One of the essential parts of a hot tub is its cover. Hot tub covers protect the tub from unwanted particles like leaves and debris. The covers also preserve the spa\’s heat and keep the spa insulated all day long. These covers are majorly made from water-resistant polyester materials of varying degrees with a replaceable foam core. A foam core is as important, if not more important than other cover parts.
Using Styrofoam for Hot Tub Covers is an option that should be considered for the foam core. It is a lightweight, water-resistant, insulating foam that protects the spa and keeps it warm. Styrofoam is wedged between aluminum borders, which prevents it from getting soaked or waterlogged while also guaranteeing its durability.
This article is equipped with in-depth information on the use of Styrofoam for Hot Tub cover, its pros, cons, and the many options available in the market.
What are Styrofoam Cores?
Styrofoam, otherwise known as Blue Board, is a light blue foam made from excluded polystyrene (EPS) closely packed together. It is manufactured as a foam endless insulation board used in roofs, foundations, and walls. Most recently, hot tub covers are also being used as water barricades and thermal insulation.
These foams came into existence in 1940 when Dow’s Chemical Physics lab discovered a way to create foamed polystyrene as a form of moisture resistance. Since then, it has gained ground in the market, remaining valuable for over 80 years. It is virtually everywhere except in places with restrictions.
Styrofoam has an insulation R-value of five per inch. It is composed of 98% air, making it lightweight and resilient; the perfect foam core for hot tub covers. This foam is also water-resistant. Hence, it can resist water penetration to a large extent. Additionally, Styrofoam has thermal insulation properties, making it possible for the hot tub to retain its heat even after a long time, in as much as it remains covered.
Why Styrofoam For Hot Tub Covers?
Of course, many materials are used as foam core for hot tub covers, but Styrofoam is just an exceptional one. It is 98% air, making it light and buoyant, and the hot tub cover is easier to lift or carry. Furthermore, Styrofoam has been in the market for over 80 years and has remained relevant, proving its credibility, quality, and value.
There are many other reasons to choose Styrofoam for hot tub cover:
- Styrofoam is enclosed in a sturdy aluminum frame to create hot tub covers. The implication is that the cover is sturdy and durable. Therefore, there will be no need to spend extra on changing the cover.
- It is water-resistant. Because of the materials used to create these foams, they can withstand moisture gathered from the spa\’s heat for a long time.
- This foam is flexible, making it easy to remove or replace if necessary.
- It has an R-value of 5-inches, meaning a tremendous insulating capability.
R-value describes a material’s opposition to the flow of heat. The higher the value, the slower heat will move through it. Hence, since the R-value of the Styrofoam is high, it has a higher chance of retaining heat and keeping the spa warm for a long time.
Are There Disadvantages To Using Styrofoam For Hot Tub Cover?
Yes, there are. Every product or innovation comes with its pros and cons, and Styrofoam is not an exception. Though it has many advantages, one of the disadvantages is that it makes the hot tub cover quite expensive. Styrofoam is expensive; hence, using one as the core of a tub cover automatically makes it expensive.
Some other cons of using Styrofoam for hot tub covers are:
- While this foam has great water resisting capability, it is not waterproof. It can retain the moisture from the spa over time and eventually become waterlogged and heavy to lift.
- Styrofoam is made from non-renewable synthetic chemicals and fossil fuels, all of which cause harm to the environment. Additionally, it breaks down in extremely high temperatures, contributing to environmental pollution affecting humans and animals.
- Once the Styrofoam becomes waterlogged, its thermal insulating capacity reduces drastically.
What Can I Do To A Waterlogged Styrofoam?
The fact that a Styrofoam becomes waterlogged doesn\’t mean it has to be replaced or thrown out. The user has another option, which is to sun-dry the foam.
Most hot tub covers come with moveable zips. So in instances when the foam is soaked, the user can decide to unzip the cover and take out the Styrofoam. Once this is done, take the foam to the courtyard or backyard to dry. When it gets dry, zip it back into the cover.
The only downside to sun drying is it takes a long time for the foam to get dry, and during this time, enjoying the tub can be a bit challenging.
How To Remove The Styrofoam For Hot Tub Cover
Deciding to change out the Styrofoam or sun-dry is an excellent choice. It is needed to keep the spa in good shape and ensure it lasts longer.
To Remove this foam is very easy. It only requires a few steps:
- To access the cover’s zipper, bend the cover in half with one side above the other.
- Stand facing the fold area to locate the zip.
- Unzip the upper side down to see the foam core.
- Pull back the cover over each side of the foam, then pull out the foam.
Once the foam is out, sun-dry it or replace it with new foam.
By the way, replacing the foam is just as easy as taking it out. Follow the above steps in the reversed order, and the foam is back in its place.
While carrying out either of these processes, be mindful not to rip the vapor barricade that seals up the foam. The vapor barricade prevents moisture from reaching the foam directly and moves the waterlogging to the distant future.
Final Thoughts
The advantages of the Styrofoam for hot tub cover far exceed its disadvantages. It is made from light, durable, and resilient materials, making the cover easy to carry and long-lasting. In addition, this foam has an excellent thermal capability which makes the spa remain warm for a longer time than usual. Hence, when replacing a tub cover’s foam core, consider Styrofoam as a good option.