To fully understand the lifespan of a hot tub cover, we must first understand how often you will use this cover.
On average, a hot tub cover can last 4 to 7 years. However, how long it lasts depends primarily on what material it’s made of, how it’s been taken care of, and how often it’s used. You should replace a hot tub cover every 5 – 7 years, or when you start to notice signs of wear.
You can find a number of different types of covers on the market.
Depending on the type of cover you choose, the price range you need to consider may be very different.
If you plan on using the cover only a few times, make sure to consider features that will protect the tub from damage when not in use.
Hot tub cover durability
When shopping for hot tub covers, durability is an important factor. The typical patio cover is supposed to last for five years if it is properly cared for.
When handled incorrectly, however, the cover can become prematurely worn, allowing heat loss.
The material of hot tub covers is also important because it must resist the weather and not show signs of wear or tear easily. Listed below are some tips for choosing a durable hot tub cover.
A good quality hot tub cover will last for several years, depending on the material. Be careful not to buy the cheapest hot tub cover, as they tend to be poorly made and will not protect your hot tub properly.
Also, make sure to follow the cleaning instructions to avoid causing damage to your cover. If the cover is designed for outdoor use, it should be waterproof as well. It should also protect the hot tub from harmful rays.
If the cover is designed for indoor use, choose marine-grade vinyl. This is better suited for outdoor use.
Marine-grade vinyl is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. It also protects the hot tub against UV rays.
The best hot tub covers are made of high-quality materials like Oxford canvas, ripstop fabric, or vinyl. The higher the quality of the material, the longer it will last.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a hot tub cover is its foam density. The higher the density, the better the insulation.
Experts recommend a density of one to two pounds. A thicker foam will hold more heat, while the sides will help runoff water. Finally, hot tub covers should have a vapor barrier.
A good vapor barrier is a moisture-resistant material that is water-tight. Poor quality vapor barrier can weaken and eventually break down.
Hot tub cover maintenance
Keeping a cover on your hot tub is one of the best ways to prevent water damage. Water will collect between the cover and the water, causing the air to fill with chemical gases.
The number one cause of hot tub cover failure is due to chemical damage, but you can prevent this from happening by removing the cover for about an hour each time you use the hot tub.
This small amount of time can easily be spent getting your “ahhh” time.
While you’re enjoying a soak in your hot tub, dirt, and grime may accumulate on the cover. Over time, outdoor grime eats away at the protective coating.
To clean the cover, use a soft-bristled brush and a mild liquid dish soap.
You can then hose off the cover and allow it to air-dry. Don’t forget to wipe the cover with a soft cloth.
To prevent mold and mildew, you should wipe down the cover regularly. Once every few weeks, you can clean it with a soft cloth and a microfiber cloth.
You should also spray the cover with a UV-protectant spray to prevent damage from the sun.
Using a UV-protectant spray on your hot tub cover can help prolong its life. It will also prevent premature breakdown of vinyl due to UV rays. Ensure that the cover’s underside is clean as well. If it is not, the water can accumulate there, resulting in mildew and odors.
Cleaning a hot tub cover is simple and can be done in-between regular cleanings. If the cover is older, you can use a non-abrasive cleaner such as Simple Green to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh cleaners, as they can remove the protective topcoat.
To remove tree sap from the cover, you can use vegetable oil or margarine. You can also try scrubbing it with soap and water.
Cost of Hot tub cover
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a hot tub cover is the thickness of the foam core.
The higher the density, the better the insulation, but this is not the only consideration.
Also, the type of climate you live in may have a bearing on how thick you should buy your cover. In addition to thickness, you should look for a cover that is made with 100% virgin closed-cell polystyrene foam.
A hot tub cover can become waterlogged over time due to heavy rains or snow. If your cover becomes waterlogged, the insulating foam core will no longer keep the hot air in and will eventually fail.
Your monthly energy bill will skyrocket as the foam core will no longer be able to insulate as well. A waterlogged cover can also cause strain on seams and even damage an automatic cover lifter.
In addition to the price, the size of your hot tub also matters. Generally, square hot tub covers are the easiest to measure. Measure the skirt from the outside lip and add a few inches to the length.
The price of a Marquis hot tub cover varies depending on its size. However, there are budget, entry-level, mid-range, and premium models available. They can cost from five hundred to one thousand dollars.
Whether you plan to use your hot tub outdoors or indoors, a high-quality hot tub cover will protect your tub from harsh weather.
Most covers are made of marine-grade vinyl. If you live in an area with harsh climates, you can choose a cover that has UV protection to protect against ultraviolet rays.
A solar blanket hot tub cover, meanwhile, works by heating water with the sun. You’ll want to make sure the cover is waterproof and that it will prevent water from penetrating the shell.
Cleaning a hot tub cover
You can clean your hot tub cover yourself using a variety of products. Typically, a hot tub cover is made of vinyl, which is a material that can handle moisture better than other materials.
You can clean it using a common garden hose, but it is best to scrub it using a cleaner designed for vinyl.
Make sure not to use regular vinyl cleaners, as they will damage the vinyl. After cleaning the cover, check the vapor barrier, which is usually located inside zippers. Inspect the vapor barrier for any tears and cracks.
Clean the cover three times a year and check the vapor barrier.
If your hot tub has pillows, you’ll need to clean them separately. The process of cleaning pillows is slightly different than cleaning a cover.
Before cleaning, you should remove the pillows. A high-powered hose should work well to remove debris.
Make sure to use a high-powered setting, and follow up with UV vinyl protectant. You can then clean the rest of the cover with the same steps. Cleaning your cover will keep the water clean, and prevent mildew from growing.
If you’ve accumulated a lot of dirt on your hot tub cover, it’s a good idea to regularly clean it. A good cover will prevent moisture from reaching the foam core and will also prevent unpleasant odors.
But if your cover is made from a cheap material, it will rot and become smelly. A dirty cover can be affected by various elements, including rain, sun, and snow. Moreover, a dirty hot tub cover can develop slime, fungus, and bacteria.
Hot tub cover repair
Whether your cover is a bit worn or you have noticed a puddle of water on top, you may need to repair it.
A broken or bowed foam core is a sign that the cover needs to be repaired. If you’ve noticed water puddles on the cover, they will only get worse over time. Likewise, a heavy cover can indicate that it’s been absorbing water.
To repair a hot tub cover, you need to patch the hole. To do this, you need to clean the vinyl and patch the hole. You can purchase a vinyl repair kit or duct tape. Make sure the patch is an inch bigger on each side than the hole.
For best results, cut it with rounded edges so it doesn’t curl. You’ll also want to roughen the patch before applying it.
To patch a large tear, you can try to use some vinyl or leather repair patches. Make sure the patch is one inch bigger than the tear.
You should also make sure the patch is flat and that it does not have any bubbles or protruding edges.
You should then wait a few days before using the patch. This will not only save the cover from fading, but it will also extend its life. In addition, you will not have to replace the cover because you will be able to save money on the repair cost.
Conclusion
To repair a hot tub cover, it is necessary to know how to patch the holes. In general, you can repair small holes by using a basic vinyl repair kit.
However, you should make sure that you match the vinyl color with the cover’s vinyl.
You can also buy vinyl sheets separately. You’ll need enough vinyl sheets for both the underside and top part of the cover.
Moreover, you’ll also need enough vinyl to repair any damage through the core.
