Knowledge Builders

how do i protect my hot tub from sun

by Alanis Okuneva Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Suggestions for ways to get temporary shade over your hot tub

  • Temporary gazebos We love temporary gazebos as a hot tub shade because they are classy without being too expensive. Once they are assembled, they add an element of sophistication and comfort to your space. ...
  • Hot tub umbrellas A hot tub umbrella does not create the same level of privacy as a temporary gazebo. ...
  • Shade sails Shade sails are a less common backyard accessory. ...

When it's dry, use a UV protectant spray on the cover's upper surface. With regular use every 3-5 weeks, the spray will provide sun protection against fading or cracking. Put the hot tub cover back on once the protection spray is dry.

Full Answer

How do I protect my hot tub cover from the weather?

One of the best ways to protect your hot tub cover from harsh weather or dirt and debris is a cover cap. Cover caps are essentially weatherproof layers of fabric designed to fit over your regular cover —think of them like an outdoor jacket for your hot tub:

How do you keep a hot tub from aging?

NOTE: Covering your entire hot tub and cover in a plastic tarp will greatly increase the life of the cover. Keeping the cover dry and out of the sun is one of the best defenses against aging. If you tend to close your tub for a few months, take the time to cover it for storage.

How do you clean a dirty hot tub cover?

A dirty hot tub cover is a breeding ground for mold, algae and contaminants. Avoid the build-up of dirt and grime in or on your hot tub cover by regularly cleaning it. Remove the cover. Place it on a clean, flat surface, near a hose. Rinse your hot tub cover with your garden hose.

How to winterize a hot tub?

Cover the hot tub cover with a few pieces of plywood. This advice will be helpful for those who live in areas with heavy winters. The plywood will help evenly distribute the weight of snow and ice and your hot tub cover will not get damaged. Cover the spa with a watertight tarp.

What is the best way to resurface a hot tub?

When to use Rub n Restore spa cover?

What is a spa cover made of?

Can you use white vinyl on hot tub covers?

See 1 more

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Is my hot tub OK in the sun?

Hot tub covers are essential for keeping the heat in, but they're also subject to degradation from exposure to UV rays. The sun's rays can damage your cover over time, and cause fading of colors or even cracking if you don't place it in shade away from direct sunlight.

Do I need to cover my hot tub in the summer?

The temperature of the water will drop quickly. To keep the water cool and refreshing during the summer, keep hot tub covers on during sunny days and anytime you're not using it. To help bring a chill to the water, let the jets running at night on cooler evenings. Unlike a pool hot tubs are insulated.

How do you keep a hot tub cool in the summer?

Set your hot tub temperature to a lower setting, such as 98°. Change your filter cycle duration settings. Turn your air controls to the open position to help circulate the water during filtration. Drain some of the hot tub water and add clean, fresh, cold water (or bags of ice).

Should an outdoor hot tub be covered?

An outdoor spa is exposed to the elements, and over time—a lot of time—it will naturally become weathered. A durable cover and other hot tub accessories will protect your hot tub in the rain, snow, sunlight, sleet, cold, and hail year after year.

What temperature should you keep a hot tub in the summer?

between 97-99 degreesSetting Hot Tub Water Temperature in the Summer As a rule of thumb, many users keep their hot tub set at temperatures ranging between 97-99 degrees.

What can I cover my hot tub with?

Hot tub covers are often made of polyester—sometimes oxford canvas or tear-resistant ripstop fabric—though vinyl is another option, which is typically less expensive. Both offer varying degrees of water-resistance or waterproofing, and generally those at the higher end offer better protection.

What do you do with a hot tub in the summer?

Contrary to what you may think, you can use your hot tub all year round — even in the hottest parts of summer. In fact, your hot tub can be a great way to cool off! By turning your hot tub's temperature to a lower setting you can enjoy the benefits of a refreshing soak when temps run high.

What temperature should you keep your hot tub when not in use?

As a general rule, a hot tub should be set between 98 and 104 degrees Farenheit even if not in use. For vacations lasting between 2 and 6 weeks, lower the temperature by 5 degrees. Beyond 6 weeks, consider powering down and draining.

