Fantastic idea! We were just about to buy yet another commercial cover when I stumbled upon your video. I've already ordered the foam. I'll upload pics when we're done.
I would suggest stainless steel screws and washers. Make sure to put about five equidistant down the length of each slat. Trust me. It will keep the liquid water/snow/ice from pooling/piling up, and you won't have as much rippage.
@@JasonSipe16 I was going to post pics of our finished product, but I guess that's not allowed. We used redwood - it's an ancient redwood tub - and Danish Oil to finish that (not on the glued side). We also added the 5 SS screws/washers per your suggestion. Thanks for the inspiration and guidance!
Awesome! I hope you like it. Feel free to send me photos on my email! If, in a year or two, you decide that it doesn't work for you, let me know that, too!
Great video. Thank you. I subscribed and liked. And i rarely do that. Thank you for no dumb music and bs commenting. You were very informative and clear. Appreciate it!
Thanks so much for the feedback. Glad you liked. I also don't like that kind of video, so I try not to subject other people to that when I make my videos.
I'm interested in learning more about your experience with using foam and wood insulation, especially considering the difference in thickness and r-value compared to a standard 3-5 inch thick insulated cover. Have you noticed any significant differences in energy consumption since making the switch? And do you typically keep your spa heated year-round?
Great video! I know you stress the importance of the screws to hold the wood. Is the 3M 90 not holding tight after a year? Also are your slats sagging in the middle just over time spanning such a distance? Thanks!
Great idea & video. When you roll it up to uncover, how and where do you move or stow it to. I have an idea for mine to make a 14-16" shelf between the tub and deck rail, but was curious about what you do.
Looks great, but we had 2 of these big mats on our patio with workout equipment on top. Unfortunately, the mats expanded and contracted depending on the temp/weather and we had to trash them. I wonder if your material expands and contracts. I'll look for a follow up video. Thank you!
I haven't really noticed it expanding or contracting a whole lot. It's just resting on the top of the tub, so if it expands and contracts, it is still held down by the slats to more or less seal the tub.
Hey man! Great video! I will do one for mine here in Brazil lol! Just a few questions; what are the thickness of this mat? And how longer you need to cut the mat, need a little more than the spa size? Mine have 1,90mx1,60m i was wondering if 2mx1,70m is good?! Thank you so much!
Glad to help. Remember to add more screws down each wooden slat than I did. I would recommend at least five per slat. It helps keep the foam attached to the wood when it rains hard
Great idea and video! Just one question. Since you had installed 3 screws per slat initially, then you stated that you added an additional 5 screws, I just want to clarify that each slat now has 8 screws and washers?
Hi Jason! We have been wanting to do this for a while (because of your video) and are going to jump in. Way back when, you had a comment that included how thick the foam should be along with a company that provided this form (not the Amazon link). Do you still have that link along with the specifics on the best closed-cell foam (brand, thickness, etc.) to use? I can't seem to find this anymore in your comments!!
It is holding up great, but I would recommend a different stain or finish for the wood slats, and I would put about 5 to 6 SS screws/washers per slat, evenly distributed.
Good question. I think if you were to roll it up and carry it around, it will weigh at least about 30 pounds. Depends on how much wood slats you put on it.
Hi ; here in PA. for insulation i see they sell 3/8 and 1/2; in your experience 3/8 enough (insulate same or better as standard foam cover?) Thanks & great job on the diy
Thanks! I would say the 3/8" should be adequate for PA (I grew up in S. Pa). 1/2" would be great, but thicker to screw through, and more $$$, I'd guess. Wait, are you talking about insulation, or the Volara stuff that I recommend? I recommend closed cell foam if you can find it
I grew up in Pa, so understand east coast winter. Our winters in the PNW are usually Dec to early Mar. but usually a bit milder (mid 30s and sometimes down to 0, but not long) That said, this should do the trick for you.
Good question! This is closed cell phone, so, unlike the foam inside a normal hot tub cover, it doesn't get waterlogged, but it is still an experiment, so I can't tell you for sure. That said, it should hold up if taken care of.
