Do you want to get a dome shelter for your outdoor hot tub? They offer numerous benefits for an affordable price and easy set-up, but they do have some disadvantages…
Advantages of Buying a Hot Tub Dome Shelter:
1. Heat Retention: Spa domes help to retain heat, keeping the water warm for longer periods. This can be especially beneficial in colder climates or during cooler evenings, allowing users to enjoy their hot tub without worrying about the water temperature dropping too quickly.
2. Energy Efficiency: By retaining heat, these enclosures can reduce the energy consumption required to maintain the desired water temperature. This can lead to cost savings on heating bills over time.
3. Privacy: Some users may appreciate the privacy that a spa enclosure provides, shielding them from the view of neighbors or passersby while they relax in the hot tub. Although the PVC material is usually transparent, the hot steam limits visibility. You can also purchase opaque covers.
Note: Plastic garden domes may have some impact on noise levels, but they are not typically designed for sound insulation. While they may help to muffle sounds to some extent, they are unlikely to completely block out outside noise or keep private conversations in.
4. Weather Protection: Bubble covers offer protection from the elements, such as rain, snow and wind. Therefore, people can use their hot tub in various weather conditions without being directly exposed to the elements.
5. Extended Use: With a protective cover, hot tubs can be used year-round, regardless of the weather outside. This can increase the overall enjoyment and utility of owning a hot tub.
6. Cost Savings: You can receive most of the benefits of a more expensive gazebo or shelter and save hundreds of not thousands of dollars.
7. Customization: Many domes come with customizable options such as lighting, ventilation, and automation features, enhancing the hot tub experience.
Drawbacks of Using Bubble Tents & Domes Over Spas:
1. Maintenance: They may require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure proper functionality. Plus with pop-ups, you may need to assemble and take them down frequently, depending on weather and how often you want the protective cover.
2. Limited Size Options: Finding a bubblecover that fits your specific hot tub size and shape may be challenging, and therefore limiting. That said, a 12′ x 12′ pop-up dome can comfortably fit over a standard 4-6 person outdoor spa.
3. Ventilation Concerns: Poor ventilation in bubble domes can lead to moisture buildup and potential issues with mold or mildew. That said, most domes offer built-in air vents to boost circulation.
4. Shorter Lifespan: Plastic covers and pop-up bubble tents typically don’t last as long as 4-season hot tub enclosures or cedar-frame gazebos. However, you can extend their life many years simply by regularly cleaning the surface and storing them in a cool, dry spot when not in use.
5. Aesthetics: While they can enhance the overall look of the hot tub area, some users may find these domes bulky or obstructive to the view. And compared to permanent, wood-frame structures, they can look cheap.
6. Less Sturdy: PVC garden domes and bubble domes usually don’t perform well in ultra-windy conditions. Although you can secure many tents to the ground with stakes, they tend to blow around.
Conclusion:
In general, hot tub bubble domes provide a variety of advantages such as retaining heat, enhancing energy efficiency, shielding from weather elements, ensuring privacy, and prolonging usage. Nevertheless, it’s wise to assess their drawbacks to ensure that the cost savings actually meet your desired value.
Last Updated April 24, 2024