Boring Things About Hot Tub Covers
Things To Know Before Shopping For Hot Tub Covers
This is not really exciting stuff. It hardly compares to relaxing in your hot tub after a hard day. However, if you are in the market for a hot tub cover this is important information about these items that will help you to make a better decision. So….
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is used as the primary insulating material in most hot tub covers. This foam works by slowing the heat in your spa from being conducted into the surrounding air.
Foam density is used to describe the weight of a cubic foot of foam. A heavy duty hot tub cover will generally have at least a 1.0 lb. density. As you go up in foam density you increase the insulating properties and the strength.
The R-value is used to describe the insulating ability of the material. The higher the R-value the more it will hold in the heat. Look for a minimum insulating value of R-12.
The manufacturer will quote the R-value of the hot tub cover you are considering, but keep in mind that this industry is not required to test the R-value according to any particular standard. As a guide, you can use this table to double-check the insulating value.
| If the foam density is: |
The R-Value per inch of foam will be about: |
| 1.0 |
3.85 |
| 1.25 |
4.0 |
| 1.5 |
4.17 |
| 2.0 |
4.35 |
Find out the density and multiply the thickness in inches of the cover by the R-value per inch, and that will give you the insulating value of the hot tub cover. For example, a 3 inch thick cover made from 1.25 density foam (which has an R-value of 4.0 according to the chart) would be: 3 inches X 4.0/in. = an R-value of 12.
Questions to Keep in Mind as You Decide on the Hot Tub Cover That is Right for You.
- What is the thickness of the cover? As a general rule, the thicker hot tub covers provide more strength and more insulating ability. The higher the insulation the more you will save in heating costs. The trade off is that these hot tub covers will likely be heavier and more expensive.
- What type of warranty or guarantee is offered? Many manufacturers offer a one year warranty, and there is at least one manufacturer that is offering a 10 year warranty on their hot tub covers. You will probably want this to be a factor in your decision.
- What type of vinyl is used for the hot tub cover? Ideally you will want a marine grade vinyl that is UV and mildew resistant.
- How sturdy are the handles? You are going to be lifting your hot tub cover on and off and you need handles that are strong enough and reinforced to take it.
- Is the hot tub cover constructed in such a way to minimize heat loss through the hinge? The cheaper covers likely will not, but the heat loss over time can add to your water heating costs.
- Do you have any specific physical challenges that prevent you from removing the top? If so you might also need to consider a hot tub cover lifting device.
- Are you trying to get out as inexpensively as possible? Or does your budget allow for a more expensive cover with added features?
- Do you want a standard type of hot tub cover or are you interested in something a little more specialized?
- Do you have special environmental requirements, such as extremely heavy snowfall on an outdoor hot tub, or do you want to be able to heat it partially using energy from the sun?
- Is the hot tub cover listed with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials)? This is an indication that the cover has been tested for meeting certain safety standards, and this may be important to you.
Tags: Covers, hot tub covers, spa
