Why Is My Hot Tub Cover So Heavy? 3 Reasons Why

If you're struggling to take the cover off of your hot tub, asking yourself "Why is my hot tub cover so heavy?" you're not alone. While removing the cover should be a one-person job, over time, most covers get heavier and heavier, making removing them (and enjoying how your hot tub works) a challenge. Here's what makes a cover pack on the pounds, and what you can do about it. 

1. The Foam is Waterlogged

Hard hot tub covers typically feature a foam core encased in a plastic vapor barrier and covered in vinyl. While the plastic vapor barrier is meant to keep water from soaking the foam, it's not a perfect system. Over time, the barrier starts to break down, so that the inner foam soaks up condensation. 

The conditions of your hot tub create the perfect storm for a waterlogged foam interior. The warmth of the water, combined with the chemicals used to keep that water sanitized, can speed up the deterioration of the plastic and vinyl.  

The Solution

What you can do about waterlogged foam depends on the age of the cover and its construction. If the cover isn't very old and it's possible to remove the foam inserts, you can try taking them out and letting them dry out in the sun for a few hours.

Removing and drying the foam may not always be feasible, though, as it can take several days, depending on the temperature and humidity outside. It's often the case that replacing the cover with a new one is the way to go. 

2. Chemicals Cause Deterioration

Chemical treatments keep the water in your hot tub sanitary, protecting you and anyone else who uses it from illness. Those same chemicals can also damage your hot tub cover, making it much easier for the foam to become waterlogged. 

Think of it this way—the cover creates a tight seal over your hot tub, keeping out debris and trapping any chemical fumes that may waft out of the water, giving them nowhere to go but the underside of the cover. While you can't fully prevent chemical damage, you can take steps to slow it down.  

The Solution

Let your hot tub breathe on a set schedule. If you use the tub regularly, you're probably already doing this, simply by removing the cover and soaking in the tub. Otherwise, get in the habit of removing the cover no less frequently than every other day (daily, if possible).

If you know you'll be away for an extended period, consider draining the hot tub to minimize chemical damage to the cover.

3. Use and Abuse

What happens when you take the cover off of your hot tub? Do you gently set it down somewhere or drag it across a rough surface? 

Heavy use and misuse of your hot tub cover can wear away the plastic that protects the foam, making it easier for the cover to absorb moisture and become heavy. 

The Solution

Treat your hot tub cover with care. When you take it off the tub, set it down gently. If possible, avoid dragging, whether across the grass, pavement, or a wooden patio. Remind kids and other adults that the cover isn't a chair and ask them not to sit on it. 

Signs of a Heavy Hot Tub Cover

The number one sign that your hot tub cover is too heavy is if you were once able to lift it on your own and now cannot. 

If your cover has a type of lifter bar that is straining or bending under the weight, that's another sign that the cover has become waterlogged. 

Once the interior foam is waterlogged, your cover is no longer able to do its job effectively. A saturated interior is less effective at insulating, so you may notice an increase in your electric or heating bills, too.

You may find yourself using your hot tub less when the cover is heavy since removing it becomes too much of a chore.

When to Call a Pro

While you can generally take on replacing a worn-out hot tub cover on your own, there may be times when it's worthwhile to hire a hot tub repair pro. A professional can help you choose the next cover for your spa and share expert hot tub maintenance tips to prolong its life. 

How to Prevent a Waterlogged Hot Tub Cover

Given the nature of hot tubs, it can be tricky to keep a hard hot tub cover from getting waterlogged. If you don't want to deal with itl, your best bet is to choose a different type of hot tub cover, such as a soft cover or one made from aluminum.

While preventive maintenance won't keep the condensation out, it can extend the life of a hard hot tub cover. Here's what you can do:

• Keep the cover clean to slow down the deterioration of the plastic.

• Keep the cover off of rough surfaces and never drag it from one location to another.

• Leave the cover off of your hot tub for at least one hour after shocking.

• If possible, keep the cover out of direct sun.