Lay-Z-Spa Hot Tub Inflatable Lid Upgrade

[@WonkyWoodworker]

Thanks for this advice and it seems to have worked out very well for me.. I have a square 1.8m lazy spa Hawaii and the inflatable lid developed two holes. I used the jablite polystyrene board which was £35 from B&Q and a single sheet was enough in three pieces taped together as in your video. I carved the sides in a slope of about 70 degrees so that the new 'lid' sits slightly proud of the tub so there is an air gap underneath and no rain collects on top. I did not try and make the new lid to fit inside the fabric cover which just rolls back seperately. I reckon I am saving £1 to £2 per day and the temperature of the tub often gets to 1 degree above what the gauge is set to.

[@mattharding8814]

Great video, the flat lid looks great, much better than the inflatable one. We have the lazy spa miami, not had any issues with the lid yet although its only 2 years old. To stop it from sagging under the weight of water (rain) we have put a £1 inflatable beach ball in the hot tub which helps push the lid up in the middle and encourage water to run off.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. That's a great idea Matt 👍🏻

[@tipohungary]

I just bought my lazy spa st lucia yesterday and that is a great idea mate, as my inflatable lid is basically floating on top of the water right now i'll try this.

[@djcr_91]

I don’t have a hot tub, nor any intention of buying one. But, I still watched this anyway and found it very interesting! As is often the case with DIY, you pick up things all the time and you never know when that knowledge will come in handy! Many thanks as always Charlie for the top quality content.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks, I really appreciate that 👍🏻

[@hightide7351]

I really enjoyed all your videos, I would suggest to fill up the old and useless inflatable lid with expanded foam, Hope to give you a light for a new project 😊

[@obviouslytwo4u]

I filled mine with expanding foam. Never had an issues since. It's easy to do just get a Stanley blade cut out the flap inside valve then use a Hoover to suck all of the air out, then got a silicone tube and put it on the end of the pu gun place the pipe all the way inside to the other end of inflatable cover and start filling. I use my hand to help the expanding foam get to the hard to reach places by also keeping my hand firm down to try to push any air released from the foam back into the foam before it had a chance to expand properly Done and Done 👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Blimey. That's a lot of forethought to pull that off. How many cans did you use?

[@obviouslytwo4u]

@@CharlieDIYte I used approximately two cans of 750ml I've got to admit it was tricky at first but once you got the sides filled up the middle filled up really quickly. What I have noticed is I'm using less electricity to maintain the heat of my hot tub. I don't know if this is worth putting on your KZbin channel but I've been using active oxygen and a 13 watt fish tank UV light to keep my water clean and with over 1 and a half weeks using this method I have had a cleanest water I have ever seen without chlorine

[@sueellenmcgoey6095]

​@@obviouslytwo4uwow! I would love to get rid of toxic chlorine. Can you make a video?

[@neilrobinson2385]

I filled mine with expanding foam, I enlarged the holes where the air was coming out, got a my foam gun with a long flexible hose. Worked a treat no more flat lid.

[@firesmurfuk]

I am considering the same, What foam gun and foam did you use?

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's really interesting How many tins of foam did you need to fill that?

[@neilrobinson2385]

Not sure how many tins, think it was 6 or 7 tins. The gun is one Iv had for a long time it’s very similar to the one screwfix sell now, no nonsense foam gun. If your buying one for this job make sure you get the cleaner as well as this makes cleaning the gun simple and effective meaning the gun can be reused.

[@mbazeley]

You filled the inflatable lid with foam while stuffed inside the vinyl cover? Interesting. But I guess it's permanently wedged in the cover now...?

[@janvanlandeghem9749]

How's the foam holding up? Spray foam isn't really waterproof over time do I'm curious

[@Parkendnorth]

I’ve made one of these and I put 10 inch wooden dowels in my joint to stiffen it up and make it stronger and finished off wrapping the complete thing in carpet protector roll just to be 100%. Best move ever loads cheaper to run and also when it rains I don’t worry and out the lid anymore

[@CharlieDIYte]

The carpet protector roll is genius. That'll stop the foil tape oxidising. Wish I had thought of that!

[@benarmstrong2150]

Carpet protector roll?

[@tjs77tsa]

@@benarmstrong2150 clear plastic with a sticky back used to protect carpet during construction projects.

[@simonphillips3519]

Thanks for the video. I did mine a month ago on a Maldives Lay Z Spa. I used 50mm and rather than taping the join on both sides I sealed all edges and then taped the top edge and so the lid could fold back on itself. Deliberately did not use the inner liner. Easy to add water treatment and less risk of damage when removing storing and putting back on. It sits on top of the sides with a very good seal.👍

[@l33ble]

Any chance you could send some pics? I tried to make one for my Maldives using the inner liner and it was useless!

[@stephenwillett9079]

I would like to see this also.

[@grahamclark760]

Hi Simon, did you attach your insulation to the original cover?

