How to Care For Your Hot Tub Cover?

How To Care For Your Hot Tub Cover

Spa covers are designed to protect your hot tub from the wear and tear that may occur due to environmental conditions. Spa covers keep your hot tub in good working order by providing a barrier between it and anything that could cause damage. Additionally, hot tub covers help you to save money on your energy bills, and they allow you to avoid expensive maintenance in the long term.

While taking care of a spa cover is a simple low effort task, it is one that requires consistency and attention. It also means you need to understand exactly how to care for the cover so it can continue to take care of your spa for years to come.

CLEANING A SPA COVER

Cleaning a hot tub cover every one to three months is a great way to preserve both it and your hot tub. This is necessary because dirt and debris can be abrasive to the vinyl, causing undue wear and possibly mildew. As such, regular cleanings can prevent both physical and chemical damage as well as any mold growth that may occur.

EXTERIOR

When cleaning the outside of the cover, start by removing it and wiping off any debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. Next, lightly spray it with water, then apply a gentle soap or detergent and use a sponge or cloth in circular motions. Dish soap or baking soda are good options but be sure to avoid silicon cleaning products that can dry out the vinyl. Additionally, it is important to work in small sections to avoid letting the soap dry on the vinyl.

For more stubborn debris, such as tree sap, you can use vegetable oil to carefully clear it off. Once the cover has dried, apply a protective coating to help with debris resistance and UV protection. In addition, a cover cap can be a great investment to help make sure that your spa cover can withstand debris and other harmful conditions.

INTERIOR

We recommend cleaning the interior of your spa cover at least once a year. With that said, if your spa cover has an odor, there may be mildew and you should clean it right away. Carefully remove the interior foam and clean the inside of the hot tub cover with a soft brush, soap, and water. Once that is completed, rinse and towel dry before allowing it to air out. Leaving it in the sun for an hour or so can help kill any remaining mildew.

During this process, be sure that the foam cores are kept in the shade. To prevent mildew on these, wipe the foam with a 10% bleach solution while it is outside of the cover. Lastly, flipping the foam every now and then can help to extend the cover’s life.

MAINTAINING WATER CHEMISTRY

One of the most important things to be on top of when it comes to your hot tub is the water chemical levels. Chemical levels need to remain stable, not only to ensure that the hot tub itself remains in working order but also so that your spa cover won’t degrade at an accelerated rate. Consistency is key here as this helps you to avoid overusing chemicals. To make this task easier, we recommend using a solar ionizer that sustainably reduces chemicals and chlorine levels by 85%.

REMOVING YOUR COVER WHEN SHOCKING

The most effective way to clean your hot tub’s water is to shock it. Shocking your hot tub kills bacteria and reactivates sanitizers that are present in the water. One thing to always keep in mind is to remove your spa cover prior to shocking. This is important because regular exposure to chemicals can break down your cover faster. This act allows the release of the gaseous and humid air that collects beneath the cover during shocking, effectively airing out your hot tub and its cover.

ALLOWING YOUR SPA TO BREATHE

In the same vein as above, it’s also important to remember to simply remove your hot tub cover once and a while to allow your spa to breathe. About once a week, remove your cover and make sure that any condensation drains off of it. This will help to extend the life of your hot tub cover, which will, again, save you money in the long run.

PROTECTING YOUR HOT TUB COVER

Aside from cleaning and other practical care steps, there are many other ways to extend your spa cover care. Spa covers are not tables, so try to avoid leaving items on top of them. This includes things like towels, pool floats, bathing suits, and, really, anything else. Don’t allow children or pets to walk or sit on the cover either.

In addition, it is always a good idea to wipe off any snow, ice, or puddled rainwater to ensure that the vinyl doesn’t degrade faster than necessary. Finally, when you’re removing your hot tub cover, get someone to help you. Covers can be heavy, but dragging is not recommended because it can damage the vinyl and the foam. If you’re not able to recruit another person, you can use a cover lifter to help to raise it up safely.

INSPECTING FOR DAMAGE

Each time you perform your hot tub cover care routine, it is helpful to closely inspect the cover for issues. As you’re doing your assessment, look for rips, tears, and punctures in the vinyl and the foam that could allow moisture to enter the insulation. Instructions such as this will lead to problems down the road but both the vinyl and foam can be patched up with a repair kit in most cases.

REPLACING WHEN NEEDED

If the top of your spa cover is totally waterlogged, or you see irreparable wear, it may be time for a replacement. HotTubCovers creates custom hot tub covers that fit the exact specifications of every top spa brand, ensuring that you will have the right fit every time. We have everything you need, and more, so be sure to browse our spa covers and accessories to protect and enhance your spa today!