What temperature is too hot for a hot tub?

104 degrees FahrenheitHot tub water temperatures should never exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature of 100 degrees is considered safe for a healthy adult. Special caution is suggested for young children. Excessive drinking during hot tub use can cause drowsiness which could lead to unconsciousness and subsequently result in drowning.

How long will a hot tub last outside?

A high-quality in-ground or above-ground hot tub can last up to 20 years. But 10-15 years is the average. Low quality or inflatable hot tubs will not last more than 5 years. Extend the life of a hot tub by maintaining properly balanced water, changing water every 3-6 months, and keeping the lid clean and moisturized.

What should I put in my hot tub outside?

A level concrete pad or a reinforced deck are the most common surfaces hot tubs are installed on. However, depending on the spa model you use, you may not need to pour concrete.

What happens if rain gets in hot tub?

While there's no immediate danger of using your hot tub when it's raining (as long as there's no associated lighting) if exposed to rainfall for long periods of time, your hot tub water chemistry will eventually be affected.

Can hot tub be left uncovered?

Keeping Hot Tub Uncovered Not only does the cover keep the elements out and the heat in but it's an important safety feature. A lockable safety cover will prevent children, animals, and other unwanted guests from getting into your hot tub. In addition, keeping the hot tub cover on will help you keep the water balanced.

What do you do with a hot tub in the summer?

Contrary to what you may think, you can use your hot tub all year round — even in the hottest parts of summer. In fact, your hot tub can be a great way to cool off! By turning your hot tub's temperature to a lower setting you can enjoy the benefits of a refreshing soak when temps run high.

How often should you cover your hot tub?

Applying a quality UV vinyl protection to your hot tub cover three to four times a year will help protect it from the harmful effects of exposure to the sun.

What Can I Use to Protect My Hot Tub Cover? | Tubtopia

Here are some of my favorites available on Amazon: MySpaCover's Polyester Outdoor Tub Cover Cap: this is a heavy-duty cover, designed to withstand the harshest conditions like heavy rainfall and snow; Pool Spa Part's 100% Waterproof Cover Cap: Ideal for massive hot tubs (comes in many sizes up to 95"x95"); Classic Accessories Ravenna 86-Inch Water-Resistant Hot Tub Cover: a favorite among many ...

5 Tips for Hot Tub Cover Care - Best Products to Use and How to Use

5 Tips For Hot Tub Cover Care. Maintaining your hot tub cover is easy! Cleaning your cover once every 1-3 months will keep it moisturized and looking fabulous for years.

Amazon.com: Hot Tub Cover Protectant

Hot Tub Spa Cleaning Supplies Kit: Shell Wax, Spa Cover Protectant, Filter Cartridge Cleaner, Pillow & Cabinet Cleaner, Spaange Scrub Pads, Spa System Flush, ZorbO Scum Absorber

Spa Cover Care - Clean, Maintain & Protect your Cover

303 Protectant "The store where we bought our spa told us nothing about maintaining the cover and it didn't last long. We've applied 303 Protectant to the outside and underside, and mildew has not been a problem since.

Amazon.com: spa cover protectant

ULTCOVER Waterproof 600D Polyester Square Hot Tub Cover Outdoor SPA Cover 76 x 76 inch

Picking the perfect hot tub cover

Hot tub covers alter in style, shape and function but you must 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 hot tub cover is best for your design.

How to protect your hot tub cover

A hot tub 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 itself, the cover cap is waterproof which will also shield your expensive cover from leaves, sap and other outdoor elements.

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 hot tub sun protection.

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 hot tub cover.

Get strapped in for strong winds

Check your cover stays put in windier weather by using safety straps to keep it secure.

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 hot tub is in plain sight, you may want to consider investing in repellent spray to keep your furry-friends at bay.

How to Keep a Hot Tub Cool in the Summer

Hot tubs are perfect machines to keep the water warm but are as good to keep water cold. The insulation takes care that the outside heat is not warming the water further. To keep the hot tub cool during the summer is not that different compared to keeping the water warm during the winter.