[@daver7013]

I have an inflatable, hot tub that I haven’t set up yet. Because I am still investigating how to insulate it for my deck, which is more like a Florida sunroom. So your video is been very helpful. as part of my original set up, I will be including insulation, top and bottom and probably figuring out some way of insulating the outside of the hot tub as well. Thanks again.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. I'll be doing an update on the lid. It's survived very well but for a truly insulated lid you need to dispense with the skirt as it limits the size you can make the lid to and make a shamfered PIR cover as per the image I showed in the vid of the PIR before I had to start cutting it down to fit on the skirt.

[@tribalism_is_toxic1989]

I was about to repair my 1st leak. that was in the EXACT SAME SPOT... Thank God I didn't. If your ever interested in working at NASA I live in Houston TX and will drop off a pic of ur finished product. Spot on!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks buddy 👊

[@pmedic297]

Awesome Video. My Bestway Tub lid is still holding air. When it fails to do so, I will definitely go with this option. The only downside to the default lid that I see right now is that the inflatable aspect sits in the tub below the rim. When it rains... I have a puddle in the lid. I also believe that the lid is not water tight at the stitching because I've noticed my water level has raised in the tub after a significant rainfall. If I have the energy and extra money, I might just do this before the inflatable fails for the obvious reasons. Thanks for the great video.

[@aurinator]

Great information and you're absolutely right too; they can't even hold air and stay inflated because of the holes you demonstrated.

[@TinyGoHomes]

Using the right vinyl glue when sealing holes is the game changer. Light fast dry layers. 🤛

[@CharlieDIYte]

That wasn't the problem. Had a great vinyl glue but as fast as I was fixing them, new ones would appear.

[@TinyGoHomes]

@@CharlieDIYteI did every seam twice

[@skylined5534]

​@@TinyGoHomes When there are more holes than vinyl it's time to give up. I've also used the correct vinyl repair glue but it never works for long. The airless insert idea is far superior!

[@360poledancing]

Thank you! We have the same tub, and it’s the valve on our inflatable lid that has failed. The replacement inflatable lids are unavailable/out of stock everywhere. Your video just kept coming up in our searches, so looking forward to getting it sorted. We’re thinking of allowing the centre seam to fold so we can store it more easily out of season (or just keeping 2 halves for the same reason)

[@CharlieDIYte]

If you have it folding you'll need to dispense with the skirt. Use a clear gorilla tape on the central seam as the foil tape does tarnish when it comes into contact with chlorine.

[@ndhairteam7718]

I’ve done this last year to my Helsinki hot tub after going though 4 inflatables they are terrible, but I’ve wrapped it in pond liner which o bought which has its sealed sides on top which is hidden inside the lid when it’s pushed in, this solves the problem and it’s completely water proof and will last as a finish .

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good work 👍🏻

[@stevenRS2000]

Thanks for this video. I’ve got a St moritz to and planned to use insulation board, your experience cuts out all the time wasted to measure up… I plan to use a external Sand filter to this year to prolong water changes…

[@CharlieDIYte]

Only thing I'd say is if you can make it a tiny bit wider, do as that way you'll cut down on any heat leakage. The skirt does restrict you though. And use clear Gorilla tape in the middle as the foil tape reacts with the chlorine.

[@gatoreye2000]

We have the same problem with our inflatable hot tub cover. I will make the rigid foam board fit inside the skirt as you did. I suspect that the gaps you speak of may disappear when you cinch down the cover with the straps good video! thank you

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes that's probably right Stu. It does seem to retain the heat pretty well. You just want to make the circumference as large as you possibly can. 👍🏻

[@jimbaker2877]

I have the same tub (6 months old). Leaking slowly but not a huge issue yet, but it does collect water, sags, and not holding in heat as well as it should. I also couldn’t find a replacement lid available in the US. If I get brave enough, I’ll try a DIY lid like yours. Thanks for posting!

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Hi ,just done my hexagonal tub , like you did . Used 100mm thick panel, difficult to work out the proper shape as I didn't have the inflatable Bladder to copy . Definitely a two man lifting process otherwise I nearly folded the 2 half panels I to each other, family accidentally turned off the heater from plug and I've just checked the temperature, very impressive its lost only 4 degrees in about 8 hrs I think . So this idea definitely works but a little struggle to place the cover, also mine is hitting the water.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Just make sure not to use the foil in the middle particularly if it's hitting the water as it will react with the chlorine. I bought some clear Gorilla tape and applied that on top of the foil. It stops it oxidizing or whatever the chlorine is making it do.

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

@@CharlieDIYte thankyou for replying, I've just bought the round inflatable Bladder and placed that on the water, it seems to do the job in keeping the panel off the water and also lifts it a little to stop rain collecting.

[@valborchardt3596]

Hello charlie from south africa….very informative video for those of you with hot tubs, thank you

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Val. Good to hear from you!

