Hot Tub Covers & Removal Systems
By Stewart P. Adams
Sometimes, the least appealing spa amenities are the ones that make the experience more pleasurable. Consider hot tub covers and lifts. Despite the low levels of excitement they elicit, spa owners would soon miss them the first time they went to use the hot tub and had to struggle to remove a waterlogged cover manually. Or worse, the first time they encountered frigid spa water because there was no cover to retain the heat.
If that is not enough to convince you of the importance of hot tub covers and lifts, see what several industry experts have to say about these key hot tub products.
Importance
Spa covers can cost several hundreds of dollars. Are they really necessary?
"Would you buy a refrigerator without a door?" asks Lynda Livingston, vice president, PDC Spas. "It is the same idea. Most of the heat is lost from the water surface, not the sides or bottom of the shell. A spa cover is necessary for heat conservation."
Indeed, as much as 70 percent of heat is lost through the top, says Ann Duckett, global vice president of marketing for MAAX® Spas. Plus, they help to keep the water clean and create a safety barrier, she says.
What are the most important characteristics a spa owner should look for when buying a cover?
To ensure that you are getting a quality cover, make sure that it meets ASTM International (American Society for Testing Materials) standards. Covers that meet these standards bear the ASTM logo, which assures consumers that the cover not only retains heat, but also guarantees its use as a safety cover, which is important for keeping unsupervised children and unwanted guests out of the spa, Livingston says.
Pools have a pool gate, so hot tubs should have a locking cover, says Landis VanderKarr, product marketing manager for Dimension One Spas.
The best covers are made of marine-grade Naugahyde® and are resistant to mildew growth. The number one complaint about spa covers is that the insulating core absorbs water over time and becomes too heavy to move easily. Consumers should make sure that the foam is securely wrapped in moisture-barrier plastic, which will greatly reduce water absorption.
An adequate taper will also allow rain water and melting snow to run off of the cover before it can be absorbed, says Robert Markiton, president and CEO of Sunbelt Spas. He recommends a minimum taper of 3 inches along the center hinge, sloping to 2 inches at the sides.
"The cover should be dense enough to carry a heavy snow load, or your German Shepard, but not too heavy that it is impossible to take off or put back on," VanderKarr says. "As for the fit, it should look like it fits. It should cover the edges of the hot tub and be the correct shape. If the fit is not correct, you will get air holes, and where you have air holes you will have heat escaping. Where you have heat escaping, you are spending more on keeping the spa water warm."
Design-conscious shoppers should note that covers are offered in a variety of colors.When making your selection, consider following Livingston's advice: "Buy a spa for the color you prefer to surround you; buy the cover to match the spa environment. Remember, it is the cabinet and cover that you see when you are not in the spa."
Longevity
How long can a hot tub owner expect a new cover to last?
The typical spa cover lasts about five years, depending on the spa environment and how well the cover is handled and maintained. Markiton, however, says a cover that is cared for properly can last longer. "I have had mine on a swim spa for 15 years," he boasts.
If the insulating inserts become waterlogged, they might be able to be replaced, which is cheaper than buying a brand new cover, says Duckett, emphasizing the need for quality construction.
How should a hot tub cover be maintained to ensure its good looks and longevity?
The best thing is to invest in a quality cover from the beginning. According to Livingston, it is well worth the cost to spend more initially to buy a hot tub cover that deters water absorption and has sturdy stitching that will prevent handles from being pulled off.
Though it can be a hassle, Markiton suggests removing the cover two to three times a year and standing it on end so that all of the water can drain out. At the same time, wash the vinyl cover with warm water and soap, then apply a vinyl protectant. VanderKarr recommends a brand called 303.
Cover Removal Devices
What are the most popular types of cover removal devices and how do they work?
The most popular kind attaches to the spa and includes a bar, over which the spa cover folds.With little effort, the device lifts the cover off the spa and stores it while the spa is in use. This type of system is easy to use, but Livingston warns that the weight of the cover hanging from its hinge can cause damage - especially to poorly constructed covers without hinge reinforcement.
Another cover removal device consists of supports that allow you to slide the folded cover off the hot tub, where it rests as if on a shelf. Still another type uses a curved metal support to cradle the cover to one side of the hot tub. An advantage of this type of lift is that it does not cause stress on the hinge.
In your estimation, what percentage of spas are equipped with a cover removal device?
Most new spa purchases now include a cover lift, says Livingston, who estimates that 85 percent of spas already include a cover lift. VanderKarr places that number much lower. Either way, they are definitely becoming standard spa equipment.
"Once you own one, you will never have another spa without one," Markiton concludes.