The covers are important for protecting the tub and the family members who use it.

 So, why is a hot tub cover important? Here are the basic facts about covers and

 why they are important:

- They protect the hot tub from impurities

This is the most obvious function of a cover. Just like any other type of cover for any type of container, the hot tub cover protects the tub from impurities such as leaves, trash, insects and the like. A hot tub cover is mostly important if the tub is located outdoors.

- Hot tub covers protect children and pets from the tub itself

How many times have you heard that a child drowned inside a hottub? This is a risk that parents have to take when they acquire a hottub, and this is a risk that hot tub covers address. Hottub covers make the tub more secure for unattended children and pets since they are usually very heavy. The heaviness of the tub covers is actually a good thing because small children will not be able to lift it up without the help of adults, keeping them away from the tubs when they are alone.

- Covers protect the tubs from direct exposure to sunlight

Direct sun exposure may harm the tub. A good hottub cover should be able to protect the tub against the harmful effects of the sun. The thickness of and the material used for the cover are two of the most important factors to consider in purchasing a cover. Remember that outdoor covers will wear out more quickly than those that are indoors because of the torture it gets from sunlight exposure.

-Covers help retain heat

Maintaining hottubs can be very expensive, especially if we factor in the electricity costs of maintaining the heat inside the tub. The covers of the tubs should be able to help retain the heat inside. These are usually insulated by a material called "expanded polystyrene". Actually, the thickness of the cover is the main determinant of its heat retaining capacity.

Most hottub kits usually come with covers. However there maybe times that purchasing a new one is unavoidable. Here are some important things to remember when purchasing a hot tub cover:

-Size

This is a crucial factor that is sometimes forgotten by those who purchase new hot tub covers. Even though there are written specifications regarding the size of the tubs, it would not hurt to double check with the manufacturer and the hot tub cover dealers.

-Material

The outer covering of the hot tube cover are made from different kinds of materials, as opposed to the insulating foam, which is basically the same in all types of hot tub covers. Make sure that the material is mildew resistant.

-Children

If there are children in the house, it would be better to purchase a cover which is heavier. Again, weight serves as a safety feature for hottub covers. If there are no children, perhaps an easier-access model is more suitable.

-R-value

The covers insulating capabilities are assessed using what we call "R-value." The general rule is that the higher the R-value of a hot tub cover, the better.