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Our vinyls are quality marine grade materials suitable for using in the manufacture of hot tub covers. We now use vinyls which have a 'French Backing' this is a very strong base for the vinyl which is much more resilient than vinyls used by our competitors. Inhibitors are added in the vinyl manufacturing process for protection against UV light & Mildew. NO nasty shiny finishes used either!
We believe that you won't find a better quality vinyl for your new cover.
Colour choices are shown below - PLEASE NOTE THAT COLOURS ARE APPROXIMATE & MAY NOT APPEAR ACCURATELY ON YOUR MONITOR OR PRINTER.
If you would like any samples of vinyl sending prior to producing your cover, please don't hesitate to ask.
NOTE: We don't offer vinyl colours with a high 'RED' content - this is because they are much more vulnerable to the effects of UV light.
THREAD - A very important component for your cover as it holds the whole thing together! We use the only product that should be used - a 92lb BONDED POLYESTER THREAD with UV & mildew treatment.
HINGE STRENGTHENING - We strengthen both insulation inserts at their thickest point each side of the hinge. We use a Zintec Extra Strength 'C' channel which is routed into the thickest part of the insulation edge and bonded in place. See below: (the 'C' channel is shown in black at the thickest edge) We use 'Extra Strength' because it has much more strength than aluminium which is thinner. This process may vary from time to time for Production/Stocking reasons.
A vast majority of covers are not re-reinforced to this standard (See above) - the cheaper practice is to use thinner aluminium channel which is easily banged into the foam edge with a mallet, cutting it's own channel. Using very thin aluminium can actually create problems as it can be easily de-formed with surprisingly little force/weight which then creates a 'bow' in the cover, allowing water to start collecting in the dip.
The worst case scenario (which we see a lot) is where low density EPS foam is used by manufacturers (read below) in conjunction with the thin aluminium channel. This is because the low density foam just doesn't have the strength to withstand being weakened by the aluminium channel cutting into its edge - the net result is that the material above and below the channel just breaks away.
Make no mistake - it is the density of insulation used that makes all the difference to your new hot tub cover. Don't confuse just 'thickness' alone with good insulation - many covers use little better than 'packaging density' EPS insulation and however thick they are their insulation properties will be always be poor. At Covers For Tubs we use a density of 1.5lb EPS on our STANDARD cover (calc. EPS-150 = 25kg / m3 OR 55.12 lbs / 35.315 cubic ft = 1.560 (1.56 lb) per cubic ft). Most suppliers use just 1lb - and some Chinese covers may use even less than 1lb! If you see covers available claiming lots of 'extras' as standard - like 5" taper - it's not a good sign; the probability is that they have to go 'thicker' because of the low density & strength of the EPS they are using.
...so you may well ask...
Q: IS IT WORTH GOING FOR AN UPGRADED COVER?
A: ABSOLUTELY YES - but only if the material itself is worth using in the first place - which of course our material is! We offer 3 upgrades from 'Standard' - all 3 upgrades use 2lb EPS instead of 1.5lb - Level 1 Premium - is still a 4" taper - same as the 'standard' - but with more density using the 2lb foam (EPS = 30kg / 1.2m3 OR 66.14 lbs) - Level 2 Premium - is a thicker 5" taper and Level 3 Premium - is thicker again with a 6" taper. An investment in any of our Premium Insulation upgrades will always pay for itself many times over.
Q: HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH UPGRADE I SHOULD GET?
A: VERY SIMPLE - when you run an order through our Website part of the process will ask you a few quick questions which will establish any upgrades that you should ideally have. You can of course get rid of the suggestions or indeed select a higher upgrade if you prefer. Our aim is that you end up with the right specification for you; we always offer 'best advice' and have the expertise to do so. A cover that is right for a tub on the Spanish Costas won't be any good for one located in a ski resort in the Alps!
UPGRADE the DENSITY for colder climates. High Density, 4 inch TAPER.
You can get a significant increase in thermal value but still in a 4 inch taper because the DENSITY of the foam is increased to 2lb. This used to be our most popular insulation upgrade option for the UK but in the last 2 years the trend has moved most significantly towards Premium Level 2 as concerns over ELECTRICITY BILLS seems to be of key importance.
