After a winter full of snow, ice and even rain, it's time to check on your spa cover before ramping up for the spring hot tubbing season. Over time, hot tub covers made from fabric can become worn. Sunshine, hot and cold temperatures, snow, wind and rain can cause the fabric and stitching to dry out. It's important to check on your spa cover periodically and give it some TLC before you develop problems.

Cleaning
You may find algae or water stains on your hot tub cover's exterior, especially if it's made of vinyl. Use a cover cleaner and conditioner to revitalize it. A sponge with a mild cleaning solution will do the job. A soft brush can help to remove any stubborn build-up or stains. Take some time to check and clean the underside of the cover too. First dry it off using old towels, and then spray it with Lysol or disinfectant wipes to kill any mold, mildew or bacteria. Let it dry thoroughly before putting the cover back on your hot tub. If you discover any noticeable tears or cracks, you may want to simply replace the cover. You can also put a cover protector on it to prolong its life.

Spa Cover Interiors
Constant exposure to outdoor weather eventually results in shrinking and cracking. This allows water and moisture to infiltrate, especially at the seams. Water is absorbed into the interior foam insulation, trapping moisture and adding weight to your cover. If your hot tub cover feels like it's put on some weight over the winter - even if you have routinely cleared any snow and ice from it - it needs some attention. In some cases, spa covers can double in weight, making them more difficult to remove when you want to take a soak. There are two options for heavy hot tub covers. One is to remove and dry out the foam interior. The other is to simply replace your cover.

Removing Foam Padding
Most fabric covers have a zipper to allow you to remove the foam core if needed. This may be a two-person job if it's very heavy. Unzip and gently pull out the foam piece, then let it completely air-dry in the sun. Make sure you have enough space to let it lie flat.

If your waterlogged foam is encased in sealed plastic and you don't want to replace it, carefully cut open the seal as a last resort. Do it on a seam or in an even line, opening it just enough to remove the foam core. After it dries, use duct tape to re-seal it before putting it back in the zippered case.  

Replacement
If you need to replace your cover, you have several options. Make note of the make, model and model year of your spa. Try to find one that is custom made for your unit so that it will fit perfectly. This ensures that water condensation won't escape when the machine is not in use, and that rainwater and debris won't get in during storms and thaws. At Hot Tub Spa Supplies, we carry a wide range of Caldera, Limelight, Watkins, Free Flow and Hot Spring spa covers. Most of our covers are original factory covers.