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How to Clean A Hot Tub Cover The Proper Way (+Protection Tips)
It’s important to keep your hot tub cover clean to maintain and protect the whole spa system. Read here for everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and protecting your hot tub cover.
You love getting in the hot tub to relax and be rejuvenated. However, spas are only enjoyed fully when they are kept in proper working order. An important component that shouldn’t be overlooked is the hot tub cover and hot tub cover maintenance because it protects the tub and, therefore, is essential to the longevity of your spa. So, the question is, how do you clean a hot tub cover properly?
Table of Contents
Show
Hot tub cover care at a glance
1–3months
how often to clean your cover
1:1vinegar to water
diy mix that is gentle on vinyl
Neverbleach or detergents
they dry out the vinyl and strip its coating
The cover to your hot tub is exposed to the elements all year, which means it is vulnerable to the sun, hot temperatures in the summer, and freezing temperatures in the winter. All of this, as well as dirt and debris, can wreak havoc on the condition of your vinyl hot tub cover. In this article, we provide basics of hot tub cover maintenance so it is effective and looks great no matter how many seasons you’ve had it!
Steps for Cleaning and Protecting
Here are five easy steps to keep your hot tub cover in its best condition, offering the best way to clean a hot tub cover effectively:
Step 1. Remove the cover from the tub and lay it on a flat, smooth surface. If possible, place it near a water hose.
Step 2. Use a gentle spray on the underside to rinse off any chemicals that have splashed on the surface. Then, after it is dry, turn the cover over and use the water hose to wash off leaves, grass, and other debris. Remember to use a gentle spray so as to avoid damaging the cover.
Step 3. Use a vinyl cleaner that has been recommended by the manufacturer or a gentle cleanser like vinegar and water.
Step 4. Rinse the top to remove all of the cleanser. Then, wipe it down with a soft, absorbent rag, microfiber cloth or towel. Leave it to air dry.
Step 5. Once the top is dry, if you haven’t used a leather cleaner that has UV protection, apply a quality UV vinyl protectant spray. Once everything has dried, reattach the cover.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“The top of the cover gets all the attention because it is the side you see. The side we find problems on is the underside: it sits over warm, chemically treated water every day, and splashed sanitizer will quietly work on the vinyl from below. Give the underside the same gentle rinse you give the top, and keep your water balanced. That protects the half of the cover doing the hardest work.”
Choosing the Best Hot Tub Cover Cleaner
Finding the best cleaner for your hot tub cover is key to maintaining its appearance and durability. A quality hot tub cover cleaner should be gentle on vinyl, effective at removing dirt and grime, and safe for regular use. We recommend Simple Green, a pH-neutral cleaner that cleans without damaging the vinyl’s protective coating. Alternatively, a DIY solution of one part vinegar to one part water is a cost-effective and natural option for cleaning a hot tub cover. For added protection, apply 303 Aerospace Protectant after cleaning to shield against UV rays and prevent cracking. Always check with your hot tub cover manufacturer for specific product recommendations to ensure compatibility.
DIY Tips for Easy Cleaning
To make cleaning your hot tub cover as efficient as possible, consider these DIY tips. One effective strategy is to remove the cover and stand it upright against a wall or fence, allowing you to easily access both sides for rinsing and scrubbing. This approach saves time and ensures thorough cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush for stubborn spots like tree sap, and apply a small amount of vegetable oil to loosen sticky residue before rinsing. Always clean on a sunny day to speed up drying and prevent waterlogging. These simple techniques make cleaning a hot tub cover straightforward and hassle-free.
Cleaning Your Hot Tub Cover
Cleaning your hot tub cover regularly both preserves and protects your hot tub. Keeping the cover clean safeguards it from the effects of weather, prevents chemical damage, and mold growth. Cleaning also keeps it conditioned so you won’t eventually have a dry, brittle cover that cracks and deteriorates.
Use a Gentle Cleanser
To prevent wear on the hot tub cover and an unsightly appearance, you need to use a gentle cleanser. A mixture of mild vinegar and water is also an effective cleaner. You can even use warm water with no cleanser (combined with some elbow grease). A leather cleaner will prolong the life of your hot tub cover by conditioning it and blocking the sun’s UV rays each time you clean.
