Core Hot Tub Covers
If a cover is exposed to moisture, it will eventually develop mildew and create a foul smell. This is a sign that the cover needs to be replaced.
To maintain a long life span for your Hot Tub Covers a good cleaning once every 1-3 months is all it takes. Use a protective cleaner, such as 303 Aerospace Protectant.
Moisture Absorption
Every Core cover is made with the highest quality materials; marine grade vinyl & energy efficient polystyrene foam heat-sealed with a poly vapor moisture barrier that virtually eliminates water absorption. Core uses advanced machines to cut all material for perfect adherence to specifications and each cover is sewn by hand under strict quality control. In addition, all fabric is treated with mildew inhibitors & vinyl is treated with anti-aging and UV protection.
Our exclusive AccuLok(tm) thermal cover design has a tight, full 7” no-gap insulating hem that minimizes heat escape and saves energy costs. A thermal insulating pillow the full length of the folding hinge section and a rigid aluminum channel stretching the entire width of the center prevents outside air, wind and snow from entering & further decreasing energy usage.
If your hard spa cover becomes heavily waterlogged, you will need to remove it from the hot tub and carefully unzip the vinyl’skin’ and each piece of the foam core and allow them to air dry. In some cases this may not be enough to remedy the problem and a replacement is required.
Warping
The insulating foam core of your hot tub cover can get waterlogged over time, which leads to warping. A waterlogged foam core will not insulate well and can lead to a hefty energy bill. It can also cause your cover to sag and lose shape, which can make it difficult to open and close.
A warped hot tub cover can be a huge eyesore that will detract from the appearance of your spa. It can also be a sign that the foam is breaking down and will no longer provide sufficient insulation.
Inspect your spa cover regularly for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any cracks, holes, or other problems, repair them as soon as possible to prevent water leakage and heat loss. You should also clean your cover regularly with a mild soap and a recommended hot tub cleaner. Keeping your cover clean helps preserve its insulating properties.
If you are having trouble with your cover’s locking mechanisms, it may be time to replace the lock or straps. You should also inspect the straps to ensure they are tight and secure.
To avoid the common problems that can cause your hot tub cover to fail, always use accurate measurements for your new cover. Be sure to include the corner radius. A larger radius will create a looser fit of the skirting, but will still provide good insulating qualities. Also, it is better to be a little over than under in your length and width measurements. We will custom make your new cover based on the information you provide us, and an extra inch or two won’t affect your price. In fact, it’s a lot easier to open and close when your cover is slightly bigger.
Loose Seals
Over time, the foam in your hot tub cover can begin to degrade. This can lead to water leaking through the cover, which can result in a mildew smell and a loss of heat. Inspect your cover regularly to ensure that it is properly sealed. If you do notice that it is starting to leak, consider purchasing a new one.
Adding a reinforced hinge can help keep your cover in good shape over time. Some covers come with this feature, which is useful if you plan on using the cover to hold your spa accessories or other objects. Choosing a cover that can be folded in half for easier entry into your tub will also improve ease of use. Many covers can also be upgraded with internal hardware for lifter attachment. This can make it easier to open and close the cover, especially if you have young children or pets.
If your cover has a plastic or vinyl liner, a thixotropic sealer such as Flex Seal can be used to repair small cracks in the cover. This product is easy to apply, and it will not damage the surface that it is used on.
If your hot tub’s foam is beginning to break down, it may be time to upgrade to a hard cover. This option is more expensive, but it offers superior energy savings and long-term performance. It is a great choice for anyone who wants to reduce maintenance and save money. In addition, it can be walked on, which is ideal for people with limited space or those who prefer to access their tub while it’s covered. For maximum efficiency, opt for a cover with an exclusive thermal design like PDC Spas’ AccuLok.
Unpleasant Smell
The cover of your hot tub does a lot more than just keep debris out. It also traps heat, which cuts your energy bill and saves you time when it comes to refilling the water. It also prevents evaporation, which keeps the amount of water you have at full capacity and reduces the risk of clogging your filters. It also keeps out leaves, seeds, and other contaminants that can dirty up the water and clog your pumps.
When your cover gets a funky smell, it could be because of mildew, mold or fungus. If this is the case, a thorough cleaning should be all it takes. If the problem persists, it may be time to invest in a new cover.
Another reason your hot tub cover might have an unpleasant scent is that it is leaking. This can happen when a small tear in the vinyl causes moisture to seep through and into the foam core. Luckily, most covers have zippers that make it easy to remove the cover and check the seals. You can also use duct tape to temporarily repair any areas that aren’t sealing well.
Besides regular cleaning, you should be keeping up with your regular maintenance schedule as well. That means testing your water weekly and shocking it to break down organic waste, which can contribute to odors in your hot tub. You should also avoid covering your hot tub with tarps or plastic wrap, as these can cause the foam in your cover to melt.
Weight
Keeping your hot tub cover in tip-top shape is critical to the long-term life of your spa. It will help to keep your water clean, the chemicals in balance and your energy bills down. But, any object that is subjected to the elements for extended periods will show signs of wear over time.
One of the most obvious indicators that your spa cover is overdue for a replacement is its weight. A healthy hot tub cover should weigh between 50 and 75 pounds. If you notice that yours is significantly heavier than this, it may have become waterlogged. Water logged covers do not insulate as well and can cause your energy costs to rise.
A variety of factors can contribute to a heavy cover including: cracks in the cover that allow water to penetrate into the foam core. Poor water chemistry that leads to corrosion of the poly vapor barrier on the foam core. Water leaking through the seams due to age or poor installation.
Another sign that your hot tub cover is overdue for a replacement are rips and tears on the surface of the vinyl exterior. These rips can lead to water leakage, which will result in your hot tub water becoming dirty and cold. A ripped or torn cover should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the hot tub and home.
If you are noticing that your spa cover is getting heavier and heavier, it may be time to invest in a new lifter. These can be mounted on the deck or slide under the cover and use hydraulics to raise it. These can be a great investment and make taking your cover on and off of your hot tub much easier.