[@tonyquinn7479]

A genius and elegant solution 👌

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Tony. A bit of a niche video but hopefully a few people will find it useful. 👊🏻

[@normanboyes4983]

Nice job Charlie and I am sure it is a better thermal performance than the lilo. I reckon cutting the skirt out is probably the easier solution. Btw I would never have a hot tub. We have a Bath and I use it once a year wether I need it or not.👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Norman, and good to hear from you. Ha! This is like a bath in the garden 365 days a year, with the temperature the family insist on keeping it at 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@caskwith]

I think I would leave the foam and cover separate myself so you could get the best fit possible, I would also experiment with putting a tennis ball or a small plastic bowl etc, basically something under the cover in the middle of the board to create a tent for water to run off the cover more easily.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. Yes that seems to be the consensus so far. 👍🏻

[@spongefactory]

Thanks for the shout out Charlie!

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. Credit where credit's due, my friend 👍🏻 Kind of wishing I had done it your way though. That extra circumference would have made it even better.

[@paddyschannel217]

Great solution to this problem pal … just burst my lid too ‘ power washing on low setting still ripped through it🤦🏻‍♂️’…. I’ll try this solution. 👍🏻

[@hmtheron]

I am thinking of putting pool noodles into the inflatable lid that seems to float in top of the water anyway… but going to look into the PIR insulation you talked about - thank you 👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Noodles will keep it off the water but won't stop the leaks.

[@dustinduminske5627]

I just had this same thought last night? Did you try it and did it work? That was my thoughts also. Put the noodles inside the inflatable lid.

[@Gavstafunk]

I tried this a couple of years ago. The result was that the chlorine corroded the silver layer and left a grey powder like substance in the bottom. It meant wet vaccing the stuff out before each use.In the end we just bought another inflatable lid. We have found though that by keeping it and the hot tub inflated over the winter months has prolonged its lifespan. Also it is in a shelter so doesn't suffer from direct sunlight.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks for this. The corrosion is an interesting one. I'll have to see if that happens on mine. So far no signs of it. Like you, I leave mine inflated all year round, partly because if I put it into store it would probably get eaten by rodents 😬

[@Gavstafunk]

@@CharlieDIYte I'm planning to do a vid on how I've managed to keep my early model lay z spa going for years. I worked out that the punctures in the main pool bit of it seemed to be in the corner creases where it was folded for storage over the winter.

[@sammygirlie345]

Fill your old inflatable lid with expanding foam job done

[@lindabennett3482]

I have this dilemma too with my hot tub inflatable. I have had to blow it up repeatedly. Now I see from your video the problem areas for leaks I will have a look to see if I can do a repair/repairs. Thank you.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Linda if you do what I did, put transparent gorilla tape on top of the foil tape in the middle to stop it reacting with the chlorine. Also you'll achieve a more comprehensive job cutting off the skirt but then you'll have the PIR board and cover separate.

[@obviouslytwo4u]

I was speaking to a penguin the other day and said to it about the cover on top of the hot tub. he told me that the reason why these inflatable covers keep getting holes in is because of chemical and PH imbalance which reacts with the material🤗. Which makes total sense because since getting a new inflatable hot tub and deciding to use UV filtration and sodium percarbonate. it seems I've not had a problem with the cover and filter changes are becoming less frequent

[@jodyashmus8730]

Thank you!! Mine hasnt given up yet, but i saved your video

[@fed234]

My hot tub just came with a fabric lid. I put an air mattess on top to keep snow and rain off.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good work 👍

[@basilkearsley2657]

I use long jigsaw blade to cut through thick insulation boards. This is much more controllable then a reciprocating saw

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes, I can see that. 👍🏻

[@cjhification]

Probably I'd go with the cutting off the skirt, having now seen both options.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I agree Craig. It's not quite wide enough left in place.

[@edwardbennett2072]

I just cut the 100mm insulation to the width of the hot tub and glued a inner circle with spray foam to it underneath to give it extra insulation , glued with underfloor rubber backed underlay using spray foam again as found this the best fix !! put the cover over the top of it and it works a treat !

[@nanaimonucks]

Can you elaborate a bit? I am very interested in doing this but get lost when you mention a inner circle of rubber underlay with spray foam… Do you mean that you have a 100mm insulation board sitting on top of the sides of the tub and then glued a rubber smaller circle that sits on the bottom that is the diameter of the inner walls? Thx

[@davidchouinard1225]

I thought I Saw it here, maybe it was somewhere else. I put a moving Blanket ( 8.99) over the cover and a Tarp over that. Seems to be working well.

[@tyeman3039]

I know this is two years ago but I would have fit the insulation inside on the diameter of the pool, not the inflatable. But you have given me an idea. Thanks

[@diywithemma]

Thank you for buying your hot tub 12 months before me so I can learn from your mistakes 😁

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. The trick is to buy it out of season. That way you can get one at normal retail prices as opposed to the inflated prices you have to pay when everyone hoovers them up and then sticks them on eBay 👍🏻

[@diywithemma]

@@CharlieDIYte I feel this. I wanted one at the start of lockdown, unfortunately so did everyone else. The cheapest I could find was £650 and I just couldn't bring myself to part with that sort of money. I so waited in case one popped up cheaper. A year later when the hype had died down I bought one for £310. Staggering difference!

