A hot tub cover is more than an accessory for your spa. It traps heat, lowering your energy consumption and reducing your energy bill. It preserves water by preventing evaporation and keeps out leaves, seeds, grass, bugs and other debris. The cover protects the jets from the elements and is a safety device, keeping children and pets from harm. Properly maintaining your cover extends its life, but eventually, it needs replacing. How can you tell when it’s time for a new cover? The following are some signs that your cover needs replacing. 

What is the average lifespan of a hot tub cover? 

Proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of a hot tub cover and some covers are built to last longer than others. Generally, a hot tub cover lasts 4 to 5 years.

 Signs it’s time to replace your hot tub cover:

There are a number of telltale signs that help you know when it’s time to buy a new hot tub cover!

 

• Sagging: Warping or sagging in the middle results from heavy rain or snowfall and is a sure sign that it’s time to buy a new cover. Sagging means that the structure of the cover material has been compromised, causing excess weight in the center, lifting the corners and allowing heat to escape.
• Cracked and/or torn vinyl: Breaches in the vinyl of a hot tub cover allow dust, debris and moisture in and heat out. Keep an eye on the condition of your cover, paying special attention to the stitching at the center seam. Check both the inside and outside of the cover. When it becomes cracked or torn, it’s time for a new cover.
• A heavy cover: When your hot tub cover becomes heavy and difficult to open, it’s time to invest in a new one. The increased weight of a cover is caused by waterlogged insulating foam. The foam core is designed to retain heat by trapping warm air. A vapour barrier covers the core preventing water absorption. Over time, this barrier fails and the lid becomes waterlogged, reducing its insulating value and increasing your energy costs. 
• Broken straps and/or hinges: The straps of a hot tub lid secure it in place, improving the seal and keeping the heat in. If one or more of these straps is broken, you lose your seal and precious heat. A hinge that is torn also allows heat to escape. Broken straps and/or torn hinges are a sign that it’s time to invest in a new cover. 
• Unpleasant smell: A saturated foam core is a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, fungi and mould. If your hot tub lid begins to smell foul, your core is likely waterlogged and it’s time to buy a new cover.
• An increase in your energy bill: If you notice an unaccounted-for increase in your electricity cost, check your hot tub lid. It may be sealing improperly, cracked and/or sagging, all valid reasons to invest in a new cover.  

Consider a Covana system!

A Covana system is a hot tub cover and gazebo in one! This fully automated system allows you to open and/or close your spa with the simple turn of a key. With an insulating value of R-12, this cover has twice as much insulating ability as a standard spa cover. It locks in heat and locks out cold! A watertight seal offers optimal water retention, reduced chemical evaporation and saves on water and maintenance. The Covana is compatible with all brands of spas and can be installed on any surface. It will last the lifetime of your spa! 

Hot tub covers deteriorate! Harsh UV rays of the summer sun weaken the material, winter snow weight causes stress and hot tub lids become waterlogged. Make maintaining your hot tub cover part of your weekly/monthly spa maintenance plan. Keep a close eye on the lid, noting any signs that it’s deteriorating. Timely replacement of your spa cover will save you money and hassle. 

Interested in purchasing a quality spa and/or spa cover? Contact Calgary-based RnR hot tubs and spas. RnR provides comprehensive service, expert knowledge, a wealth of field experience and the best products in the industry to help you maintain your hot tub/swim spa for years of enjoyment. RnR is Alberta’s premier hot tub/swim spa store specializing in the world’s first steel-framed spas from American Whirlpool, Vita Spas and MAAX Spas. Call (403) 203-0860 or fill out the contact request.