For those looking for relaxation, a hot tub can be a great addition to your home. But, when you purchase the tub, you should also make it a point to buy a tub cover for it. These covers serve essentially 2 functions. The first is, if the hot tub is outdoors, it helps to prevent debris and rubble from getting into the hot tub. Secondly, it has the potential to cut your heating bill by hundreds of dollars by slowing down the speed that heat leaks from the tub when it is not in operation. These heating cost savings will usually more than pay back its purchase price.
When purchasing a cover, you first have to decide what type to get. Many saunas are designed with their own hot tub cover. In this case, the decision has pretty much been made for you. In other instances, however, the tub is a standalone unit and, if you want a cover, you have to purchase it on your own.
It is important that the material from which the cover is made closely matches the material of the tub itself. For example, if the tub is made of vinyl, the cover should be made of vinyl as well. If the hot tub is made of a soft material, then so should the cover.
It is not just a matter of aesthetics, although that does matter. For instance, if you place a hard and heavy metal cover over a tub made of foam, you may find yourself in a situation where the weight of the cover causes the tub to buckle. By using like materials, you pretty much avoid this type of problem.
It is also important to get a cover that fits the sauna well. So, measure the opening carefully. The measurements that you use will differ depending on the design of the cover that you want. For example, some covers are meant to be fastened directly to the top of the tub with no overhang of the tub itself.
Others, however, are designed to have a certain amount of overhang in which case your measurements will actually need to be wider than the mouth of the tub itself. If purchasing from a website, most manufacturers will have instructions as to the best way to take your measurements.
You will want to compare the R-value of the various covers as well. The R-value is a determinant of how well it will hold in the heat of the water. Different covers have vastly different R-values and one with a high R-value will preserve the heat of your tub much better than one with a low rating.
Lastly, you also have to consider is the weight of the cover. If the spa is located outdoors in a windy area, a heavier cover than normal may be required. And, depending on the weight of the cover, you may need a spa cover lifter as well if your hot tub doesn't already have one.
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