Hot Tub / Spa Cover Replacement Options?
I Have an outdoor Hot Tub / Spa. The spa cover has deteriorated because the inner foam inserts are now cracked and water-logged. (I have found out this is a fairly common problem). My question is: I would prefer not to shell out several hundred dollars for a raplacement and then be in the same boat a few years later. It appears the cost of new foam inserts are nearly the same as a total new cover. Has anyone found any material that is cost effective and useful to use as a replacement for the foam inserts, that will resist water better than the usual material? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.
The eventual demise of an insulating spa cover is inevitable, but how you care for the cover, and your spa as a whole will have a direct effect on the covers life span. Even more important to the life span is the QUALITY of the cover. Most spa covers look the same, but in fact, differences in construction and materials can make a huge difference in the life span. If all you’re looking for is price, then the cover you get will almost certainly be of a lower quality and have a short life span. Frequently spending 10% to 20% more on a cover will mean 100% more life span.
Foam density. Cheap covers use a 1 pound density foam (density refers to how much one cubic foot of foam weighs). The lower the density of foam, the WEAKER it will be, and the more prone to breakage. Also, lower densities of foam will absorb more moisture over time, adding to the covers weight, and reducing it’s insulating ability. Higher density foams, 1.5 and 2 pound, are available, and will last longer, but remember, they will cost more.
The outer vinyl also plays an important roll. Vinyls are treated with UV inhibitors, while block the suns rays from degrading and breaking down the vinyl. A vinyls ability to resist sunlight is rated in “UV hours, with a higher rating meaning more resistance. The lowest rating is about 500 hours…common on lower quality covers. The highest rating is 1500 hours…3 times the sunlight resistance. But again, remember, you will pay more for the higher rating.
One of the most damaging thing to spa covers is chemicals evaporating from the spa water. The chemicals break down the polyethylene sheeting that protects the foam cores from water absorption. Completely removing the cover from the spa for 20 minutes after shocking the water will help in reducing this from happening. Additionally,different covers have different thicknesses of polyethylene sheeting. The lowest is about 2mil, while the thickest is about 6mil. 6mil will last significantly longer than 2mil. But again, this is something you’ll pay for. Some companies even offer the option of 2 layers of polyethylene sheeting… a very worth wile option, but again, at a cost.
For more extensive information on spa covers you might want to check out this web site;
http://www.hot-tub-spa-covers.com
Hot Tub Covers That Don’t Break