Whether you’re relaxing under the stars or enjoying a weekend soak, your hot tub cover plays a much bigger role than you might think. It’s not just a lid — it’s your first line of defence when it comes to safety, cleanliness, and energy efficiency.
Here’s why every hot tub owner in the UK should take proper care of their cover:
Energy Efficiency: UK energy prices aren’t cheap. A well-maintained hot tub cover helps trap heat, meaning your heater doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the water warm — and that means lower energy bills.
Safety: A securely fastened cover prevents children, pets, and curious wildlife from accidentally falling in. It also protects the water from leaves, bugs, and debris.
Weather Protection: From sudden downpours to winter frost, your hot tub cover shields your spa from the ever-changing British weather.
Reduced Maintenance: A clean, intact cover stops dirt from entering your tub, which means fewer chemicals, fewer water changes, and more time enjoying your spa.
Looking after your hot tub cover properly can extend its lifespan and keep your hot tub running efficiently year-round. Here’s how:
1. Keep Your Water Balanced
We can’t stress this enough — poor water chemistry is the quickest way to ruin a good cover. Unbalanced water releases corrosive vapours that wear down the cover’s protective layers. Always test and balance your water regularly. Neglecting this might even invalidate your cover’s warranty.
2. Clean It Regularly
Wipe down the top and underside of your cover with a gentle hot tub surface cleaner or mild soapy water. Avoid harsh cleaning sprays, silicone-based treatments, or household products like kitchen and bathroom sprays — they can do more harm than good.
3. Protect It From the Elements
Although UK weather is unpredictable, prolonged exposure to UV rays, heavy rainfall, or snow can age your cover fast. Brush off standing water or snow gently with a soft broom and avoid dragging the cover across rough surfaces.
4. Use a Cover Conditioner
A specially formulated hot tub cover protector adds a layer of UV protection and can help resist mildew, cracking, and fading — particularly useful during warmer summer months.
5. Invest in a Cover Lifter
A cover lifter makes opening and closing your spa easier and stops you dragging or bending the cover awkwardly. It also keeps the cover off the ground, protecting it from dirt and damage. Always lift using the handles — never by the skirt or corners.
6. Avoid Sitting or Placing Objects on It
A hot tub cover isn’t designed to hold weight. Sitting, standing, or placing heavy objects on it can cause it to sag, split or even collapse. Keep pets and children off it entirely.
7. Secure the Straps
Locking your cover in place helps prevent heat loss, keeps it secure in windy weather, and adds a layer of safety.
8. Replace When Needed
Even with the best care, covers have a limited lifespan. If it becomes heavy, cracked, or misshapen, it’s time to consider a replacement.
On average, a hot tub cover in the UK should last between 3 to 5 years, depending on usage, exposure to the elements, and how well it’s maintained.
A waterlogged or damaged cover can reduce energy efficiency by up to 40%, as it loses the ability to retain heat. Worse still, it may start to harbour bacteria, meaning you’ll end up using more chemicals to maintain clean water.
If your cover feels heavy or saggy, it may be waterlogged — and here’s why:
Steam and condensation seep into the cover over time, especially if the vapour barrier becomes damaged.
Aging materials lose their water-repelling properties, allowing rain or snow to soak in.
Chemical imbalance can degrade the internal barrier and lead to moisture absorption.
To prevent this, keep your water chemistry in check and avoid letting the cover sit on the tub immediately after adding shock treatments.
Lifting your cover safely is key to avoiding damage (or a back injury). Here’s how to do it properly:
Use a cover lifter – by far the easiest and safest method.
Get a helping hand – if you don’t have a lifter, two people can manage safely together.
Use the handles – not the skirt, seals or straps.
Don’t force it – if your cover is too heavy, check for waterlogging and consider a replacement.
All our hot tub covers are available with Weathershield — a high-performance, solution-dyed polyester that’s 50% lighter, 3x stronger, and UV-resistant. Unlike standard covers, the colour and strength go deep into the fabric, offering excellent fade resistance and long-lasting durability in British weather.
Explore the full range of covers and accessories at MyHotTubShop.co.uk or contact out team to discuss your needs.
Warning: To Avoid Drowning Risk:
DO NOT SIT / STAND or LAY on your hot tub cover. It WILL NOT support weight. Even resting your elbows on a cover can put a small dent in the foam
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY – Kids love to play! DO NOT allow them to play under the cover! Children or objects CANNOT BE SEEN under cover. REMOVE COVER COMPLETELY before entry of bathers. Entrapment is POSSIBLE
NON-SECURED or IMPROPERLY SECURED covers are a HAZARD. Remember to fasten and even look down your cover if you are concerned
CHECK COVER FREQUENTLY for damage and / or premature deterioration
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS may result in injury or drowning
PLEASE STAY SAFE!
For more information please give our office a call on 02392 471 073
