Make your spa cover last

You've just spent $3-500 on a new cover, and you wonder why the last one only lasted you 3 years...

* If you're in the Southern states, a quality UVA/UVB vinyl protectant is mandatory, apply as directed 3-4 times a year. DO NOT use 'Armor-All' brand protectant as it contains petroleum distillates and damages vinyl long-term. A quality saddle soap or marine application protectant is good, or try our guaranteed '303' spray.

* If you use Bromine, keep the levels to a MINIMUM, as the gas trapped under the cover will "orange peel" the underside and make it brittle.

* When you shock weekly, it's very important to leave your cover open/off for a jet run cycle (15-20 min.) so expelled gases can escape. This protects the underside of your cover, as well as clears your water for clarity.

* Inspect cover for cuts/pokes through vinyl, breaching the inner plastic vapor barrier. This plastic bag envelopes the foam core, keeping it dry. As soon as a small hole is made, the foam cores are so dry, they will wick in moisture slowly and get heavier and heavier...To fix plastic - get it dry and use good quality clear postal mailing tape to seal it back up. To repair cuts/ holes in vinyl try our 'Permatex' Brand vinyl repair kit. This is a premium kit, and is most effective when cover is dry. Most cuts can be glued from the back side by adding a small scrap over cut and putting tape on front side, pulling it back into shape. A good vinyl glue can be found at NAPA auto parts stores, called 'VLP'.

* Lastly, you can remove your foam cores (they all zipper out at hinge) and flip them over and put them back in to reverse the 'sag'. This should be done once a year, or twice a year if your tub is 7' or bigger. This is a good time to inspect plastic bagging for holes, cuts & fix!

* Happy tubbing!