What To Look For When Replacing Your Hot Tub Cover
If you own a hot tub, you probably already know how important a cover is for preserving heat and saving on your energy bills. Since most of the heat from a hot tub escapes through the top of the tub, keeping your tub covered when not in use will help your heater function more efficiently and save money on your energy bills. Most hot tub covers will need to be replaced after about five to ten years of use, and many come with a five-year warranty. Once the cover becomes damaged, it cannot insulate and protect your tub as well as it should, and you should replace it sooner rather than later. The larger your hot tub, the more expensive a hot tub replacement cover will be.
Most hot tub replacement covers are constructed of insulating foam that is encased in a vinyl shell. The thickness of the insulation can vary, so that may be something to ask about when shopping for your hot tub replacement cover. The R-value will tell you how well the material can resist the flow of heat; the higher the R-value the thicker the insulation is. Keep in mind that a thicker insulation will mean a heavier cover, particularly when moisture begins to weigh the insulation down. If you must purchase a large hot tub replacement cover, it might be a good idea to look at some of the options for cover lifts as well, so that you can remove the cover easily for use.
A Blanket Can Enhance The Efficiency Of Your Hot Tub Replacement Cover
One way you can get away with a less expensive hot tub replacement cover is to add a floating thermal blanket to the top of your tub. Floating thermal blankets can have a double benefit for your hot tub. First, you will increase your energy with an additional layer of insulation to keep the heat in and help your heater work more efficiently. Second, the floating blanket can protect your hot tub replacement cover from exposure to excess moisture, and this can actually prolong the life of your cover.
Another consideration to make when replacing your hot tub cover is whether there are children in the house that the hot tub can pose a risk for. If the answer is yes, there are options available for hot tub replacement covers with locking devices to keep small children safely out of the hot tub.
