Info War

All spa covers are not created equal. If you are searching for a quality spa cover, then you know how confusing it can be. With so many different types of materials and features to choose from, it is important to know what to look for. Here are some key features to consider before buying a spa cover to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth.

Safety Standards - Since the most important reason for buying a spa cover is to protect small children or pets from drowning, look for a spa cover that has been approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The ASTM seal means that your spa cover has been tested by the organization and has met or exceeded its safety standards. With the ASTM seal, you can relax during family gatherings or backyard parties knowing that your spa cover is properly secured.

Weight- With new technologies available for spa cover materials today, you don’t have to bear the burden of a heavy < hot tub cover ever again. Spa covers today are considerably lighter in weight than their predecessors. Look for spa covers that feature closed-cell virgin foam core insulation. This type of insulation offers a unique combination of strength and heat retention, and only weighs a few pounds!

Strength- There are many reasons why hot tub covers get worn down over the years, and simple wear and tear is one of them. The areas on a cover that receive the most damage include various stress points like hinges, handles, straps, corners and skirts. Look for a spa cover that has been made with extra reinforcements in those sensitive areas. Many new spa covers incorporate UV resistant Dacron Polyester thread throughout the entire cover for super strength.

Protection from Within- Many times, the inside of the spa cover receives more damage than the outside. This is because the interior is regularly exposed to hot steam and harmful chemicals. Look for a spa cover that features heat-sealed, reinforced vinyl that will protect the inside of the cover from any unnecessary damage.

Warranty- Finally, since you can never be 100% certain that your product will not be defective or easily damaged, look for a good deal on the warranty. Many offers are long term but do not provide coverage for some of the most common problems, such as moisture in the insulation core. If possible, look for a five-year warranty that provides free replacements in case your cover is damaged from such a problem.

A good quality spa cover is a great investment and can save you money in the long run.

Now that you know the type of spa cover you would like to buy, you are ready to embark on the ordering process. This entails knowing the exact measurements of your spa. Even if you know the brand, model and the year of your spa, the store you are buying from may not have the proper dimensions on hand. While this can be a tricky process, many spa stores have thorough guides on how to measure your spa. Here is a simple check list of what you will need before you can begin measuring.

The proper tools will make this job easier for you. You will need a carpenter’s square and a tape measure in order to take accurate measurements. Next, it is important that you are clear on what you have to measure. Is it the spa or the spa cover? The best recommendation is to measure the spa, not the spa cover. This is because older spa covers may be too worn out and deformed to produce accurate measurements.

The next logical step you must take before you can measure for your hot tub cover is to determine the shape of your spa. A professional spa store will have a visual guide that describes many different shapes, including several custom ones. Make sure you establish if the edges of your spa are round, bowed or cut straight.

After you know your shape, you will need to determine the type of installation. There are three types of spa installations: in the ground, in a cabinet with a rail, or in a cabinet without a rail.

Now you are ready to get in and measure! Follow the exact directions provided to you by the store that you will be ordering from. You can round up each measurement to the nearest inch. It is better to have a slightly larger cover than a cover that does not fit at all. Make sure you take extra care when measuring the fold, cover skirt and safety strap. Each of these areas should have specific instructions. Hot tub covers are important for many reasons, including safety. You will be glad that you took the time to order one that fits!