Hot tub covers are an investment, and a good cover can save real money for a hot tub owner by helping reduce the energy needed to heat the hot tub and keep the water cleaner. A poor quality, old, or broken hot tub cover will cost the owner money for the same reasons. Left long enough, a substandard cover may result in wear and tear to the hot tub itself.
When the time comes for a hot tub cover replacement, where do you start? The material used to make the cover is an essential part of what makes a hot tub cover great. This article is a guide to what you should look for when it comes to hot tub covers and the benefits different materials have.
How the material makes a great hot tub cover
You might think that if you’ve seen one hot tub cover, you’ve seen them all, but there’s a lot going on under the hood. One of those things is the fabric choice.
A hot tub cover shields the water in the tub from the environment, keeping it clean and warm to reduce energy and maintenance costs. Most covers are made of solid insulated foam cores sealed in a plastic case, which keeps the foam insulation dry and shields the tub from outside weather.
The plastic case protects the foam from water, both inside and outside the tub, allowing it to keep the heat inside your tub and the cold out.
Picking the most suitable material can increase the benefits of your hot tub cover and, above all, keep your investment working longer. The right material for your needs will protect the hot tub cover and the tub simultaneously, adding years to its life. But what should you be looking for?
Some fabrics to consider
Most hot tub covers are made of vinyl or polyvinyl chloride, which you can find used anywhere from automobile trim, boat upholstery and restaurant chairs. It’s a plastic material with a fabric backing that’s often made to resemble leather; it can be dyed in various colors and tends to feel smooth and rubbery.
There are many types of vinyl for a lot of projects. For this, the most important is the toughest, which is Marine-grade vinyl which is an industry-standard. The fabric is largely unique in its weather-resistant qualities.
Protection from sun and rain
Marine-grade vinyl is treated to handle the difficulties of outdoor life. While a lesser vinyl will break down and crack in the sun, Marine-grade vinyl is treated to protect against UV rays, making it last longer.
Marine-grade vinyl is also designed to stand up to rough weather. It’s treated for exposure to humidity and moisture, lengthening the life of your hot tub cover and making it what protects your tub from the outside world. No matter the weather, you can trust quality Marine-grade vinyl to hold up.
Mold and mildew resistant
A hot tub is a high-moisture environment, inside and out. No matter how dry your local weather, your hot tub cover must deal with steam, moisture, and water from the inside. Marine-grade vinyl is designed for use on boats and in damp environments. Treated to resist mold and mildew, the vinyl helps keep your hot tub clean and hygienic by stopping unwelcome guests from growing inside your cover.
Durable and easy to handle
Quality Marine-grade vinyl lasts. Installed and maintained correctly, the fabric can last years and is resistant to scratches and surface damage. Since the fabric is waterproof, it’s also easy to clean. As the material is non-absorbent, stains won’t set like most fabrics. You can wipe messes and stains away with soap and water.
Considering these points, you can see why Marine-grade vinyl is the industry standard but is that your only option?
Your strongest choice: Weathershield fabric
WeatherShield fabric is a solution-dyed polyester fabric lighter than vinyl, incredibly durable, non-absorbent, and better for the environment.
WeatherShield fabrics are also made of recyclable materials, making them more environmentally friendly than plastic vinyl. Depending on the environment and how much use your hot tub cover sees, your next replacement could be an upgrade to WeatherShield fabrics.
A better investment
A hot tub cover made with a WeatherShield fabric is lighter than a vinyl cover, making it easier to use, sparing it from damage caused by improper handling. WeatherShield fabric is stronger than traditional vinyl, all-season ready, and provides even more resistance to tears and damage, so it lasts longer.
The Cover Guy has been providing high-quality, thickly insulated custom hot tub covers built to work and built to last. Visit The Cover Guy today for the best return on your hot tub investment.
