If you are a hot tub owner, you should know that hot tub covers do have a bit of shelf life, and it may be very expensive to replace them when they wear out. It might be difficult to determine when a hot tub cover needs to be replaced.
Purchasing a brand-new hot tub cover for you could set you back several hundred dollars. Still, the inefficiencies of an older, worn-out cover could cost you considerably more over a handful of winter months.
In this post, we will discuss how you may determine how long do hot tub covers last, what else to look for when purchasing a new hot tub cover, and how to maintain your cover in order to extend its lifespan.
So, How Long Do Hot Tub Covers Last?
The lifespan of a hot tub cover is often estimated to be between 5 and 7 years, but this can vary depending on how well the cover has maintained the environment in which it is used and the overall quality of the hot tub cover.
A low-quality hot tub cover that isn’t maintained properly and exposed to the elements for an extended period may only endure for two or three years. In contrast, a high-quality cover that is properly cared for may remain in place for seven years or longer.
How Much Is a Replacement Hot Tub Cover?
The cost of a replacement hot tub cover can range anywhere from $350-$500*, depending on the brand of the hot tub.
The cost of simply replacing the foam inserts would range between $150 and $200. The cost of simply replacing the vinyl would be close to $200.
Therefore, in certain respects, particularly with regard to the overall cost, it would be more economical to replace the hot tub cover completely. After all, it may not make as much sense to invest $200 on replacement foam and then another $200 on new vinyl per year later as it would just to pay $400 and receive seven years of life out of the new cover if you compare the two options.
Actual pricing may also be determined solely by the manufacturers of the hot tub’s cover. It can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including choices, accessories, installation costs, location charges, financing costs, taxes, and other regional considerations. Talk to your neighbourhood dealer to find out how much a spa cover costs in your area and to find out about any ongoing specials or deals.
How Do I Extend the Life of My Hot Tub Cover?
Several factors can affect the lifespan of your hot tub cover and the hot tub cover’s ability to perform its job, and thankfully there are many ways that a hot tub owner can do to extend the life of the hot tub cover so you can save from the expenses of having to repair or replace them.
1. Regularly Clean It
It is in your best interest to provide hot tub covers with a thorough cleaning once a week because doing so will prevent the accumulation of germs, algae, and mildew.
It is not a particularly fascinating job, but if it is done frequently on the hot tub covers, it would be enough to avoid any problems from building up, it will be fast and easy, and it will benefit you in terms of the longevity of the cover for the hot tub.
2. Maintain The Vinyl With Consistent Care
The exterior of the cover for the hot tub covers ought to be clad in vinyl that is of marine-grade quality. If this is handled on a regular basis using the appropriate hot tub cover conditioner, it will last for a substantially longer period of time. This will maintain its pliability and resistance to the elements, preventing this from drying out and breaking.
3. It Has To Be Dried Out Once A Week
Take the time once a week, and even twice each week if on the hot tub covers, if you can manage it, to totally remove the cover from the hot tub and let it air dry. If the cover is kept in place at all times, it will eventually become permanently moist, particularly on the underside of the cover. It is possible for moisture to build within the foam core of the hot tub cover, but if you allow it to dry out frequently, this risk will be much reduced, and the cover’s lifespan will be significantly increased.
To do this:
- Remove the hot tub covers, and place them in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and warm air if feasible.
- Then leave it open and flat for a couple of hours so it may dry out as much as possible.
- After you have finished drying out one side of the cover, you should flip it over and dry the other face as well.
This is a bit of a headache given that you need a day with warm air and bright weather, and the hot tub covers need to be removed for a rather extended period of time for the moisture to evaporate. On the other hand, the longevity of the hot tub cover will be much improved if you can perform this maintenance only when the conditions are favourable.
4. Make Sure That The Vapor Barrier Is Intact
A watertight screen is used to create the vapour barrier in the hot tub cover, and it is wrapped all the way all around a foam core. In the event that the vapour barrier sustains any holes or tears, water and humidity will swiftly penetrate the barrier and make their way into the foam core.
