Being a hot tub owner in Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA is one of the most joyous things we can do to escape our unpredictable weather, gain physical health benefits, relieve stress, and to improve our overall quality of life. One of the most important parts of your hot tub and your ability to enjoy it each and every time, is the cover. If you go to take a relaxing dip in your spa and realize the water is much cooler than expected, that can not only be an unwelcome surprise for you, but could be costing you more in energy bills. We are going to review some of the most common things to watch for that may indicate that your hot tub cover is losing heat.
Are There Signs that it is Time for a New Cover?
There is no set point at which a cover should be replaced; however, most covers will need to be replaced after 5 to 7 years, with most losing their full effectiveness in 3 to 5 years.
There are usually warning signs that it is time to replace your hot tub cover. If these indications are noticed soon enough, they can prevent your spa from losing heat and ensure your water remains at a comfortable temperature all year round and each and every time you open it. Below are some of the things you should be watching for to know if your hot tub cover needs replaced.
- Vinyl: The outer vinyl keeps your hot tub water clean and warm and can break down from sun exposure, air pollutants, and rain. Check to see if the cover is cracked, torn, or brittle. If it is, your hot tub cover needs to be replaced. Water can seep inside the cover and degrade the foam, causing the heat retention and cleanliness of the water to be compromised.
- Straps and Locks: If there are issues (missing, broken, not properly working, etc.), with one of the straps or locks on the cover, you should consider a new cover or to have that piece fixed right away. It is very important to always make sure the locks and straps on the hot tub cover are working properly. This affects the safety of your hot tub, provides peace of mind, and will ensure your cover is on securely, reducing the ability of heat to escape.
- Foam Core: When it comes to the foam core of your hot tub cover, you need to keep an eye on a few things. Ensure it’s not sagging, heavy, and/or bowed or broken. Any of these things could cause the cover to absorb a lot of water and create gaps in the seal which can cause the core to break. A broken seal and damaged foam core will allow heat to escape.
- Heat Seal Shoes: The “heat seal shoes” are essentially what seals the gap in the hot tub cover where the two halves come together, preventing heat loss at the hinge (these are the pieces of the cover that are between the two sides of the cover). If this critical point in the cover is damaged or torn, you may be significantly losing heat from the hot tub.
- Hinge: Keep an eye out for a hinge tear. Heat can escape if a hinge tear goes beyond the heat seal shoe, which is approximately two inches from the outside edge. A hinge tear will allow heat to escape through the opening.
As with all things, over time, your hot tub cover will deteriorate, and as water starts to make its way into the foam, the insulating properties of the foam become compromised. Because water is a great conductor of both hot and cold temperatures, if your hot tub cover is losing heat and needs replaced, and it won’t be long before your electricity bill and the water temperature are both less than ideal.
At Litehouse Pools & Spas, our professionals can help you with your year-round hot tub needs. Whether you are looking to purchase a new hot tub, seeking an insulating spa blanket, in search of a hot tub cover or lift, or would like year-round hot tub service, Litehouse Pools & Spas can help.
Visit us in person, online, or give us a call today, to allow us to help you protect your hot tub year-round and ensure it is always at the temperature you desire.