What Temperature Should a Hot Tub Be Set at In the Summer?

The ideal temperature to set your hot tub in the summer depends on your region. The hotter it is, the cooler people like the hot tub water to be. Most users prefer leaving their hot tub between 35 to 40 degrees in summer. However, it also depends on your personal preferences.

How Quickly Does a Hot Tub Cool Down?

To maintain the temperature when a hot tub is on, it only needs to top up for lost heat. Usually, for a 1.5KW heater, about 3 degrees of heat is added every hour. In general, when the hot tub is used, the temperature drops around 1 degree every 30 minutes, and it takes around 20 minutes for the temperature to recover.

Why is a Cold Hot Tub Useful?

Hot tubs are often marketed for use as hot tubs, and people tend to ignore that they can be used as a cold spa as well. Coldwater is useful for many medical reasons and can be a perfect way to relax on a hot day or after a lot of exercises. It's a reason why athletes prefer to take ice baths.

What is the best way to resurface a hot tub?from rubnrestore.com

Rubberized sealants are the most economical way to resurface large areas of rotted vinyl like hot tub covers. Soft Filler, however, is cost prohibitive for large areas of degradation. Instead, you’re better off resurfacing the vinyl with a rubberized coating like Liquid Rubber® or FlexSeal®.

When to use Rub n Restore spa cover?from rubnrestore.com

When you do spring for a new spa cover, be sure to protect it with Rub ‘n Restore® before the second summer comes ’round. You’ll only have to deal with eventual water-logging, not disintegrating vinyl.

What is a spa cover made of?from rubnrestore.com

Spa and hot tub covers are made of marine vinyl and will begin to desiccate (dry out) after one season of summer sun and winter weather. Conditioners will keep the vinyl from drying out, but only pigmented finish will act as a durable sunscreen and humectant. Cracks and tears need to be addressed promptly before the entire cover loses structural ...

Can you use white vinyl on hot tub covers?from rubnrestore.com

We guarantee that our finishes will double or triple the life of marine vinyl on hot tub covers. Colors containing white (titanium oxide) act as an especially potent sunscreen. Use a glaze (mix of equal parts color and Clear Prep+Finish™) as a primer or first coat. This will disperse better on weathered vinyl and ultimately cost less than using color alone. Here’s how to estimate quantity needed.

1. Get a cover cap

One of the best ways to protect your hot tub cover from harsh weather or dirt and debris is a cover cap. Cover caps are essentially weatherproof layers of fabric designed to fit over your regular cover —think of them like an outdoor jacket for your hot tub:

2. Get a cover lifter

A durable cover lifter helps you to more easily and quickly lift your heavy hot tub cover when you want to use the spa. Cover lifters attach onto the side of the tub.

3. Use a vinyl protectant for hot tub covers

If you have a vinyl hot tub cover, exposure to the elements can cause fading in summer, as well as the formation of mold and mildew in winter. This will eventually lead to cracking and deterioration of the material if left unchecked.

4. Clean your cover regularly

A dirty hot tub cover is a breeding ground for mold, algae and contaminants. Avoid the build-up of dirt and grime in or on your hot tub cover by regularly cleaning it.

5. Take the cover off to dry it out regularly

When your hot tub cover becomes waterlogged, it will become heavy, and mold can start to form in the foam inserts. This happens because stagnant water from the condensation inside your hot tub becomes trapped inside the cover.

6. Put your hot tub under a roof

The final tip does not require you to do anything to your hot tub cover at all: instead, you place something over the top of it.

Why using a hot tub in the shade is more comfortable

First off, let's talk about comfort! It can be difficult to relax when you're sitting in a hot tub while feeling frustrated by too much sun exposure.

How placement can impact your cover's life span

Hot tub covers are essential for keeping the heat in, but they're also subject to degradation from exposure to UV rays.

