Do-it-Yourself Hot Tub Cover
Many homeowners are unaware of the maintenance involved when they purchase a hot tub. In addition to the routine cleaning and disinfecting of the hot tub, routine maintenance costs and repairs develop over time. One additional expense is the hot tub cover. In addition to keeping the clean water in, hot tub covers help keep cold weather, dirt and debris out. Some people choose to make their own hot tub covers as a way of saving money.
Materials
Visit your local hardware store and purchase two large sheets of Styrofoam wall insulation. Styrofoam material is not affected by moisture the same way traditional insuation is, making it an excellent choice for this type of project. The thicker the Styrofoam the better the insulation, so choose the thickest piece you can find. Purchase a #188;-inch piece of plywood, which will be the base of the cover. Purchase some liquid nails to apply the insulation to the base. Liquid nails are preferred to traditional nails that may rust or cause damage to the top of the hot tub.
Cover
Cut the plywood into two sections. Making a two-piece cover that weighs less will make it easier for one person to remove the cover in two sections. Lay one piece of plywood face down on the workbench or table and apply a strip of liquid nails along the edge of the plywood. Line the liquid nails as close to the edge as possible so that when the insulation is applied it does not peel back from the edges and allow dirt or debris to enter the hot tub. Place a piece of Styrofoam insulation on top of the plywood. Hold in place and secure along the liquid nails strip for 30 seconds or until dried. Set aside and repeat with the other piece of plywood and insulation.
Install
Securing the cover in place is crucial during extreme weather conditions. Bungee cords will hold the cover in place and prevent it from slipping off the hot tub or coming loose. Create some type of base for the bungee cords to attach to. Install eyebolts into the deck at each corner of the hot tub and one additional eyebolt into the deck near the center of the hot tub.
When the insulated cover is placed on top of the hot tub, attach the bungee cords to the eyebolts and stretch across the hot tub, securing at the eyebolt on the opposite side of the hot tub. Adjust accordingly until the tension level is adequate. The tension should be enough that it keeps the cover in place without being tight enough to cause damage to the cover or to make it too difficult to remove the cover. If your hot tub is not situated on a deck, install the appropriate bolts for the surface that the hot tub is sitting on (concrete bolts for concrete, grass stakes for lawn, etc.). Bungee cords are only necessary to secure the cover during inclement weather or winter months. During warm weather with calm winds, placing the cover on top of the hot tub will suffice.
Tags: cover, liquid nails, cover place, piece plywood, cause damage, dirt debris, into deck, remove cover
