Spa side wall insulated jacket and method of use

Abstract

An insulated jacket for an un-insulated spa has at least one insulating material that is enclosed by a cover. The cover has top and bottom ends and two free side ends. The cover includes means for securing the ends together when the cover surrounds the side wall of the spa to form a continuous periphery. The cover insulates against heat loss for heated water contained in the spa.

1 . An insulated jacket adapted to surround sides walls of a spa comprising:
 a) an insulation material;   b) a cover enclosing the insulation material, the cover being elongated in shape, and having a top end, bottom end and two side ends,   c) means for securing the cover to a spa to form a continuous outer periphery of the cover surrounding the spa,   d) wherein the cover is sized so that it exposes a top of the spa and surrounds the side wall of spa to provide insulation to minimize heat loss through the side walls of the spa.   
     
     
         2 . The insulated jacket of  claim 1 , wherein the insulation material is one or more of a fiberglass blanket or batt, preferably R-13 to up to R-20, a loose fill of insulating material, a sprayable foam, and a reflective insulation. 
     
     
         3 . The insulated jacket of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is a polymer material such a vinyl, more preferably a marine quality vinyl with UV protection. 
     
     
         4 . The insulated jacket of  claim 1 , wherein the securing means further comprises at least one belt, the at least one belt attached to the cover along a periphery thereof, the belt ends attachable to each other for securing the jacket to the spa. 
     
     
         5 . The insulated jacket of  claim 4 , wherein the belts ends are attached using a mechanical attachment. 
     
     
         6 . The insulated jacket of  claim 5 , wherein one belt end has a come-along adapted to receive the other belt end for cinching of the jacket. 
     
     
         7 . The insulated jacket of  claim 1 , wherein the securing means comprises one or more of buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and rings. 
     
     
         8 . The insulated jacket of  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes stitching for decorative purposes and/or insulation retention purposes. 
     
     
         9 . The insulated jacket of  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes one or more designs and/or colors to enhance the look of the jacket. 
     
     
         10 . A method of insulating a side wall of a spa comprising:
 a) providing a spa having a spa body surrounded by a side wall;   b) placing the insulated jacket of  claim 1  around the side wall and securing the ends of the jacket together such that the cover completely surrounds the side wall so that the jacket at least reduces heat loss during operation of the spa.