Posted on: 02/22/08
Hot Tub Cover Care
Four Ways to Protect Your Hot Tub Cover
Some of the hot tub covers we replace live unnecessarily short lives.
Here are four things you can do to ensure a long and healthy career for your spa's cover:
If you’re existing hot tub cover is in obvious disrepair, go purchase a new one soon. You will save more in energy costs over the next year than you will spend on a new cover. Check the heat seal shoes at the hinge, the tie down straps and locks, and the integrity of the outer vinyl encasement. Tip: if you need to purchase a new cover, be sure to have the dimensions and its brand name ready when you call or visit the store.
If your hot tub cover is working well for you, take a little time each month to condition the vinyl with a vinyl conditioner found in most pool and hot tub stores. Conditioning keeps the vinyl supple and avoids drying out from winter weather. Always remember to clean the dirt and debris of the cover with a basic soap and water solution prior to conditioning. A vinyl deck brush will work for this. Tip: try using a Magic Eraser if you want to see the cover get real clean.
Don’t allow snow and ice to settle on the cover. Use a soft broom or a foam “snow rake” to remove the snow from the cover. Keeping the snow off the cover will protect the integrity of the foam cores. If you notice water pooling in the center of your cover, the foam may have already begun to sag. Also, keeping the cover free of ice accumulation will protect the vinyl from puncturing as the cover is opened. Tip: if you are using a cover lifter, it will last a long time if it only has to lift the cover.
Water chemistry is the key to avoiding mildew on the underside of the cover. As long as the pH is balanced and the water is sanitized, your cover will remain clean and protected, even if it is not being used.
