPod product from a retail store. WeatherPod is only responsible for products bought directly through Shopweatherpod.com. If you picked up a WeatherPod from another retailer, distributor, or reseller, you'll need to handle returns and exchanges directly with that store.

Any return requests or warranty claims should be processed through the store you purchased from. So, reach out to their customer support team for help—whether it's about returns or any other issues!

WeatherPod Warranty

What is the warranty on my WeatherPod pop-up Pod?

Good news! If you bought your WeatherPod directly from us, it’s covered by a 90-day warranty against manufacturer defects. We’ve got your back! Just remember, this doesn’t cover damage caused by things like folding it wrong, storing it improperly, or general misuse (because, let’s face it, kids and pets can be rough on stuff!).

Please click here for details on our warranty.

Giving Back to the Community

Does WeatherPod make donations?

At WeatherPod, we believe in supporting our community—because what's better than giving back to the awesome people who've helped us grow? From supporting causes like mental health or supporting local sports teams, investing in initiatives and helping out those who need it most is part of our mission, and we're always looking for ways to make a positive impact.

Donation Request Guidelines: Got a cause that needs support? Here's how we handle donation requests: We do our best to accommodate as many requests as we can, but we can't promise that every single request will be fulfilled (we wish we could do it all!). All requests will be reviewed, and we'll reach out to let you know if we can help. We only review requests from organizations with 501(c)(3) status and a Tax ID number. One request per year—let's make it count! Sorry, but we don't donate items for door prizes or to raise funds for operating expenses. If you've got a request, send it to support@utwpods.com. Easy!

How can I stay safe while using my Pod?

Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.

Health & Safety Measures

How can I stay safe while using my Pod?

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty:

Don’t Leave the Kiddos or Furballs Unattended in the Pod!
As much as we love a good chill session, don’t leave kids or pets unattended inside your Pod.

No Fireworks, Please:
Matches, candles, heaters, open flames... seriously, none of these belong in or near your Pod.

Smoking? Not in My Pod:
Smoking near your Pod? Big nope. Fire risk and fabric don't mix!

Got a Wagon Cover? Never leave children unattended when the Wagon Cover is affixed to your wagon.

Wholesalers & Retailers

Where else can I purchase WeatherPod products?

Many retailers carry our products in store and online including Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoor, Scheels, Ace Hardware, QVC, Walmart.com and Amazon. Remember that while we stand by our product's quality if you have a return or warranty issue, you are required to initiate that at the store in which you purchased your WeatherPod products. If you have a product question or concern, always feel free to email us at support@utwpods.com.

Do you sell to wholesalers?

We sell to select wholesalers. If you’re a wholesaler—or looking to order 18 or more Pods—we offer shipping discounts and can provide additional details. Please email us at support@utwpods.com and our team will be happy to help.

Do you sell to retailers?

If we think you are a good fit for our brand, absolutely! We are retail-ready so check out our current retail partners and if you think we'd make a good team, reach out to us at support@utwpods.com.

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