Hot Tub Covers Save Energy

Hot tub covers work along with your hot tub filter in order to maintain your spa's healthy environment. However, over time, hot tub covers may deteriorate causing the cover to become waterlogged and heavy. With the foam inside the cover remaining wet, mold will develop, and hot tub covers will be difficult to remove due to the excess weight. When this happens the cover will no longer insulate properly and must be replaced. Below are some things you should consider when replacing your hot tub cover.

Make sure it fits properly, which saves evaporation and therefore costs. Perfect fitting hot tub covers will keep the hot tub free of outside dirt, help to prevent injuries from occurring, and can even keep the hot tub warm by not allowing heat to escape through any cracks. This requires the proper measurements to ensure the proper fit. You will also need to provide the length of the skirt flap on the cover. The skirt flap is the loose material that covers the lip of the spa shell.

The cover should have a vapor barrier to help prevent water penetration into the foam.

Hot tub covers are not meant to hold the weight of an adult. However, they should be able to hold the weight of a small child for a short period of time.

Be sure that any cover you buy is approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) which sets the standards for hot tub covers.

The tub cover should be treated with mildew and UV inhibitors, to withstand constant attack from the elements, as well as the water inside the tub.

Your cover should include gaskets that seal the two halves of the cover when it is closed. Your cover should also have reinforced hinges to handle its weight when folded and unfolded.

Be sure that your new hot tub cover meets the ASTM's standards for locking safety. The locks keep small children from accessing the tub and prevent accidents.

You must also consider the R-value of the hot tub cover. The R-value is the measurement used to express how well a cover retains the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better the cover insulates the hot tub. An R-value of 15 is considered good enough to protect your hot tub and keep it at the proper temperature. However, if your hot tub is outside in a colder climate, you may consider a cover with a higher R-value for better heat retention.

By keeping these items in mind when purchasing hot tub covers, you cover will last for many years to come and you can rest assured that the costs of operating your hot tub will be kept as reasonable as possible.