How to Clean a Hot Tub Cover

Direct answer

Clean a vinyl hot tub cover on a monthly schedule. Hot Spring Highlife manuals recommend removing the cover, hosing it off, scrubbing the vinyl top with a very mild dishwashing solution or baking soda, rinsing thoroughly, cleaning the underside with water only, then conditioning with Hot Spring Cover Shield (Hot Spring Highlife owner’s manual). Jacuzzi also documents monthly vinyl cover cleaning with a cover-specific cleaner or lukewarm water and mild soap, and warns against household products and steel wool (Jacuzzi).

Safety note

Remove the cover from the spa before using soap so residue does not enter the water or streak the cabinet (Hot Spring Highlife owner’s manual; Jacuzzi). Do not walk, stand, or sit on the cover. Do not drag the cover by the flaps or lock straps; lift by the handles as Hot Spring directs (Hot Spring Highlife owner’s manual). Keep cleaners away from children. A cover is a safety device when installed and locked correctly; Hot Spring warns that a non-secured cover is a hazard (Hot Spring Highlife owner’s manual).

Why monthly cover care matters

Jacuzzi states that monthly cleaning helps extend cover and spa life (Jacuzzi). Hot Spring recommends monthly cleaning and conditioning to maintain the vinyl cover (Hot Spring Highlife owner’s manual). Hot Spring’s maintenance schedule also lists an annual cover inspection for mildew, moisture, and physical damage (Hot Spring). This article is for cleaning, not for buying a replacement; for fit and construction choices, see How to Choose a Hot Tub Cover.

Vinyl cover cleaning steps (Hot Spring Highlife method)

Follow your own manual if it differs. Highlife vinyl cover steps (Hot Spring Highlife owner’s manual):

1. Remove the cover from the spa.
2. Spray with a garden hose to loosen dirt and debris.
3. Scrub the vinyl top with a large sponge or soft-bristle brush using either:
   • one teaspoon dishwashing liquid in two gallons (7.5 liters) of water, or
   • baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
4. Work in a circular motion. Do not let soap dry into a film before rinsing.
5. Scrub the perimeter and side flaps, then rinse with water.
6. Rinse the underside with water only (no soap) and wipe dry with a clean rag.
7. Condition with a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield on the vinyl surface and buff to a luster.

Jacuzzi’s exterior-care page matches the outline: hose first, wipe with a cover cleaner or mild soap solution, avoid harsh household products and steel wool, clean the underside with a hose and cloth, dry, then apply a vinyl protector (Jacuzzi). Jacuzzi’s cover guide also allows mild soap and a soft nylon brush on ProLast covers and a non-petroleum vinyl cleaner and conditioner on vinyl covers (Jacuzzi).

Fabric covers

Jacuzzi describes fabric covers separately: brush away dirt, spot-clean stains with a soft nylon brush and mild detergent such as a gentle laundry detergent and warm water, rinse, and air dry (Jacuzzi). Confirm whether your cover is vinyl or fabric before choosing a cleaner. Do not assume Highlife vinyl soap ratios apply to every fabric product.

What not to do

Hot Spring Highlife don’ts include dragging or lifting by flaps or lock straps, walking or sitting on the cover, placing metal or heat-transferring objects or plastic tarps on the cover (melt risk to the foam core), and using lifting gear or cleaners except those Watkins or an authorized dealer recommends (Hot Spring Highlife owner’s manual). Jacuzzi warns that cleaning chemicals can contaminate spa water and that rough scrubbers can scratch or tear the cover (Jacuzzi).

If your cover has tree sap, sticky residue, or another stain your mild-soap steps do not remove, check the exact stain guidance in your own cover or spa manual before trying solvents. Do not borrow solvent steps from another brand’s manual.

After cleaning

Lock the cover when the spa is not in use (Hot Spring Highlife owner’s manual). A poor seal can raise overnight water loss from evaporation; see Hot Tub Losing Water Overnight: Leak or Evaporation?. Place cover care on your monthly list in Hot Tub Maintenance Checklist: Weekly, Monthly, and Seasonal Tasks.

When to stop and call a dealer

• Foam core feels waterlogged or much heavier than before; see Why Is My Hot Tub Cover So Heavy?
• Vinyl is cracked, torn, or delaminating
• Lock straps or handles have failed
• Mold or mildew returns immediately after proper cleaning; see Why Does My Hot Tub Cover Smell Bad?
• You need a replacement cover measured for your spa shell; see When Should You Replace a Hot Tub Cover?