[@abelromero4373]

Awesome. I just bought this hot tub. Looking for ways of keeping it outside in winter and to run it more efficiently.

[@CharlieDIYte]

My advice would be make the insulation a bit bigger and don't worry about the skirt. Also that foil tape does corrode with the chlorine so a plastic alternative would be advisable. 👍

[@jackbrien2033]

Make up a solar water heater too 🌞

[@davidcarr5734]

Brilliant! Saved for future reference.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks David 👍🏻

[@jamesmott2258]

Great video! I just made a new lid by following this, and I love it already. I triple taped the two boards together, and I’m curious to see if it makes enough of a difference to heat loss to be noticeable on the power consumption

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good work James. If you used foil tape in the middle like I did, you might just get some clear Gorilla tape and cover the join with that as you'll find the foil tape tarnishes with the chlorine. Still love mine but wish I had made it a touch wider (possibly by dispensing with the skirt) to eliminate any gaps. 👍

[@brandabe]

Great video thanks

[@chrisroyle4813]

Thanks for posting - it's something I've been considering doing and expected it to be more straight forward than you found it to be. It may well have to wait though - Kingspan 100mm TP10 (in stock) is currently listed at £100 per sheet at the local Wickes ! I have some foil insulation which I might try wrapping around the inflatable portion in the interim.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome Chris. Yes building materials are far too expensive at the moment!

[@andrewdurman3922]

Absolutely brilliant video have a lazy spar Helsinki been there Patch after Patch at those stupid semi circular designer error outer seems! thought it was just a one off and I had a dud apparently not! Own an £8 air mattress from Wilco's after 6 years off being jumped on by the kids not sign of a leak! How can they not be held accountable? years ago we had trading standards. The irony is the actual Hot Tub is fine....

[@spiralclimbing]

Well made video. Thanks for the idea. My first inflatable (Coleman Bahamas) should arrive on Tuesday. Apologies if someone mentioned this already, but I would consider maximizing the top diameter of the foam, and then cutting a straight, 45 degree +- angle to the bottom of the board, thereby making a type of "plug" or "stopper". This would effectively close the gaps on the sides, as you would achieve more surface area. In essence, the foam sides would be shaped like "7", not ">". This would also eliminate any shaping, and the dimensions would not be so critical. I would also consider creating a larger angle on one side, thereby forcing the cover to tilt. Although this will not look quite symmetrical, it should effectively pitch the cover slightly, so most water will roll off to the side and reduce puddling. Also, aluminum is easily corroded by calcium hypochlorite, etc., so i would consider a non-metallic duct tape for the center, and seal the foam edges with some sort of roll-on sealer, spray sealer, etc. I have not researched any options, but I am relatively sure there are some non-marring options that will not effect the plasticizer in the vinyl sides. -------------------- The easier option... I have seen 2" blue foam-board without any metallic surfaces, so that would probably be best. That foam is bonded with a thin layer of some type of clear plastic sheeting, which should not impact the vinyl when sitting on top of the tub. So, I may simply go this easy route, and use this 2" blue solid foam board cut with simple 90 degree sides, just slightly larger than the diameter of the peak around the circumference of the tub, and ignore the skirt completely. When ready to uncover, simply remove the cover, then remove the foam, in 2 separate operations. This would avoid any gluing, or complicated / damaging cover modifications. Maybe you or someone else can expand on these ideas!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks, all valid comments. I started with the angled edges but unfortunately I couldn't get the cover back into the skirt so then began the process of gradually reducing it in size. I agree, dispense with the skirt and you have a much better solution. A bit of a pain though each time you want to use it to have you remove two separate components. I'll look into the blue foam though.👍

[@petertr2000]

@@CharlieDIYte " two separate components" That's how it works for the thinner-walled versions of the layzspa's anyway, I think?

[@jimgeelan5949]

Again Charlie I haven’t got a hot tub and i don’t intend getting one but I’ve watched all the video because it was so well put together and solves another problem that looks like many people have, well done matey.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Jim - I really appreciate that 👍🏻

[@NatesToolbox]

1 year old mine is still great use it multiple times a week 🤞🏻

[@CharlieDIYte]

The original cover or a DIY replacement?

[@NatesToolbox]

@@CharlieDIYte original cover 🙌🏻. To be fair it’s under cover (clear roof sheets). So doesn’t get smashed with weather :) Will definitely keep your idea in my pocket though 🤙🏻

[@MyFishy007]

Awesome video! Such a great idea!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate. Just use a clear tape in the middle if you do this though as the foil tape tarnishes due to the chlorine.

