Hot Tub Cover Care Tips

An extremely important component to a hot tub is the hot tub cover. If the energy bill seems to be creeping up, it would be a good idea to check the cover for wear and tear, rips, or cracks. Any of these issues could be allowing heat to escape from the hot tub leading to increased heating costs. Proper care and maintenance of a hot tub cover has many benefits.

Hot tub covers are constantly lifted and moved, and in many cases can be exposed to sun and weather year round. This constant use and abuse makes routine maintenance and care a must! Replacement of a hot tub cover can have an average cost in the price range of $200 - $500. Proper care and maintenance can payoff with much better efficiency and a substantial increase in lifespan.

Following are some tips on the care and maintenance of hot tub covers:

1. Proper Water Chemistry - keeping the water properly balanced is extremely important. Out of balance water can release corrosive vapors that will eat away at the cover.

2. Clean Underside - make a habit of wiping down the underside of the hot tub cover to remove any chemical residue build up.

3. Keep the External Cover Clean - keep the cover looking good by washing it frequently with a mild soap and water.

4. Use a Conditioner / Moisturizer Product - protect the external cover at least monthly with a conditioning / moisturizing product. Ask a local pool and spa retail store or call the spa manufacturer for recommendations on a good product.

5. Move With Care - take time and patience when moving a hot tub cover. Do not rely on the tie down straps to support its weight. This will rip the straps and damage the cover. The main purpose of the tie down straps is to secure the cover to the spa.

6. Remove During Shock Treatment - when shocking the hot tub, remove the cover for at least an hour. Exposing the hot tub cover to the harsh vapors during a shock treatment could cause premature damage.

7. Drain the Foam Core - on occasion stand the cover on end in order to drain any excess moisture from the foam core. If it feels like the cover is water logged, remove the inserts and leave them out to dry for a couple of days.

8. Keep Clear of Accumulated Snow and Water - after a big storm that deposits snow or rain water on the cover, make sure to clear this accumulation off as soon as possible.

9. Water Puddles on the Cover - if water is consistently accumulating forming puddles on the cover, unzip the cover, remove the inserts and flip them over.

10. Common Sense Care - never sit, stand, or walk on the cover. They are not designed to support people. Doing so could be a quick recipe for buying a replacement!

Maintaining the hot tub cover will not only lengthen the life of the cover, but will also help to keep the hot tub running in good condition for many years to come.