4 tips to protect your hot tub cover
Mar 17
Here are four easy tips to help keep your hot tub cover in good condition so it will last longer, and save you time and energy.
Tip #1.
The number one reason covers will break down is due to chemical damage. Chemical damage can occur from poor water chemistry either high in acid, or high in disinfectants such as chlorine and bromine. One tip to prevent the chemicals from damaging the cover, is when you are shocking the water take the cover completely off, and keep it off for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Also make sure you check all chemical levels properly to maintain a healthy environment for not only your cover, but also for the hot tubs equipment and for any guests you invite over to take a dip in the hot tub.
Tip #2.
This next rule is not only important in protecting your hot tub cover, but also protecting your loved ones. Do not let your friends, children or pets sit or stand on the hot tub cover. Anyone or thing sitting or standing on the cover can easily break the foam. Once the foam inside the cover is cracked the cover is no longer going to able to work to its full potential. Water logging, sagging, and failure will happen quickly once the foam is broken.
Even if your cover can handle the weight of your dog or small pet, over time they can make the cover sag and this can lead to water pooling on top of the cover, which over time will crack the foam and the vinyl becoming fragile.
Tip #3.
Do not drag, pull, kick, or grab by the security straps when taking the cover off, or putting it back on the hot tub. Many covers are torn or broken from the owner removing the cover the wrong way. When taking the cover off and back on use the proper handles on the sides of the cover. Also a great accessory to help with easily removing the cover and preventing damage is a cover lifter. We recommend a hydraulic lifter, this type of cover lifters have hydraulic assists that will do most of lifting for you.
Tip #4.
Keep the cover clean of any debris and moisture as much as possible. Use warm water and a mild soap to clean the cover, and an application of 303 four to five times a year is all you need. Also make sure to remove any snow or rain water, and debris from fallen leaves constantly. Do not use products such as Amoral as they can make the vinyl of the cover fragile and will ruin the cover. We recommend the product 303, which is made exclusively for marine grade vinyl.
Finally, if your cover is getting too heavy to lift then it is time for a new cover. There is no cure for a water logged cover; it merely needs to be replaced.