[@freddyply]

I used 100mm insulation board to sit mine on top of to retain heat when not in use, didn't think of using it for the lid too.....genius thanks!

[@helenalovelock1030]

What 100mm board did you buy for the base please?

[@freddyply]

@@helenalovelock1030 same as used in this video, pir insulation board. I used the same brand name too but I'm sure you can buy non branded for a bit cheaper if you look around. Hope that helps?

[@CharlieDIYte]

The only thing you'll find, as I showed here kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIC0Y39nibKUr8U is that the foil delaminates under the pressure of the water and creates a bit of a mess. I've gone back to using the Lay-Z-Spa mat now

[@freddyply]

@@CharlieDIYte I covered it over with a thick grade DPM and then used the mat on top of that again. I have decking around the tub then at a depth of about 150mm in total so you can still step in/out ok.

[@CharlieDIYte]

@@freddyply Ah, good thinking! At some point In going to construct a circular base to act as a sacrificial layer that maintains air circulation to preserve the deck under the tub.

[@astabajelyte5963]

Thank you so much for this video, well explained and loads information!

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're very welcome Asta. Thanks for the comment. If you do something similar go with a clear Gorilla style tape in the middle as the foil tape tarnishes.

[@astabajelyte5963]

@@CharlieDIYte thanks for tip I’m going to make one as mine sagging in middle and not got punchers yet but i can see it happening. Great tip 🤩

[@spenny1963]

I just re fitted an M Spa 6 people round bladder about £40 which fitted perfectly and better still is domed so rain water falls away!

[@CharlieDIYte]

So you filled it with air rather than water? Cunning!

[@andrewrobinson3719]

Fill it with expandable foam. No more leaky lid ;) just makes harder to store away

[@rickmoz]

Not sure if this is in the comments but a good replacement is the best way inflatable watermelon. Fits perfectly into the lid and is only £25 on amazon.

[@StorytellerSueW]

OMG, brilliant. TY!

[@douglaslacrosse3981]

I used two kids life jackets i bought at walmart on clearance. never have to worry about the sag even if water is low.

[@operatormack8244]

Great effort mate

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. If you're going to do something similar, get some clear Gorilla tape for the centre join amzn.to/3WrI57o as the foil tape does tarnish.

[@MrDuanewarren]

I like the idea what you’ve done, but wondering myself if I should just try expanding phone instead

[@KOL630]

I agree. Mine is now 1/8 full of water because it get’s condensation inside and you can’t empty it out. Shame as the rest of the tub is really good quality overall. I have the Vancouver model. I think the more expensive ones should come with a better lid.

[@CharlieDIYte]

The new lid is working well but it needs clear Gorilla tape in the centre seam because the foil tape reacts with the chlorine. If I did this again I'd probably ditch the skirt so I could make the PIR a bit wider but you do then have the hassle of two covers to remove each time. It's much more efficient to heat though

[@angieopelc7861]

I've had mine 4 months and it's already doing it. I blamed it on my cat😮 thank you.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yep, nothing to do with the cat. Just had design. 👍

[@jmarkh01]

Good content! Very useful!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks John. If you do one of these use clear Gorilla tape in the middle as the chlorine makes the aluminium tape tarnish in time. The aluminium is fine around the edges though

[@Russellviews]

I have found the BEST way to patch holes is with 3M sealant. Find the hole, make sure its dry and apply. You do NOT have to totally deflate to apply but is MUST not be fully inflated. It is so thick when applied the leaking air will not push through the applied sealant. The patch kit that comes with your inflatable tub should be thrown straight in the trash. I've never had a leak restart wherever i've applied it.

[@stevepope4020]

Great video, i have the Vegas model, and the inflatable lid was poor , i managed to install the same as you (foam insulated board, all in one piece not cutting it in half to fit the skirt, I measured the inside diameter of the main inflatable body and taken 2CM off so to allow changes in size due to rise and fall to temperature. The skirt can stretch a little to fit the last quadrant, and the use of bike tire leavers helped. now the cost of heating the hot tub has improved.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great work Steve. I actually wish I'd cut the skirt off. It's neater how I did it, but there's a tiny gap around the side but I might see if I can find some foam sheeting that I could feed between the skirt and the insulation. It's working well and cheeky much more efficient to heat, except I did have to cover that central foil tape with clear Gorilla tape to stop it reacting with the chlorine.

[@richardbodicoat6413]

I've had 3 inflatable lids for the palm springs and they all lose air and fill up with water.

[@creativechimp03]

Steve what board did you use in the end. Some of the conversation has been around XPS board (which seems harder to find in 100mm). I'd be interested to know from you and Charlie, or anyone else that if you were to do it in 2023 what board you would choose? Taking delivery soon of a Foam sided Lay Z Spa, but the lid is still inflatable which is crazy!!! Thanks.

[@stevepope4020]

@creativechimp03 Good evening. My next-door neighbour gave me a sheet to use, as he is a builder. I would say to go to a local builders merchants. Thickness is not critical, but obviously, the thicker the better. I hope this helps.

