Unfortunately, hail storms in our area of Texas are a way of life. NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory defines hail as “a form of precipitation consisting of solid ice that forms inside thunderstorm updrafts.” The results of a severe hail storm can be serious damage to aircraft, homes, and automobiles, and even cause death to people and livestock. The largest hailstone on record fell in South Dakota in June of 2010. It had a diameter of 8 inches and a circumference of 18.2 inches.
We haven’t seen hail that size in Texas, but anything larger than quarter-sized is considered severe and can cause major and visible damage. If after a hail storm, you have to call your insurance company to inspect your home’s roof or automobile, you can be pretty sure your hot tub cover will have sustained damage as well. Hail storms are tough on hot tub covers.
Sometimes the damage is not immediately noticeable and only appears months later once the sun has heated up the material of your hot tub cover. After a hail storm, run your hand over the hot tub cover. If you feel dents in the foam core, even if the vinyl does not appear damaged, then your cover has sustained irreversible damage.
Start with a High-Quality Hot Tub
The good news is that high-quality hot tubs are designed with high-quality durable covers. Your hot tub will naturally be exposed to the sun, rain, snow, and even hail over the years. Brands such as Hot Spring® spas come with covers that are designed and manufactured to withstand harsh weather conditions over long periods of time. Your hot tub cover is the first line of defense against extreme weather and should be constructed of heavy-duty tear-resistant marine-grade vinyl encasing a high-density foam core.
Preventative Maintenance
Even smaller hailstones will damage your cover if you aren’t performing routine maintenance on it. Using a non-alcohol-based cleaner/conditioner will keep the vinyl soft and less susceptible to damage. Dry, brittle vinyl cracks easily on impact from foreign objects. Once the vinyl is cracked, moisture penetrates the foam core and gets heavy causing strain on the seams and hinge.
How to Care for a Hot Tub Cover
The fact is, the better you treat your hot tub cover, the longer it will last. Good maintenance habits will prolong the life of your hot tub cover even when it occasionally experiences severe weather. On a regular basis, keep debris off the surface of your hot tub cover.
Every month or so, do a more thorough cleaning. Remove the cover and lay flat on a smooth non-abrasive surface. Using a cleaner made for vinyl, spray and wipe down the top, sides, and bottom carefully. Finally, apply a vinyl conditioner or protectant to keep the vinyl supple and resistant to cracking.
In addition to regular cleaning, you can prolong the life of your hot tub cover by checking it often for damage. If you detect any issues with the vinyl being damaged, make repairs promptly with a vinyl repair kit. When you take the time to protect your cover, it will protect your hot tub.
Hot Tub Covers That are Resistant to Severe Weather
As we have stated, a high-quality hot tub will come with a durable cover that should last many years. However, if the time comes that you do need or desire to replace your hot tub cover, there is an option that will prove highly weather resistant. Texas Hot Tub Company carries Covana® Hot Tub Covers, which are completely automated gazebo-style covers that provide privacy, insulation, and an extra layer of protection against severe weather.
Hail storms are tough on hot tub covers. In our area of Texas, severe weather conditions can be a fact of life. While not all hail storms will cause damage to your hot tub cover, if you sustain damage to your roof or automobile, chances are that your hot tub has been affected as well.
There are some things you can do to protect your hot tub cover, however, such as investing in a high-quality brand of spa that comes with a durable cover. Routine care for your hot tub cover is a deterrent against damage as well.
Texas Hot Tub Company is here for you with high-quality hot tub brands, cover care products, and even replacement cover options should the need arise.
Updated 4/28/23