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The average life expectancy of a hot tub cover is between five and seven years. You can extend the life of yours by keeping it clean, using a soft cloth and mild dish soap; applying a vinyl protectant spray; using a cover lift to move and fold the cover carefully, rather than treating it roughly; protecting it from harsh weather; keeping kids and pets off the cover; and cleaning the underside of the cover with a chlorine spray. Investing in a quality cover will also help it last longer and look better.

Unfortunately, a hot tub does use a relatively large amount of electricity. In fact, much of the money you spend on your hot tub will go toward electricity costs to keep the water heated. A typical hot tub will use anywhere from 1,500 to 6,000 watts of electricity per month.

Vinegar can be used as an all-purpose cleaner for many things, including hot tub filters. Soaking hot tub filters in vinegar and water for up to 24 hours can remove dirt and oil, and as a bonus, it won’t cause the water to foam after you reinstall it if there’s vinegar left on it. But make sure you still rinse it to remove any debris, dirt, or grime stuck on it.

It’s easy to keep your hot tub clean and safe for all to enjoy by following a few simple tips:

• Make sure anyone who uses the hot tub rinses themselves and their swimsuits off, perhaps in an outdoor shower near the hot tub. 

• Don’t add anything to your hot tub’s water. Bath oils and bubble bath liquids might seem like a fun addition to your hot tub experience, but these substances will turn the water in your tub foamy and its surfaces hard to clean. 

• Restrict eating in the tub to light snacks that you can easily clean out if there’s any spillage. Crumbs from crackers and chips can be difficult to pick up. 

• Make it a no-pet zone. Pet fur and dander can pose a cleaning issue, but it’s also not a great idea for your pet’s health and safety.