Caring For Your Hot Tub Cover

It is important to take proper care of your hot tub cover as poorly cared for covers will begin to crack and fade over time causing damage to your hot tub and potential injury to your family. Not only are hot tub covers essential for protecting the inner workings of your hot tub by keeping dirt and debris out of the water, they will also help to protect your children and pets from falling in and harming themselves. The following 7 tips will help you to extend the life of your hot tub cover: #1 Cleaning - it is very important to regularly clean your hot tub cover. In order to protect the vinyl from wear do not use any detergent based soaps, alcohol products, dishwashing soaps, or any cleaning products containing bleach. It is best to use the products recommend by the hot tub cover manufacturer or simply use water and some elbow grease. #2 Inspection - periodically inspect the cover for any signs of wear or damage. Small cuts or holes in the vinyl will damage the inner foam core by allowing moisture to build up, which will in turn cause mold growth. You can simply repair the inner plastic layer by using clear packing tape to cover the holes and you may even want to purchase a vinyl repair kit to patch up any cuts or holes in the outer vinyl layer. #3 Preventing mold - Exposed to the elements, hot tub covers are susceptible to mold growth. Most quality covers are already treated with a anti-mold agent, however you may need to apply additional protection depending upon your environment. Consult your hot tub cover manufacturer for specific products to use on your hot tub cover. #4 Use protection - apply a quality UV vinyl protection to your hot tub cover three to four times a year to help protect it from the harmful effects of exposure to the sun, such as drying and cracking. It is recommended to consult the manufacturer for suggested products to use. #5 Venting gas - after shocking the water make sure you run the jet cycle for 15 to 30 minutes before replacing the cover. This will help to expel any unwanted chlorine gasses, which could potentially damage the underside of the cover. #6 Flipping - once a year it is recommended to remove the foam core sections from inside the vinyl cover and flip them to help reduce sagging, much like you would do with your mattress. #7 Cover your cover - if you will not be using your hot tub for an extended period of time another way to take care of your hot tub cover is to cover it up. By simply using a tarp to protect you hot tub cover in extended times on non-use it will help to protect the cover from the outdoor elements.