The cover to your spa helps to maintain temperature when not in use, prevent debris from building up in your water, and protects your spa shell from extreme heat and sunlight (which can cause warping and fading over time). There are several things we can do to care for our cover to prolong its life. Regularly cleaning your cover prevents dirt, leaves and pollen from building up on the top. Using protective wipes such as "armor all" help keep your cover from drying out, cracking and splitting. If you live in a region that gets snowfall, using a broom instead of a shovel (which can snag or rip the fabric) is also beneficial to your cover. However, even while practicing these methods, your cover will not last forever, and will eventually need to be replaced.
Spa covers typically last 3-4 years before they need to be replaced completely. A good way to determine when your cover needs to be replaced is when it is displaying one or more of the following attributes;
Warning signs:
Dryness
Cracking and splitting at the edges
Fraying at the straps
Added weight
Small punctures
*Serious Factors:
Rips and tears in the fabric top
Damage to the underside of the cover
Sagging or Drooping towards the center
VERY HEAVY
Broken straps
Breaks/ damage to the foam
Why is it so important to replace my cover when it begins to show the previously stated symptoms?
Its more energy efficient to run your spa with a cover in good quality and condition. Using a high quality cover can cut your electric bill almost in half! However, a waterlogged, or damaged cover can have the opposite effect, causing your spa to work harder to produce and maintain heat. It is also important to keep your cover in good condition for the safety of children and pets that may attempt to climb on top of the cover.
Choosing the RIGHT cover is key. Not all covers are created equally. Often, you get what you pay for. Taper, thickness and foam density are 3 things to consider when purchasing your new cover. Tapered covers are highly recommended over flat covers. A tapered cover allows rain water, and other debris to slide off the cover at an angle, preventing added weight from sitting on the top. This taper is always tallest in the middle or fold, and lowers the closer to the edge you get. There are 3 common tapers. The first being a 4"-2" taper, (generally the most cost effective), 5"-3" taper being the second, and the strongest (and most expensive) being a 6"-4" taper. The thicker the cover, the firmer, and better insulated it will be. Once you've selected your thickness and taper, you will then need to decide on a foam density. The higher the foam density, the more weight the cover can bear. Common foam densities range from 1 Lb - 2 Lbs. The 1 Lb option tends to be the standard choice, with 1.5 Lb being the second most popular. Increasing the density of the cover can increase the price. You will need to factor in your families lifestyle and location. If you live in a region with bitter, long lasting winters spending the extra cash on a higher density foam would be completely worth it, while those living in mainly warm weather climates would be ok with a 1 or 1.5 Lb cover.
If your still unsure which cover is the right choice for you stop in and talk to a local spa company, like Honey Spas, they will be happy to help you and answer your questions.
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