Take a look at your spa cover. How well do you expect it to hold up through the Pennsylvania winter? If it looks clean, sturdy, and functional, fantastic! It’ll probably get you through another season. If it’s looking sad, don’t try to stretch its lifetime in the hopes of saving money. Doing so may line you up for some sickening, not to mention expensive, problems down the road.
Don’t make yourself pay a bill that you can avoid. Take an honest assessment of your spa cover, and buy a new one if necessary. Making this healthy choice for your cover translates to a healthy choice for your spa and all who use it.
When to Replace Your Spa Cover
At Goodall Pools & Spas, we furnish spa customers with a fresh spa cover at purchase. Those spa covers should last, on average, 4 to 5 years with proper care. However, like all products that endure several seasons of harsh elements, they will need to be replaced eventually. Therefore, keep a keen eye on your spa cover as the colder months approach. If they show the following signs of wear and tear, put a new cover on your shopping list.
1. Tears, Cracks, and Discoloration
If you see cracks and tears in the vinyl, that’s a clear sign that it’s time for a new cover. Between all the movement and intense weather your cover survives, the fabric is bound to show such signs of stress over time. Also, if you notice that the color has faded from the vibrant tone it had at purchase, conclude that it’s seen enough rain, snow, and intense sunlight for one lifetime.
2. Unusual Heaviness
When cracks and tears form in both the cover’s top and its foundation, water can easily seep into the cover’s foam core. As a result, the cover will feel especially heavy when you lift it. Therefore, if you feel like you need to impersonate The Incredible Hulk every time you move your spa cover, it’s most likely because it’s waterlogged. If it’s waterlogged, the cover’s outer layers are probably deteriorating.
3. Damaged Hinge, Straps, and Locks
As you’re looking over your spa cover, don’t neglect the “little things.” Specifically, the straps and locks play a significant part in keeping your spa safe and efficient. Even as few as one damaged strap or lock can weaken the cover’s seal. The same is true if the cover’s hinge is torn.
Not only does damage to these items increase the risk of the cover buckling, but it also allows heat to escape. If you want to keep your energy bills and your spa’s risk factor low, be sure the hinge, straps, and locks are in good working order.
4. Mold Growth and Odor
You may not even need to look at your spa cover to get a hint that it needs to be replaced. If your nostrils get hit by a foul odor in addition to the typical spa chemical smell, the cover is probably the culprit.
When the cover deteriorates and the spa’s seal weakens, mold, mildew, and harmful bacteria can grow on the spa shell and within the cover’s foam core. This causes that notorious odor. So if routine cleaning isn’t enough to banish any stinky scents in and around your spa cover, pitch it, and get a new one.
5. Sagging
Spa covers that bear a continuous heavy load are prone to sag in the middle. As a result, the seal loosens. This is especially important for owners to remember considering that the overwhelming majority of spas are installed outdoors.
Therefore, watch for signs of puddling on the top of your spa cover as heavy rain and snow loads make their impression over time.
Where to Get a Replacement Spa Cover
Goodall Pools & Spas carries a variety of both vinyl and rigid spa covers. Contact us or visit one of our 5 locations today to learn which may be the best replacement for you. In the meantime, visit our Spa FAQ’s page for more information on spa ownership and maintenance.
