JSW
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Posts posted by JSW
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I got a similar result - about a 20F increase after adding the insulation. The minimum cabinet temperature is now consistently about the same as the water - 103F. The max temp is about 10F higher when the pumps run. Outdoor temps are around 25-35F lately.
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I added extra insulation to my Platinum Elite II as well. The tub came with foil bubble wrap under the skirting and 1/2" styrofoam behind that. I added 3.5" of Roxul insulation (R14) inside the styrofoam. Roxul is a mineral wool insulation. It repels water and therefore doesn't lose its insulating value if exposed to moisture. Its soft like fiberglas but denser and stiffer. It was easy to fit into tight spots where pipes come close to the cabinet. It can be easily cut to shape where necessary and is stiff enough that its doesn't sag where there is no support. I installed it right up to the underside of the shell, so it also closed off the gap between the shell and the skirt. I left a gap between the shell and skirt near the blower pump so that the blower would have a supply of fresh air. I used thin wood dividers to keep the insulation away from the pump motor air intakes. I used dlynn's idea and put a remote temperature sensor in the cabinet. The base unit sounds an alarm if the temperature falls below a set point. This gives me some peace of mind when its really cold out. I suspect the foil interferes with the signal - the readings are sporadic at times. I also added a plastic bubble blanket that floats on the surface of the water. When I'm finished using the tub, I turn off all the air controls. Hopefully all these measures will keep the energy consumption down in the cold winter months.
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I too live in Winnipeg and have added some extra insulation. Regular pink insulation in plastic bags in the cabinet. I also noticed the loss of heat through the gap between the cabinet and the shell just below the controls. I wedged some foam insulation into the gap and now there is no loss of heat. I also put the bubble cover on top of the water. Have noticed a decrease in operating costs by doing this. I calculate that my average monthly cost has been around $30 to run the tub. I stll wish there was a way to shut the jets off from turning on twice a day for circulation. I guy 20 or so posts ago suggested a way which did not work.
I have noticed recently since it has been getting cooler out that soon as I lift the top off and jump in the heater cranks on within minutes. I have not had too many problems with the tub and overall I am satisfied.
What have your experiances been in Winnipeg?
When you say $30 per month to run the tub, is that averaged out over a full year including winter? Is that just electricty or chemicals too? If its both, how much is just the electricity? I think fiberglas insulation would be easier to install than rigid foam board. What kind of bags did you put the insulation in? How did you seal them? How did you fasten the bags to the tub? The automatic jet cycles don't blow the bubble blanket out of place?
We're also very happy with our tub - the only problem so far is that it arrived with some of the skirting panels damaged. I'm still waiting for Costco to supply new ones. I understand that Hydro Spa's local service rep in Winnipeg is Crown Pools & Spas - so hopefully the service will be good if we ever need it.
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dlynn:
My Elite Platinum II, which I purchased in May 2006, came with the type of insulation you describe. I wonder if this is a recent improvement to this model? It also has 1/2" thick styrofoam panels. Since I live in Winnipeg, Canada, which has pretty severe winters (-30 to -40 degrees celsius), I wondering if my electric bill is going to sky rocket this winter. I'm considering adding a 1" layer of P2000 foam board (R27).
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Sorry for the delay Stevo, been on vacation.
Insulation:
I added radient barrier foam insulation to the inside of the cabinet secured with construction adhesive.
Between the cabinet and the shell I added 6" of plastic wrapped fiberglass (John Mansville - Comfort Therm) secured using velcro for easy removal. I am very happy with this setup. The cost to run my spa is comparable to my neighbor's full foamed Marquis and I still have easy accessabilty if needed. Total material cost was about $125.
NightRyder
NightRyder:
I would like to add insulation to my Elite Platinum II as well. Could you please elaborate on your insulation? What is "radient barrier foam"? How thick? What is the R value? Is there any danger of over-insulating to the point that the pumps may overheat?
Thanx.
JSW
Question: Adding Extra Insulation
in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Posted
Yes, I would do it all over again. I have no regrets. At first, I was hesitant about the Platinum Elite II, but the more I shopped around and researched, the more I realized that its a terrific deal (IMHO). I knew, thanks to this forum, that the insulation was an issue and that more could be easily added. So I don't consider it to be a 'problem'. I've had no significant problems. We've enjoyed our spa immensely. This spa may not be suitable for everyone but it was for us.
A satisfied customer.