How UV rays can impact the cleanliness of your water

A third reason why placing your hot tub in the shade is important has to do with how UV rays can impact chemical processes. For example, chlorine-based sanitizing products break down much faster when exposed to too much sunlight.

When it's appropriate not to put a hot tub in the shade

Of course, it's not the end of the world if you can't place your hot tub in the shade for whatever reason—there are still ways you can protect your cover.

Suggestions for ways to get temporary shade over your hot tub

Maybe you've already got a hot tub in place, and you've noticed that there aren't any trees to provide shade. Or maybe you have the perfect spot, but it's in an open area where no other structures are near enough for it to be protected by their shadow?

Why do you need a cover cap for a spa?

A cover cap can help protect the spa cover from bleaching out or fading in harsh sunlight. These also work to protect the cover in the winter and save energy too. Refill the spa and enjoy the fall weather!

Why does my spa water warp?

If the spa is full of water and the cover is off, that is not a problem. The warping and bubbling of the surface issue happens when the acrylic spa is empty and the sun’s rays tend to get magnified in corners of the spa, especially in the corner of the footwell and on seats. Problems can even occur in a short time span of 15 minutes depending on the direction and intensity of the sun. This also means if you are planning a water change on a hot summer day, it is best to do it in the morning or in the evening.

What is the length of a spa skirt?

Use the shorter skirt length 12″ version for spas that stay operational over the winter months, and the longer 38″ skirt length when closing the spa over the winter.

Can you winterize a hot tub?

Winterizing a hot tub is not on our minds as we bask in the summer heat. And the best solution is not to winterize your hot tub at all, but to run it through the winter. Sure it may cost more to heat, but there is that great feeling of being out in the snow in the hot tub and many Canadians prefer to do just that.

Can you fill a spa with chlorine?

When the spa is empty for a prolonged period of time, you may even want to fill it halfway and then drain again to be sure there are no leaks in the main plumbing, but also to clean out the lines of any bugs or others who have decided to call the plumbing lines home. A shot of chlorine can do good to “superchlorinate” the pipes before draining.

Can hot tubs freeze?

This gives you the ski resort feeling right in your back yard. Hot tub equipment will not freeze as long as the spa is kept running.

Can you use antifreeze in RV lines?

Some go as far as using RV antifreeze in the lines, but you will have to be sure to get the lines rinsed out good in the spring if you do that. If you use the RV anti-freeze solution, then pour it into the filter canister , jets and other orifices until it comes back out the openings or out of the drains.

How to protect a tub from aging?

Keeping the cover dry and out of the sun is one of the best defenses against aging. If you tend to close your tub for a few months, take the time to cover it for storage. A regular tarp works best to seal out rain, snow, and damaging sun.

Why do hot tubs get damaged?

They are extremely damaging because they amplify sun rays, essentially cooking your hot tub cover. NOTE: Covering your entire hot tub and cover in a plastic tarp will greatly increase the life of the cover. Keeping the cover dry and out of the sun is one of the best defenses against aging. If you tend to close your tub for a few months, take ...

Why does my hot tub have a mildew smell?

This happens because stagnant water from the rain, and condensation from within your hot tub, slowly soak into the cover.

How to get rid of mildew smell in hot tub?

Here is how to eliminate, or at least minimize, the mildew smell from your hot tub cover: On a dry sunny day, take your hot tub cover off your spa and set it up like a tent on a fat surface. Basically make your hot tub cover look like and upside down V-shape. Unzip your cover and air-dry the foam inserts. You can use a variety of cleaners ...

Can a hot tub cover get waterlogged?

Covers can become waterlogged, and this can make your cover very heavy to take on and off your hot tub. Minimize the amount of water the cover soaks up by drying it once in a while, and you will ensure it stays nice and light as long as possible.

Can vinyl tub cover be opened?

Over time, vinyl can tear or seams can open. Most covers have a zipper system that allows you to quickly remove the cover and check the foam. If water, or steam from your hot tub, finds its way past this barrier, you will notice quickly that your cover will become very heavy and may need to be replaced.

Where does the sun hit the tub?

