We know how considered an investment a hot tub is. Acrylic hot tubs can last up to 20 years, with proper care being key to protecting your purchase and your pocket.
Unfortunately, nature can interfere and failure to safeguard your tub from wind, rain and sunshine can cause problems. To help you combat the risks our unpredictable British weather can have on your hot tub or swim spa, see our tips to keep your hot tub protected from the elements.
Let’s dive in and get started.
Picking the perfect hot tub cover
Hot tub covers alter in style, shape and function, so make sure you pick the right one for your hot tub.
From the faithful Jacuzzi® covers to the robust Arctic Spa covers designed with the harshest conditions in mind; speak with your provider if you are unsure which cover is best for your hot tub or swim spa.
- Quality: Your cover needs to be robust, well-fitted and durable to withstand the elements.
- Size: Don’t rush into buying the first hot tub cover you find; it needs to be the perfect match for your model. It needs to fit tightly around each corner to stop heat escaping or the wind from blowing it off.
- Thickness: Consider the season and environment. A thick cover will insulate the hot tub better, ideal for regulating the temperature.
Heavy-duty and weather-resilient hot tub covers are made from foam and vinyl but can still carry a lot of weight so why not purchase a cover lifter to make the application, removal and storage much easier. Read more about when to replace your hot tub cover in our guide.
How to protect your hot tub cover
A thermal cover is the best way to protect your hot tub from the elements, but you need to protect the cover itself to get the best results. Like the cover, the cover cap is waterproof which will also shield your investment from leaves, sap and other outdoor elements.
Remember to take your cover cap off before the actual cover to prevent damage.
How long do hot tub covers last?
Hot tub covers should last between three to four years if cared for properly. Ensure you clean and take care of it, using cleaning sprays and straps, a quality cover won’t need to be replaced as often as a cheap one.
How do you clean a hot tub cover?
Move over moss, mould and mildew, there is no room for that when enjoying your hot tub! Give your cover a thorough cleaning every three to four months to prevent it from going brittle.
Use cleaning sprays and a soft sponge to clear any dirt to prevent any muck from sticking to the residue. Rinse with water to ensure the cover is free from products and try to dry it thoroughly. You should clean your hot tub lid when it is not in use and never use domestic bleaches as that will damage it.
Shield your hot tub from the sun
In hot weather, get into the habit of using a hot tub cover spray that cleans and conditions the cover, as well as providing sun protection. A hot tub cover cleaner provides protection from the sun’s UV rays by repelling the elements and protecting the material.
A non-silicone-based product doesn’t have the sticky residue some sprays contain, avoiding the pickup of dirt while also providing the same standard of sun protection. The 303 aerospace protectant creates a barrier against the sun’s UV light, reducing the chances of cracking and fading over time.
Continuous exposure to high temperatures and sunlight can cause damage to the appearance of your spa. Think carefully about the placement of your tub, keep it shaded using an gazebo, parasol or a wooden pergola for an open feel. Not only will this protect you from the elements, it provides a private sanctuary for you to sit back, relax and enjoy. For more information, check out our blog post to discover more hot tub privacy ideas.
Protect your tub from freezing over
Though Brits may have thick skin when it comes to feeling the cold, hot tub owners often underestimate how to care for an outdoor hot tub in cold weather. If you don’t plan on using your hot tub in these wintery conditions, drain the tub and check for any faults, before strapping down a heavy-weight spa cover. Find out more tips in our winterising your hot tub guide. You can also book a hot tub winterising service with us.
A hot tub can be just as fun in the colder months, so don’t let the risk of bad weather put you off. You can safely regulate the temperature of your water in colder months by keeping it at 38⁰C which will be comfortable for you and will stop its properties from freezing over.
Snow and puddles of rain can cause mould and mildew, so be sure to do your MOT regularly to prevent the need to fix problems in the cold. You can prevent the pipes from freezing by hot tub thermal covers and continuing to run the pumps at a standard temperature.
You should never use anti-freeze or similar products in your tub to prevent freezing as this will damage your spa. Stick to using legitimate, quality products.
Make sure you check your cover frequently for damages that could allow the elements in. If your hot tub is temporarily out of use or in need of repair, use the ultra-tough easyklip to grip the cover as tight as you wish until your outdoor hot tub is ready to use again.
Get strapped in for strong winds
Check your thermal cover stays put in windier weather by using safety straps to keep it secure. There are a variety of hot tub cover straps to choose from, with some including a locking mechanism with a handy little key. They are a great additional feature to avoid any unauthorised access and of course deter the wind from moving your cover around, protecting it from tearing.
Good practice for hot tub owners is to always use cover straps, even in the summer - the last thing you want is to be battling gale-force winds to strap your cover down when the unpredictable British weather takes a turn for the worse!
Considering not only the elements
The weather isn’t the only thing to think about when protecting your hot tub. Dogs and cats can disrupt the protection of the hot tub. If your spa is in plain sight, you may want to consider investing in repellent spray to keep your furry-friends at bay.
If it’s a quick win you are looking for, cats and dogs will avoid sitting on your hot tub if a citrus based spray has been dispensed around the perimeter of the tub as they are said to hate the smell. If that doesn’t work, then a gate or shelter will help to keep the furry-four-legged companions away.
The weather forecast may be unpredictable but luckily it doesn’t affect how we can enjoy our hot tub. Suitable all year round, quality time in the tub is something we can guarantee. You can also easily fix any problems you may run into when maintaining a hot tub.
Our troubleshooting guide provides 5 solutions to common hot tub problems so you can sit back and relax in no time, despite the English weather.
Parting Advice
And there you have it; our quick and easy guide to protecting your hot tub from the elements.
Need more advice? Give us a call on 01482 212322 or email enquiries@outdoorlivinghottubs.co.uk and we’ll help you out. Or drop in and see us in our Hull or Leeds showrooms.
Not near one of our Yorkshire hot tub showrooms? No problem, if you’re looking for a new hot tub you can explore our virtual showroom or book a video call with our showroom team
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