I beg to differ with you Ndabunka about the spa blankets.
Here is my take and I will back it up with the fact that I have used one almost the whole time that I have had my tub. The bubbles are trash, don't waste the postage...but the other spa blanket that Doc offers has proven
to me to be a worthwhile investment. My cover is over 5 years old. It is not waterlogged or damaged from shocking or anything. I attribute that to the protection offered by the spa blanket. While I do need a new cover now, I believe the reason that my cover is allowing heat to migrate out is a result of shrinkage of the vinyl...more so from the intense sun and heat that the cover endures, than from the water in the tub. If I had a spa blanket right now, I would not have even noticed that small gap between the center heat seal and the lip of the tub. The steam would not have escaped.
While the blankets are something that will need to be replaced, I do believe that they add to the insulation and extend the life of the cover. Since I am all about insulation right now, I have ordered a spa blanket with my new cover. The blanket is actually coming through my dealer and they have offered to custom cut it for my tub. I just wanted to try something new and see if it has a longer life than the ones that I previously used.
As far as being a pain to deal with..since my 20 year old son does not complain one bit about the blanket..I am going to say not really a pain. You just have to make it work with your cover lifter. Doc sells blanket leashes too. I can remember soaking in pouring rain and hanging the blanket from the top of my cover to make an awning..lol
I also like the pre-filters for the water because I have iron in my well water and it helps to remove the iron when I fill the tub.
Once you get your tub, you will figure out what you really need. It seems fun to buy the things now that you think you will wan,t but often it ends up that you don't need all those extras at all. Bill's thick robe is a great idea...and definitely that hook to hang it on..Best wishes and enjoy!