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How to clean and protect a hot tub cover

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In short

Brush off loose dirt, then wash the top with a soft cloth and a cover cleaner or mild soapy water, and rinse well. Wipe the underside with a spa safe cleaner, dry everything thoroughly and finish the top with a vinyl protectant that guards against UV. Do this at each water change, with a quick wipe in between.

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A hot tub cover takes the weather on top and warm, chemically treated steam underneath. Left alone, the top fades and cracks in the sun, while the underside can grow mildew. A clean every few months and a protective coating keep it looking and working better for longer. This guide covers inflatable lids, foam lids and thermal covers, with steps, products to use and mistakes that shorten a cover's life.

What you need

Avoid solvent cleaners, alcohol, petroleum based products and household bleach sprays on vinyl and PVC. They can strip protective coatings and make the material brittle.

  • A soft brush or broom for loose debris.
  • Soft cloths or a non scratch sponge.
  • A hot tub cover cleaner, or mild soapy water if the maker allows it.
  • A vinyl protectant with UV protection, if your cover is vinyl or PVC.
  • A hose with a gentle spray.
  • Towels for drying.

Step by step: cleaning the cover

  1. 1

    Remove the cover and lay it on a clean, flat surface, top side up.

  2. 2

    Brush off leaves and loose dirt.

  3. 3

    Rinse the top with a gentle spray.

  4. 4

    Wash with cover cleaner or mild soapy water and a soft cloth, working in sections.

  5. 5

    Rinse thoroughly so no soap is left to run into the tub.

  6. 6

    Turn the cover over and wipe the underside with a spa safe cleaner.

  7. 7

    Clean the seams, clips and any handles.

  8. 8

    Dry both sides fully with towels and air.

  9. 9

    Apply a UV protectant to the top if the cover is vinyl or PVC.

Note:Do not stand or sit on the cover, and never let children play on it. Lift it with two people if it is a heavy foam lid.

Inflatable lids and bladders

Many inflatable tubs use a PVC top with an inflatable bladder underneath. Deflate and remove the bladder at each water change, wipe it down, and check it for slow leaks. A bladder that will not stay firm lets the lid sag into the water and loses heat.

If the PVC top has small holes, use the repair kit from the maker. See our guide to finding leaks for tips on spotting them.

Foam and thermal covers

Foam lids are usually vinyl over a foam core. Water getting into the core makes them heavy and less effective, so check the seams and the vapour barrier around the foam when you clean. A cover that has become waterlogged usually needs replacing.

Thermal covers that wrap over the walls collect condensation on the inside. Lift them off, let them dry in the air and wipe off any spots of mildew early. See thermal cover vs inflatable lid for how the two differ.

heaterpumpthermal coverI-beam or drop-stitch wallwater lineoutletinletfilter cartridgeinsulated floor matground sheetpump and heater unit
Inside an inflatable hot tub: the wall, the insulation under and over the water, and the pump and heater unit with its filter.

Protecting it from sun and mildew

  • Apply a UV protectant every month or two in sunny weather.
  • Prop the cover open for a short while after chemical treatments so harsh vapour can escape.
  • Keep sanitiser in range; very high chlorine wears the underside faster.
  • Store covers clean and fully dry when the tub is packed away.
  • Shade the tub with a canopy or gazebo if it sits in full sun.

When cleaning is not enough

If the cover is cracked, heavy with water, torn at the seams or no longer fits, a replacement will save energy. Our guide to how long hot tub covers last lists the signs, and hot tub cover sizes explains how to measure.

If you are choosing a new tub, a foam lid or a good thermal cover in the box is worth looking for. Our premium inflatable hot tubs guide notes which models include them.

See premium tubs and their covers →

Mistakes that shorten a cover's life

The most common one is putting a cover away damp. Folded wet, PVC and vinyl grow mildew and the seams weaken. Dry it in the air until both sides feel completely dry, then store it flat or loosely rolled in a dry place.

Others are dragging the cover across rough paving, leaving it to flap in the wind with clips undone, and using it as a table for drinks or garden tools. Each one adds wear that cleaning cannot undo. Treat the cover as part of the tub's insulation, because that is what it is.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to clean a hot tub cover? Brush off debris, wash with a cover cleaner or mild soapy water, rinse, dry fully and finish with a UV protectant.

How often should I clean the cover? Give it a quick wipe every couple of weeks and a full clean at each water change.

Can I use bleach on a hot tub cover? Household bleach sprays are best avoided, as they can damage vinyl and PVC. Use a product made for covers.

Why does my cover smell musty? Usually from mildew underneath. Clean the underside, dry it fully and air the cover now and then.

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