#WisdomWednesday – Hot Tub Covers Cont…

The price tag on a high-quality hot tub cover might make you have second thoughts whether it’s really worth the investment. Guess what?!  It is.  If you like the one shown here, a Covana Oasis electric cover, here is a link to a few more on our website: https://lakelandhottubpoolandpatio.us/product/oasis-hot-tub-cover/

Keeping chemicals as well as heat in your hot tub while keeping out debris and preventing damage and prolonging the lifespan is your goal, then yes, a cover really is worth the cost. You need to choose the correct one for your spa and your requirements, and then care for it so it lasts. In the long run, the initial payout and maintenance you perform will actually end up saving you money.

Water, Heat & Chemical Loss

Evaporation is the concern of all spa owners. You know that some of your water ends up in the air, especially if the air where you live is very hot and dry. Your water level will drop, and the result is costing you money to top it off.  That is not the worst thing about evaporation.  Evaporation of your chemicals and heat from your hot tub will cause your sanitizer levels to be off and causing your spa to work harder to keep the water hot. You can fight evaporation of your water, chemicals and heat by putting a lid on your hot tub. A properly fitting cover, without any gaps, will keep everything where it is supposed to be… inside your spa.

Water in Debris Out

An obvious benefit to using a cover than keeping your water, heat and chemicals in, is keeping debris out. A cover will prevent all types and sizes of junk (bugs, sticks & leaves to name a few) from ending up in your hot tub. Indoor tubs can benefit from a cover as well to keep dust and pet hair out.  Wherever your hot tub is, a cover will also prevent other accidents such as your phone or radio falling into your tub.

Safety First

A cover serves as an actual physical barrier that will prevent children or animals making their way into the water unsupervised. Less drownings occur in spas than pools so they are sometimes taken as less of a threat than they are. Keep your cover on (and locked if you have small children) at all times when the tub is not in use or under supervision.  Don’t make that mistake.  ASTM International, one of the largest standards-developing organizations in the world, has established performance specifications for hot tub covers.  ASTM International-certified covers will help prevent tragic accidents. When you are buying a cover, make sure it has this rating.

Anatomy of the Hot Tub Cover

 

Covers have removable, marine grade vinyl shells, which open and close with zippers. Most covers consist of two sections attached by a hinge. Both sections contain a solid pieces of dense foam.

On outdoor covers, the foam will be thicker in the middle, then taper down to the edges to keep debris from accumulating and causing damage to the cover. A tapered cover is just another way to protect the cover from the elements.  The foam is wrapped in one or two protective layers of plastic. This is the vapor barrier, and its job is to keep the vapor from invading the foam.  High-quality covers have reinforced steel bars near the middle, but some also have bars spaced throughout the foam, making a sturdier cover. Covers usually include handles and tie-down straps.

Stay tuned for more information on this and other tips and tricks for your hot tub, swim spa and pool on future posts!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

-Shari Provan-Crofut