This is a great idea and looks great. But could you show some sort of a cost breakdown? The cost of a replacement cover goes from like $300-$?? depending on quality. (Doesn't look as nice as the wood though) You built this with cedar, (which isn't cheap, if you can even find it.. haha) and would eat up some cost. Looks like you used about 20 or so boards halved. So 10 cedar boards 2x6x8=$250? Closed cell foam=? Adhesive and hardware= $65ish? Looks like over $300 without the foam being factored in. Could this be done with treated whiteboard/pine to significantly cut costs, at like $7/board? Asking for a friend.... (Or me) Who also just received a free tub with no cover..
Actually, with the cost of wood at the moment, you are probably right. The closed cell foam is about $100, though. When I made this, the wood prices were a little better in my area in the Pacific Northwest.
@@JasonSipe16 I called the store, she knew the video but they only have 60 width due to something about factories. She watched it again and didn't want to predict so she said to start from the beginning. They have 60 w and any L but I don't know if I should add a second part and adhesive it down like the one in the middle. You are giving her a lot of calls!
@@mimibrown2222 You know what? I think it is 60 inch. My mistake. What I did was glue the edges together and cut off the remaining amount. Then I took that piece and made my seam cover. I think it cost like 90 bucks or so USD for all of it.
I've seen other diy roll up covers where people also put a heavy duty tarp under the mat, then screw it together. Would you suggest that as an additional option?
I don't necessarily want to discourage you from trying it, but I think it's something that I probably wouldn't add to mine. This closed cell foam is really waterproof and insulatory. It is a very high quality foam.
Thanks so much, I ordered the mat you suggested and changed my plans from another I had watch months ago. So glad to have found your video! I'm in Michigan but spa is enclosed. Can't wait
Hey Jason--could you tell me what the cut dimension of your slats is? I read your comment about cutting a 2x6 with a table saw but I can't quite tell what the dimension appears to be. Also are there grooves on the underside? I'm very excited about making a cover along this line.
The dimensions are roughly 1 1/2" x 2 5/5". These particular pieces have a kerfed (grooved) bottom, but that doesn't matter at all. From my experience with our cover, I would suggest putting four or five screws across each slat at equidistant spacing to keep water from causing the foam to puddle.
@@JasonSipe16 Well I have all the materials collected. Another question: About how big around was the cover when rolled up? You ran short of hands at the end of your video...I'm using 5/4 x 6" cedar deck boards that I am going to cut into three's (approx 1.75" wide) Going to experiment and see if I can design it to interlock in the spaces between slats, but if that doesn't work wondering how big it will be. I'll probably make a platform for it to sit on.
@@JasonSipe16 So I finally finished my cover. It went well, but I didn't use the adhesive you did and the slats ended up popping loose when I rolled it to put in the screws. Other than that it went great. It seems to be insulating amazingly well. I wanted to send you a picture but I don't think this will let me. But it looks great!
Hey Jason, I need to build one for my self, where did you order the rubber from? Just want to make sure I get the right stuff! Oh and how thick did you order.
UPDATE: I would suggest making sure to add more screws and washers underneath the foam. Rain can cause it to puddle and sag the foam into the water. I'd suggest adding about 5 screws evenly spaced down the length of each board.
Pretty good! That particular foam seems to insulate the water without degrading at all. I would say adding more stainless steel screws and washers down the length of each slat will greatly improve its ability to resist pulling water and snow.
Here are links to materials you can use for this: Here is the 3/8" thick closed cell foam on Amazon (you might need 2): amzn.to/46is4nV Here are links to the hardware you can use for this (you will need to count how many you want to use because these boxes might not have enough): Stainless Steel fender washers: amzn.to/3Jd32wd Stainless Steel screws: amzn.to/3bis1Sa
@@JasonSipe16 Hi Jason- would you mind putting a link to exactly what you ordered for the matting material. I looked at the foam factory link, but didn't see it. Thanks
@@moreorless00 This is the 3/8" I bought. www.thefoamfactory.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=BASK&Store_Code=foambymail&Product_Code=VA2-375&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1&Action=ADPR
Was looking for an idea to build a cover for a surround for an inflatable spa, this will work well.
Fantastic idea! We were just about to buy yet another commercial cover when I stumbled upon your video. I've already ordered the foam. I'll upload pics when we're done.
I would suggest stainless steel screws and washers. Make sure to put about five equidistant down the length of each slat. Trust me. It will keep the liquid water/snow/ice from pooling/piling up, and you won't have as much rippage.