We cater to all parts of Europe and some customers living in very harsh climates like ski resorts or Sweden, Finland etc., may need even better insulation; we offer this with our Premium Level 3 Insulation, which provides the highest levels of insulation available. An investment in any Premium Insulation Level will always pay for itself many times over.
NOTE: Don't confuse just 'thickness' alone with good insulation - a majority of Chinese covers use 'packaging density' EPS insulation and however thick they are their insulation properties will be relatively poor.
UPGRADE BOTH the DENSITY & the THICKNESS for harsher climates - like the UK for winter use. High Density, 5 inch TAPER.
PREMIUM LEVEL 2 INSULATION provides a combination of BOTH INCREASED DENSITY & THICKNESS, it is therefore ideal for climates like UK winter use and will give even better results in terms of ENERGY SAVINGS. A vast majority of UK customers now select Level 2 Premium Insulation because they are increasingly aware of the ever increasing costs of running their hot tub.
Always remember that any investment in Premium Insulation will pay for itself many times over.
An additional benefit is that the strength of the cover is further increased due to the combined effect of increased DENSITY & THICKNESS.
FURTHER UPGRADE BOTH the DENSITY & the THICKNESS for the harshest of climates - ski resorts,high altitude locations etc.. High Density 6" TAPER
We supply covers to all parts of Europe and some customers living in very harsh climates like ski resorts in France & Switzerland, or generally in Sweden, Finland etc., may need even better insulation. We offer this with our Premium Level 3 Insulation, which provides the highest levels of insulation available. An additional benefit is that the strength of the cover is even further increased over that of a Premium Level 2 cover. Normal snow-loads are unlikely to be an issue for this cover, but for ultimate protection against substantial un-cleared snow-loads walk-on option should be added - see below.
It is highly recommended that a suitable cover lifter is used with the LEVEL 3 option as it is bulky for manual handling.
About 95% of cover failure is down to WATER INGRESSION & CONSEQUENTIAL SATURATION, causing the Core Insulation to become extremely heavy. As standard we use a 1.45K µ chemically resistant encapsulation barrier which is double-sealed. BUT - the combined effects of chemicals, high temperature, steam & UV radiation will eventually break ANY barrier down. This option provides an ADDITIONAL VAPOUR BARRIER LAYER - which has got to make sense! This can add 2 years or more to the life of a cover. NOTE: For the UK & similar climates this item is now mandatory on our system. NOTE: The DEC process can now be replaced at our discretion with a heat-sealed triple-thickness membrane 0f 6 mil as opposed to 2 mil. This system has been shown to offer benefits in trials reported in 2019.
If time is of the essence and you really can’t wait for our normal service time, why not select the option of Express Service? We aim to manufacture your cover within 18 full working days + delivery time (usually next working day) - UK ONLY (Parts of Scotland & Northern Ireland may add a few days) - other destinations will take longer, public holidays & weekends may extend the time scale. Cover disposal service is NOT available with Express Service.
Please note that this service, by its very nature cannot be 'absolutely guaranteed' and may not be available year round. We reserve the right to change the terms. If we fail to provide the service (in-line with our T&C's) what you have actually paid for this element will be refunded on a pro-rata basis and we shall have no further liability whatsoever for consequential loss.
*SERVICE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR MAINLAND ENGLAND & WALES - **IF SELECTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EXPRESS MANUFACTURE SERVICE (When available) IT MAY DELAY YOUR ORDER
*We can only offer this service where we deliver on factory vehicles (MAINLAND ENGLAND & WALES) - if we are delivering by a CARRIER this service is NOT AVAILABLE.
** EXPRESS MANUFACTURE SERVICE - Although we normally deliver covers ordered with this option on factory vehicles within (MAINLAND ENGLAND & WALES) - we may sometimes need to dispatch by CARRIER because of the faster delivery time-scale (usually to more remote areas) - as carriers cannot do the OLD COVER DISPOSAL SERVICE your EXPRESS PRODUCTION ORDER may be delayed in order that we can effect delivery on a factory vehicle and hence take away your old cover.
