Hot Tub Covers are a crucial piece of equipment that keeps your spa, hot tub, or all-season pool safe while not in use. They also help reduce energy costs by preventing steam, heat, and water from escaping.
A hard thermal cover will fit to the exact specifications of your spa and is manufactured with a poly vapor moisture barrier and UV inhibitors in the vinyl and thread.
Moisture Saturation
A high-quality, insulated cover is one of the best investments you can make in your hot tub or all-season pool. It not only keeps your water at a comfortable temperature throughout the winter, but it also prevents energy loss and keeps those utility bills low.
Over time, however, even the most efficient and tightly sealed covers can become saturated with moisture from the vapor barrier and foam core, causing them to lose their ability to insulate your hot tub. Often, this is a sign that it’s time to replace your cover.
Hard spa covers are made to fit your tub’s precise specifications and typically consist of a vinyl outer layer and a Styrofoam or aluminum core. While these are durable and designed to withstand winter weather, they’re surprisingly lightweight, especially when compared to other options on the market.
The best way to keep your cover in top shape is to clean it on a regular basis. This can be done by spraying it with a solution of soap and water, then wiping it down with a cleaner like Hot Spring Cover Shield. Regular cleanings can help to reduce mildew and mold growth, which is a major contributor to water stains on the shell of your hot tub.
Mildew Smell
If your hot tub has a mildew smell, you can often eliminate it by performing a full purge and shocking the water. But, if the odor persists, the problem may be due to an unseen water issue. Keeping your water chemistry balanced, doing regular shocks and purges and using an effective water treatment can all help with this.
Another common reason for a mildew smell in your hot tub is if the foam core of your spa cover becomes waterlogged. The insulating foam core is designed to trap warm water and prevent it from entering your hot tub, but over time, it can absorb too much moisture. This causes it to lose its insulating capabilities and can result in higher energy bills.
The best way to prevent a mildew problem is to use a cover-specific cleaner on a routine basis. To clean your cover, remove it from the hot tub and wash the top, sides and bottom with a mild soap or a mild household cleaner. Use a sponge or brush to thoroughly scrub the headrests, as well.
Afterward, you should sanitize your cover with a quality sanitizer, such as 303 Vinyl Protectant, or even a diluted chlorine bleach solution. This can help seal your cover to prevent further damage from the sun’s harsh UV rays and will also protect it from mold, mildew and algae growth.
Broken Straps or Locks
The cover on your hot tub isn’t just a beautiful accessory, it does an important job. It traps heat when you’re not using the hot tub, lowering your energy bill and keeping out debris that can dirty the water. It also prevents evaporation, helping you preserve your current water and decreasing the time it takes to refill.
If you notice pools of water on your cover or it’s starting to sag, this is a clear indicator that it’s time to replace it. This is because the water pools are causing the cover to warp in the center, which will allow heat and steam to escape, and it can cause the corners or sides of the cover to leak.
Another sign it’s time to get a new cover is if your lock or strap buckle has broken. This is a big deal because the lock and straps help keep your hot tub covered during high winds to protect it from being ripped off. A broken strap buckle is a safety issue and it will not be safe to use your hot tub until you replace it.
Another clear indication that your cover is on its last legs is if it becomes heavy when you try to lift it. This is a result of the foam cores becoming waterlogged and losing their insulating qualities. This will make it impossible to lift the cover by yourself and can also damage your manual or automatic cover lifter.
Unpleasant Smell
When the foam core on your hot tub cover gets waterlogged, it doesn’t insulate as well, causing your energy bill to skyrocket. It also allows bacteria to grow inside the cover, resulting in an unpleasant smell. If you’re experiencing this problem, it’s time for a new cover.
A mildewy or musty smell in your hot tub usually means there’s a lot of bacterial growth in the water. It’s important to test your water chemistry levels regularly to prevent imbalances that can cause smelly water. Keeping your sanitizer at 4 – 6 ppm of bromine and regularly shocking will keep your water fresh and clean.
If you notice a chemical smell, it’s likely caused by chloramines in the water. These are the byproducts of chlorine breaking down organic waste contaminants such as dead skin cells, lotions and soaps. To eliminate this odor, hyper-chlorinate your water and rinse it well.
While a hot tub cover is designed to last 5 – 7 years, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that it’s time to replace it. A deteriorating cover not only looks unattractive, but it can lead to a number of problems with your spa’s plumbing and even health issues for users. Inspecting your hot tub cover on a regular basis will help it last longer and prevent costly replacements in the future.
