Spa Cover - Hot Tub Cover Care Guide
Printable version of the Guide
There is nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a luxury item such as a spa or hot tub and then
letting it deteriorate, especially when by following a few simple steps of maintenance, it can give pleasure for years to come.
The first step is to make sure your spa or hot tub cover fits properly. An ill-fitting cover can allow dirt and
debris to get into the spa which can cause problems with the water quality. This not only starts to affect the
integrity of the spa cover, but can also cause health issues. In addition, an ill-fitting spa cover, allowing
heat to escape, is less efficient in keeping the water warm.
If looked after properly a spa or hot tub cover can last up to 5 -10 years. Here are some tips on keeping your spa cover in tip-top condition.
- Clean the Cover Regularly. Using mild soap and water, clean the cover gently and regularly to remove abrasive dirt and dust. Never use a petroleum-based cleaner; it will void the warranty (e.g. Armor-All).
- Protective Treatment. Although the cover has been treated with ultra-violet inhibitors to prevent fading, the use of a protective treatment will help prolong the life of a spa cover. We recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant.
- Keep the Cover Clear. After a heavy rain or snow storm, sweep any standing water or snow off the hot tub cover. A buildup of snow or puddles of water could bow the cover.
- Handles. When opening the cover use only the handles. The handles are designed to be used only for opening and closing the cover. Do not carry the spa cover with them. Do not hang, lift, or yank the spa cover by the tie down straps or skirting.
- Get a cover lifter. If the cover is too awkward or heavy for you to lift/move and the cover drags on the ground you will damage the vinyl. The cover lifter allows you to slide, lift or tilt the cover up and off the spa with ease. Some popular models are: The Cover Caddy, The Cover Valet, Cover Genie, Cover Up and Auto Spa Cover.
- Drain Excess Moisture. Stand the hot tub cover on end occasionally to drain excess moisture from it. The foam core has been wrapped and heat-sealed in plastic film to retard absorption of water but this will help to prevent the absorption of steam moisture.
- No Heat Producing Objects. Objects such as grills, lanterns, tiki torches, etc. should be kept away from the spa cover. Excessive heat will damage the vinyl and foam inserts.
- Remove the Whole Cover. When using the spa, do not leave half of the cover on the spa. The trapped steam will work into the foam board. The use of a cover lifter can help keep the cover off the spa when in use.
- Get a Floating Cover. The use of a floating solar or thermal cover with your spa cover can help to prevent water absorption into the foam and also protect the cover from harmful chemical filled condensation that can eat away at the underside. It can also increase the overall insulation value of your cover.
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Don't Over Chlorinate. An important part of the care of your hot tub cover is the
chemistry of the water in your spa/hot tub. As the water evaporates the chemicals in the steam can affect
the hot tub cover and accelerate the deterioration of the plastic, particularly on the underside. By ensuring
that the balance of all necessary chemicals is correct, you will extend the life of your cover exponentially.
A good way to check on the chemical balance of your spa water is to take a sample to a hot tub or spa dealer
and have them analyze it for you.
When monitoring the water yourself there are some things to be aware of. If you use a floating canister with chlorine or bromine tabs in it, place only a few tabs in the bottom of it. If the canister is filled with tabs there is no way to keep it from dispersing too much sanitizer into your water. Too much sanitizer will cause a noticeable change in color, texture and smell of the underside of your cover. This means the seams of the vinyl are being made weaker also. Another serious problem it can cause is waterlogged foam board that can weigh over a hundred pounds!
If your hot tub is equipped with an ozonator and it is overproducing you will experience the same result.
If your PH is neutral the water will not hurt anything. If the PH is too acidic or too alkaline it is very destructive and you will experience the same result. - Do not splash chemicals on the spa cover. Move the cover completely away from the water when adding chemicals so that splashing cannot inadvertently reach the cover.
- Pool Toys. Do not leave pool toys lying on top of the hot tub cover in the sun. They act like a magnifier and will melt the foam board to the shape of the toy thereby providing a place for water to puddle while also making the foam board weaker. Also, covering your hot tub cover with clear plastic or the blue and brown tarps which are readily available can melt the foam board.
- Don't Stand on the Cover. Do not walk, jump or play on the spa cover. Although there are walk-on covers that can withstand the load of an adult or child standing on the cover, it is wise for their safety and the condition of the cover, not to do so.
- Puddles. If you see water standing on your cover, find the zipper and carefully unzip that side, remove the foam board, immediately flip it over and replace it into the vinyl. Zip it up and the puddle should disappear. Do not remove the foam board and wait, the vinyl could dry and shrink making it impossible to replace the foam board.
- Get a Spa Cover Cap. This is a tarp-like cover with an elastic hem that goes over your cover and provides protection from the elements.
- Report any warranty issues immediately. Do not wait for the problem to escalate.
As you can see these tips are common-sense and easy to follow. By following these tips your spa or hot tub cover will provide years of enjoyment for your family.
If you have any questions regarding the care of your spa cover, please contact us at 1-800-SPA-COVER (800- 772-2683) or via e-mail to email@800spacover.com.