When Should I Replace My Spa Cover?

​Your hot tub's cover serves as a shield against outdoor elements. Over time, it will sustain damages that will require a replacement. But the question is this: how long do spa covers last and when should I change it? Below, we listed some tell-tale signs to help you decide if it's time to get a new one. Take note that the frequency of use, installation area, type of tub, and other factors will affect the lifespan of a spa cover. The key here is regular inspection and repairing minor problems as it arises.

There are obvious damages on the spa cover

Regardless of the types of hot tub covers, one of the guaranteed signs that it needs replacement is physical damage. Large cracks, stitching coming off the material, fading color, and tears are signs of regular wear. You should consider changing your spa cover at this point. If not, your hot tub will fail to receive ample protection against outdoor elements. Wear and tear will damage your hot tub, which causes more expensive repairs.

The cover absorbs water

​Waterlogging is also a sign that your spa cover is no longer efficient in protecting your tub. This happens when the vapor barriers are already dysfunctional that it lets water get into the foam layer. And as the foam absorbs moisture, molds, mildew, and bacterial growth will ensue. This is very dangerous for your health, especially those with respiratory problems. Once your spa covers absorb water, it would be difficult to reverse the damage.

​The cover became too heavy

Does your spa cover feel way heavier than its original weight? It may have absorbed large amounts of water and dirt already. At this point, the cover will start to cup as the heavy load pulls the material down. The corners of the cover will lift away from its shell, which will result in further damages.
​
Take note that you should replace a cupped spa cover because it will likely break the tub's edge seal. When this happens, steam will escape, and your tub will have less heat while in use. 

The tub cover is already sagging

​Sagging is a sign of waterlogging and extreme wear and tear. If the cover is installed correctly but still sags, you should consider having a replacement. Water might be causing some spots of the cover to become lopsided. Also, the uneven surface may take its toll on the seal of the hot tub's edge.

​There's a foul smell coming off the cover 

Lastly, if there's a foul smell coming off the material, you should consider buying a spa cover for replacement. This means that bacteria, molds, mildew, and other organisms have overtaken the spa cover. Such smell will only become worse, so don't dismiss it as a mere case of off-gassing.

Trapped water will start to form a bad smell, which will also compromise the cleanliness of your hot tub. When that happens, your filter will waste away faster, and your hot tub will become less appealing to use.