A hot tub cover is an essential component to the overall protection of the system, helps to reduce utility costs, and ensures the surrounding environment is safe. A homeowner should expect a lifespan ranging up to four years or longer when well-maintained.
As a rule, it’s essential to be gentle when cleaning the top with a mild solution and water, clean the underneath with bleach and water to avoid odors, and keep the cover on the hot tub whenever the unit is not in use.
The cover will add to the overall outdoor aesthetic that the hot tub brings when it’s clean and in good repair.
The type you get will depend on your location, the specific climate. It’s suggested for areas where the temperature is bitterly cold in the winter with a propensity for much snow and inclement weather, a “peaked” cover is the ideal option to encourage runoff.
Consider a few suggestions for keeping the hot tub cover in pristine condition for as long as possible.
Tips for Maintaining Your Hot Tub Cover for an Extended Time Frame
When considering how to care for hot tub covers, a priority is understanding that both the top surface and the underneath will need to be cleaned for the ideal maintenance.
For the top, a gentle, mild soap solution with water will be used to wash the surface down, while the underneath will require one part bleach with nine parts water to gingerly wash the material.
The underneath has the potential for developing an odor from the exposure to steam from chemicals and hot water, as well as the possibility for mold and mildew growth. This makes cleaning vital. Let’s look at a few considerations for hot tub cover maintenance.
· Avoid using detergent with your cover
When cleaning the cover with a detergent, there’s a high likelihood of developing algae and foam in the spa. The vinyl can be readily damaged with certain types of solutions, including alcohol or silicone.
The recommendation is to wash the cover roughly every three months using a “marine” vinyl cleanser specifically designated for hot tub covers. More of the solution should be used along the seamlines and if there is any staining or water spots where there might have been puddling.
A vinyl conditioner should then be applied to the exterior to seal the material. This prevents dirt and grime from settling into the pores and will protect it from UV rays. Find out how to fix a sagging cover at https://www.hottubfocus.com/fix-a-sagging-hot-tub-cover/.
· Sap removal
In the spring, varied tree species produce sap that drips along the outer surroundings of the tree. That can include anything in its path, like the spa cover where it will sit and harden.
When trying to remove sap, you should use an oil of any kind that you would typically use for cooking, any will work, and rub it into the sap. Rinse it away, then scrape or chip the sap with something dull like a fingernail. You want to avoid anything sharp that could tear the vinyl, exposing the spa water.
· Pay attention to damages
Early signs of damage could be repaired, but if you neglect the issues, these can ultimately lead to more significant problems that affect the cover’s longevity. Areas you want to ensure are always intact with no disrepair include the following:
- Vapor barrier
- Foam core
- Zipper (no molder or mildew)
- Loose stitching
- Hinges
- Tears in the vinyl
- Clips able to secure the cover (even in heavy storms)
· Snow, ice, or sleet
When there are heavy accumulations of snow, ice, and sleet, these become heavy on top of the cover, needing to be removed as soon after the storm as possible. The recommendation is to sweep it away with a soft bristle brush or broom instead of trying to shovel or scrape it.
Sharp objects like these will tear the cover. In frigid winter, homeowners are encouraged to get a winter cover to sit snugly as a top layer over the hard cover for extra protection.
· Chemicals and tub covers don’t mix
Testing the waters and adding chemicals keep the water sanitary, but these can potentially damage the cover when highly concentrated. The cover should stay off for roughly an hour after adding chemicals, and then replace it.
Final Thought
The hot tub cover should remain on the spa whenever you’re not using the unit. This is the primary form of protection against most contaminants and keeps the surrounding environment safe.
But what protects the cover? It’s exposed to all those things it’s protecting the tub from. Visit here for DIY guidelines on how to fix your hot tub cover.
Developing a thorough understanding of how to adequately care for the cover, what solutions to use to protect it, and what not to do will ensure it will have an extended lifespan. The more investment you put into your spa’s cover, the greater the protection for your hot tub.