Check this out - if you have it already order it again - If you don't be sure to add it in the UK or similar climates. Why not add an EnergyGuard floating cover as well?
A vast majority of hot tub covers come with 'STEAM PADS' one at each end of the hinge.Their function is to minimise the escape of any steam at the central hinge point. They are very effective at doing this.
A 'CONTINUOUS HINGE SEAL' is a SEAL which runs the entire length of the fold replacing the 'STEAM PADS' normally fitted at each end. This option helps eliminates heat loss through the VINYL hinge area - when temperatures are REALLY LOW. Your old cover may or may not have this feature - generally speaking covers from Canadian or Northern USA manufacturers (which experience very cold temperatures at times of the year) might sometimes have this feature - those from Florida probably won't!
NOTE: As a comparison for a climate like the UK - you would be far better off in terms of energy savings by investing in an Energy Guard 500 Cover than a Continuous Hinge Seal.
As soon as you have more than 2 sections/panels in a cover - all but the end 2 are only supported on 2 x short sides - whereas the end sections are supported on 3 sides. This is the prime cause of sagging/dipping/bowing in covers.
It is now possible to 'frame' a panel of a cover - like a picture frame on all 4 sides. The 'frame' is made from a galvanised steel profile which adds tremendous strength to the integrity of the panels* to resist the tendancy for panels to 'sag' 'dip' 'bow' etc.
FULL - framing is where all the panels are framed, as opposed to PARTIAL where the end panels are left un-framed.
* NOTE: Panel framing is not a replacement for 'Walk-on' option.
As soon as you have more than 2 sections/panels in a cover - all but the end 2 are only supported on 2 x short sides - whereas the end sections are supported on 3 sides. This is the prime cause of sagging/dipping/bowing in covers.
It is now possible to 'frame' a panel of a cover - like a picture frame on all 4 sides. The 'frame' is made from a galvanised steel profile which adds tremendous strength to the integrity of the panels* to resist the tendancy for panels to 'sag' 'dip' 'bow' etc.
PARTIAL - framing is where all the panels apart from the 2 end panels are framed, whereas the end panels are left un-framed. This option saves money over the 'Fully framed' option and the end panels are at least supported on 1 long-side and 2 short sides so they are less susceptible to distortion than the central panels.
* NOTE: Panel framing is not a replacement for 'Walk-on' option.
Covers are not designed to be stood-on, sat-on, walked-on etc. - this option prevents such accidental damage. The intention of this option is NOT that you regularly use or encourage the use of the cover to walk on, rather to offer a 'fail-safe' if somebody should accidentally walk, sit, stand or otherwise apply a heavy weight on the cover top. Some popular applications include:
HOLIDAY LETTINGS - Owners of cottages, houses, lodges, log cabins etc. that are rented to the general public will often find (to their cost) that a percentage of their clients do not always treat the hot tub with respect. Children, teenagers & some adults will use the cover to sit on, sunbathe on, stand on etc. Standard covers are simply not designed to withstand this. Their designed function is only to insulate the tub,
SUNKEN or PARTIALLY SUNKEN SPAS - For aesthetic reasons many people set their tubs within a raised decking, which can of course look very smart. However this leaves the cover all too susceptible to being stood on, sat on or indeed for children or large animals to just casually 'walk over' the tub. Many people may do this as they simply don't realise that they shouldn't! It only needs to happen once and you end up with a broken spa cover, moisture will potentially start to ingress and it's time to buy a new one!
SNOW-LOADS - In areas with heavy snow-falls - especially where immediate clearance is impossible; the walk-on option is a 'must'.
NOTE: In all cases it is important to realise that having this option in place should not diminish your responsibility to explain to family, friends or guests that they SHOULD NOT use the cover to sit on, walk on, play on etc. Also that snow-loads should still be cleared as soon as reasonably possible. The option is designed to avert breakage caused by 'error or oversight' not to change the purpose of the cover.
NOT always available in conjunction with Express Service (when available)
NOTE: A 'solid polymer' product may be more suited for some applications which we provide at the same price.
QUESTIONS? - Please call us between 9:00 a.m. & 8:00 p.m. for expert advice - 7 days a week.
CFT Solutions Ltd