The Essential Guide to Hot Tub Covers: Benefits, Types, and Maintenance

When purchasing a hot tub, you may be presented with many options, upgrades, and accessories to help enhance your hot tub experience. In addition to the many standard features that come with the specific spa model you have decided upon, you may still have choices to make when it comes to extra amenities.

One of the items that may come standard with your hot tub, depending on the brand and model you have selected is a hot tub cover. This is actually a key feature for any hot tub, as it serves a very important role in retaining the heat of your spa water, while also keeping it free of debris and protecting it from the elements.

This article will answer multiple questions surrounding hot tub covers such as:

“What is a hot tub cover?”

“What are the benefits of a hot tub cover?”

“Do I need a hot tub cover?”

“What should I look for in a hot tub cover?”

“How do I care for my hot tub cover?”

As you read on, consider this your essential guide to hot tub covers. The information in this guide will help you determine the type of spa cover that will be best for your hot tub as well as how to handle your hot tub cover’s maintenance when the time comes and replacement if needed.

What is a hot tub cover?

Beginning with the basics, a hot tub cover, also referred to as a jacket, is simply an accessory that fits over your hot tub when not in use. Hot tub covers can differ based on brand and model, materials, quality, and other factors. A well-made, durable, and tight-fitting hot tub cover is an invaluable feature of your hot tub that should not be underestimated. Generally, hot tub covers are made with dense foam and marine-grade vinyl. Hot tub covers can vary based on whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor settings.

What are the benefits of a hot tub cover?

A hot tub cover is your first line of defense in not only preserving the heat of your hot tub’s water and protecting it from the elements. Beyond that, a high-quality hot tub cover can also help preserve the life of your hot tub.

The reason being is without the protective barrier of a well-made hot tub cover to lock in your water’s heat, your hot tub’s heater has to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. Over time, this can cause damage to your spa’s heater. This may result in needing a costly repair, whereas the investment in a quality hot tub cover can easily prevent this as a result of exposure.

Another benefit of spa covers is that they protect your hot tub water from being penetrated by sunlight, which can promote algae and bacteria growth. While it is also very important to maintain your hot tub water with the use of water management systems, sanitation systems and treatments, and chemicals, hot tub covers can assist in protecting your water.

As with keeping out the sunlight, the use of a hot tub cover can prevent elements such as rain, snow, dust, and debris from falling into your hot tub. This is important for several reasons. First, elements such as twigs or heavy debris that fall into your water could potentially clog your hot tub’s filtration system. Secondly, rain and snow could potentially cause a chemical imbalance in your hot tub water.

A tight-fitting hot tub cover can provide peace of mind in many ways. Safety cannot be understated when it comes to your hot tub—and a properly fitted spa cover can help prevent an accident. A large, heavy-duty hot tub cover can prevent little ones and pets from inadvertently falling in or getting into the hot tub without your knowledge. In addition, Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Covers meet the safety requirements of ASTM F-1346-91, the internationally recognized safety standards for pools and spas.

As mentioned above, a hot tub cover helps to maintain the heat of your spa water. This is not only good news for the hot tub heater, it is good news for your bottom line. When a high-quality hot tub cover is in use to preserve the water temperature, your energy bills will be preserved, too.

Do I need a hot tub cover?

The short answer is yes, you need a hot tub cover if you want to protect your hot tub, keep your children and pets safe, and save money. But it’s important to remember that a hot tub cover needs to be not only well made, but also properly fitting. It’s also a good idea to check your hot tub cover’s hinge to make sure heat is not escaping from this area.

Think of a hot tub cover as a crucial part of your hot tub investment, rather than an optional added expense. It truly will serve to make your years of hot tub ownership easier (and less expensive) in the long run

What should I look for in a hot tub cover?

Many premium spa brands will offer hot tubs with a cover that comes standard. Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs, for example. Just as with its wide array of products, Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Covers are made to last. The Jacuzzi® brand features vinyl covers that can be customized in many colors. The Jacuzzi® ProLast™ Cover comes standard with many Jacuzzi® Hot Tub models.

Jacuzzi® ProLast™ Covers lock in your hot tub water’s heat with durable UV-stable, woven polyester outer fabric and heat-locking EPS foam core. EPS stands for expanded polystyrene, a foam whose density is measured in pounds per cubic foot. This density is what determines the strength and durability of your hot tub cover. This material is an important aspect in repelling water absorption to help maintain the life of your hot tub cover.

Jacuzzi® ProLast™ Covers are also made with sturdy, double-stitched all-weather marine-graded fabric that is designed to protect your hot tub from the damaging effects of UV rays as well as protect your hot tub from wind, rain, and snow. Jacuzzi® ProLast™ Covers are custom-fit and made to protect your spa for many years to come. They do so by forming a vacuum seal that secures itself to the sculpted shell of your hot tub. This helps to retain heat and maintain water temperature for longer, which leads to lower operating costs. Jacuzzi® ProLast™ Covers are also UV, water, and stain resistant, helping to maintain the beauty of your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub even when not in use.

An upgrade to this standard Jacuzzi® Hot Tub feature is the Jacuzzi® ProLast™ Extreme Cover. This option is designed for hot tubs that will be used in colder, harsher, and more extreme climates. They feature added foam density for increased protection of your hot tub in very cold weather and heavy snowfall.

How do I care for my hot tub cover?

Just as with any part of your hot tub, your hot tub cover should be properly cared for to help prolong its lifespan. Each brand and model’s cover may have specific needs when it comes to maintenance, repairs, or replacement. (Pro tip: when shopping for a hot tub, ask if the accompanying hot tub cover has a warranty.)

Vinyl hot tub covers can be washed with a non-petroleum-based high-quality cleaner and conditioner meant for vinyl. Jacuzzi® ProLast™ Covers can be cleaned with a mild soap and a soft nylon brush. You may also want to use a cover protectant. This type of surface treatment is meant to protect your hot tub. Proper care for and cleaning of your cover can help it last, without the need for replacement, for many years.

If you notice that your hot tub cover has damage, such as a rip or tear, you may want to contact your local spa dealer to see what repair options might be available for your specific cover. If you need a hot tub cover replacement, your authorized spa dealer can also help you determine if your cover is under warranty. Some companies may offer a first year warranty that could provide full replacement if the damage is due to faulty material or craftsmanship. Your spa dealer can also advise you on how to proceed in getting your hot tub cover replacement.

When shopping for your future hot tub, it’s important to keep in mind the essential features and accessories that will help keep your spa running efficiently for many years to come. Like a hot tub cover, there are many other amenities of a premium hot tub that can also lend themselves to helping preserve and prolong the life of your spa. Other key features that can help make hot tub ownership easy while keeping operating costs down as well include high-quality, upgraded water management systems and filtration systems and smart technology and monitoring systems.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.