So the sun is only hitting the tub a bit on the west side from the afternoon sun and the fence on the south side is about 2 feet away so it's "shaded," so most of the sun hits the tub from the cover. (Image from when the surround was just finished, as I was cleaning up the tub.

How hot is the tub in the last 2 weeks?

So the last 2 weeks the tub has been getting above 106 , when the thermostat has been set to 59 (lowest setting) for the last 1-2 months because of solar heating. Each night I have to open the tub to let it cool off and get back down to the mid 90's. It can gain about 6-12 degrees a day from the solar exposure.

Why do spas have filtration cycles?

Filtration cycles are typically for spas that don't have that little circ pump pump. The filtration cycles are on the control, because those controls are used across a wide platform of equipment packages and different manufacturers. In your case, the "filtration cycle" is useless. You're already filtering 24/7.

Why do you need to clean a hot tub cover?

You should clean the cover to prevent bacteria growth over time because these bacteria may get into a hot tub’s shell and result in health problems. The specially designed product will remove any dirt and protect a cover from UV rays.

What to do if your hot tub filter is dirty?

If the filter is dirty; the bacteria and contaminants can get into the hot tub water and cause health problems. Clean the shell and hot tub cover. Over the winter a lot of dirt may accumulate, so it is better to use specially made products to get rid of the dirt before refilling the hot tub. Refill the hot tub.

Why does my hot tub freeze?

The water in the pipes freezes if the temperature drops below 32°F, frozen water (ice) expands, and when there is no space left, the pipes can crack because of the pressure . You may have also read that instead of winterizing the tub, it is advised to keep a hot tub running at low speed or in “sleep mode”.

How to stop hot tub pump from breaking?

Turn off the power. Before draining water make sure that the hot tub is turned off to eliminate the risk of danger. Besides safety reasons, this step is essential in preventing the pump motor from breaking. The pump motor may suffer damage if it operates in an empty hot tub.

What is the best robotic pool cleaner?

What is the best robotic pool cleaner to buy? Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus — Good cleaning at an affordable price Polaris Sport Robotic F9550 — Convenience with added benefits While you can turn on the “sleep” mode, you shouldn’t because the hot tub will still be running and you’ll be accountable for electricity bills. You’ll also have to make sure that you stick to a cleaning routine. Therefore, it is better and easier to winterize the hot tub.

Where to drain hot tub water?

Where to drain hot tub water? You can drain it in the sewer system or on grass (only if the water is balanced — pH level is in the range of 7.2 – 7.8; Total Alkalinity is 80 – 150 ppm). Never drain water in storm drains, it can be dangerous for the environment.

Can you get mold in a hot tub after de-winterization?

The first is if you didn’t clean all the parts of your hot tub properly and the second is if you didn’t remove the remaining antifreeze solution.

What is the best way to resurface a hot tub?

Rubberized sealants are the most economical way to resurface large areas of rotted vinyl like hot tub covers. Soft Filler, however, is cost prohibitive for large areas of degradation. Instead, you’re better off resurfacing the vinyl with a rubberized coating like Liquid Rubber® or FlexSeal®.

When to use Rub n Restore spa cover?

When you do spring for a new spa cover, be sure to protect it with Rub ‘n Restore® before the second summer comes ’round. You’ll only have to deal with eventual water-logging, not disintegrating vinyl.

What is a spa cover made of?

Spa and hot tub covers are made of marine vinyl and will begin to desiccate (dry out) after one season of summer sun and winter weather. Conditioners will keep the vinyl from drying out, but only pigmented finish will act as a durable sunscreen and humectant. Cracks and tears need to be addressed promptly before the entire cover loses structural ...

Can you use white vinyl on hot tub covers?

We guarantee that our finishes will double or triple the life of marine vinyl on hot tub covers. Colors containing white (titanium oxide) act as an especially potent sunscreen. Use a glaze (mix of equal parts color and Clear Prep+Finish™) as a primer or first coat. This will disperse better on weathered vinyl and ultimately cost less than using color alone. Here’s how to estimate quantity needed.

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