Frequently asked questions

Because we have been in this business for a long time, we have become familiar with the common questions and concerns people have concerning a hot tub cover. We hope you will find the content of this page helpful to you.

Topics

Q: Why is the foam tapered?

A: Easy! Why is the roof of a house tapered? To allow runoff. Just the same, we use tapered foam so that you don't get standing puddles on the cover which tend to eat away at the vinyl over time causing the cover to wear faster than it should. Back to top^

Q: What does the thickness of the foam offer?

A: The thickness of the foam is the key insulator of the cover. The more foam that heat has to try and travel up through, the less likely it is going to succeed in leaving. It also helps a little bit in the strength of the cover. Back to top^

Q: What does the density of the foam offer?

A: The density of the foam is the main backbone of strength behind the cover. If you are worried about kids, pets, snow loads, and dance parties finding their way on top of your cover, you don't want the least dense foam in your cover. The densities are measured in pounds/cubic foot. We offer 1 lb., 1.5 lb., and 2 lb.. Back to top^

Q: What is the foam sealed for?

A: The foam is sealed in 4mil plastic in order to stave off harmful water vapor and weather. It will protect against the elements up until mother nature decides that it is time. You know this occurs when you can't seem to lift your cover anymore. Even the slightest puncture in the seal is enough to allow steam to seep in. Back to top^

Q: You offer double wrapped foam. What is that?

A: As stated in the last Q and A, the foam is sealed in 4mil plastic to act as a vapor barrier. A double wrap means that we wrap and seal the foam in 4mil plastic not just once, but twice. This means that two layers of barrier have to break down before the foam can even think of taking on water. This is one affordable upgrade that can really prolong your spa covers life expectancy! Back to top^

Q: Why does the foam go from 20 lbs. to 200 lbs. over time?

A: Reading the previous answer will give you a hint to this one. When the foam seal is broken, water finds it's way into the foam core and NEVER leaves. Setting foam out to dry at this point does no good as the water has pretty much become part of the foam. It's a good idea to try and get replacement foam inserts when this happens. If not, the weight of the inserts will destroy the rest of the [possibly] salvageable cover in a hurry. Back to top^

Q: If it's called closed cell foam, why does it still take on water?

A: Yes, it is called closed CELL foam. That does not necessarily mean the same for the sometimes microscopic voids running in-between all the millions and millions of closed cells. What happens before anything else is the water makes its way into the foam and hangs around in all the capillaries and channels in between all the cells. After a while, water will do what it does and probably penetrate even the cells too. Water can be just that damaging. You may have guessed after reading this that a more dense foam takes on water a lot slower because there is less void between the cells because well, there are more in a cubic foot, and they are packed tighter. Whew! That's a lot to take in! Back to top^

Q: What is the actual R-value, or insulation of the foam?

A: First, R-value means the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more resistance to heat flow. The breakdown is thus (rated at 25 degrees fahrenheit): Back to top^

  • 4-2, 1 lb= 13.05
  • 4-2, 1.5 lb= 14.28
  • 4-2, 2 lb= 15.00
  • 5-3, 1 lb= 17.40
  • 5-3, 1.5 lb= 19.04
  • 5-3, 2 lb= 20.00

Q: Are there colors that break down faster than others?

A: While we don't necessarily stress this one very much because the difference noticed between colors over a 5 year period is very minimal and very subjective to different situations-we tend to lean towards darker colors breaking down a little faster because they absorb more light and heat. Lighter colors have a higher "albedo" which means they reflect light and heat more. Back to top^

Q: Are there colors that insulate better than others?

A: In relation to the previous question we would also lean towards the darker colors insulating better because they absorb more heat energy than light colors. Again, the difference in performance over a 5 year period may not be too noticeable. Back to top^

Q: Is the vinyl marine grade?

A: Yes, it is. This means it is vinyl made for the outdoors and fit for the elements. Back to top^

Q: Is there anything I can get to put on the spa cover to help protect it from the elements?

A: We recommend a product called 303 Aerospace Protectant. It's sort of like an Armor All, however, the difference is Armor All (though it works well to shine and shimmer) tends to dry things out over time causing cracks. 303 Aerospace Protectant does not do this. It acts as a sunscreen for your spa cover and other outdoor objects that are rubber, plastic, or of the like. Back to top^

Q: How do I measure a rounded corner?

A: One of the most famous questions. You may refer to our measure section to find out how to measure a round corner. Back to top^

Q: Do I measure my tub from the acrylic or the wood lip going around the tub?

A: It's really all up to you. Just remember that if you measure for your spa cover to fit around the acrylic as opposed to the lip (if your tub even has one), you will be limited to how long your skirting can be. It can only be as long as the height of the acrylic. If your tub does not have a lip around it, just ignore this question and measure your tub. Back to top^

Q: How do I know my tub is a true Octagon?

A: If you have an inkling that your tub is an octagon and not just a square with cut corners, you will want to first measure if your overall dimensions are the same (width x length). If they are the same, then measure the length of EACH edge. If they too are all about the same (plus or minus and inch or less) then your tub is likely a true octagon. Back to top^

Q: My tub is oval. Why can't I just supply the width and length of it and have it made like that?

A: The width and length of an oval shaped tub can only get us so far. We would be able to make an ellipse to those dimensions but would be shooting in the dark to get the right ovular shape. There are perfect ellipses, and then there are hundreds of different ovals from skinny ended football shaped ones to obtuse, bull nosed ovals. Ovals require a template tracing. We would be more than happy to supply an oval spa cover for you if you wouldn't mind sending us a template. Feel free to Contact us! Back to top^

different oval shapes

Q: I didn't see my shape in the order process. Can I still order through you?

A: YES! We still want to make your cover. It's just that some covers require more attention than a website can offer. Feel free to call us at 1-888-543-4772! Back to top^

Q: How long should my cover last?

A: While we work hard to supply you with a top notch product, a great deal of it's longevity depends on how you, the consumer, treats the cover. Our cover is made to put up with some of nature's greatest threats, however, one threat that is hard to predict is all the variables of abuse or neglect that some individuals can inflict upon a cover. Rough usage, chemically saturated water, and neglect for proper care and usage can quickly decrease the life of a spa cover. We usually claim that the average life of a cover is at least 5 years. Here are some helpful tips to maximize your covers' life.

  • Remove snow loads with a broom, not a shovel.
  • Apply 303 Aerospace Protectant to keep cover clean and conditioned
  • Think about getting a coverlift
  • Do not drop on ground when opening
  • Try not to let anything up on top
  • Use the fasteners if your area is prone to wind
  • Follow proper chemical guidelines with your water (too much chemical can eat away at the vinyl)

Q: How long will it take to make my cover?

A: A cover only takes a few days to make from start to finish, however, it has to get in line with the rest of them. In the winter time, we are usually about 7 or 8 business days on production, then you can expect another 1-3 days for shipping. The late Spring into the Summer season is usually a longer production time of about 10-12 business days. Again, add another 1-3 days for shipping. Back to top^

Q: Why are there holes in the bottom of my spa cover?

A: Do not be alarmed when you see holes in the bottom of the cover. They are intentional and not without purpose. Between rain, snow, steam, and splashing fights, water will end up inside the cover eventually (which is why the foam is wrapped and sealed) and the holes are there too allow the water to drain. Back to top^

Q: Will this spa cover work ok with a cover lift?

A: This cover will work with a cover lift. Often times, certain cover lifts require a stronger core element like steel attached to the foam to be able to work properly because the lift requires to be anchored into the core of the spa cover. In this case you will need to Contact us and get the particulars taken care of. Back to top^

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