[@creativechimp03]

@@stevepope4020 Brilliant Steve, thanks will do. Is yours still holding up well?

[@trevorshortt9518]

Are you able to comment on what energy savings you got with your foam lid vs the original inflated one? I imagine it would be big? Thanks.

[@captainwaldo]

Nice vid

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Lewis 👊🏻

[@kieronconcannon]

Excellent, thank you.

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. If you make it like this, use a clear tape in the middle eg gorilla tape as the aluminium tape I used does tarnish with the chlorine.

[@josephgraham1065]

I used to have an intex inflatable hot tub and the top never got punctured but it did become heavy from water. I believe the water was from condensation but it was a big pain for about 5 years to get the water out.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Joseph, that's interesting. Must be some sort of osmosis going on 🤔

[@plumberna]

Yes I have a lazy spa Bali and my lid has water in but no puncture it's coming up to 3 years old now had 2 winters outside I made something very similar out of 50mm insulation board but sat the board on top to try and stop the water pooling on top of the cover it worked not perfect but stopped most of he rain pooling. My only problem is the top edges have misshaped in two places. The inflatable lid has now curved inwards so I have turned it over and it's now sat perfect like a dome on top. When the lid finally gives up I will definitely make one out of insulation board such a great idea

[@alexb3385]

Thanks for that. Very interesting. I think I'll go for the separate board cover option, but will definitely seal the edges with foil like you did. Possibly with a smaller square of board in the centre to tent the cover.

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's wise Alex as mine does have a tiny gap because of the issue of fitting it in the skirt. Also the central foil tape needs clear Gorilla tape to stop it reacting with the chlorine. Other than that it's working a treat 👍

[@lynnabbott231]

Thanks!

[@dustinbrown6980]

I personally have the Coleman Saluspa Ibiza with the classic Bestway pump. However, most of all the hotub brands are the exact same so this review goes for ALL of them. Here's my brutally honest review of my inflatable hot tub.

[@hydrorelaxproway]

great, you did a lot

[@whobdis77]

Good stuff. We just got ours a week ago and I already hate the inflatable lid. I started looking at the insul panels as an option. I wouldn't mind making a hinged lid so may need some wood on the top where hinge would go then glue insul panel to that. If anyone has done that I'd like to know. It would be heavier

[@BasJon]

I just got my new St Moritz delivered this weekend and to my shock the next morning not even 24 hours old my lid had deflated over night a brand new product, now that is taking the biscuit.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes I'm afraid those inflatable lids are terrible. The rest of the tub is bullet proof. Mine still going strong after 3 years with 1 small puncture I had to fix.

[@Russellviews]

I wonder if keeping the old lid but inserting a floating rounded bubble sheet, like the solar ones used in swimming pools, would be effective?

[@brianmcmanagan3742]

Nice video. Was just thinking what about filling the punctured inflatable top with expanding foam??

[@bencostello4352]

Did you try the expanding foam? Did it work?

[@lauramartin1148]

I'm sure somebody must have mentioned this already but you could cut the inner pocket in 2 or 3 places, insert the insulation board and then sew up the inner pocket again.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I'm not sure how durable that would be as the material would fray I think. In hindsight I should have ditched the skirt and made the insulation a bit bigger.

[@robinsturgis5733]

I used an old boat float that we towed behind our boat. You may could fill it with spray foam

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes a few people have said that. I'm amazed it fills it sufficient.

[@ArneVanhove]

Had exactly the same issue with my Lay-Z Spa Tahiti. Had a few leftover PIR board laying aground to take to the scrap yard but i used 3 pieces and taped them toughether with alu tape. I wanted the lid to lay flat on the tub, but unfortunatly, my left over panels were not large enouhg. Instead of a 1500mm circle, I had to cut a 1400mm one. I did not take the time to try and fit it in the placeholder of the lid, for the reason that i wanted to be able to clean the lid. There is a possibility it can get mold i think. Anyway, i cut of the edges in a 45 degree angle and it now sits sunken in the spa, but doesnt touch the water. Long story short, the same princeble, but i did not attach it to the cover. There are a few small gaps, but if you close it up with the lid, it's just fine. The water also stays hotter for a longer time. If someone wants to see a picture, let me know. It's a win-win. I dont have to pay for disposal of the PIR insulation board and i get a better insulation for the tub. Downside: i have to store it somewhere when not in use. But for now, I'm planning on leaving it for the winter and see .

[@ArneVanhove]

I used 60mm PIR insulation board with alu vaper barrier. Taped the sides with alu tape. I had to make it out of 3 pieces I put tougheter. The alu tape is strong and holds the 3 pieces toughter very well. No flex at all and it can support the weight of a cat :D

[@CharlieDIYte]

Well done Arne. Yes, I leave mine out all year round. If I put it away the rodents will eat it.

