Hot Tub Covers Explained
Hot Tub Covers
A hot tub is a luxury that many homeowners like to install in their property. It offers the chance to soak in a pool of heated water and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Many also have water jets for massage and hydrotherapy and the experience of using a hot tub is something that most people enjoy. The tubs are most commonly installed in an outdoor location, although it is possible to use them indoors. To keep this type of home fixture in best condition, hot tub covers should be used and these offer a range of advantages that can make them a sensible addition to a tub.
Benefits of Hot Tub Covers
Using a hot tub cover offers a variety of benefits for those who install this type of fixture in their home. It can help keep the water cleaner as it provides protection from rainwater, dirt, insects, leaves and other debris getting into the tub. This keeps the tub more sanitary for use and also reduces the maintenance requirements. A cover also provides insulation that helps to stop heat and steam being lost from the tub. This has the benefit of making it more energy efficient and reducing running costs. Uncovered tubs outdoors may be seen as a source of drinking or bathing water by animals. The cover helps to prevent this and keeps animals from using the water. A pool of water can also be an attraction for younger kids and hot tubs are deep enough to present a danger to them. A hot tub cover can therefore be useful for safety purposes to greatly reduce the chances of an accident.
Types of Hot Tub Covers
It is possible to find both hard and soft hot tub covers for sale. Hard covers are the more common style and these can be used on outdoor and indoor tubs. Soft covers are more suited to an indoor tub as they are less able to cope with the elements and are unlikely to withstand the effects of wind, rain and snow in particular. When looking into buying outdoor covers it is important to take consideration of the climate. This is of particular importance in colder locations where snowfall is common. A build up of snow can be a heavy weight. It is therefore important to check the weight rating to ensure that a hot tub cover is capable of withstanding the snow loading that is likely to accumulate on it.
Typical Components
A hard hot tub cover is typically made of a few separate layers. The inner core of the cover is typically foam and this provides the cover with its solidity. The foam also acts as the insulation to keep the heat inside the tub. A thin plastic layer around the foam is known as a vapor barrier or liner. This prevents steam from the tub and moisture from above from penetrating the foam. If water gets into the foam, the material can become saturated over time and be in danger of collapse. The vapor barrier is therefore an important component. A vinyl jacket is placed around the foam core and vapor barrier. This is the outer layer which can be seen and provides protection against dust, dirt and other potential damaging elements. The vinyl jacket is typically removable, to enable maintenance and repair work to the inner foam core if required.
Shape and Size
Hot tub covers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the different styles of tub on the market. Common options include square, square with cut corners, round and rectangular. Most manufacturers that produce hot tub covers will generally offer these in the standard tub shapes. It is generally best to order a cover that is a little larger than the plan area of the tub. This better ensures that it will fit over the tub correctly and sit securely in place. Covers can be fitted with hinges to fix them permanently to the tub or can be fitted with tie-downs and locks that secure the hot tub cover in place and are loosened to remove it.
Lifting Hot Tub Covers
Hot tub covers can be a little heavy and while it is possible to lift most manually, there are cover lifting systems available. These are designed to make the task of removing and replacing a cover much easier and safer to do. Owners should therefore consider the use of these and this can apply especially to those with less strength, such as the elderly.
Hot Tub Cover Manufacturers
There are a number of manufacturers that produce hot tub covers. Some of the well known companies competing in the market include Sundance, Coleman, Marquis and Dimension One, to name a few. However, there are others to choose from and this provides plenty of options for those in need of a cover. The companies typically offer pre-manufactured covers in a variety of standard shapes and sizes. Some also offer custom hot tub cover design services for owners that opt for a more unusual shape for their tub.
Hot Tub Cover Maintenance
There are a few things that owners should consider when it comes to hot tub cover maintenance. Safety is something to think about before starting. Not all covers are designed to support the weight of a person and for those that want to make maintenance easier a walk on cover can be a good choice. This allows someone to get up onto the hot tub cover and this will make maintenance simpler. Some of the common maintenance jobs that owners should perform include cleaning the vinyl surface. Simply hosing down the surface with water will help remove dirt and debris. Cleaning with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner can also help. Regularly applying a protective coating to the vinyl can reduce the chances of UV damage. Removing the vinyl jacket and cleaning the underside of mildew accumulation can keep it in better condition and extend the useful life of the cover. Applying the protective coating to the underside can also help reduce the build up of mildew. When the vinyl jacket has been removed it can pay to inspect the vapor barrier for any damage. Rips or tears should be repaired to maintain the integrity of the barrier and this should also help prolong the life of a hot tub cover.
A hot tub can be a worthwhile investment and can provide many hours of fun and enjoyment. They can be expensive to purchase though and ensuring it is maintained in good condition is therefore something to consider. Hot tub covers can help with this and will provide the tub with some protection when not in use. This makes them a common sense purchase, which any hot tub owner should consider