Where did you order the rubber from? I’m looking to order mine
@@JasonSipe16 I was going to post pics of our finished product, but I guess that's not allowed. We used redwood - it's an ancient redwood tub - and Danish Oil to finish that (not on the glued side). We also added the 5 SS screws/washers per your suggestion. Thanks for the inspiration and guidance!
Awesome! I hope you like it. Feel free to send me photos on my email! If, in a year or two, you decide that it doesn't work for you, let me know that, too!
@@brandonromo6265 The link is in my description
Did think about the cell idea good
Great video. Thank you. I subscribed and liked. And i rarely do that. Thank you for no dumb music and bs commenting. You were very informative and clear. Appreciate it!
Thanks so much for the feedback. Glad you liked. I also don't like that kind of video, so I try not to subject other people to that when I make my videos.
Brilliant!
I'm interested in learning more about your experience with using foam and wood insulation, especially considering the difference in thickness and r-value compared to a standard 3-5 inch thick insulated cover. Have you noticed any significant differences in energy consumption since making the switch? And do you typically keep your spa heated year-round?
I haven't noticed my electric bill going up, but then again, my old cover was pretty worn out, and I turn off my hot tub in the summer.
I did the same but used PVC with PVC head 1/2 in screws
What type of pvc did you use?
Great video! I know you stress the importance of the screws to hold the wood. Is the 3M 90 not holding tight after a year? Also are your slats sagging in the middle just over time spanning such a distance? Thanks!
I absolutely still stressed the importance of the stainless steel screws. The 3M is more for holding it until you can get the screws in.
Great idea & video. When you roll it up to uncover, how and where do you move or stow it to. I have an idea for mine to make a 14-16" shelf between the tub and deck rail, but was curious about what you do.
That is exactly what I did! 🤘
Genius! Where do I buy the rubber?
There should be an Amazon link in the description for the type of rubber I got. Or you can check foam factory.com
LOVE THIS!! Gonna make it this weekend! What is the thickness of your mat?? I see they have 3 different thicknesses. thanx!
dug deeper ~ found it! 3/8ths👍🏼
Correct!
Looks great, but we had 2 of these big mats on our patio with workout equipment on top. Unfortunately, the mats expanded and contracted depending on the temp/weather and we had to trash them. I wonder if your material expands and contracts. I'll look for a follow up video. Thank you!
I haven't really noticed it expanding or contracting a whole lot. It's just resting on the top of the tub, so if it expands and contracts, it is still held down by the slats to more or less seal the tub.
@@JasonSipe16 Thanks!
Great vid! Any updates on how the cover is holding up?
It's doing well, but I had to add more stainless steel screws and washers to displace the weight better. This foam really holds in the heat.
How well would this work in colder climates?
We get temps down to lower 20s F and it works here.
Hey man! Great video! I will do one for mine here in Brazil lol! Just a few questions; what are the thickness of this mat? And how longer you need to cut the mat, need a little more than the spa size? Mine have 1,90mx1,60m i was wondering if 2mx1,70m is good?! Thank you so much!
I think it's approx. 9.525mm in metric thickness. Going 10mm or so over around each edge is probably sufficient.
@@JasonSipe16 thank you so much 🙏🏼
Glad to help. Remember to add more screws down each wooden slat than I did. I would recommend at least five per slat. It helps keep the foam attached to the wood when it rains hard
Great idea and video! Just one question. Since you had installed 3 screws per slat initially, then you stated that you added an additional 5 screws, I just want to clarify that each slat now has 8 screws and washers?
Nope, sorry--meant 5 (or 6) TOTAL per slat--instead of 3.
A New Life
Hi Jason! We have been wanting to do this for a while (because of your video) and are going to jump in. Way back when, you had a comment that included how thick the foam should be along with a company that provided this form (not the Amazon link). Do you still have that link along with the specifics on the best closed-cell foam (brand, thickness, etc.) to use? I can't seem to find this anymore in your comments!!
You bet! I used the 3/8" Volara foam from foamfactory.com
how;s this holding up? Im between a couple of ideas. this looks good.
It is holding up great, but I would recommend a different stain or finish for the wood slats, and I would put about 5 to 6 SS screws/washers per slat, evenly distributed.
How heavy is it? Here in the midwest we get heavy winds and just thinking if it would get blown off.
Good question. I think if you were to roll it up and carry it around, it will weigh at least about 30 pounds. Depends on how much wood slats you put on it.
