I would like to make my own one of these: http://www.rhtubs.com/covers/floating.htm

Does anyone know where I can buy foam like that locally?

4/19/2010 4:53:19 PM

That sounds like extruded polystyrene, aka Dow blueboard.

Edit: sorry I didn't look at the link. The xps you find at a lowes or home depot is going to be rigid board insulation, probably available in 4'x4' or 4'x8' sheets. I'm not sure where you'll find it in a flexible form.

[Edited on April 19, 2010 at 7:18 PM. Reason : *]

4/19/2010 7:14:26 PM

maybe try a camping pad from Walmart, they're made of closed-cell foam (waterproof) and cost like $8 a piece. you'll have to cut to size though.

4/19/2010 9:19:37 PM

^ that's probably going to be your best option if you want to get it locally. Blueboard would work too, but plan on replacing it every year as it'll probably breakdown in the sunlight.

I just checked out the place I usually order outdoor fabrics and foams for tarps, backpacks, etc. (http://www.owfinc.com/) They didn't have anything that wide, but you could glue two 40" pads together if you wanted to, but honestly, the prices on that website you posted were pretty decent for a 6'x6' .5 thick piece of foam.

4/19/2010 9:27:36 PM

try Raleigh-Durham Rubber and Gasket. They are off Hwy 70.

http://www.raleighdurhamrubber.com/

4/20/2010 12:21:38 PM

Is its sole purpose to be an extra layer of insulation beneath the cover? I ask because when I look at one of those, I see a lot more potential cons than pros.

Professional curiosity, enlighten me

4/20/2010 5:28:25 PM

ive got something that works better that's made for trapping heat and still able to float. What size hot tub?
btw the closed cell foam is going to mold and mildew up

[Edited on April 20, 2010 at 7:25 PM. Reason : asdf]

4/20/2010 7:23:53 PM

^^

Quote :

"Heat travels through moist air much quicker than dry air and reducing the moisture between the water surface and your insulating cover will cut down greatly on heating costs.... Less evaporation = Lower heating costs Chlorine, and to some extent bromine evaporate from the water, simply dissipating into the air and bleaching out the underside of your insulating cover (or eating away the underside of some covers).... Less evaporation = Lower chemical costs Most insulating covers eventually absorb water and get very heavy. Much of this water can come from the rising steam.... Less evaporation = Longer cover life"

what kind of cons?


^maybe 7X7. what do you have?

4/24/2010 8:25:48 AM

if this is just to go under a cover you can get a cut to fit thermal blanket at any pool supply store for around $25. it won't be closed-cell polyethyle but if this is just a barrier under an insulated cover it should work fine.

4/24/2010 8:37:01 AM