The Importance of Hot Tub Covers
Is it a good idea to get a cover for your inflatable or portable hot tub?
Like all covers for other containers, a hot tub cover offers protection. When the tub is not in use put the cover on. This will keep the tub safe from impurities like insects, pine cones, trash, leaves, or twigs that may inadvertently find their way into the tub.
These things are likely to harm the filtration system or the shell of the tub. They will also pollute the water. This is particularly true if you have an outdoor hot tub. If the hot tub is indoors, moisture also tends to build upon the walls or the roof. You need a hot tub cover to prevent this from happening.
Some people with children or pets oftentimes hesitate to buy a spa for fear of the danger the tub presents. It is not unlikely for a child or pet to fall into the tub by accident and drown.
Securely install a cover that fits your hot tub properly and dispel this fear. A hot tub cover is too heavy for a child to lift up on his own. Even if you leave pets or children unsupervised, they will not be able to get into the hot tub.
Too much exposure to the sun can have harmful effects, even for a hot tub. While they are made from high quality and UV resistant materials, extra protection in a form of hot tub cover protects the tub from such harm even more.
It shields the tub from the sun’s hot rays so that it does not show signs of early wear and tear from the exposure. When you buy a cover, there are two things you should keep in mind – thickness and material. These two factors can determine how effective the cover will be as a buffer against the onslaught of the sun’s harmful rays.
A hot tub cover helps the tub to retain heat, especially during winter when the heater is incapable of maintaining the temperature. A cover usually has expanded polystyrene as insulation. Look for a cover that is thick and has a tight fit so that it effectively seals in heat, requiring less energy to heat the water. An energy-efficient hot tub will save you from high electricity costs.
Almost all hot tubs come with their own covers. You can get maximum efficiency from a cover for about 3 to 5 years. You may have to replace it after that span of time. The cover usually wears off before the tub does, requiring you to purchase a new one. There are certain considerations you need to pay attention to when getting a new cover.
Make sure to get the right size. You can get assistance from the manufacturer or your dealer if you are in doubt about what cover size to get.
All hot tub covers have similar insulating foam. The material used to make the outer covering, however, may vary. Choose one, which is made from strong, durable, and mildew-resistant material.
Covers vary in weight. If you have children, choose a cover that is heavy so they will not be able to lift it off without your help. This will keep your children safe – and give you peace of mind. If you do not have children, it may be more convenient to get an easier-access lighter model.
Check the efficiency of the cover’s insulation. This is usually referred to as the cover’s R-value. Take note that when you get a cover that has a higher R-value, your tub gets better insulation.
After making your purchase, keep in mind that you have to schedule the cover for regular cleaning and maintenance every month. You should also unzip the cover every couple of months to allow the foam inside to hang dry in the open for at least one day. This will allow the foam to air out and “breathe.”
When looking for a cover for your hot tub, you have a wide range of options when it comes to type, color, hardness, and thickness. You can choose from different types to suit your personal preferences.
Many people opt for a soft, rolling cover for the convenience it provides. You can easily store it when you do not need it and just as easily put it back when you do. It is made of a plastic vapor barrier, a thin foam, and vinyl. It is a good choice if you have an indoor hot tub or a tub that you often use.
A tonneau cover is also called a double-hinge cover. It has a tough, sturdy shell that gives great protection. It is heavy and more difficult to maneuver than a soft cover. It has hinges in the middle. If only one person is going to use the tub, you can simply lift up the cover on either side for access to the tub – without having to remove the entire cover.
A solar cover helps in keeping the tub warm, resulting in great energy savings. Few people consider this type as a protection-type cover, but it is effective in keeping the water hot and clean.
You may want a seasonal cover for your outdoor hot tub for winter. This cover covers the entire tub, not just its top, providing protection from the freeze-thaw process that may harm your tub.
When choosing a cover for your hot tub, you have a wide range of options when it comes to color, including chestnut, black, charcoal grey, ash grey, light grey, hunter green, yew green, teal, navy, sky blue, burgundy, chestnut, brown, desert sand, tan, and almond.