@@JasonSipe16 ok. Thank you. It’s a great idea. I will just have to look into modifications for this climate.
Hi,
Can this be done with some type of water proof board like trex? Do t want to have to maintain the wood
I guess. Might be kind of thin, but you could experiment!
Could I ask, how is the cover holding up? We are looking to build one for a very large swim spa.
It's good. Not sure how it would scale up that large, though.
Hi ; here in PA. for insulation i see they sell 3/8 and 1/2; in your experience 3/8 enough (insulate same or better as standard foam cover?) Thanks & great job on the diy
Thanks! I would say the 3/8" should be adequate for PA (I grew up in S. Pa). 1/2" would be great, but thicker to screw through, and more $$$, I'd guess. Wait, are you talking about insulation, or the Volara stuff that I recommend? I recommend closed cell foam if you can find it
How is the cover holding up?
It's good!
What is your winter? I’m in Delaware and need a 4x19 rolling cover for my swim spa. It’s a hot tub swim pool combination
I grew up in Pa, so understand east coast winter. Our winters in the PNW are usually Dec to early Mar. but usually a bit milder (mid 30s and sometimes down to 0, but not long) That said, this should do the trick for you.
Hey quick question... Why volora, as opposed to, say, neoprene?
Not married to Volara--it's just a closed-cell foam that resists temperatures and doesn't have memory.
Jason, what do you do with the cover when you are using the hot tub?
I made a wooden shelf that sits at the back of the hot tub to catch the rolled up cover. Works awesome.
Do you live in a winter climate ??
I live in the PNW of U.S. We get temps down to 20 degrees F. in winter, but not too often down to 0 degree F.
Will you have to replace the foam on this in a few years, as with a regular cover?
Good question! This is closed cell phone, so, unlike the foam inside a normal hot tub cover, it doesn't get waterlogged, but it is still an experiment, so I can't tell you for sure. That said, it should hold up if taken care of.
This is a great idea and looks great. But could you show some sort of a cost breakdown?
The cost of a replacement cover goes from like $300-$?? depending on quality. (Doesn't look as nice as the wood though)
You built this with cedar, (which isn't cheap, if you can even find it.. haha) and would eat up some cost. Looks like you used about 20 or so boards halved.
So
10 cedar boards 2x6x8=$250?
Closed cell foam=?
Adhesive and hardware= $65ish?
Looks like over $300 without the foam being factored in.
Could this be done with treated whiteboard/pine to significantly cut costs, at like $7/board?
Asking for a friend.... (Or me) Who also just received a free tub with no cover..
Actually, with the cost of wood at the moment, you are probably right. The closed cell foam is about $100, though. When I made this, the wood prices were a little better in my area in the Pacific Northwest.
Where did you get the mat? Great idea
It's in the description
For an 8' x 8' how much should I order. I don't know how to configure the w and l. Thank you.
I have a rougly 8 by 8 hot tub and I bought 62 inch wide by 16 ft long.
@@JasonSipe16 I called the store, she knew the video but they only have 60 width due to something about factories. She watched it again and didn't want to predict so she said to start from the beginning. They have 60 w and any L but I don't know if I should add a second part and adhesive it down like the one in the middle. You are giving her a lot of calls!
@@mimibrown2222 You know what? I think it is 60 inch. My mistake. What I did was glue the edges together and cut off the remaining amount. Then I took that piece and made my seam cover. I think it cost like 90 bucks or so USD for all of it.
this is EXACTLY what i want to make .. but where did you get wood that is so uniform .? and what type of wood is it .?
I ran 2x6 cedar boards through a table saw.
I've seen other diy roll up covers where people also put a heavy duty tarp under the mat, then screw it together. Would you suggest that as an additional option?
I don't necessarily want to discourage you from trying it, but I think it's something that I probably wouldn't add to mine. This closed cell foam is really waterproof and insulatory. It is a very high quality foam.
Thanks so much, I ordered the mat you suggested and changed my plans from another I had watch months ago. So glad to have found your video! I'm in Michigan but spa is enclosed. Can't wait
Best of luck!
How has your electric bill been using this type of cover
Not bad. It holds the heat in pretty well.
Hey Jason--could you tell me what the cut dimension of your slats is? I read your comment about cutting a 2x6 with a table saw but I can't quite tell what the dimension appears to be. Also are there grooves on the underside? I'm very excited about making a cover along this line.
