Hot Tubs can be enjoyed all year round with spa covers and accessories
Do you love your spa or hot tub? You invested in this expensive equipment to enjoy its therapeutic and relaxing benefits. Why go to a movie when you can relax so much more in your own spa?
To ensure that you get maximum performance from this investment, you will also need to take steps to protect it from damage.
You can continue to enjoy the therapeutic and health benefits of your spa for a long, long time if you take care of it with a high-quality hot tub or spa cover.
That’s right; you need the right spa cover for maximum insulation, better spa performance, and prevent contamination of the water.
Your hot tub is your place for relaxation. Whether indoor or outdoor, it is always a good idea to replace your hot tub cover or upgrade it.
Read on to learn how to choose the right spa cover, what you need to look for when shopping for your spa cover, and where to buy them online at the best prices.
HOT TUB COVER ESSENTIALS – THE EASY SPA COVER SHOPPING GUIDE
Outdoor spas require spa cover with the right foam density and thickness for good insulation
If you are looking to replace your hot tub cover or you need to buy one for your spa, you will soon find that there are many choices available in the market.
A search on the internet will reveal many spa covers and hot tub covers to choose from. How do you know which is the best? How do you know if the price is right?
Below are a few things you must consider when buying your spa cover.
THICKNESS
Spa covers nowadays are frequently tapered. This is because you want rain, ice, or snow to run off, just like they would on your roof. Covers range in thickness, from 4 inches tapered to 2 inches on the edges, or from 6 inches tapered to 4 inches.
The difference in thickness is not only in size but also with regards to load capacity. A thicker foam can withstand more weight.
However, the thicker the cover, the heavier it gets. It is important, when deciding on the thickness that you want, to think about the climate and what you require. If your spa is outdoors and you tend to get a lot of snow in winter, you should go for the thicker one. A deck-level spa might require a 6” x 4’ thickness while an indoor spa can do with a 4” x 2”.
A hot tub cover ideal for all seasons would have 5” x 3” thickness as it can manage most conditions.
DENSITY
Density of the foam is critical in the value of insulation and load capacity of your hot tub cover. The usual density found in most spa covers today range from 1 lb., 1.5 lbs., and 2 lbs. Density of the foam is obtained by pound per square inch.
When density is low, the cells of the foam are open and results in lower weight capacity, higher saturation, and lower retention value. These 3 factors are very important in optimizing your spa’s performance.
In addition, the higher the foam density, the lower the cost of operating your spa. It is highly recommended that you choose a minimum of 1.5 lbs. for your foam’s density.
MATERIAL
High end spa covers use 30 oz. vinyl which is treated with UV and mildew blockers. This allows longer hours under direct sunlight and prevents mildew from growing on your cover. Marine grade vinyl is the best material for spa and hot tub covers as fading is also minimized.
LOCKS
Accidents have happened involving hot tubs in the past. You can choose 2 or 4 lock options for safety. These locks should be strategically placed.
POLY WRAP
This refers to moisture barrier around the core of the foam. A lot of poly wraps are heat sealed and vacuum sealed. The most recommended is 4 mil. Taped poly wraps are also ideal so that they don’t cause waterlogging.
Don’t settle for cheap hot tub covers. When the foam is thin, your spa retains less heat. Spa covers with thicker foam helps you to lower your energy costs. Further, cheap covers absorb more water and gets heavier with time, providing even less insulation in the long run.
Since you bought a hot tub for spa benefits, and invested money in it, you should also make sure to enjoy it for a long time. With the best hot tub cover, you will always be assured your investment will last.
REINFORCEMENT
Good spa covers have a reinforcing c-channel using galvanized steel or aluminum. Both are fine although steel is a bit heavier.
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR SPA COVER – EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR SPA COVER
There is really no definite time when you should replace or upgrade your spa cover. Most covers need replacement after 5 to 7 years. With the passage of time, your spa cover will become saturated with water and will get heavier. After a while, it becomes too heavy to lift or the seams will tear and the cover splits in two.
Spa covers can also begin to “cup” when exposed to heavy loads of ice or snow.
When you notice these conditions, it is time to replace or upgrade your hot tub cover. The foam insulates by keeping warm air in the foam bubbles. But when the foam is saturated, the cover loses its ability to insulate and could cause your energy bill to spike. If the cover cups, it also causes the cover corners to lift, letting heat escape.
It makes a lot of sense to replace your spa cover. You can also upgrade to a marine vinyl hot tub cover for safety and economic reasons.
It is so easy to order your own spa cover today with free shipping anywhere in Ontario, Montreal, and the rest of Canada.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST REPLACEMENT HOT TUB COVERS ONLINE
If your spa cover is falling apart or heavy, you should think about replacing it now. If it is waterlogged, it weighs a ton and certainly fails to do its job.
Fortunately, improvements in the design of spa covers have solved the problem of clogging and collapse. Marine vinyl covers have UV inhibitors that increase the life span of the material, also prolonging the use of your hot tub cover.
Due to these improvements, you now have more options for buying hot tub covers online. But before you do, you have to know your options so you can choose the best one based on your needs.
