"Treetops" wrote in message
...
Does anyone know why extruded polystyrene (aka Styrofoam, blue/pink rigid
insulation board) is not used as the core for hot tub covers?
All covers, incuding mine seem to be expanded polystrene Beads which become
waterlogged and crack over time.


Extruded board is usually made in a couple of thicknesses and sold to the
construction industry. Few, if any fabricators use it for cutting into
shapes or other forms of fabrication.

EPS board is more readily available, can be easily cut to any thickness and
shape the end user wants, and is cheaper to buy. Oh, did I mention is is
cheaper?

EPS boads can be made with better fusion and thus will not become
waterlogged. But then it would cost a few pennies more. Your hot tub
probably cost $5,000 so the manufacturer can not afford an extra 25¢ to make
it better.

Is the board esposed? If so, consider putting a coating on it as a barrier.
Latex based products will not harm it and once a barrier is formed, any
coating can be put on top of that.
Ed


It would seem that Stryofoam would not soak up water and is also as strong
and as good an insulation.
Am in the process of using it to repair mine but......it seems to easy an
answer!!! or is it?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.....thanks