The dimensions are roughly 1 1/2" x 2 5/5". These particular pieces have a kerfed (grooved) bottom, but that doesn't matter at all. From my experience with our cover, I would suggest putting four or five screws across each slat at equidistant spacing to keep water from causing the foam to puddle.
@@JasonSipe16 Well I have all the materials collected. Another question: About how big around was the cover when rolled up? You ran short of hands at the end of your video...I'm using 5/4 x 6" cedar deck boards that I am going to cut into three's (approx 1.75" wide) Going to experiment and see if I can design it to interlock in the spaces between slats, but if that doesn't work wondering how big it will be. I'll probably make a platform for it to sit on.
The roll is about 2 1/2 feet thick when rolled up.
@@JasonSipe16 So I finally finished my cover. It went well, but I didn't use the adhesive you did and the slats ended up popping loose when I rolled it to put in the screws. Other than that it went great. It seems to be insulating amazingly well. I wanted to send you a picture but I don't think this will let me. But it looks great!
Hey Jason! Great video. Question, which thickness of Volara foam did you go with? And were you happy with that thickness?
I have a link to it on another comment. It's 3/8 in. It is a very good thickness for this application
@@JasonSipe16where did u get the rubber that big?
Please see the pinned comment above, or look at the link in my description.
Would any wood besides cedar work? I'm having trouble locating cedar 2x3s.
Sure, as long as you seal it with clearcoat on it.
Is this hard enough if a person or children stand up on it?
I would definitely not recommend standing on it
Hey Jason, I need to build one for my self, where did you order the rubber from? Just want to make sure I get the right stuff! Oh and how thick did you order.
I have the link in my description. Good luck!
I’m so sorry, I clicked the description but totally missed it, I’m that guy!
Lol. No worries!
Ei Excelente fab.. could you please let me know the thickness of the rub that you use?
Yes, it is 3/8 inch thick
How did the cover how up?
UPDATE: I would suggest making sure to add more screws and washers underneath the foam. Rain can cause it to puddle and sag the foam into the water. I'd suggest adding about 5 screws evenly spaced down the length of each board.
Hi Jason, did you space the 3" cedar slats 3" apart? Thanks!
Yes, further in the video, I show using one of the slats as a spacer
After a year or so, how's it holding up??
Pretty good! That particular foam seems to insulate the water without degrading at all. I would say adding more stainless steel screws and washers down the length of each slat will greatly improve its ability to resist pulling water and snow.
Thanks! I’m in the middle of trying to put mine all together. We’ll see how it goes!
Good luck. I would recommend the gorilla tape over the spray adhesive.
How well does it retain heat?
Actually, it retains it amazingly well.
When you spliced the mat together did you place 2 pieces side by side and join them with joint piece underneath?
And how wide was that joint piece?
And 1 last question was the tape gorilla duck tape?
Exactly. Side by side with adhesive, then a 5" to 6" wide seam, spray adhesive and the. Gorilla tape on the other side.
Thank you!
Good luck! It's not too hard. One thing I'd advise is to add more screws per slat than I initially mentioned.
Where did you get the mat?
Hi, I have the materials listed in my description
Here are links to materials you can use for this:
Here is the 3/8" thick closed cell foam on Amazon (you might need 2): amzn.to/46is4nV
Here are links to the hardware you can use for this (you will need to count how many you want to use because these boxes might not have enough):
Stainless Steel fender washers: amzn.to/3Jd32wd
Stainless Steel screws: amzn.to/3bis1Sa
What size washers and size screws did you use?
I used 1" SS screws and about 1.25" SS fender washers. See the description above for links.
Thank you
Bought four and they will not work with 5G cell service. :(
Sorry, you bought 4 of what?
Where did you get the matting material?
Foamfactory.com Chose the 3/8" thick stuff. Came quick and bought about 16' in length.
This is exactly what I have been looking for thank you
@@yvonnephillips5256 Hope it goes well. We really like ours, but it is still new, so I'll eventually do an update in a year.
@@JasonSipe16 Hi Jason- would you mind putting a link to exactly what you ordered for the matting material. I looked at the foam factory link, but didn't see it. Thanks
@@moreorless00 This is the 3/8" I bought. www.thefoamfactory.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=BASK&Store_Code=foambymail&Product_Code=VA2-375&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1&Action=ADPR