Hot Tub Covers

Owning your own hot tub is great but in return you should also take all the necessary steps to ensure that it stays in the best of shapes which can serve you for decades. One of those possible products to buy is a hot tub cover which will protect your tub when e not in use. Usually when you purchase a new hot tub the cover will come with your purchase, however, depending what you require you can also buy covers separately. There are plenty of stores that concentrate in designing and producing specialized hot tub covers to suit every user�s personal needs. All covers are not the same and can vary in style material and shape.

Covers are an important spa accessory for keeping you water clean and in good condition. They also heating energy costs and even reduce water evaporation. One other problem with outdoor spas is that the sun will dissipate the chemicals in the water, adding a hot tub cover cuts down on the amount of chemicals you use. They also keep debris like leaves and insects out and stop dust forming on the surface and in the water.

You will probably find that there are more choices in type and make of cover than there are models of hot tub and spas. This is good for you and the many choices you have are great depending on your particular needs and budget. One other major consideration is that covers can provide safety to your spa. A good heavy duty cover can be combined with lockable straps which will prevent kids from falling into the hot tub when your back is turned and the locks ensure the cover can only be removed by adults. Not all covers are built with this safety facility so knowing who the intended users of the spa is a critical factor in selecting the correct cover for your hot tub.

One great type of hot tub cover is called a solar or sealed air cover. The material is similar to the bubble wrap that is used in packing. It was discovered that using large sheets of this material about 8 to 12 millimeters thick is great for spas. The material is in two parts, heat welded together with air bubbles sealed in between. When the sun warms the air in the bubbles the heat is transferred to the water. The air bubbles also acts as an insulator protecting the heat in the spa waters.

These sealed air covers come in large sheets and can easily be cut to fit any size of Jacuzzi or hot tub. They are very flexible and lightweight and will last for anywhere between two to four years depending on the usage, weather conditions and water chemistry. Of course there are disadvantages, being so light they can easily blow off during windy conditions and can become brittle due to sunlight and chemicals.

Another material for covers is foam. Foam covers are more expensive than the air bubble type but have even better insulation properties. Custom made covers can be bought from your manufacturer and they can either float on the water or completely cover your spa. For a custom cover you can take the measurements and the make and model of your spa and have it manufactured. You can also have hinged covers for folding so indicate how many hinges you require and where you would prefer them to be placed. If you go for a custom made cover then they are available in many different materials, colors and designs and will be fairly expensive but it all depends on your needs.

Wooden covers are another good buy and you can have one manufactured by a local carpenter. They go particularly well with a hot tub which is also made out of wood. Wood covers are sturdy and a good safety feature if you have children around. They can come in sections, hinged for convenience and easy storage. They sections can also be separate for easier handling. One thing you should make your carpenter aware of is that screws and nails should be made of a rust proof material. The best materials are cedar and redwood, if you do use pines or firs remember to have a good varnish applied to prevent it rotting. Wood covers should not be painted as chemicals evaporating from the spa will quickly peel any paint off.
Another variation are foam and wood covers. The foam is cut to the correct size for your spa and the wooden slats are attached to the foam. These types of covers are both lighter than a solid wood cover can roll up easily whilst also provide rigid safety for your spa. There is also another alternative for wood which is a Styrofoam reinforced cover which covers the whole deck and is framed with plastic or aluminum for strength. They are usually made in two sections and hinged.

The last kind of cover is the aluminum cover created from good quality aluminum � this metal is rust resistant and light in weight. They are strong in nature and they are able to carry up to 1000 pounds of weight. In fact, they are one of the strongest kinds of hot tub cover. Replacement is not an issue to because of their toughness that can endure a lifetime.
There are some important issues you need to consider before buying a new hot tub cover and one of those is the dimension of the product. You should ensure that it will fit your tub correctly. Too small or too large covers that do not fit correctly are a waste of money. You should ensure that the cover possess all the necessary features that you need like safety and location. If your tub is in an area where it is exposed to the sun then buying one with UV protection should be one of your main concerns. Some hot tub cover companies can assist and guide you in your purchase and advise you to what best suits your requirements. The internet is another great source of information and you can easily but your hot tub covers online.