Can I replace just the vinyl cover if my foam cores are still good?

This is NOT Cliff, but we couldn’t help sharing it!

We recently received a hot tub cover which we were very satisfied with.  We live on the edge of the woods and constantly have critters  (armadillos) tearing up or yard.  Last Thursday while crouching behind our hot tub and shooting at the varmints, two bullets grazed the top of my hot tub cover.  My wife was very unhappy with me to say the least.  Photos of the damage are attached.  In as much as the cover is only three months old, I want to know if it is possible to replace the vinyl damaged panel and hinge section of the cover.  Additionally, if this was done would it have a shorter lifetime as the stitched areas/seams might be weakened by two sewing’s.

I appreciate you help in regards to this matter.  Thank you. 

Cliff – Texas

Ah Cliff, where do we begin! Did you need to state you were from Texas? I think we all could have assumed.

First of all, is that an adult beverage sitting on the edge of your hot tub? It is the very astute opinion of this Pro that there may be a relationship between the adult beverage, the rifle and your wife being upset by the bullet damages. We may be way off base here, as this is not our area of geek expertise, and if so we apologize.

Second, is it appropriate and necessary to don the high visibility hunting cap? I realize you are hunting, but it would appear to the novice tub hunter that you would be difficult to mistake for a hot tubbing deer or armadillo, even without the cap! Should I further assume your trunks have the requisite camouflage pattern?

Ok, I must admit I may have slid off on a tangent here, but some days my focus is weak.

This IS Cliff’s actual cover, complete with bullet mark personalization.

The simple answer is yes, you can find stores that will sell replacement vinyl skin only. The key to reordering a replacement vinyl skin is knowing the thickness and taper/slope of your current cover. You will need to provide the taper, the length, width, corner, color and skirt length. If you have ordered recently, all of this should be available with your ordering specifications.

The hot tub cover vinyl skin is a rather simple construction. Think of it as two pillow cases sewn together in the middle. There is a zipper that will allow each side to open up. Once unzipped, the foam core can be pulled out.

Installation is the opposite, as even Cliff would expect. Unzip the vinyl skin and slide the foam core in. Be careful not to pull too hard on the skirt so the stitching is pulled or even ripped. Sometimes it is a very tight fit and it can be helpful for an second person to assist.

Replacement vinyl skins are usually made and shipped much more quickly than a hard foam cover, as it does not require sending with freight carriers and can be sent via UPS or FedEx.

I usually sign off with “Happy Tubbing” but in this case . . .

Happy Tub Hunting!

Ethel Elliott