I don’t want to replace my hot tub cover, what else can I do to save money?
If your hot tub cover doesn’t need replacing yet, there are a few of things you can do:
1) Add a thermal blanket: This will add another layer of heat protection to your hot tub and will be less expensive than buying a completely new replacement cover if your hot tub cover is still in good condition. For example our 600 Micron Heat Retention Blanket can reduce water evaporation and heat loss by over 90%. It’s possible that you will recoup the cost by energy saved within one year. These blankets will also help protect the underside of the hard cover from chemically charged steam.
2) Fit a cover lifter: Hot tub covers have an 80% better chance of surviving 5 years + with a cover lifter than without. So does your back!
3) Remove your hot tub spa cover: completely when you add chemicals – particularly ‘Shock’ or ‘Oxidising’ chemicals. Leave the cover fully open for at least 30 minutes. This is another good reason to use a cover lifter.
4) Give your cover some TLC: The wrong cleaning products will strip the protective layer from the cover vinyl causing it to fade, crack and disintegrate. Use a quality product like 303 Cleaner & Protector on your hot tub cover regularly. Not only will it look its best, but 303 adds UV protection. This is important because the original UV protection on Marine Vinyl will not last forever!
5) Hose down (don’t jet wash) the underside of the spa cover once a month.
6) Handles and securing straps on covers are designed for ‘positioning’ and ‘securing’. These should not be used for carrying the weight of the cover – they will snap!
7) Secure the locks when the cover is in place & always unlock them before trying to open/remove the hot tub cover.
8) Never drag the cover or scrape it against the floor, walls etc.
9) Don’t add too many chemicals: Chemicals in the water vapour that comes into contact with the cover eventually causes the plastic wrapping around the inserts to become brittle and crack. Once that happens the foam inserts will quickly absorb moisture, become heavy and stop insulating properly. Poor water chemistry can also cause bleaching, puffiness within the vinyl and disintegration of the stitching. If you use too much chemical this process can occur very quickly.
Don’t Delay: If your hot tub cover is saturated, it will not dry out! Waiting to replace it will not save you money, it will waste money. A new cover will be an investment, if you choose wisely. It won’t come as a surprise that not all hot tub covers are created equal. We have a guide that can help you understand the features that need to be considered when choosing a replacement cover for your spa.