Your spa cover is more than an attractive accessory. It’s also has the very important job of holding in heat when your spa is not in use, helping to reduce energy consumption and keep energy costs low. The cover also prevents excess evaporation, helping you conserve water, and it prevents debris and objects that could clog your filters from falling into the spa. Maintaining the cover in good condition is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your spa operating at its very best. Signs your cover is ready for replacement Spa covers are designed to last for a long time. But like any object exposed to sunlight and weather over time, your cover will eventually show signs of wear. Inspect your spa cover monthly for warning signs. It’s time to replace your cover if: You see breaks, cracks, tears, fading or sagging. Deteriorating condition and changes in shape could cause the cover to let heat and water vapor out, and dust and debris in. Look for dry or brittle texture in addition to holes and other visible signs of breakage. Your cover is waterlogged. When the vapor barrier fails the inner foam absorbs water, creating a perfect environment for bacteria and mildew to grow. Not only is a waterlogged cover a health hazard, it could lead to accelerated deterioration of the other parts of your spa. Maintenance tips to extend the life of your cover Regular cleaning To keep your spa cover looking great and doing its job, periodically clean it. To clean the cover, remove it from the spa and lightly spray the outside surface with a garden hose. Then use a very mild soap solution (1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to 2 gallons of water) or baking soda and a large sponge to gently scrub the cover using a circular motion. Work in sections and rinse each area before the soap dries on the vinyl. Then condition the cover with a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield™. On the inside surface, use water only and wipe it clean with a dry towel. Let the spa breathe When you treat or clean the spa itself or the water in it, leave the cover off for about half an hour immediately afterwards. Water purification agents need air to mix properly. Covering the spa immediately after adding chemicals can trap vapors inside that work against the longevity of the vinyl. Your spa cover is not a table. Don’t put objects or people on the cover. Anything with weight could cause the cover to stretch and sag, speeding premature deterioration. Remember to remove snow in the winter. If ice accumulates on your cover, loosen it with warm water before removing. Prying or chipping it off could tear the vinyl. Lastly, be kind to your cover. Spa covers are heavy and large and can be difficult to remove and replace alone. Don’t drag it, even on grass. Get a friend to help, or install one of our cover lifters.