Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Bonibelle on July 25, 2006, 09:28:14 am
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I have a question...after reading and understanding more about ozone..I was wondering about the life of my spa blanket? I bought it to help retain the heat in my tub, but I also understand that it offers extra protection of my cover. If ozone degrades the headrests..then how long can I expect my closed cell blanket to last?
Is the material in the spa blanket more sensitive to chemical off gassing than ozone? Hubby and I both agree that the spa blanket is a real good thing, my cover doesn't even get wet...but I am wondering is that something that I will replace yearly, or more often?
My blanket is 3 months old and so far it appears to look just like new ;),
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Yes you will have to replace it eventually, but its better to replace a $20 blanket then a $500 cover.
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I was just wondering the typical life of a spa blanket in a tub with ozone...I think I paid about $80.00 for my blanket. I know it is helping to retain the heat in the tub so I would replace it. I just didn't know how long they typically last. :-/
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I don't iether. Sounds like yours is more expensive then the buble type, so it might last longer.
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Being new to spas I'm i the dark on this one. Are spa blankets recommended? Are ther any down sides to having one on the spa under the cover?
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I do not think there are any down sides. Just the pain of having to take it out every time (which there are some solutions to (Velcro, etc.).
The plus sides are protecting your cover underside from chemicals and ozone degradation, as well as some possible energy savings during winter if you live in a cold climate.
You know what they say - an ounce of prevention.....
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I will post my solution to blanket removal. I made a strap that allows the blanket to be removed using the same clips that hold down the spa cover. I have been using it for several weeks now and it works great. It means an extra manipulation when removing the cover, but I didn't have to punch holes in my cover (and void my warranty) to attach the spa leash. I will post the pics later today ;)
Boni
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That would be great.
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Cool, I just ordered a blanket. ;)
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Here it is:
I bought a spa blanket leash but didn't want to punch holes in my cover. So I bought more webbing material and made straps that attach two different spots in the blanket, so the blanket is not stressed in just one area. I attached them with plastic gromets. some of these came in the spa leash that I bought with my blanket.
(http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2880/spaleash005kt7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
I used high temp hot glue to attach the female cover clip to my webbing.
The extra manipulation is that after you break the seal on the cover, you reach under and take that outside cover clip and clip it to the blanket clip. It only takes a couple of extra seconds to do.
(http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/603/spaleash007zc9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
I also put two additional straps on the other side of the blanket and tied knots on the ends so that the blanket would lay tight against the spa cover and not "hang" over the back two seats and the waterfall. We actually detach those straps and use the blanket as a tent when it is pouring rain! ;)
(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1528/spaleash001um3.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
We really think the spa blanket is a good thing. I read an article that said a closed cell blanket adds about 6 or 7 "R factors to the cover insulation in additon to protecting it from chemical degradation. I just hope the ozone doesn't eat mine up any time soon...
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So in order to lock the tub you just unclick the blanket once the cover is closed and throw the loose straps under the cover?
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when we are ready to re-cover the spa, we unclip the straps first and let the blanket cover the spa. So I guess that means 2 extra manipulations...but since my husband hasn't complained at all and he thinks it is a great idea, I will say the extra manipulation is worth it. Like I said, I didn't want to punch a hole in my cover and without this contraption, the spa blanket tends to slip off my cover in the upright position. I don't know how this would work with other cover lifters, I have a
Covermate III and my tub is a Marquis Epic. I am sure you could innovate something similar to work on other covers and lifters. ;)
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Nice job.
My cover already has two holes in it. They were placed there by the manufacturer of the cover (has metal rings around the holes), so I doubt that punching two more holes would mater much in my case, but I would feel the same way you do if I did not have the holes.
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On another topic. I noticed you cut your blanket to the shape of your cover, not the shape of your spa. What was your thinking behind that?
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The manufacturer has those holes to keep the cover from becoming water logged, it is a vent type thing. The foam that is the core of your cover, is protected in another cover to prevent the water from building up and making the cover so heavy and water laden that it would have no insulating value. You can punch additional holes in your cover, and if you do it carefully, you won't damage the covering of the foam. I just didn't feel confident about doing that. Additionally, it would void my warranty. I didn't want to create a problem while trying to solve one. Lots of folks on here are perfectly comfortable with the spa leash set up the way it is intended. I just found an alternate way and it works for me..
I asked on here about how to cut the blanket. I thought initially that it belongs just on top of the water, but my husband and I decided that it didn't matter, and if we put it on the top of the spa right inside of the lip, it would better protect the cover. I don't know if that is right or wrong, but I can tell you my cover is completely dry when we open the tub. I guess the question is...does it insulate better as an addition to the cover or as an immediate cover on the water with the air space between the two....VINNY...I'v got your next experiment... ;D ;D
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Cool. Thanks for your help.
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I how long can I expect my closed cell blanket to last?
