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........ especially if it means the cover won't get water logged and heavy for a long long time.......
... Is it worth $470 for the Sunstar cover my dealer wants to sell me or can I do just as well with the $270-$300 covers available online.......Bottom line: I don't mind paying for quality, especially if it means the cover won't get water logged and heavy for a long long time. I just don't want to pay more than I need to.It's been 7 1/2 years very good years since I purchased my hot tub. Once again,
Be VERY careful about the "claimed" R values some publish. This is probably the top area retailers "fudge" numbers. The important thing to look at is the EXACT TRUE thickness of the foam, and it's density. I say "EXACT TRUE thickness", because this is probably the #2 ares of "fudging". Many use "nominal" measurements (like the typical building material, a 2x4). Two pieces of foam, the same thickness and same density, will have the SAME R-value, regardless of what might be claimed.The insulating core of almost all spa covers is EPS (Expanded Polystyrene). The insulating value of this product is very specific, and is listed below. Please note, the R-value shown is for 1 inch of thickness.Foam Density - R-Value per inch thickness1.0 - R-3.851.25 - R-4.01.5 - R-4.172.0 - R-4.35In addition, the vinyl and poly wrap adds about another R-2 to the entire cover