Your first step is to measure your hot tub cover so you can order the right one.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO MEASURING YOUR HOT TUB COVER
Properly measure the dimensions of your spa cover to get a complete fit
Below is a guide to help you measure your spa cover so you can buy a perfect replacement. Take the time to measure to ensure the right fit.
- No matter what the shape of your spa is, you need to measure from lip to lip, or the outside dimensions of the acrylic. Add 1 inch to the length and width so that you have ½ inch of around your spa cover to play with.
- The flap that hangs from the bottom of the foam is called the skirt. It is actually just aesthetics but if you don’t measure it, you may have problems as it will bunch up and push the cover up. If there is a wood rail, measure from the top of the wood to the top of the acrylic. If there is no wood, just measure from the top of the spa to the bottom of the spa lip and add another ½ inch.
- The radius is a bit of a challenge. The easiest way to measure the radius is to use a carpenter square. You will need the dimension from the beginning of the bend to the imaginary point of the square if your hot tub is square. The general rule: better to be smaller. The smaller the radius, the more square the corner of the hot tub cover will be.
- Square hot tub covers are easier to measure. Just take measurement from lip to lip then add 1 inch to each dimension. You also need to measure the skirt’s length.
- For rectangular spas, measure the fold direction as you require it. Many companies cut the longer of the 2 sides by half.
- For round spa covers, measure the lip to lip dimensions. If you can measure the old cover across the seam, just add 1 inch. You also need to measure the skirt.
- For octagonal spa covers, measure from lip to lip then add 1 inch. Measure one panel of the octagon from point to point. Measure the skirt length, too.
- Special shapes or ellipses need a template for complete cover. Examples are spas with waterfalls, speaker bumps, or rails and controls. These features must be accommodated on your spa cover; otherwise, it will not fit.
To make it easier, check this video tutorial showing the right way to measure the radius of your spa cover.
MARINE VINYL SPA COVERS COME IN ASSORTED COLORS TO SUIT YOUR SPA
Many colors of spa covers to suit any style of hot tub or spa
Majority of manufacturers offer different colors. Just keep in mind, though, that not all use the same marine vinyl quality. Look for covers made with 30 oz. category. Your spa cover should also have UV inhibitors. There are many colors to choose from but the most popular ones are charcoal and chestnut.
You can easily submit the right dimensions of your spa cover online and other details for shipping of your replacement hot tub cover anywhere in Canada
Spa911 offers the best variety of spa covers and hot tub covers made with high grade marine vinyl at reasonable prices.
You shouldn’t neglect your spa. Order your replacement spa cover today and continue to enjoy the best health and relaxation benefits of your own spa.
10 BEST TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR SPA COVER IN TOP SHAPE
Most spa owners want to know how to take care of a new hot tub or spa cover. Below are the 10 best tips for increasing the life of your new spa cover and enjoy its maximum benefits.
- Schedule a monthly cleaning of your spa cover using liquid soap or dilute hand soap in water. Hose off the cover with water and dry with a clean towel.
- Use spa cover wipes or a vinyl conditioner for protection.
- Avoid using abrasive sponges and go for small hand towels, soft-bristled brush, or regular sponge.
- It is recommended to use a spa cover lifter while moving or storing your spa to prevent damage.
- Latch the spa cover when on and use wind straps during high winds.
- It is ideal to uncover the spa cover twice a week for at least an hour to allow it to dry.
- Remove tree sap with vegetable oil. Rub the oil on the stain.
- Remove mildew with vinegar solution, rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Don’t let kids or pets stand or sit on the spa cover.
- Remove accumulated snow when it is more than 12 inches.
Similar to most of our household items, regular cleaning and care of your spa cover will ensure you get to use it for many years.
When you purchase a hot tub or spa, it comes with a cover that may be cheap. Consumers don’t usually pay much attention to the cover when purchasing a brand new spa. It is not unusual for the first spa cover to last only a couple of years.
If you notice that your spa cover has gotten too heavy due to waterlogging, simply look for a new spa cover which is made of high grade marine vinyl. In this way, you’ll be upgrading and will ensure your spa works efficiently for a long time.
IT’S COLD OUT! – HOT TUB TIPS FOR WINTER SEASON
In cold weather, your spa loses heat more quickly. Without a good quality spa cover, you will have trouble maintaining heat in cold temperatures. If your spa cover is not effective at keeping the heat in, it is time to buy a new one.
You don’t need to stop enjoying your spa in winter time. You can enjoy a hot tub all year round as long as you limit soaking to maximum of 20 minutes.
Invest in a good spa cover that can be yours for as little as $379 plus tax. Submit the measurements of your spa cover through our easy online form and your spa cover will be shipped to you within 2 to 4 weeks anywhere in Canada.
If you just bought a home with a hot tub, or maybe own a hot tub that is a few years old, check the condition of the spa cover. It may be time to replace or upgrade it with a marine vinyl hot tub cover.
You can find the best spa covers of Spa911 today to replace your worn-out spa cover. You will notice how much more effective it is at retaining heat so your spa doesn’t work too hard to get heated.
We made ordering a replacement spa cover as easy and pleasant as possible so you can get a high quality hot tub cover without the guesswork.
