Brand Specific Forums > Hot Spring Spas
2014 Hot Springs Vanguard Advice
Jacuzzi Jim:
--- Quote from: Hot Spring Ace on October 02, 2014, 02:46:15 pm ---
--- Quote from: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on October 02, 2014, 02:21:00 pm ---
--- Quote from: Hot Spring Ace on October 02, 2014, 12:53:14 pm ---
I'll add to #3 to give more specifics since that was asked for. Most spas that are foam filled use a 1/2 lb insulation and simply fill the cavity with it. Hot Spring uses a dense foam on the shell, on all sides and on the bottom and then fills the inner cavity with the lower density 1/2 lb foam. That layering is largely responsible for the increased energy efficiency and why a spa with just 1/2 lb foam will never insulate as well.
--- End quote ---
ALL the independent information I can find has always said polyurethane foam has an R-value of R-5 to R-6, per inch, regardless of density. You seem to be saying that a much higher density has a much higher R-value. Can you refer me to any independent information I might have missed? (My understanding has always been that the high density foam on the shell is to add to the structural support of the shell, and the bottom layer for durability under the spa [1/2 pound density wouldn't fair well during transportation].)
--- End quote ---
No one has independent information, we all know that. It would be great if that came out at some time.
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Maybe it will here :o
FWIW to any other interested learners here Sundance and Jacuzzi both use a higher density foam sprayed on the shell, as well as the foam that is blown/sprayed in. That being said it really has nothing to do with stabilizing the shell in those brands.
Dr. Spa™ Ret.:
EVERY resource I can find lists polyurethane foam with an R-value of R-5 to R-6. Almost NO WHERE does anyone really talk about relationship of foam density. There was, or still is one site (I can't find where it is), that's a consumer info site, written by the engineer of a spa manufacturer (the site is written anonymously and has no relationship with the manufacturer, where due to illness he's no longer with), that as I recall, pretty much said, emphatically, polyurethane foam had an R-value of R-6 to R-7, depending on density, HOWEVER, as the density increased to over "some" amount, the R value starts to decline. I would be willing to "bet the farm" that #30 polyurethane foam has FAR less insulation value that #1 polyurethane foam insulation. (remember, it's the pockets of air retained in the polyurethane foam that insulates, NOT the polyurethane foam itself).
So ok, I'll even take biased info. Point me anywhere that states the difference in R value depending on polyurethane foam's density.
DaveMc:
OK--I have a suggestion--I will start a new thread---"User Energy efficiency Test"----and we will set the criteria for a test of loss of temperature over time---OK?
Dr. Spa™ Ret.:
This would be AWESOME! Who's going to buy two of the EXACT same spas, one being full foamed, and one being not, and put them in a climate and wind controlled room, to test? I'd be willing to contribute $50.
DaveMc:
OK--we only need 399 more contributers---did you want a bank # to contribute to?
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