Your hot tub cover has years of life in it, and as an important investment in your spa setup, you want to keep it that way. One of the best ways to keep your cover performing at maximum for as long as possible is to clean it regularly, and this doesn’t just mean sweeping it off once in a while. There are several things you can do to keep a clean, healthy cover going for years.
Your spa cover consists of two parts: the vinyl covering and the foam core. The covering is the main barrier between the elements of the outside world and the foam core within. The foam core inserts are what keep the cover’s structural integrity and block in the heat. You don’t want to have to replace the inserts because they break down or get waterlogged, and the best way to keep them safe is to protect the outer layer by keeping the vinyl supple and impermeable. Here are three dangers to treat against regularly.
Exposure to the Elements
Vinyl is sensitive to the strong rays of the sun as well as the moisture caused by driving rain or snow accumulation. Instead of merely allowing the covering to weather the elements, treat it regularly with a protective product that will prevent cracking and brittleness. Many products are specifically designed to protect the vinyl from UV damage.
Mildew Formation
Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives especially well in warm, wet environments. It can form on the underside of an untreated cover or around the edges, taking advantage of the high temperatures and constant water supply. By using the same product to wipe down the cover on the bottom side as the top, you can prevent mildew buildups that may eventually wear through the outer covering.
Dirt Damage
Dirt and the things that accumulate with it – tree debris, pine cones, small rocks, and so on – should not be allowed to settle on top of your cover, even if there is a time of year when you aren’t using your spa much. Allowing dirt to move in means giving its abrasive qualities free reign over the vinyl fabric, and can greatly increase the chances of rips or tears that allow water into the foam core. Avoid this by keeping your cover carefully cleaned off on a regular basis.
Happy Tubbing!
Ethel Elliott
