So it’s been a few years since you bought your hot tub and, while the tub is still going strong, the cover that came with it is starting to show some wear and tear. It’s possible the poor thing has even gone to the dogs – figuratively or literally.
We all know that the hot tub covers you get with a new tub are seldom the highest quality or the sturdiest design. Even for those who purchased higher quality hot tub covers when you got your tub, unless you took a few precautions and maintained your cover properly there’s a good chance you’ll be looking to replace it after two or three years.
But what do you need to look for in replacement hot tub covers, and how can you make sure the next one lasts longer?
Pick the Right Hot Tub Cover
By “pick the right hot tub cover” we mean the right thickness and foam density cover for the type of climate and environment your hot tub will be in. There are several options here, and it’s important to make the right choices.
All Covers
While there are a few hot tub cover requirements that will change depending on where the hot tub is located, there are also a few that remain the same, and we’ll deal with those first.
High density foam
Hot tub covers are meant to perform two main functions; safety and heat retention. Good hot tub covers not only prevents debris and unwary people from falling into the tub unexpectedly, they also help the tub to retain as much of its heat as possible between uses. A hot tub loses most of its heat through the top, and an inefficient cover can result in an enormous amount of wasted energy (and wasted money) spent heating it back up or maintaining a consistent temperature.
This is what makes the density of the foam used in a cover such an important element. The denser the foam the more insulating it will be, and the less heat it will allow to escape from your hot tub. Common foam densities available for hot tub covers and spa covers is: 1 pound (good), 1.5 pound (better), and 2 pound (best) density foams.
WeatherShield Advanced Fabric Technology
You can also customize your hot tub cover with our original WeatherShield fabric. We have introduced WeatherShield into our menu of customizable options for all hot tub covers. WeatherShield fabric is a great alternative to our regular vinyl material as it is up to 25% lighter and is resistant to mold, mildew, UV rays, water, tears and abrasions. WeatherShield is ideal for year-round use as the fabric is built to withstand the elements.
Customize your hot tub cover with our original WeatherShield fabric option for a cover you can rely on!
Safety
The second main function of hot tub covers is safety, and there are a few things to look for that can make a huge difference in this regard. The first thing to look at is the child safety locks. Even if you don’t have kids. It doesn’t matter how unlikely it is that there will ever be children around your hot tub, it’s the kind of situation where the potential consequences are so severe that no one should take the chance. Make sure the cover comes with new hardware for both the cover and the tub. Two locks are good but four locks are even better and will also help with the wind lifting your spa cover.
The next thing to consider is the quality of the materials used in the construction of the cover. The best design and workmanship in the world can only do so much with poor quality materials.
Hot Tub Covers for Different Climates
The biggest variable in covers designed for different climates is the thickness of the cover. All covers designed for outdoor use are tapered so that rain, snow, and debris will slide off and not place undue strain on the materials. Good covers are also as waterproof as possible so they don’t get waterlogged and compromise their heat retention capabilities.
Indoor Tubs and Outdoor Tubs in Temperate Climates.
For an indoor tub or for an outdoor tub in a milder climate. The Cover Guy Standard cover, which tapers from 4” at its thickest down to 2″ at its thinnest is adequate hot tub cover thickness. Thick enough to provide heat retention given the warmer temperatures outside the tub. And perfect to keep debris out of the tub.
Most Other Climates in North America.
Our best selling hot tub cover thickness is the Deluxe cover which tapers 5” to 3” is great for any climate you’ll find in North America. It is great for the hottest and the coldest areas. The Deluxe can withstand all lot of snow resting on it if it needs to. And can better handle the weight of a person should that be necessary, too. Regardless of climate, if you have children or animals around the house regularly, you should get a cover at least this thick just to be safe.
Anywhere with Lots and Lots of Snow.
If your area occasionally receives mind-boggling amounts of snow (anything over 50″ annually), or extremely cold cold-snaps in the winter, you will probably want to invest in something a little sturdier, like our Extreme cover*, which hot tub cover thickness tapers from 6” to 4”, and can generally stand up to anything Mother Nature cares to throw at it.
Making It Last
Probably the best thing you can do to make hot tub covers last as long as possible, aside from buying the best quality cover you can. Is to invest in a hot tub cover lifter. A cover lifter is a frame that attaches to your spa cover and makes it much easier to lift it off and put it back on. This not only makes your hot tub easier to use. It also reduces the strain placed on the cover when you move it. A Lifter is the single biggest difference you can make to the spa cover’s longevity. Next make sure to keep your cover clean from debris, snow and ice as much as possible. Make sure to clean the cover regularly and condition it with the proper agents made for this purpose.
By choosing your replacement hot tub cover carefully. By looking after it. And using a good quality cover lifter. You can expect to be using it, and to be saving both energy and money, for many years.
*The Extreme Hot Tub Cover is ideal for areas like:
Mt. Washington, NH, Blue Canyon, CA, Marquette, MI, Syracuse, NY, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Timmins, ON, Caribou, ME, Mount Shasta, CA, Lander, WY, Flagstaff, AZ, Sexton Summit, OR, Muskegon, MI, Rochester, NY, Buffalo, NY, Erie, PA, Muskoka, ON, Kingston, ON, Peterborough, ON, Binghamton, Ny, Alpena, MI, Duluth, MN, Burlington, VT, Montreal, QC, Saguenay, QC, Beckley, WY, Moncton, NB, Worcester, MA, Halifax, NS, International Falls, MN, Quebec City, QC, Concord, NH, Sherbrooke, QC, Albany, NY, Ottawa, ON, Kalispell, MT, Blue Hill, MA, Trois-Rivieres, QC, Great Falls, MT, Sudbury, ON, Youngstown, OH, Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Cheyenne, WY, Billings, MT, Hartford, CT, Green Bay, WI, Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN, Winnipeg, MB, Saint John, NB