Cleaning Solutions to Avoid
Harsh detergents actually lead to the cover becoming dry, so you want to steer away from cleaning products that contain detergents, alcohol, and bleach. Avoid any vinyl protectants that contain petroleum distillates and are flammable. They may look good on the cover when first applied, but will accelerate deterioration and offer no UV protection.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“A shiny cover is not the same as a protected cover. We meet plenty of owners who faithfully sprayed on a glossy protectant for years and still ended up with dry, cracking vinyl, because the product was petroleum based and offered no real UV protection. Check the label before you buy: if it lists petroleum distillates, leave it on the shelf.”
Clean Regularly
It is a best practice to clean your hot tub cover every 1 to 3 months. Of course, if your cover is subjected to tree sap or other constant drippings and dirt, you will want to clean it more often. If the hot tub is in shade, you may also be vulnerable to mold so you’ll want to clean more frequently.
Maintaining Your Hot Tub Cover
Along with cleaning, regularly check the hot tub cover for small rips and cracks. When you discover tears, repair them immediately using a flexible, airtight patch that creates a strong bond to the vinyl. Even a tiny tear can expose the cover’s inner foam and cause it to soak in moisture from rain, leaving it vulnerable to becoming waterlogged. A waterlogged cover grows mold and bacteria and is no longer energy efficient.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“The difference between a quick vinyl patch and shopping for a whole new cover is usually just time. A small rip lets rain into the foam core a little at a time, and once that foam soaks through, the cover starts growing mold, stops insulating, and only gets worse. Run your hand over the vinyl every time you clean and patch any tear you find the same day.”
To keep your hot tub cover in top shape, consider additional maintenance practices. Maintain balanced water chemistry in your hot tub to prevent chemical damage to the cover’s underside. During off-seasons, cover the hot tub with a tarp to protect it from harsh weather, such as heavy snow or intense sunlight. Avoid placing heavy objects on the cover, as this can cause stress and tears. The following table summarizes key maintenance tips for quick reference:
| Maintenance Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Check for Damage | Inspect for tears or cracks monthly and repair with a vinyl patch kit. |
| Balance Water Chemistry | Ensure proper pH and chlorine levels to avoid chemical damage. |
| Protect During Off-Season | Use a tarp to shield the cover from UV rays, snow, or debris. |
| Avoid Stress | Keep heavy objects off the cover to prevent tears or deformation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a hot tub cover?
The best way to clean a hot tub cover involves rinsing it with a gentle spray, using a mild cleaner like vinegar and water or Simple Green, and applying a UV protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant. Follow our five-step process above for detailed guidance.
Can I use bleach to clean my hot tub cover?
No, bleach should be avoided as it can strip the vinyl’s protective coating, leading to cracking and fading. Stick to gentle cleaners to safely clean your hot tub cover.
How often should I clean my hot tub cover?
Clean your hot tub cover every 1 to 3 months, or more frequently if exposed to tree sap, mold-prone conditions, or heavy debris.
Can I clean my hot tub cover with vinegar?
Yes. A solution of one part vinegar to one part water is a cost-effective, natural cleaner that is gentle on vinyl. Rinse the cover with a gentle spray from a hose, wipe it down with the vinegar and water mix, rinse again to remove all of the cleanser, and let it air dry before applying a UV vinyl protectant.
How do I clean the inside of a hot tub cover?
Remove the cover (a hot tub cover lifter makes this much easier) and lay it on a flat, smooth surface, then use a gentle spray from a water hose to rinse off any chemicals that have splashed onto the underside. Let it dry before flipping the cover over to wash the top. Keeping your hot tub water chemistry balanced also helps prevent chemical damage to the underside of the cover.
How do I get mold off my hot tub cover?
Use a gentle cleanser such as a mix of vinegar and water, and never use bleach, which strips the vinyl protective coating. If your hot tub sits in the shade, the cover is more vulnerable to mold, so clean it more often than the usual 1 to 3 months. Also inspect for small rips and tears: a waterlogged cover grows mold and bacteria inside the foam core, where the damage sits beneath the surface. If the water itself smells off even when it looks clear, see our guide on hot tub water that is clean but smells.
Contact Epic Hot Tubs for Hot Tubs and Spa Covers
Epic Hot Tubs is the premier hot tub dealer in Raleigh & Durham that can advise you on everything you need to know about hot tubs, hot tub covers and clean a hot tub! Call us today at 888-884-3742 or fill out the form below.
Epic Hot Tubs offers a variety of spa covers for sale in North Carolina, including fully automated Covana Spa covers.
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About The Author:
Richard Horvath
Hot Tub & Spa Expert
Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard.
