Soft Covers for Hot Tubs

There are different types of soft covers for hot tubs.  The traditional soft or flex cover that goes on the outside of the spa, and the floating spa cover that floats on top of the water surface and is usually used in tandem with a hard cover. There is also a cover cap that is just meant to protect the hard cover itself.

Flex Covers

Flexible soft sided covers such as those used on some of the Dream Series QCA Spas hot tub models, feature the same insulating properties as their hard cover counterparts, but without the rigid foam core in the center.  

This makes these covers more transportable, easier to ship and also avoids any risk of piercing an inner lining resulting in a waterlogged cover.

The downside to flexible covers is that in northern climates where there is a lot of ice and snow, there is no taper to the cover, so this tends to pile up on the soft cover.  

It is recommended to use a traditional, rigid hard cover on most spas that are placed outdoors.

For indoor use or areas of the patio that are covered from the elements, a soft cover is a viable option to keeping leaves, debris and other items out of the hot tub when not in use.  

These soft flex covers also feature tie down straps and locks.  Again, the main difference between the flex cover and hard cover is the rigid foam insert in the center.

Floating Spa Covers - Soft Top

The floating hot tub cover or soft top, actually floats on the surface of the water and not only keeps the warmth of the spa water contained, but also helps create an air barrier between the underside of the hard cover and the top of the floating soft cover. 

This air barrier acts as another layer of insulation, further contributing to energy savings.

Most heat escapes a hot tub out of the top. Even well build lids allow a small amount of heat to escape.  By using a floating spa cover, another barrier is created with the cover and an additional insulator being the air space between the 2.

Unlike the flex cover, the floating soft top is not a replacement for a hard cover, but augments the use of a hard cover to provide for additional energy savings.

If a spa is used several times a day, the soft top is adequate to keep the warmth in while the hard cover is removed. Of course maximum savings will occur with the use of both covers together.

Cover Cap

The cover cap is a light material cover that fits over the existing cover when in place in order to protect the cover itself and add another layer of protection for the spa.

Cover the Spa

Hot tubs should be kept covered when not in use for many reasons:

• Save Energy
• Keep critters out of the tub
• Keep leaves and debris out
• No uninvited guests
• Prevent sun from damaging exposed acrylic
• Safety
• Keep the water warm
• See that bird flying overhead?
• Stops horses from drinking the water and lowering the water table
• You get the point - covers are a necessity for hot tubs

Having a floating spa cover adds another layer of insulation and since heat rises, most of your lost energy will be trying to go up and out the top. This is why having a good quality factory original hard cover and using the soft top soft cover are the best combination for additional energy savings of your hot tub.