Floating thermal blanket underneath regular cover.

[Forest_Spa]

I live in the cold Northeastern US climate and we are going into winter, and this area also has relatively expensive electricity. Although my spa is fully foam insulated and has a new cover, I was considering a floating thermal blanket to further reduce electrical usage.

• Will using one void any warranties?
• If I assume they last ~2 years - will the amount of energy saved pay for it?
• Will it help the normal cover last longer (that is claimed)?
• Any "gotchas" or things to specifically look for when purchasing one?

 

[Mdragger88]

They do work to do all the things you mentioned.
You don’t need a special hot tub one. Just a cheap solar cover for a pool that you cut to fit your spa will also work. They make small ones for intex style pools.
With any of them, when the bubbles start popping its time to replace it. Some folks get a year out of them some get two.
Using one should not void your warranty

 

[Pdxonthego]

A floating cover is to keep the moisture out of the hard cover…
or they get heavy fast.

Closed cell foam is what u need.

 

[Newdude]

I didn't notice any savings on the electric bill using a solar blanket on the hot tub, but with a big house and a family, I can't say I'd ever notice a $30 or $40 difference anyway. Our bills used to be the highest in the country and they only still aren't because others have caught up to us. Lol.

But it had to help to some degree. (Hehe)

I had a weak tub that lost heat quickly when it was cold and I would peel back a corner and leave the rest on when it was just me. It helped alot.

 

[Forest_Spa]

Our bills used to be the highest in the country and they only still aren't because others have caught up to us. Lol.

I live in NY too, so I know the electric price pain. Unfortunately, I am also in the cold part of NY state.

 

[phonedave]

At least in my situation, I cannot see a solar cover on my hot tub doing enough to offset the cost (and added effort).

With a two inch thick, tight fitting cover, I'm not sure how much more insulating a sheet of basically bubble wrap is going to provide. In my pool it makes a huge difference, because it prevents evaporative cooling. In my hot tub, not so much.

Not to mention, my jets would shoot water on top of it as well.