When it comes to accessories, a spa cover is what we like to refer to as a non-negotiable. Though we’re sure you have excellent taste, your spa cover, regardless of how beautiful it may be, is more than just an attractive topper to a beautiful piece of equipment.

It has the important job of maintaining heat and preventing excess water evaporation, both of which are important factors in reducing energy consumption. A spa cover will also protect your tub from pine needles, leaves, twigs, branches, dust, insects, and other debris that can clog your filters and wreak havoc.

Signs Your Spa Cover Needs to Be Replaced

Modern spa covers are made with multiple layers of foam that, joined together, are designed to last a long time. Unfortunately, anything left out in the sun for months or years will become damaged by sunlight over time. It’s important to inspect your spa cover on a monthly basis for warning signs.

It’s Time to Replace Your Spa Cover If You See:

• Breaks, cracks, tears, fading or sagging. Changes in shape or deterioration of the cover’s condition can let heat and water vapor out, and/or debris in.
• Dry or brittle texture. Look out for a dry or brittle texture, holes, or other visible signs of damage.
• The vapor barrier on the inside of the cover can fail over time, allowing the inner foam to absorb water. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria, mildew, and mold to grow inside the cover. A waterlogged spa cover is not only a health hazard, it can lead to accelerated deterioration of parts of your hot tub.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Spa Cover

Regular hot tub cover cleaning

Periodically cleaning your hot tub cover will keep it looking beautiful and allow it to do its job. To clean the cover:

1. Remove the cover from the spa.
2. Spray the outside surface lightly with a garden hose.
3. Use a very mild soap solution (1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to 2 gallons of water) or baking soda and a non-scratch sponge to gently cleanse the exterior of the cover in a circular motion. Working in sections and rinsing before the soap dries on the vinyl, make your way across the entire cover.
4. Condition the cover with a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield™.
5. When you’re finished with the exterior, cleanse the interior with water only and wipe it dry with a towel.

Let it breathe.

Whether you’ve just treated the spa cover or the water inside the spa, refrain from putting the cover back on the tub for about a half an hour. This time is crucial for allowing water purification agents to mix with the air (a necessary step), preventing agent vapors from coming into contact with the spa cover, and allowing the cover itself to dry.

Do not use your hot tub cover as a table.

Do not allow any weight to be put on top of the cover, whether in the form of objects, children, pets, or full-grown adults attempting to stargaze. In the winter, loosen snow or ice with warm water before attempting to remove it to prevent the vinyl from tearing.

Most importantly, treat your cover well. Never drag it, not even on the grass. Ask a friend to help if you need to move it, and install a hot tub cover lifter if you need assistance lifting it to take a soak.