Protecting and cleaning a hot tub cover will take 15-30 minutes every 3-4months and will prolong it’s useful life considerably. The hot tub covers are made from high grade marine vinyl, without proper care, they are likely to go brittle and split within a couple of years. With replacement hot tub covers costing at least £300, this is a good investment of time and effort. Before I begin my top tips, I would like to mention that if you notice a anything on your hot tub cover, it is best to try and clean it off as soon as possible to stop it from causing damage. You can either view our short video, or follow the written guidance.
You will need:
- Hosepipe
- Cleaning cloth or soft brush
- Soft towel
- Cover Protector (please call the showroom to order)
- Mild non-foaming detergent (I use Method)
- Spa Surface Cleaner (please call the showroom to order)
- A little helper (optional)
Start by getting the cover really wet by spraying with a hosepipe or pouring over water from a watering can.
Using a very small amount of mild detergent on a soft cloth, start gently rubbing the hot tub cover to free up and dirt trapped in the vinyl. Tree sap can be removed by using a little vegetable oil.
Rinse with plenty of water from your hosepipe or watering can & dry using a soft towel.
Your hot tub cover should now look clean and dirt free.
Now to apply suncream to your hot tub cover. OK it’s not actual suncream, but it has the same purpose. Cover protector protects your hot tub cover from the harmful UV rays, deeply cleanses it and adds vital plasticisers back into the cover. It also repels the dirt, making it easier to keep clean.
To apply the cover protector, simply spray on and wipe dry.
You are now ready to clean the underside of your hot tub cover. I have found that the easiest way to do this is in two halves. Open the cover up one side, clean it using the steps below, the flip it over to clean the other half.
If you have a cover lifter fitted, this can still be done. Once you have cleaned the first half, close the lid back up and lift the arm of the cover lifter that is resting across it and open the other side up.
Using another soft cloth or soft brush, apply a small amount of spa surface cleaner to the underside of the cover. It is important that you do not use anything that will cause foam to enter the hot tub. The spa surface cleaner will provide some protection against mildew build up, which is why I use it. Dry it with a soft towel and viola – back to being ready to play in again!
Some more experience led tips to maintaining your hot tub cover:
- Always break the vacuum seal by pushing the corner of the hot tub cover up. Using the handles will cause them to break.
- When shocking the hot tub, always leave the cover off for around 20 minutes. Not only will this prevent a build up of chemical smells, it will protect the underside of your cover.
- Use a cover lifter. Not only do they help remove the cover, they also store them safely, off the ground, to protect them from damage.
- Do not allow anyone to sit, climb or jump on the hot tub cover. It is only polystyrene inside, it will snap!
As always, any questions, please ask.
Enjoy your hot tub 🙂