Hot Tub Covers
It is a good idea to own a hot tub cover. They not only keep your tub protected from the elements, but are useful for safety reasons. If your tub is outside it can take a real battering from the British weather. A dedicated hot tub cover will keep your tub free from falling leaves, twigs, bugs and other unwanted creatures.
They can also prevent accidents from someone falling into the tub. Most covers can support a persons weight if they were to fall on top of the tub. We don't recommend you make a practise of putting weight on your cover though.
Hot tub covers can be made from a number of different materials. Some are designed for strength, some for insulation and some just to protect from the elements. Most after market covers can be custom made to suit your hot tub. Hot tub manufacturers also supply covers and may be more or less expensive than buying one elsewhere. Do your homework on prices before you decide on a cover.
The highest quality insulating covers use a "high density" foam to ensure that the heat stays in your tub for longer. Lower quality covers use a less dense foam. Some good features to look out for on vinyl hot tub covers are:
– Needed to keep out unwanted visitors and keep your cover from being blown away. Make sure they are well made as some cheaper ones can tear the cover if stressed.
Quality zippers and thread – If you have a vinyl cover, it may be zipped onto the cover support. Make sure that the zip is designed for long life and resistant to cleaning chemicals. Some covers are heat sealed together at the seams and may be susceptible to hot sun or freezing cold damage. Cotton thread rots quicker than polyester thread, so keep an eye out for the stitching thread used on your cover.
High Grade Vinyl – Essential for long life use of your cover. Marine grade vinyl is recommended as this has been developed for the fishing industry to withstand harsh weather.
Well designed skirts – The skirts used on vinyl covers come in various lengths. Make sure the skirt on your cover is long enough to cover the lip on your hot tub. Good design also allows the build up of heat between the skirt and the lip to escape. In hot sun, this build up of heat can actually damage the tubs lip.
Strong lifting handles – Over time your cover may become heavier and you will need strong well made handles on your cover to ensure long life. Handles that have small attachment areas are prone to tearing of the cover.
Strong support structure – Galvanised steel is preferred over aluminium for strength, but the trade off is the extra weight. The steel is often more resistant to chemicals.
Reinforced hinge – Probably the most worked part of the cover and one of the areas that deteriorate first. This is definitely one area that you should ensure is well made. The best type often do not have a metal hinge. They are actually part of the cover itself with extra reinforcing.
There are also many vinyl and wood combination covers. Some are even designed to be rolled up. The wooden slats are fixed to a vinyl base sheet and are designed to match the look of the surrounding decking area. Some high end covers are made entirely from aluminium with a thickness able to withstand weights of up to 1000lbs. These are among the safest hot tub covers available.
Look After Your Back
Many suppliers are also able to offer hot tub cover lifting devices. These are fixed to the hot tub and the cover. They make lifting the cover off and on much easier, another worthwhile investment if you can afford it.
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