Hot Tub Covers

Hot tub covers are one of the most important accessories you could purchase for your hot tub or spa. Not just used as a statement, these covers are quite useful in maintaining the temperature of your water since it seals the heat in. Hot tub covers also prevent children and pets from accidentally falling into the water as well as insects, leaves, dust and other debris.

All covers are customized to fit snugly over each unit to ensure that it delivers maximum protection. Initial hot tub covers mostly come included with the hot tub you purchased but when you need to replace it eventually, it would come in handy to know how to measure for a replacement cover.

To effectively take measurements for hot tub covers, you will need a tape measure. If your hot tub is rounded at the edges, you would also need a carpenter square. Begin by measuring the length and width of your hot tub using the tape measure. Next, measure the skirt of your cover- starting from the bottom of your cover up to the bottom of the tub acrylic. For your tub’s rounded edges, position the carpenter square on the edges to determine its radius.

Now, that’s all you need to do to properly measure hot tub covers.

Hot tubs purchased from reputable companies typically include a suitable cover. Often these are made of vinyl or nylon with foam insulation. Over time, the cover deteriorates due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, rain, or snow, requiring a replacement.

If you purchase your hot tub at a bargain, however, you may end up with a less than satisfactory cover. The reason is the spa cover is one way for the seller to cut his cost. While it may perform its job adequately, you may be losing in terms of increased heating costs because of its limited capability to keep the water hot, as well as with its expectedly shorter service life.

In either case, sooner or later, you will need to replace your hot tub cover. Buying one, while not exactly rocket science, requires you to consider and keep in mind a few guidelines.

As in the real estate business, the three most important things to remember when shopping for a hot tub cover are location, location, and location. If, for instance, you live in northeastern United States, you will want a cover that provides effective insulation from cold ambient air, and which can support the weight of snow that might fall on it. If your tub is located under a gazebo, however, you can focus solely on the insulation. On the other hand, if you live in the south, say, Florida, you want a cover that resists ultraviolet rays and repels rain. If your hot tub is located near trees from where plenty of leaves could end up atop the cover, you will want one that is not easily stained.

Look for the R-Value of the cover. This is a measure of its thermal resistance indicating its ability to reduce heat loss of the water. Most experts recommend a minimum R-Value of 15 to be effective, although this can go as high as 20 for those living in the cold regions.

Take exact measurements of both the outer dimensions and the cavity of your hot tub. The cover has to fit perfectly otherwise, it may end up either with uncovered corners or overlapping sections.