Though they may seem simple to use, spa covers are important for keeping your hot tub in optimal shape. They keep out the dirt and debris and ensure that no heat escapes unnecessarily to save on energy costs. For your hot tub cover to function as designed, you should take some time on a sunny day to give it some TLC so that you can avoid a smelly, moldy mess when the summer heat really starts beating down.
Washing Away the Winter Grime
Before you do anything else, spray the cover down with a garden hose to loosen up any bird droppings or dried leaves that have stuck to the vinyl over the winter. If you need to use any soap at all, avoid those that are harsh because these could strip away the protective oils in the material. Use a bucket of warm water mixed with some mild dish soap. Instead of stiff brushes, use a soft sponge or a microfiber cloth to gently scrub the entire surface. If you find a stubborn spot of tree sap, rub it away with some vegetable oil on a rag. This cleaning step prevents the vinyl from cracking and helps the cover shed rainwater more easily.
Fighting Off Mildew and Odors
Since the underside of your spa cover is always wet, mold can more easily grow there. If you flip your cover over and notice that there are some dark spots or a moldy smell, the chemicals in the hot tub water cannot reach these areas. A combination of equal parts white vinegar and water is great for getting rid of these mold spores. After wiping down the underside of the cover with this mixture, allow the cover to sit in the sun for about an hour. The sun is a natural way to kill bacteria. Just be sure you do not leave it off the tub for too long because the heat from the water will evaporate quickly and waste your electricity.
Protecting the Vinyl From the Sun
Once the cover is totally dry and clean, you need to apply a protectant solution. UV rays from the sun are the biggest enemy of vinyl. They make the material brittle and prone to tearing. You can find a spray-on UV protectant at most pool stores that will give the cover a nice shine and help it resist fading. Rub the liquid in with a clean towel using circular motions so that every inch of the top and sides is covered. Doing this twice a year makes a huge difference in how long the material lasts.
Checking the Inside for Water Weight
If lifting your hot tub cover feels as though you are lifting a lead weight, there is a good chance that the inner foam is waterlogged. Sometimes, unzipping the cover and allowing the foam to dry out for an hour in the sun will solve the problem. In other cases, you may need to replace the inserts. Waterlogged covers cannot effectively keep the heat from escaping, which will increase your energy bills.
Maintaining your hot tub cover means you will not be shelling out hundreds of dollars for a replacement anytime soon. You can simply hop in your hot tub and relax without worry. If you live in Vineland, NJ, reach out today to Landi Pool Service for replacement spa covers.
