How to Clean Vinyl Hot tub cover?
When you step out on to your lanai, you are greeted by the soothing sound of bubbling water and the inviting warmth of your hot tub, your personal paradise protected by your hot tub cover. Whether it's a peaceful evening under the stars or a sunny afternoon retreat, your hot tub offers an escape from the daily grind. But to keep this oasis pristine and ready for relaxation, one unsung hero deserves your attention: the hot tub cover.
Your hot tub cover does more than just sit there; it shields your spa from debris, conserves heat, and ensures safety. Over time, however, it can accumulate dirt, mildew, and wear from the elements, potentially compromising its effectiveness. Regular cleaning not only maintains its appearance but also extends its lifespan, ensuring your hot tub remains a haven of comfort.
In this guide, we'll walk you through a simple, five-step routine to clean your vinyl hot tub cover—no specialized tools or harsh chemicals required.
Let's dive into the cleaning process.
Why Does Cleaning Vinyl Hot Tub Covers Matter?
Safety
While hot tubs can offer numerous health benefits, if the covers are not regularly cleaned, they can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which can lead to unpleasant odors and serious illnesses. By keeping your cover clean and dry, you minimize these risks and maintain a hygienic spa environment.
Longevity
With continued use, hot tub covers accumulate dirt and chemicals and are degraded by sun exposure. These factors can reduce the effectiveness of insulation, leading to cracks and threatening your hot tub’s livelihood. Regular cleanings preserve the vinyl’s UV coating preventing any premature aging and ensuring your cover continues to protect your spa effectively.
Appearance
In many cases, hot tubs are the focal points of a backyard space. Guests stop and take notice of the beautiful oasis that hot tubs create. If the cover is dirty because of improper cleaning, rather than being a highlight, hot tubs can diminish the look of your outdoor space
Saves you money
A well-maintained cover retains heat more efficiently, reducing energy costs associated with heating your spa. Additionally, regular care prevents damage that could lead to costly repairs or the need for a replacement cover.
Steps to Clean Vinyl Hot Tub Cover
Now that you know why regular cleaning of your hot tub cover is so important, let’s look at how you can keep it in tip-top shape with these easy steps:
Step # 1
Remove the spa cover from your tub and place the exterior up on a flat, smooth surface such as a deck, cement pad, or other well-drained surface. Placing it near a hose, if possible, makes the cleaning process easier.
Step # 2
Gently spray the underside of the cover to rinse away any hot tub chemicals that may have splashed its surface. Once dry, flip the cover over and use the hose to wash away leaves, grass, or other debris. Make sure you keep the water pressure moderate to avoid damaging the cover.
Step # 3
Although the underside of your cover requires only a gentle rinse with the hose, the top will need a little more attention. Spray it with a vinyl cleaner recommended by the Hot Tubs in Paradise team when buying or with a mild vinegar and water solution.
You can even use warm water with no cleanser (combined with some elbow grease). Avoid using bleach, alcohol, or household detergents, which can eat away at your cover’s UV protectant. Work in small sections with a cloth or a soft-bristled brush in circular motions to gently scrub away dirt and grime.
Step # 4
Once cleaning is complete, rinse the top of your cover well to remove all traces of the cleanser. Wipe it down with a soft, absorbent rag, microfiber cloth, or towel, and leave it to air dry.
Step # 5
Once dry, use a quality UV vinyl protection spray across the entire surface of the cover. When used every three months, the spray offers effective protection from the damaging rays of the sun and can prevent the top of your cover from drying or cracking.
Once the protection spray has dried, you can reattach the cover to your hot tub.
Remember
Regularly check your cover for small rips and cracks and have them repaired immediately. Even tiny tears can leave a cover’s inner foam exposed to the elements and cause it to soak in moisture from rain.
Common mistakes to avoid while cleaning a vinyl hot tub cover
Cleaning solutions to avoid
Harsh detergents actually lead to the cover becoming dry, so you should 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.
Even dishwashing soaps are a no-no for cleaning the cover. Certainly do not use products that are abrasive because they strip the clear top coating off the vinyl. And, though you may think that oil-based products would be helpful, they are extremely damaging. Oil amplifies the sun’s rays, which actually intensifies the heat on the cover.
Don’t use a razor blade to remove sap
Many varieties of trees produce sap in the spring, which can fall on your cover and harden. To remove it from your cover, rub any oil you’d use in your kitchen—vegetable oil or mayonnaise will work—into the sap. Rinse with water, then carefully scrape or chip the sap off with your fingernail (don’t use anything that could damage or tear the vinyl).
Don’t let your cover stay wet
A hot tub cover that’s never given the chance to fully dry out will not last as long as one that’s allowed to dry completely once a month.
Last words
Taking care of your hot tub cover is a simple yet impactful way to ensure your spa remains a relaxing retreat for years to come. Regular cleaning not only keeps it looking fresh but also extends its lifespan, prevents unwanted odors, and maintains energy efficiency.
If your current cover is showing signs of wear or you're seeking a custom fit that complements your outdoor space, consider upgrading to a high-quality, tailor-made hot tub cover from Hot Tubs in Paradise. With over 35 years of experience, we specialize in crafting durable spa covers for both portable and in ground hot tubs, ensuring each cover is tapered for water runoff and equipped with standard foam cores to enhance heat retention. Our superior marine-grade vinyl is treated with high levels of mildew and UV inhibitors, and every hot tub cover is UL Classified in accordance with ASTM safety standards.
