How long does shipping take?
Once your cover is built, it is shipped directly from the factory to you. Shipping usually takes about 3–7 business days (times vary by location). See Shipping & Returns for more information.
How do we measure the radius of a hot tub cover corner?
If you want a perfect-fitting hot tub cover, you need perfect measurements. When measuring for your replacement hot tub cover, we always suggest measuring the existing hot tub. The hot tub measurements will not lie, but your existing cover can. It may be the wrong size in the first place, customers are not sure of the model, and older, worn covers sag in the middle, adding inches. The most asked question is How do I measure a hot tub corner radius? We suggest that you watch our YouTube Video on measuring a hot tub cover or follow our measuring guide. You can also call one of our customer service assistants, and they can walk you through the process at 1-888-356-4202
I don't see an area to specify the strap location?
We don't have a specific area to make down your strap location. We have found through 1000's of orders that only a small percentage of customers require the exact location. Therefore, we put them in a generic location because suppliers also do not always put them in the precise location.
How often should I clean my hot tub cover ?
Cleaning your hot tub cover is a good idea, depending on how often it's used and where it's located. We recommend cleaning your hot tub cover once a month.
The vinyl can dry out and show signs of cracking, wear, and tear. Treating with a cleaner and UV protection helps extend the life of your hot tub cover. You can also clean your cover with a mild soap solution, not detergent. We suggest using Northern Hot Tub Cover Cleaner to extend the life of your spa cover.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Hot Tub Cover?
The average lifespan of a hot tub cover is typically 5 to 7 years, depending on the quality, climate, and maintenance. In harsh Canadian weather, especially in areas with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, or intense UV exposure, a standard cover may last 3-4 years. In contrast, a premium, marine-grade vinyl cover with high-density foam can last 7 years or more with proper care. It depends on whether you have upgraded to an EzShield Package and use a cover lifter, which also helps extend the life of your hot tub cover.
Does maintaining good water chemistry help my hot tub cover last longer?
It is essential to maintain the chemistry of your hot tub water. Vapours from the water will be less harmful if your water is balanced and you follow a few easy rules. Always remove the cover after treating your hot tub with chemicals, especially a spa shock. This allows the corrosive vapours to off-gas. Putting the cover back on right after chemically treating your hot tub will accelerate the deterioration of the underside liner and start to break down the Vapour Lock that seals the foam inserts. This is why it is good to get 8 mil poly.
A thermal blanket can also reduce chemical vapours, reduce evaporation, and help keep heat in. Thermal blankets normally pay for themselves very quickly. These come in bubble blankets or foam.
Is there any heat loss with a Hot Tub Cover?
The magic question. Yes, you will still lose some heat through a hot tub cover. If a supplier tells you their covers do not lose heat, we suggest looking elsewhere. All hot tub covers lose a little heat, just like your house isn't 100% heatproof. The goal is to produce a high-quality hot tub cover that reduces heat loss and evaporation. Hot water steam will eventually escape. The best way to minimize this is to buy a high-quality mid-range foam thickness hot tub cover with 8 mil poly and a full-insulated hinge seal, ensuring it is measured correctly for a perfect fit. A little larger is fine as long as it seals on the acrylic shell.
Is Pro-Tex Atlantis Fabric better than Marine Grade Vinyl?
Pro-Tex Atlantis is 25% lighter in weight and 3X stronger than marine-grade vinyl. It offers a modern aesthetic look and does not fade or crack like vinyl. Pro-Tex Atlantis fabric provides greater water resistance and reduces the shrinkage that naturally occurs over time with vinyl. Being a lighter fabric than vinyl, it sometimes tends to show the poly wrap bunching up. While this is strictly cosmetic, it will not affect the cover's performance. It is easily rectified by unzipping the skin, removing the insert, and repositioning the poly wrap. If you are not sure how to perform this, please email us for instructions.
Manufacturers apply a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish to their waterproof/water-resistant fabrics. They prevent water from saturating the fabric. You'll notice that on new covers, water applied to them will bead. After exposure to weather (Rain, Sun, Snow) or a few cleanings, owners will notice that the beading action diminishes and the fabrics start to appear saturated. This is because the DWR layer is wearing away. Owners will want to reapply a DWR agent such as " 303 Weather Guard.
Ice Buildup/Steam Escape on a New Hot Tub Cover
Over time, hot tub covers naturally conform to the lip of the tub. When new, the foam inserts are lightweight, and the materials, such as the vinyl and the underside liner, are relatively stiff. As the cover rests on the tub, the air pockets within the foam (both in the inserts and the insulating baffles) gradually compress under their own weight. This compression occurs both along the lip of the tub and at the center hinge where the two halves meet. As a result, the materials relax into place, and users may notice increased resistance or a slight suction effect when opening the cover.
The setting process is most noticeable in colder months due to potential ice buildup. If ice forms on the tub's lip before the cover has fully settled, it can lift the foam slightly, preventing proper contact and further ice accumulation....To avoid this, users should melt any ice buildup with a little warm water.
Mold & Spa Covers
There is a type of black mold found in hot tubs. Sadly, by the time mold is visible on the cover, it is already hiding in the plumbing, and resolving it is a lot of work. Mold spores are everywhere and not visible to the naked eye. All it takes is a few spores to enter a moist, humid environment to start multiplying. That is why proper hot tub chemical maintenance is required. Periodic cleaning of your hot tub cover is also recommended. Northern Hot Tub Covers recommends 303 Aerospace Protect Spray
How do I extend my Hot Tub Cover's Life?
- Clean and condition the vinyl every few months with a UV protectant
- Avoid waterlogging by removing snow and pooling rainwater regularly
- Keep chemical vapours low by balancing hot tub water chemistry and allowing the hot tub to vent after adding chemicals
- Use a cover lifter to prevent tearing at the hinge
When your cover becomes heavy, cracked, or loses its seal, it's time for a replacement hot tub cover to maintain energy efficiency and heat retention.