[@Crazykillerz998]

Arne did you notice any gain from using only 60mm PIR boards on saving electricity costs ?

[@ArneVanhove]

@@Crazykillerz998 I wish I could tell you. Still renovating my home so have not yet invested in a power metering device. Planning on doing so with a Shelly. Anyway, I'm pretty sure it gains you a lot of efficiency. The R value of pir is a lot higher than just air. Also, you lose the most heat on the surface of the water because it can vaporise. The only downside is that you have to store it somewhere. But I'm really happy I did it.

[@ArneVanhove]

@@Crazykillerz998 so in short, while not measured, I'm certain it will save you a lot of energy. It hasn't really frozen a lot here in Belgium but when it does, the ice and snow stays on top of the cover. Only in a few spots it starts to melt because of some gaps in between the border of the tub and the insulation.

[@Heatherreseller]

Shoe goo and clear glue gels like E6000 glue work good for the holes. But yea insulating it with thicker insulation is genius.

[@Russellviews]

I have found the glue gels to be excellent as well. The patch kit that comes with the tub is useless.

[@tv848]

I've had a lazy spa Monaco for the last 7 years and fortunately for me haven't experienced the leaking lid problem although is does need reinflating every couple of weeks (no holes though). I probably would have climbed inside the tub, marked the internal diameter on the boards and added a bit. I suspect that probably wouldn't have gone any better and the tub would have had to have been empty too...

[@CharlieDIYte]

Glad to hear you haven't had any probs with yours, Ryan. 👍🏻

[@DashDrones]

Incredible, my Monaco lid started leaking within a year :(

[@petertr2000]

I have the exact same problem!

[@tjorg75]

Great ideas everyone, re: foil tape.....Would flex seal tape work?

[@richardbodicoat6413]

I've thought about buying a big sheet of ply wood and cutting a circle out the same diameter as the hot tub so it sits on the top and completely seals it. Obviously paint it too with waterproof paint. The weight of the wood would create a good seal and it wouldn't be a problem when it rains. The only drawback is the weight, it may take 2 people to take it off and on. Just wondered if you considered this before going down the route you chose? Great video though buddy! 👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

You need the insulation though mate and yes the weight would be a problem. When I first started trimming that PIR board I had a shamfered edge that sat beautifully on the top, sealing it completely, but I had to keep reducing it to get it into the skirt. It's neater the way I've done it but you do get a bit of heat leakage out of the small gaps around the edge. Might have been better to ditch the skirt in hindsight. If you need to join the PIR like I did with that tape, clear Gorilla tape is better as that foil tape reacted with the chlorine.

[@zeldahopper]

You would t think it but HOT GLUE works! If you use it on the raw styrophom ( not the foil. But if you use hot glue on both sides of a foam and press them together- they do not come apart! It basically melts it together. So this is a tip for anyone who has to piece styrophom together. Then I used a pool noodle around the outside circle edges. Used foil tape to secure it. Then slide it in the skirt lid. This gave it the ability to be pushed into the hot tub and suction in place. Hope this helps someone.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Love the sound of that 👌👏

[@MrFish1968]

Think is my top goes I may try filling it with expanding foam

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes a few people have mentioned that. I'm not sure how well it would fill though from the one inlet nozzle. You'd need a lot of foam, too!

[@MrFish1968]

@@CharlieDIYte I think you'd just make holes in the centre of each 'rib' fill one at a time and wait in-between each.

[@davidgoodman911]

Excellent!!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks David. If you're going to copy this put some clear Gorilla tape in the middle joint as I find the foil tape reacts with the chlorine.

[@drewborgholthaus2010]

2:54 -> cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) won’t hold up on inflatable rubbers or plastics. As soon as you add any air to it or it bends, the seal will crack and let air through as CA glue dries hard. A flexible waterproof glue is needed, E6000 works good, I’ve used it on inflatable paddle boards and it’s held up for over 2 years now.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. 👍

[@derrickboatman1560]

As an engineer and a designer I would say this modification increases freeze protection and increases the efficacy of the device in general, increasing the longevity of all of the parts. Tip o the hat sir! Now I know what I'm going to do. For all the lay men that don't have to worry about Frost hotter water quicker cheaper. And it's cheaper.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Derrick. If I was doing this again I would have cut the skirt off. That way you can achieve a total air tight seal by making it a bit wider - downside is you have to find a way of keeping it attached to the cover unless you treat them as two separate entities. Also, use clear Gorilla tape not foil in the middle as the chlorine tarnishes the foil and I think messes up the treatment of the water (just my hunch).

[@ferrarimad1000]

Awesome video Charlie. Could you not have put a hinge on the top of board in the middle to allow the lid to be folded over to allow easy access and then maybe tape down the joints in the middle joint? Just wondering.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Nice idea but the problem is it's hard to fix into the foam. You'd need to bolt through but you want to minimise any metal in there, because of the chlorine.

