The UK is set to reap the whirlwind of climate change with the huge damage caused by wind storms expected to increase sharply, according to the ABI (Association of British Insurers). As a hot tub owner, it makes sense to protect your investment. A little time and preparation beforehand might just save you a lot of time and money later!
Our minds are focused when the MET office issues a severe weather warning, with named storms seeming to be ever more frequent – but the time to act to ensure the safety of your loved ones – and your valuable property is in the calm spells in-between.
A hot tub cover is just the right size and shape to catch an aggressive gust of wind, ending up being thrown off the cabinet and providing a very effective sail, but causing a lot more damage when it eventually returns to ground. The impact will damage your cover causing the vinyl and foam to crack and be compromised, making it less effective or even useless. It it collects some garden furniture or plants or even worse ends up cartwheeling across the paintwork of your neighbour’s shiny new car things could soon start to get really ugly.
If you already have straps, check their condition from time-to-time. Repair kits are available to ensure that in a time of testing, your storm straps will be up to the task.
Don’t be too over-zealous when tying down your hot tub cover – overtightening could cause damage to the foam core. Make sure the straps are taut and that should be enough to keep things snug and in-place.
If you don’t have time to get some straps and the weather bomb is imminent you could try to improvise straps that wrap around the whole cabinet. Don’t place heavy objects in the middle of your cover in an attempt to hold it in place. Your cover is not built to support heavy weights and may buckle. In extreme weather conditions, you may choose to put additional weighted objects along the edges of the cover where they will be supported by the frame of the hot tub. If you do this, make sure that the cover is protected from rough edges. Spreading the additional weight along timber – something like a gravel board would work. If you use additional weight and boards, make sure they are also secured, as if it they move around they could cause additional damage.
So, your hot tub cover is secure and you can relax and enjoy the show? Not just yet…if you’re expecting a wind storm, you will probably need to think about protecting your hot tub from other potential debris flying around. Tree branches for example can puncture your cover or damage your hot tub cabinet.
If your hot tub is near or under a tree (not the best idea for this reason!) you could consider placing a piece of thin plywood on the top of the cover and strap it down to protect it during the storm. You could do the same around any exposed sides of the cabinet that you feel are at risk. Remember don’t use heavy objects to hold the plywood in place. If you’re taking the plywood option, it’s important to create a buffer between the ply and the cabinet / cover with a blanket or towel otherwise your shield is likely to leave unsightly scuff marks behind.
Despite your best efforts things could still go wrong. In the middle of a storm, the most important thing to care about is your own personal safety, not your property. Now is the time to stay indoors – do not go outside while the storm is in progress. A replacement hot tub cover is cheaper and easier to replace than you are!
Your hot tub cover, if properly looked after will protect your tub, and your water heating bills for years to come. Interested in finding out more? Read our blog on how to look after your hot tub cover.
