Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: nlittle on January 10, 2007, 07:21:55 am
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Hi!
My new tub is being delivered today so I am trying to to be educated enough to make the right decisions, or at least good ones!
So, I have search for spa blanket on this forum and could not find many hits.
What are your opinions on this? Is it that much better for insulation? Does it really save the cover a little? Will the spa heat up quicker? (I am getting a Hot Springs Prodigy hooked up to 115v) etc, etc.?
Thanks for any input....also if you have any other suggestions about must have "improvements" send em to me.
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Not so sure it will heat up the spa quicker- probably not enough to notice.
Should save on cover wear and tear, and could hold heat in your water better.
I don't use one right now, but I'm tempted to order one with my next cover order.
Doc's website has some information on spa blanketsif you're interested.
If you live in an area like I do, where it can get cold in the winter, I can see the potential for energy savings. In warmer climates, I'd think not as much potential there.
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I lucked out--My neighbor was replacing his pool cover. Most of it was in great shape as it was only 3 years old and rarely used. They kept it tied up and the end had escaped and had big rips. Not good for covering his pool, but just right for me. Anyway, I was able to cut it up into enough bubble blankets to last me for years!
Indeed, it keeps my cover pretty dry. I have a brown spot above where my ozonator is. A forum friend said it was nitrous oxide. Better to have it on my blanket instead of the new cover.
The cover does get wet, but only around the edges-- I do not have the blanket cut exactly to the edges. Another forum friend suggested getting another square of blanket and using a washable marker to measure it directly on top of/at the water line. Perhaps I'll do that this summer.
I have never not had a cover, so I can't compare that.
When I open my tub half-way, I grab the blanket and toss at least half of it up on the cover. Then when the cover opens all the way, the blanket goes with and is hanging from my cover. When I get in the tub, I can make sure it is all out of the water and laying smooth, ready for closing up. I do not find it to be a problem at all. It takes all of 10 extra seconds, 15 if there is a big wrinkle to smooth out.
Oh! The downfall that I see, is that I cannot just dump in my teaspoon or so of dichlor, hit the clean button, shut the cover, and go in the house for the night. The blanket would get swirled all around, partially sucked into my filter basket, impede the cleaning process, and not be on top of the water where it belongs. I have to leave my cover open, set the kitchen timer for 10 minutes, and go outside again to shut it up
I'd like to think that by keeping the cover dry, it is helping to prolong it's life as well as to provide some extra insulation and evaporation protection. :)
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... I have a brown spot above where my ozonator is. A forum friend said it was nitrous oxide. ...
Nitrous oxide? Laughing gas?
N20 is a gas. So the spot isn't N20, and i don't see how N20 is being produced in the tub. How did he explain this?
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Kervis,
What a classic movie that was.
I would imagine that your spot is pretty much the same thing, nitric acid and should wipe off with a sponge. Your post may start the whole ozone thing again explaining the benefits of a proper sized contact chamber ;)
Drewstar--that's funny! ;D I did think I sounded pretty intelligent there for a minute though... ::)
I found the old post ---
NITRIC ACID!!
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Drewstar--that's funny! ;D I did think I sounded pretty intelligent there for a minute though... ::)
I found the old post ---
NITRIC ACID!!
I've heard of nitric acid too. Never the Nitrous oxide. I didn't know if I was misunderstanding something. (ie confused)
You know, for a second I thought maybe you had a real suped up tub - NOS injected :D like the drag racers.
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I give the spa blanket two thumbs up...It protects the spa cover and keeps it dry...and it does add insulation value. I have the gray blanket (I believe it is called closed cell..but check on Doc's site) so far I am a believer!
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I give the spa blanket two thumbs up...It protects the spa cover and keeps it dry...and it does add insulation value. I have the gray blanket (I believe it is called closed cell..but check on Doc's site) so far I am a believer!
Thanks for everyones input! What is docs URL? :)
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Thanks for everyones input! What is docs URL? :)
http://www.rhtubs.com/
Tell em Drewstar sent ya, and INSIST on the forum discount. ;)
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Being new to spas and not having a spa bubble blanket, I have to ask, when my Jacuzzi J-355 circulates water at 12am, 6am, 12pm, and 6pm, all for 45 minutes each, would it "wad" the blanket up and potential sink it or suck it up to the filters?
Thanks in advance.
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I'm pretty sure the bubble type would move all over the place. It worked that way on my pool when the return was pointing upward.
I have the closed cell type cover and it sits right in place, it's like a 1/4 inch thick. I was able to cut the blanket to the actual size of tub. This was simply done by inserting the blanaket and walking around the tub with a cutter.