[@garyh4458]

@@CharlieDIYte You could use nylon bolts/nuts. I imagine there are non-metal hinges you can get as well. Having a hinged top would be nice if you just want to hop in yourself and leave the cover half open.

[@johnnixon3100]

Best way are doing a cover for £120 clid .. you could do an appraisal of this x

[@TimRB1979]

What about using expanding foam in your inflatable top?

[@katinkaheresbody-mindsoulc5409]

Amazing!!

[@alexskacel3850]

I do not recommend using foil tape. That tape is meant for taking duct work which is not exposed to heated chemical water. I used that foil tape on my lid and just after a month it was dissolving. That left a lot of residue in my tub but also are away at the tape making removal in order to replace the tape very difficult. I would recommend using a tarp tape Wich has better resistance to the elements.

[@ivfbabymaybe157]

What is tarp tape? Duct tape?

[@tuukka518]

I wonder why you didn’t just use 50 millimeter XPS insulation panels? They would have been a lot cheaper than the foil covered insulation that you used. Haven’t tried it myself though.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hmmm. That's an interesting one. I wonder how it compares weight wise? 🤔

[@helenalovelock1030]

XPS is made for wet environment too I’ve been told so thinking of using it as a base? Do you think that would work ?

[@GoogleGoogle-ef5pw]

@@helenalovelock1030 yes it would. Plenty of Facebook groups that show it does

[@brandonmeade8999]

Exactly what I did

[@CharlieDIYte]

Glad to hear it Brandon. It's great isn't it. Did you manage to make yours big enough? Mine could have done with another 25mm or so on the diameter.

[@CocoPopsOnFire]

for anyone doing this in future, you should cut it into 3+ parts to fit into the skirt. the two ends and a middle section. when you put it into the skirt you can fit the 2 ends into place no problem which will leave a middle chunk missing which you can fill with the 3rd piece. you'll need to dissasemble to remove it though

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good point, and I think maybe the approach is to not try to stick them together as this causes issues with the PIR foil tearing. If they're squeezed in under pressure, sticking then together shouldn't be necessary..I found the foil tape tarnished so clear gorilla tape is a better solution.

[@sketchbreaker]

I just tried something and it worked! I used my existing leaky cover, I took two cans of spray foam, and filled it up through the valve hole, worked perfectly will last a lifetime!! be careful not to over fill!!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Did it fill the entire cover? A few people have suggested that but I was sceptical that it would fill the entire cover.

[@sketchbreaker]

@@CharlieDIYte yes but took me 15 cans! i regret that, but once i started i had to finish! i had to cut small mini holes to fill everything in the different chambers, but it worked and floats great! keep the holes on the top, not the bottom.

[@nick27j]

I’ve had the same issue with the Santorini inflatable lid. Useless item and is poorly designed. I’ve just made this in the video but instead of fitting it within the top cover, I’ve made the it so that it just sits on the sides like a lid with the cover over the top. Seems to work ok and stops the water pooling which is a real pain if not under hard cover

[@CharlieDIYte]

🛠Charlie DIYte Amazon Tool Store amzn.to/3fcLnY4 - all my tried, tested and much loved DIY tools. ☕Charlie DIYte Buy Me a Coffee Membership bit.ly/3xuQ3zb - access our incredible Discord DIY forum and help support my Channel. 👚Charlie DIYte Merch Store charlie-diyte.myspreadshop.co.uk/ - check out my professionally designed merch.

[@AlexWhittemore]

Superglue is really bad for those repairs because it’s brittle, and just cracks to create new leak channels. You want AirStop glue. Way more durable for vinyl appliances like the hot tub and air mattresses, and doesn’t even require a patch - you just build new vinyl over the hole with the airstop. Though in those corners, you should keep your strategy and just swap in airstop. Those sharp stress concentrations are pretty bad. my older intex spa uses concentric sections that don’t have any sharp corners to tear.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Alex. Problem was not so much the repairs but new punctures kept opening. Terrible design, that cover.

[@kellyvillecarseatinstallat8734]

We got our spa on Saturday....... it has been leaking since we bought it 6 days ago!!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Sorry to hear that. The design of the lid is so disappointing. I think the rest of it is pretty decent quality.

[@kellyvillecarseatinstallat8734]

@@CharlieDIYte yes we have been so impressed otherwise!! A replacement is on its way, hopefully it holds the air for more than a few hours! I am going to see if i can replicate what you've made!

[@vlratcliffe1]

We bought one off ...wave spas .. and there lids are amazing quality really thick and we had ours 2 months no leaks . But it's a bit small It dont fill the full circle of the tub theres about 1 to 2 inch gap all round so i put insualtion board on top of the cover to keep the heat in

[@jonthecont]

I was thinking it be good if you could fill a punctured one with expandable foam.

[@TheWebstaff]

No thinking required. Its a winner quite a few people have already done it.

[@jonthecont]

@@TheWebstaff i did this now and works very well but cost a lot in foam cans