How to Clean a Hot Tub Cover

A slick, grimy hot tub cover can introduce bacteria and other yuck into your sun-kissed soaking station. Regular cleaning (and drying) is the best way to stay on top of nasty growth. If you’ve fallen a little behind, here are some tips and tricks on cleaning a hot tub cover to take your cover from embarrassing to gleaming. 

Use Gentle Cleaning Products Design for the Cover’s Material

Do not use bleach, detergents, or alcohol on vinyl. Cleaners containing these materials can eat away UV protective coatings on the vinyl or dry it out. Hot tub cover manufacturers often include recommendations for safe brands or solutions, so read through the owner’s manual. You can also make your own mixture of vinegar and water in a one-to-one solution for a natural, gentle cleanser. 

Rinse the Inside of the Cover with a Hose

Regularly rinse the inside and outside of the cover to remove dirt and chemicals from the outside. The inside of the cover gets exposed to chemicals added to the water. If left on the cover too long, they can damage the materials. You don’t need any special devices for a weekly rinse. Simply use a hose to rinse off the cover and let it dry completely before placing it back on the hot tub. 

Apply Vinyl Conditioner Regularly

It’s important to regularly use a vinyl conditioner or protectant to fight against UV damage.  Conditioners prevent the vinyl from drying out and cracking. The cover manufacturer may recommend specific products or protectants to replenish UV protective coatings. 

Use Soft-Bristled Brushes

You may need a little sweat equity to remove caked dirt and dust or mold and mildew. Use soft-bristled brushes or a soft cloth to remove anything that requires scrubbing. It’s okay to put a little oomph into your scrubbing as long as the materials are soft. Do not use abrasives, wired brushes, or steel wool, which can scratch the vinyl.

Dry the Cover Out Regularly

Hot tub covers can get water-logged, making them heavy and a prime location for bacteria. Even if the cover doesn’t need a good scrubbing, it should be dried out regularly. On a nice, sunny day, take the cover off of the hot tub and open all the zippers. Wipe it down, and let the cover sit in the sun on a flat surface where it can air out and dry. 

If the cover has been water-logged for a while, you can also take out the cover’s foam inserts. Rinse them with a hose and dry them in the shade to prevent UV damage. 

Cover the Cover in the Off-Season

This might not seem like a hot tub cover cleaner tip, but in some locations, the weather can make hot tubs unfriendly for part of the year. Not only do you need to drain the hot tub if you don’t use it for a few months, but you also need to cover the cover to protect the vinyl from sun and weather damage. A simple tarp over the top can protect the cover from UV damage, heavy snow, and debris. 

Keep the Water Balanced

The chemical balance of the hot tub’s water can affect health risks and the hot tub cover’s lifespan. Stay on top of the water chemistry. Check alkalinity regularly and apply the necessary chemicals to keep the water within the range recommended by the hot tub manufacturer.

Over-chlorinated water, imbalanced water chemistry, and excess ozone can cause threads in the stitching to disintegrate or bleach the inside of the cover. Everything in the hot tub, including the cover, will last longer with regularly tested and balanced water. 

Keep in mind that local water conditions can create unique challenges. Hot tub newbies should consult a local hot tub installer for how to best keep the water balanced.

Keep the Cover Away From Abrasives

Vinyl can easily scratch. We already mentioned avoiding abrasives to clean the cover. But you also want to avoid placing the cover on abrasive surfaces like concrete or asphalt while cleaning or drying it. Avoid placing the cover on uneven surfaces to prevent the vinyl from getting damaged or stretched.

Repair Small Tears and Rips

Keep a vinyl repair kit on hand for small rips and tears. As much as you’d like to think the cover will never get nicked, it’s highly likely over time. A falling tree branch could be all it takes to nick an otherwise flawless cover. You may also need to repair the inside of the cover to protect the foam inserts from chemical exposure.

Check the Seams Every Year

Seams are often weak spots. Check them every year for loose stitches, tears, and UV damage. In a pinch, you can hold seams together with duct tape. In the long term, you can use vinyl repair kits or waterproof tapes designed for vinyl products to reinforce the seams. Larger tears may require you to brush up on your sewing skills. If you add a few stitches, apply a water sealant product to the seam.