I purchased my blanket from doc as well.
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Being new to spas and not having a spa bubble blanket, I have to ask, when my Jacuzzi J-355 circulates water at 12am, 6am, 12pm, and 6pm, all for 45 minutes each, would it "wad" the blanket up and potential sink it or suck it up to the filters?
Thanks in advance.
Good question..my tub is a hot springs so I think there is a little circulation all the time rather than having cycles...as a result I believe the blanket would be ok. Not having it yet I don't really know.
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That bring up another question I have about circulation. I think I'll post another thread.
Thanks.
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I put a blanket on mine about a month ago, a grey closed cell purchased from RHtubs, that's made a significant difference in how often the heater comes on. I've had the tub for less than a year so I can't compare the electrical savings without a blanket. However when I'm in the tub alone I fold the blanket in half and leave it floating on the side of the tub I'm not in. I was in the tub alone yesterday with the tub set at 101 degress and the air temp around 40 for 30 min, the heater never came on and the tub stayed at 101. That's never happened before without the blanket even with air temps over 60. I also got a cover saver with the blanket. It keeps the spa cover suspended away from the cover lifter when it's open so that the cover hinge is not supporting the weight of the cover as it hangs on the lifter.
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It doesn't get very cold where I live but I've noticed steam coming out from under my cover occasionally. The steam escapes at the joint where the two cover halves are put together. It's not exactly air tight where the two halves are joined. I guess a blanket would minimize some of the heat loss in this situation.
I wonder why the spa/cover manufacturers don't include a spa blanket if they actually provide a benefit?
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I wonder why the spa/cover manufacturers don't include a spa blanket if they actually provide a benefit?
1. It increases the initial cost of the cover, making it more difficult to sell
2. It lengthens the life of the cover.
3. Some/many people don't want the bother of using them.
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Good question..my tub is a hot springs so I think there is a little circulation all the time rather than having cycles...as a result I believe the blanket would be ok. Not having it yet I don't really know.
My cheaper bubble blanket does not wad up during those normal circulation cycles (I have a Vanguard). You can't have it on when the jets are going, however. It sounds like the closed cell blanket may stay in place for a clean cycle, and just because it is that much more thicker and sturdier, will provide better insulation.
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So does it make a noticeable difference in heating costs? That's really the only reason I would get a spa blanket. Why hassle with it if it isn't saving you any $.
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My memory isn't great but I think I read in a Better Homes and Gardens special edition magazine that a closed cell spa blanket adds and R value of 7...
OK, I tried to find this info...no luck but what I did find indicated it might be more like R factor of 4 :-/
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Let's assume your electric bill is $50 per month without a blanket. What type of energy costs savings would you expect after installing a blanket? I know it depends on several factors, i.e electrical costs, outside temp versus water temp, usage etc. I'm thinking it couldn't be for than a few dollars per month for most of us. What do you think?
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I have no idea, but i would guess that the energy savings might allow you to recoup the cost of the blanket over the life of the blanket. I also believe using one may extend the life of your cover by 50%, which is a substantial savings in the long run.
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Well, I am just about to buy one of the closed foam ones from Doc and am contemplating the leash he sells also. That would make it easier to deal with it.
Any thoughts on that?
http://www.rhtubs.com/store/float.htm#leash
Scroll down below the blankets.
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Well, I got the closed foam spa blanket, leash and cover saver thing at docs website.
I have not installed the leash yet because it's just too cold!
But, on the blanket, I like it a lot! It is easy to deal with and does not bunch up at all with the jets on. I have only had the spa 2 months so I can't really say about energy costs but it gives me piece of mind. Also, it is becoming somewhat discolored which I suppose could be happening to my cover!
A+.
I like the cover saver too but I need to move my cover lifter bar to properly install it with the velcro etc. It takes all the weight from the seam and it seems like it will save me in the long run.
:)
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The only problem with the cover saver is that the Velcro glue will turn to mush if the tub is in the sun.
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I have the foam blanket and the leash. I've had them for about 1 1/2 years.
I think that the blanket helps with convection currents under the cover. The water surface is covered so you're not getting the wind or just the natural currents sucking the heat off the surface. How much is it saving - I couldn't tell you since I've used it pretty much since my tub was new.
Now for the bigger savings - not having to replace the cover in a short period of time. Either the bubble or foam will achieve this. Remember that ozone and chlorine/bromine will give off corrosive and damaging vapors - that blanket is taking the brunt of them. If it means that your cover lasts an extra 2 years - that's worth the money in itself.
The cover leash is a great thing in as I lift the cover, the blanket goes with it, draped over the halfed cover. I don't think I would use the blanket if I didn't have the leash.