Hot tub covers are an important component of your spa. They not only keep out debris but help keep the water insulated and keep heat in. This helps to save on your power bill.
Thus, it is important that your cover works efficiently. This can be a challenge since your cover takes the brunt of the beating from the elements.
If left uncared for, the vinyl and stitching on your cover can become brittle and begin to crack and break down.
Spa Cover Care Tips
Here are a few easy steps from our Service Center to help prolong the life of your hot tub cover and keep it working efficiently.
- Spray your cover with a hose to loosen debris and dirt.
- Use a sponge or soft bristle brush with diluted or mild soap to clean the top and sides of your cover. Do not use soap on the underside of your cover. A solution called CitriBright works well on the underside of your cover. Rinse clean, leaving no soap residue on the cover.
- FINAL STEP. The number one recommendation for vinyl conditioner is 303 Aerospace Protectant. Fabric Covers (like Sunstrong and Prolast) use 303 Fabric Guard. Condition your cover using these non-petroleum-based conditioners to keep the vinyl supple and threads/stitching from drying out and becoming brittle. Do not use solvents, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents. Do not use products that contain silicone or alcohol.
Following these steps will leave your cover in a like-new condition and will add years to the life of the cover skin. Without this maintenance, your cover will crack, rip, and will make you less inclined to use your spa!
How Often Should I Clean My Hot Tub Cover?
To ensure your hot tub cover remains in excellent condition and continues to look attractive, regular maintenance is key. It’s recommended to clean your hot tub cover once every one to three months. This routine cleaning not only preserves the cover’s aesthetic appeal but also keeps the material well-moisturized, extending its lifespan significantly.
Benefits for Older Covers
If you have an older hot tub cover, don’t despair—it’s not too late to start a maintenance routine. Older covers can greatly benefit from periodic cleaning paired with a protectant treatment. This revitalizes the cover and can help protect against future wear and tear. By adhering to this cleaning schedule, you can enhance the longevity and appearance of any hot tub cover, ensuring it remains a pristine part of your relaxation space.
The 3 Hot Tub Chemical Issues That Damage Hot Tub Covers
- Low pH levels
- Excessive chlorine levels
- Chloramine Oxidation
The part of the hot tub cover that receives the harshest effect from poorly balanced hot tub chemicals is the poly vapor wrap around the foam core of the hot tub cover, which can break down and cause either the foam to break down or soak up water and become unbearably heavy.
The saturated foam also loses insulation value, costing you more on energy consumption. Once the foam is saturated it cannot be dried out due to its density, and you will want to replace your cover.
1. Unbalanced pH is the most common culprit of hot tub failures. High pH won’t affect your cover, though it is still bad for it to persist in your spa, low pH is what damages your cover. Low pH is acid, and with an acidic environment, the vapor from the acidic water will attack everything, including the bottom side of your cover.
Test your water at least once weekly and make sure your pH does not get away from you. Keep it in the “OK” bracket of your test strips.
2. High free chlorine levels (FCl) create a corrosive environment in hot tubs. This is one of the reasons we prefer to not use chlorine in hot tubs, but excessive bromine use can cause high free chlorine counts as well.
Keep your Free Chlorine count in the “OK” bracket of your test strips.
3. Shutting your cover after throwing in shock creates a similarly corrosive environment in the spa. Shock Oxidizer and Multi-Purpose Shock (MPS) oxidize chloramines, and with this oxidation process gassing the chloramines out of your water, you want to make sure it can be released into the atmosphere.
Otherwise, with no other place to go, your cover will oxidize and erode the poly vapor wrap inside your cover. This is probably one of the biggest reasons people have to get new covers.
How to Prevent a Waterlogged Spa Cover?
Whether you’ve just bought a new cover and want to extend its lifespan or simply want to become more proactive to avoid the issue above, you’ll want to know how to protect your cover and keep waterlogging at bay.
After completing the cleaning routine in the first part of this article, you’ll want to take an extra step to ensure your cover thoroughly dries, preventing it from becoming heavy and waterlogged. On a sunny and breezy day, take the cover off your hot tub and unzip the zippers on the end of the cover. Let it air out for a couple of hours. This drying process is key in keeping your cover light and easy to handle.
Remember, only leave it in the sun if you’ve applied a UV protectant. If you haven’t done that step yet, place it in a shady area instead, but make sure there is plenty of airflow and it’s a warm day.
How to Repair Tears or Seams on Your Hot Tub Cover
At this point, we know how important maintaining your hot tub cover is, but what happens if your cover does become damaged? Tears and separations in the cover can compromise its effectiveness, but with proper care, you can easily repair these issues, DIY style. Here’s a basic guide for small tears:
- Clean the Area: Before repairing, clean the damaged area thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. This ensures the adhesive will stick properly to the cover.
- Seal It with Tape: For a temporary fix, duct tape is highly effective. Apply a generous amount of tape over the tear or separated seam, pressing down firmly to create a seal. Make sure the tape extends beyond the damaged area to create a better barrier.
- Apply a Patch: For a more durable repair, consider using a patch specifically designed for hot tub covers. These patches provide a waterproof seal that is more resistant to heat and moisture compared to duct tape.
- Check Regularly: After your repair, keep an eye on the condition of the tape or patch, especially after harsh weather. Regular checks will help you determine if additional repairs are necessary.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage minor damage to your hot tub cover and significantly extend its useful life. If you’ve found any larger signs of damage or extensive tears, it’s time to buy a new cover.
Shop Spa Covers in Utah at Take a Break Spas & Billiards
Maintaining your hot tub cover is essential for prolonging its life and ensuring your spa remains a haven of relaxation. Regular cleaning, conditioning, and proper care can prevent common issues like waterlogging, mildew, and tears, keeping your cover in top condition. These simple steps not only protect your investment but also enhance your overall hot tub experience, making it more enjoyable and hassle-free.
If you’re ready to upgrade your hot tub cover or need expert advice on maintaining your spa, visit one of the three Take a Break Spas & Billiards showrooms throughout Utah. Our knowledgeable team in West Jordan, American Fork, and Springville is dedicated to helping you find the perfect products to keep your hot tub in pristine condition. Don’t wait to take your hot tub care to the next level—visit us today and let us help you create the ultimate backyard retreat!
