Knowledge of a spa cover is key
Knowing the parts, pieces and traits of all that goes into the make-up of your cover will help you to avoid the many problems that go along with owning a cover. Just like an automobile, if you take care of the cover, use it properly, and keep a keen eye out for warning signs, you will be able to get the maximum potential lifespan out of it which will cause you to see this website less than you would prefer (that’s a good thing). Below is “spa cover 101”. Either read the whole thing, or click on the on-page links below to jump to the topics that you are curious about.
Topics
- Anatomy
- Foam-Characteristics and types of...
- Vinyl-Characteristics and colors of...
- Our 5-3 soap-box
Anatomy of a cover
There are many aspect of a cover. Some parts make it simply an attractive finishing touch to your backyard investment and other parts actually help the functionality of the cover. They help protect your family, your tub, and end up saving you money in energy costs. So first let’s walk through the anatomy of a hot tub cover...
Outer Anatomy
- 6 drain holes added to bottom of cover to allow water an escape
- top stitch added for strong clean seams
- skirting added to insure heat retention
- marine grade vinyl:
- u.v. inhibitors
- antimicrobial treatments
- high cold crack rating
- "taco's"-foam filled vinyl gaskets to seal gap in hinge when closed
- handles for easy lifting
- zipper opening for foam access
- side-locking release fastener to ensure cover does not become airborne or have unwelcome guests
Inner anatomy
- foam is sealed in a thick durable plastic acting as a barrier between the foam and harmful water vapors
- virgin expanded polystyrene (E.P.S.) comes in thicknesses of a 4-2" or 5-3"
- steel reinforced spine gives foam more strength where it needs it most
- different densities gives foam more strength (1lb., 1.5lb., 2lb.)
The foam in depth
Density is what gives the cover its strength to stand up to snow loads, pets, children, and dance parties. While we obviously do not recommend ANYTHING finding itself on top of the cover, we also realize that life happens. Density in the foam is measured by lbs./cu ft (pounds per cubic foot). The least dense foam offered is a 1 lb. foam. This is not ideal if you are worried about unwanted things finding the cover a comfy place to relax. It will last as long as the cover is taken care of, and used as it should be. The second in density is a 1.5 lb. foam. Now we are getting a bit more rigid. This can handle more of a load than the 1 lb. foam. Finally, the 2 lb. foam. While it probably wouldn’t hold up having a dump truck run over your tub, this will hold up a lot better with heavy, slushy snow loads and the occasional pet or human body standing on it (again, not encouraged). Also, the density can offer a bit more in the insulation as well. As you may have guessed, combining the thickest and most dense foam will give you the all around best cover.
Thickness is the main factor in insulation. The thicker, the better. Think about it-the more foam that heat and energy have to try and travel through, the less likely it is to leave. You may have read earlier about the thickness of foam and wondered what was meant about 4-2 and 5-3. This means the foam is tapered from 4 or 5 inches in the middle to 2 or 3 inches at the end. Like the roof of a house (and for the same reason) the covers are 1.5 to 2 inches thicker in the center along the hinge than they are at the end where most handles are. This allows for water runoff so that you don’t see early and unneccesary wear on your spa cover.
The vinyl
The vinyl is “marine-grade” which means it is the same material used on boats and other outdoor objects using vinyl or other fabrics. It is made to withstand the outside elements: heat, cold, sunlight (UV rays), and water. While it is not impervious to these elements it will guard against them until mother nature has decided it is time. The vinyl is made with U.V. inhibitors (kind of like a sun screen) and anti-microbial treatments which prolong mold. The vinyl has a -20 degree cold crack rating which means it has to get pretty cold outside before batting ice or snow off the cover ends up snapping fasteners or skirts off. Take a look at the colors we have to offer to the right.
Amaretto
Ash
Light Grey
Rawhide
Forest
Pacific Blue
Almond
Maroon
Walnut
Mocha
Our 5-3 soap-box
We have the advantage of being located in the Northwest which gives us a solid grasp on the distinctions of the 4 seasons. We know what a blazing hot summer is like. We know what a harsh winter is capable of. We know what happens in between and we know what these elements can do to your outdoor investments. That is why we are prepared to push the cover that was built for this area!
What do we have against 4-2 standard foam, you may ask? Nothing really. It's perfect for some people's situation, however, not everyone has a gazebo or deck over their tub. Doing this as long as we have, we have come to the conclusion that the 5-3 high density covers are the ones that last and that is why we focus on offering what we do.
What kind of cover is right for your situation? Is your tub covered by a gazebo or is it in the open where mother nature has a clear shot for destruction? This chart ought to help you get what is right for you.