It is important that the vinyl cover of the hot tub be removed on a constant schedule so that the vapour barrier can be inspected for any tears or holes. If you find any, you can fix them with waterproof tape so your hot tub cover lasts longer.
5. Examine The Areas Next To The Hinges.
The area around the hinge is the most likely to sustain damage because it is the only component of the hot tub cover that can move. As soon as you notice any issues in this region, such as the cover becoming ripped, you should make every effort to do repairs as soon as possible.
If you don’t let matters get too bad, you can restore the vinyl cover and keep the real foam core if it hasn’t been destroyed. This assumes, of course, that you don’t allow things to get too terrible. This will be a far more cost-effective alternative than purchasing a totally new hot tub cover.
6. Purchase Of A Hot Tub Cover Lifter
It is quite easy to put a tremendous burden on the hinge of a hot tub cover if you do not have a hot tub cover lifter. You can also move the cover around, which creates additional strain and stress on the hinge. A cover lifter can lift its cover using the most energy-efficient way possible, putting minimal stress on the hinges. Additionally, it will protect the cover from scuffing and chafing when moving.
7. Utilize A Whole Cover
Not only will this assist in maintaining the hot tub’s temperature, but it will also shield the primary cover from the most severe weather conditions. Winter hot tub covers are essentially giant tarpaulins, and they can be secured to the hot tub using straps to prevent the cover from lifting or being destroyed by strong winds.
Additional Tips To Extend The Life Of A Hot Tub Cover
Here are some additional pointers to ensure that you get the maximum amount of use out of your hot tub cover over its lifetime:
- Make use of the clips that are already built into your cover to secure it so that it won’t be blown away by strong winds and damaged as a result. A better seal will be formed as a result of this, which will cut down on the quantity of heat that escapes the hot tub and make it more efficient overall.
- During the winter months, clear away any significant loads of snow or ice, taking care not to harm the cover in the procedure. It is best not to use shovels since the blades of the tool can get caught up on that cover and rip apart the vinyl skin.
- After shocking your hot tub, you must keep the cover completely open for at least half an hour. When you shock the hot tub, powerful chemical vapours are discharged into the air. These chemical vapours have the potential to damage the bottom of the cover and accelerate the rate at which the vapour barrier worsens.
- To assist in mitigating the potentially damaging effects that the sun can have on the vinyl surface of your cover, you should clean your cover at least two to four times per year with a UV protective spray.
- Check to see that the water you’re using has the right amount of each element. The fabric that makes up the bottom of the cover may become stretched out if acidic water is present. The cover’s fabric and foam may eventually deteriorate if it is exposed to persistently high amounts of chlorine or bromine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Covers For Hot Tubs Get So Heavy?
Over the course of time, the foam interior of a hot tub cover will eventually become saturated with moisture. The hot tub cover will gradually become heavier. It may begin to sag in the middle due to the accumulation of moisture, which will cause the foam core to gradually become increasingly weighed down by the water content it contains. It will also begin to lose its insulating capabilities as it swells with water because it will fill the air pockets already in the foam.
Does the Cover Come With A Complete Foam Sealer?
A layer of insulating foam known as a full foam sealer is used to fill the space that is located somewhere between the two sections of a hot tub cover. When the cover of a hot tub is closed, there is a gap of one inch that is not insulating if the lid does not have a full foam sealer.
Many different types of replacement covers for hot tubs come as standard, with either a rubber bar or two little pieces of foam attached to the edges of the cover. The only benefit either of these can provide is a reduction in the evaporation rate, but they do not insulate well.
When Is The Appropriate Time To Replace Hot Tub Cover?
When the foam core of the majority of hot tub covers becomes saturated with water, the covers will need to be changed. It will begin to get heavier, and in some cases, it will get heavy such that the cover will begin to separate at the center seam if you try to raise it. Should it not be replaced, the cover may eventually get so heavy that it is impossible for a single person to move it.
Conclusion
Hot tub covers are important components of your hot tub. Without it, there is a huge chance that you won’t be enjoying a warm hot tub experience that can last for many years. That is why it should be one of your priorities when thinking of hot tub repairs and maintenance. You can follow all the information above to make sure that your hot tub cover stays for a long time.
