I don’t know how many years I’ve been saying this: “The worst thing you can do with a hot tub cover, is put it on a hot tub!” It’s true. Almost all portable hot tubs are outside. Whether you have a Hot Springs, Sundance, Jacuzzi, Aquarest, Softub….it doesn’t matter. They all need covers, and almost all of them will eventually get waterlogged.
Hot tub covers are actually made with closed-cell foam, which would normally not absorb water. The foam cores are also covered in heat-sealed plastic. Hot tub cover manufacturers really do everything they can to make sure the covers don’t get waterlogged. The problem is, you’re putting it on a hot tub with hot water in it. Hot water causes steam, constant steam. That steam is hitting the bottom of that lid from the moment you put it on your tub. Additionally, and this is important: USE YOUR HOT TUB!!! I use my hot tub every day, most of the time I simply flip the cover half open. I also alternate which side of my hot tub I use, so I’m opening both sides of the cover often. My cover is 6 years old, and it’s in great shape. Possibly the best killer of hot tub covers is not using your hot tub. If it just sits there, with hot water under it and the elements over it, you can basically kiss that cover goodbye.
I used to think that hot tub covers go compromised by water because of the steam only. After years and years of cleaning hot tub, I did discover another major factor. The outside! What I mean is, if your cover is totally exposed with nothing over it, it’s going to have a shorter life than you want it to. By FAR the best thing you can do to keep your hot tub cover free from water for as long as possible, is have a roof. And, again, use your hot tub often.
Hot tubs that are under a deck, a gazebo, or even an umbrella are going to last at least twice as long as covers that aren’t under anything. Based on what I’ve seen, having your hot tub under some type of cover is the best way to save money on hot tub covers. I’ve seen hot tub covers that fail inside 2 years, and I’ve seen covers that last more than 10 years. The covers that last 10+ years are always under some type of roof.
If you can’t afford to put some type of roof over your hot tub, there are alternatives. This Protecta-Spa, for example:
Is that something that you’ll have to remove every time before getting in your hot tub? Yes, it is. Would I use it? No, I wouldn’t. Again, I’m in my hot tub daily. Not to beat a dead horse here, but if you use your hot tub often the tub and cover are going to last longer.
Need a new cover? You’re in luck! I know the best two places in the country to get them. If you’re lucky enough to be in the greater Washington State area, Northwest Swim Spas has the best prices on hot tub covers anywhere in the country! Here’s the link –
https://www.northwestswimspas.com
While you’re checking out Northwest Swim Spas, be sure to check out the Covana Covers. They’re expensive, but they are the last hot tub cover you’d ever need. Here’s the link –
https://www.northwestswimspas.com/covana
If you’re anywhere in the contiguous US, SpaDepot.com has the best prices online, along with the best quality and customer service. Here’s the link –
I should also mention the Smartop. These things are great! Again, they’re expensive, but again, they’re the last hot tub cover you’ll ever need. Here’s the link –
I hope this helps and thanks for reading!
Hot Tub Mark