Bonibelle
I'm pretty sure that the chlorine and MPS are more damaging to your cover than ozone. In the past we when through a solar blanket about every 3 years on our pool. Then a different dealer(the one we bought our tub from) told us that after you shock your pool you should leave the cover off for about 8 hour. The pool is also shocked with MPS although its called oxy-shock. We have had our last solar blanket for 5 years and it still looks good
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I forgot , very good job on the blanket lifter we were thinking about one for the winter months
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Thank you. I also use a blanket on my pool and sometimes, especially before vacation, I shock and cover it right away....no wonder I go through them so fast! I guess I never really gave it too much thought ....I will be more careful with my pool solar cover. ;)
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Boni, you're Martha Stewart in real life, aren't ya? ;) Awesome idea, IMHO....our cover is ALWAYS soaking wet, I think we'll have to try a blanket, too....I wanted to, regardless, but now that I'm thinking of how much a new cover runs, plus the extra little bit of electric opposed to buying a blanket......hands down, winner.
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I was just wondering the typical life of a spa blanket in a tub with ozone...I think I paid about $80.00 for my blanket. I know it is helping to retain the heat in the tub so I would replace it. I just didn't know how long they typically last. :-/
I'll put in my 2¢. I've had the closed-cell polyethylene foam blanket shown here (http://www.rhtubs.com/store/float.htm)[/url] on my Reward for just a little under a year now and the last month I've noticed it slowly disintegrating into the tub. I pulled it off for the summer a few days ago and am debating whether I want to try to get another season out of it, replace it or not bother at all with it.
I bought the blanket primarily for its heat retention value as it gets pretty cold here in the winter. The "save the cover from falling apart" aspect was a bonus - not the main reason for getting it. If I have to replace the thermal blanket every year, is there any real savings?
It boils down to whether the cost of the thermal blanket will pay for itself over time and at $80 each, buying one every year, I'm just not sure. ???
Anybody else want to share their experience with the thermal floating blanket?
Phil
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My thermal blanket is about a year old and so far so good. The only thing that has happened to it is it has ripped at the grommet points from being lifted off the water.
I will see how long it lasts ... I do keep my cover off for a few minutes after add ing a normal dose after using the tub and at least 20 minutes when shocking.
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Vinny,
I have had 2 of the 3 grommets rip out, too, but I just find another spot about 6" away from the original and the new locations seem to be holding. My wife and I both have ripped out a couple of fist-sized chunks when we were not careful enough positioning the blanket after a soak. Oh well, lesson learned.
I checked my records and I purchased the thermal blanket mid September. Assuming I received it a week or two after, it means I've had it on my tub for about 9 months. I first noticed bits of blanket floating in the water about a month ago so it's lasted about 8 months for me.
Yes, please let us know how long the blanket lasts for you. Maybe the presence of bromine and ozone breaks it down more quickly.
I have the bromine frog cartridge system and ozone so sanitizer is always in the water. Like you, I also leave it open for 20 minutes or so when shocking or adding other chems.
Phil
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On my "handy dandy spa blanket lifting contraptioin", the stress on each strap is spread between two gromets ;)...I think that would help even when using the conventional spa blanket leash. :-/
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On my "handy dandy spa blanket lifting contraptioin", the stress on each strap is spread between two gromets ;)...I think that would help even when using the conventional spa blanket leash. :-/
Bonibelle,
Great idea!
Somehow I missed the post with your pics showing how you connected the thermal blanket. Having the stress over 4 grommets instead of 3 will certainly help keep them from pulling out.
So you purchased an extra set of leashes and placed along the bottom? I can't quite picture how you get them to lay flat.
The manufacturer could learn a few things from you! :o
Phil
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I used duct tape on the side away from the water.
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Phil, I got extra webbing from Walmart sporting goods department (It was a strap for sleeping bags or something like that). You just have to sew the ends so that they don't fray. The two extra straps in the back are only attached to the spa blanket and hang over the side of the spa a bit. I tied knots so that when the cover is lifted, the knots catch between the cover and the spa holding the blanket in place. this keeps the blanket from hanging from the cover. Since there is virtually no stress on that end of the spa blanket, and the straps can move a bit, I only attached them with one gromet (the third picture). My husband didn't like the spa blanket dripping into his wine (he usually puts it on the waterfall tray) or touching his head when he was in one of the back seats...so that is why I did that ;)
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I know this is a very old post by now. But I've been trying to find the best way to attach a leash to a spa blanket and I was hoping to see pictures of how Bonibelle did it.
Is Bonibelle still around after all these years? Or does anyone else have suggestions?
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I used to get a couple of years out of my old bubble blankets.
This is my first year using the closed cell blanket, so the jury is still out.
So far, my only observation is that the bubble blanket was easier to clean.
I would just hose it down, every so often.
The closed cell blanket requires more effort to keep clean, but I just rub down the edge with a wash cloth, so it isn't too much work.