SPA Cover question

[mihzyd777]

Hi All,

Quick question - Is there a BIG difference in efficiency to get one of the below over the other? I'm in Central California where winter temps get down to 40's and maybe a freeze here and there but no snow.

Cover 1 - 30oz Marine Vinyl, 83" x 83" with 5" skirt , 4"-2" taper with 2lb foam, double wrapped foam, full steam stopper (6-8 week ready time) = $509 if I pick up about 1 hr away in Sacramento.

Cover 2- same specs as above except 5"-3" taper with 2lb foam double wrapped, full steam stopper (12 day ready time and 1 week for delivery) = $545 + $100 for shipping (HottubCoverSpot.com) I've heard bad and good things about them. I've been in email contact with Debbie there and she has been very responsive. On the site

Does the 5"-3" make a big difference over 4"-2" taper? Or is the 2lbs. foam more important? I want to be as efficient as possible without going to something crazy. Also, I did check CoverGuy and they want $680 free shipping. But Also 6-8 weeks estimated. Also if anyone knows if CoverGuy "Energy Shield" is worth it or not?

MySpaCover.com was $628 without the heavy-duty wind straps.

LowCostSpaCovers.com = $667.99 with shipping. Ships by Jan 18-22.

spa-mart.com = $648.95 with the ReflecTech heat shield or $598.95 without it. + $149 for shipping.

 

[ajw22]

Not going to be a big difference.

All other things being equal I would go for the thicker cover 5"-3" taper.

 

[mihzyd777]

Not going to be a big difference.

All other things being equal I would go for the thicker cover 5"-3" taper.

Do you know anything about these new cover materials they use. The 5"-3" one from hottubcoverspot.com uses one call PYREX? She said it's like Sunbrella and is a $29.99 upgrade. Do you think it's worth it over traditional Vinyl?
Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

Do you know anything about these new cover materials they use. The 5"-3" one from hottubcoverspot.com uses one call PYREX? She said it's like Sunbrella and is a $29.99 upgrade. Do you think it's worth it over traditional Vinyl?
Thanks!

I never heard of PYREX fabric.

I know Pyrex as glassware.

 

[mihzyd777]

I never heard of PYREX fabric.

I know Pyrex as glassware.

ya same lol.

 

[Mdragger88]

I did a quick google and came upon it being offered at another place as well

I assume it’s supposed to be similar to whats on a Bullfrog cover. @phonedave has a Bullfrog & may share his opinion about the durability of that type of material.

They also had this informative infographic

 

[Gebo]

I’d go for the fabric cover and some 303 Marine Fabric spray.

 

[phonedave]

I assume it’s supposed to be similar to whats on a Bullfrog cover. @phonedave has a Bullfrog & may share his opinion about the durability of that type of material.

Bullfrog covers are like a Sunbrella fabric - maybe it is Sunbrella, maybe it is PYREX, maybe something else.

I have been happy with mine so far. It has held up well. I think it is a LITTLE harder to clean than a smooth vinyl cover, since it is a canvas like surface (and apparently birds like to hang out on mine and do what birds tend to do). But a hose and a soft brush takes care of it quickly.

I was over a friends house who has the same cover recently, and I was surprised how much his had faded in less time than mine (Maybe 20 months for his compared to 30 for mine). His is out in the direct sun, while mine is shaded (half under a deck, and also under a tree). I think mine still looks like new, but having it shaded may be a big factor.

Overall, I am happy with mine

 

[Mdragger88]

I’m guessing with the 303 treatments the uv thing could be mitigated some.
I use their protectant on my vinyl cover too.
For the patio cushions & pillows I just get the 3m spray for the water repellency as I am not too worried about uv.