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A hot tub or spa is a big investment for a homeowner that requires regular attention. Although most spas come with a cover supplied by the manufacturer, those original covers wear out or become waterlogged and have to be replaced. Here's some things to look for for when buying a replacement cover.
1. Safety Features
A spa cover prevents children and pets from accidentally falling into the spa water and drowning. Look for a cover that has keyed locking straps so you can secure the cover in place. A locked cover also prevents unauthorized use of your spa while you're away.
Get a cover that meets the safety cover standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Your city or municipality may require spas with covers that are NOT ASTM Classified to be fenced in for safety.
2. Energy Savings
Spa covers act as insulation for your spa. An R-Value of 12 is sufficient for most U.S. climates but northern residents may want to consider a cover with a higher R-Value like 16.
Core density has an effect on both the insulation and strength of the cover. Core density is measured in pounds with a 1 lb. density offering excellent R-Value and structural integrity. If you have kids or large pets, or live where you get a lot of snow you may want to go with a 2 lb. density core for added insulation and strength.
Hinge seal gaskets and cover skirts also help prevent heat loss. You can really save a lot of money if you get a spa cover that's been designed to be energy efficient.
3. Manufacturers Warranty
Look for manufacturers that offer at least a 5-Year Warranty. There are a lot of substandard covers that are sold whose flaws aren't immediately apparent. Protect yourself and go with a higher quality cover that comes with a warranty.
4. High Quality Materials and Workmanship
One of the main problems with cheaper spa covers is that they get waterlogged and very heavy. Most covers will get heavy eventually but higher quality covers utilize materials and design features to prevent water infiltration for as long as possible. Look for covers whose cores are sealed in a vapor barrier. Some covers come with drain systems that catch evaporating water and diverts it back into the spa.
Look for covers that use a durable material for their straps. Many cover manufacturers use the vinyl cover material for their cover straps. This is a lower cost but inferior solution.
Cover straps take a lot of stress when the cover is lifted and returned time after time. Plain vinyl straps can't take that stress, so get a cover that uses a heavier material like seat belt webbing that's securely sewn into the cover's seams.
Spa covers keep your spa water free of dust, dirt and leaves so it's ready for use whenever you are. It's so much easier to wipe down a spa cover occasionally than it is replace the spa water or pick out floating leaves with a net.
The bottom line when buying a new spa cover is that you get what you pay for. You can pay less for a spa cover then find that it needs to be replaced within a couple of years. Even though a high quality spa cover may cost a little more up front it's a much better value in the long run.
About the Author
Jerry Malstead is a freelance writer specializing in spa and hot tub related topics.
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