With a shiny new spa pool or swim spa, it’s tempting to leave it uncovered to fully appreciate your sparkling new pool.
But a good spa pool cover keeps the heat in, the debris out and your family safe. It is also the easiest way to lower your running costs and help your spa last longer.
Most of the heat your spa loses escapes through the top, with industry estimates suggesting that up to 70% of it can leave through a poor-quality, damaged or old cover. That means your heater works harder, your power bill climbs and your water takes more looking after.
In this guide, we explain the benefits of a spa pool cover, how to care for yours, what to look for in a replacement, and answer the questions we hear most from Auckland spa owners.
What are the benefits of a spa pool cover?
1. It keeps heat in and lowers running costs
Heat leaves a spa mainly through evaporation from the water’s surface, so a snug, insulated cover that locks out the outside air makes the biggest difference. The less heat you lose, the less often your heater has to run – that is where the savings on your power bill come from.
2. It keeps your water cleaner and cuts chemical use
A well-fitting cover keeps out leaves, dust, insects and rainwater, which can upset your water balance. Keeping it covered when not in use means less time adjusting and fewer chemicals. Our spa pool care guide covers the key details of a good maintenance routine.
3. It makes your spa safer
As with any body of water, a spa pool or swim spa can pose a hazard to children and pets when they are unsupervised around an uncovered pool. Ensuring your spa or swim spa has a secure, lockable cover when not in use helps keep children and pets safe and give you peace of mind.
4. It protects your spa from the sun
As your spa pool or swim spa will be exposed to the extremes of New Zealand weather, it is inevitable that UV rays would wear down the spa’s shell, jets and headrests over time, becoming brittle or discoloured if unnecessarily exposed. A cover shields them from the worst of it, so your pool looks, performs better for longer and prevents the need for replacing components prematurely.
5. It makes your spa ready when you are
A warm, clean spa is one you will actually use, and therefore get your money’s worth over its lifetime. A good quality cover, ideally paired with a cover lifter, turns “getting in” into your spa a ten-second job rather than a chore or obstacle for use.
How to care for a spa pool cover
Similarly to your spa pool, it’s important to take care of your spa pool cover so that it continues to be effective at protecting your pool and improving its longevity. There are a few ways to do this:
- Rinse and clean regularly – Hose the cover down with cool water, then wipe it with a gentle spa cover cleaner or mild detergent, and a soft sponge or cloth, ensuring it’s rinsed well. Avoid bleach, alcohol, abrasives and harsh household cleaners, which can strip the vinyl’s protective top coat.
- Condition it with a UV protectant – After cleaning, apply a light coat of a spa cover protectant to the top and the underside. Repeat every few months, and more often over summer.
- Leave the cover off after adding chemicals – Give the spa at least 30 minutes to an hour to air out after adding chemicals or cleaning the shell. Trapped fumes can damage the underside of the cover and the vinyl.
- Lift it properly – Unlock the latches first, use the handles rather than the side flaps, and never drag the cover along the ground – this prevents it from tearing, which increases the chance of mold and mildew growing. A cover lifter or a second pair of hands makes this much easier.
- Keep weight off it – Don’t sit, stand or stack things on the cover, and keep pets off it. Weight stretches the cover and can make it sag, so that water pools on top, preventing it from insulating as effectively.
- Lock it down – Fasten every latch when the spa is not in use – a gust of wind under a loose cover can tear the straps or break the clips.
- Keep your water balanced – Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can damage the cover as well as your spa’s internal parts.
When should you replace your spa cover?
While a quality spa cover is built to last for a good few years, being exposed to the elements does mean that wear and tear is natural, and that it may need to be replaced before your spa does. Here are a few signs that your spa cover may need replacing:
- It feels much heavier than it used to, or moisture rises to the surface when you press on it. This usually means the foam core is waterlogged and has stopped insulating.
- You can see cracks, tears, dry or brittle patches, or a sagging shape when on your pool.
- The seams, straps, handles or latches are failing.
- Your spa is taking longer to heat or costing more to run than it used to.
A damaged cover also lets heat out and, if the latches are broken, lets children and pets in. Fixing it or replacing it sooner rather than later usually costs less than months of higher power bills.
What to look for in a spa cover
If you are replacing a cover, the right fit matters as much as the quality. As spa models change between years, it helps to know your spa’s make and model and to measure it before you order. Here are some things to look for:
- A UV-resistant, marine-grade vinyl outer with strong stitching
- A chlorine-resistant underside, to prevent bleaching
- A sealed foam core, to reduce the risk of insulation becoming waterlogged
- A tapered core, so rainwater runs off rather than pooling on top
- A reinforced hinge with a heat-blocking seal along its full length
- Reinforced handles, adjustable tie-downs and lockable latches
Our custom spa pool cover is a great option and can be tailored to fit any spa make or model. Available in 12 colours, with 2-6 piece options to choose from, it’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a sturdy and reliable cover that fits their aesthetic.
Choosing a cover lifter
A cover lifter allows one person to remove and replace a heavy spa cover easily without needing a second pair of hands. It’s great for holding the cover off the ground while you soak, away from dirt, scuffs and the damage that comes from dragging, and it takes the strain off the cover’s hinge.
This helps your cover last longer, and makes your spa easier for everyone to use, including anyone with limited strength or mobility. Cover lifters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own benefits, depending on what features you value.
At SPA DEPOT, we offer 4 different types of cover lifters to ensure you find one that suits your lifestyle and set up best. Our range includes:
| Lifter | Best For | Fits | Clearance Required | Lift Assist |
| Cover Rock-It | A simple, no-fuss lifter for standard spas | Square & rectangular spas | About 50 cm | Manual |
| Cover Valet Pro | Ideal for tight spaces, requires drilling | Square & rectangular spas | About 20 cm | Dual gas rams |
| Cover RX | Perfect for compact spaces & privacy in use | All spa shapes | About 50 cm | Gas ram |
| Cover Caddy | Best all-rounder | All spa shapes | About 90 cm | Gas ram |
Not sure which suits your spa? Tell us your spa model and where it sits in your property, and we’ll let you know what we think will suit you best.
Spa pool cover FAQs
Do I need a cover on my spa pool?
Yes. A cover keeps heat in, stops debris and rain getting into the water, protects the spa from sun and weather, and helps keep children and pets safe. Without one, your spa costs more to run and needs more care.
Does a spa cover really reduce running costs?
Yes. Most of a spa’s heat is lost through the surface of the water, and a good insulated cover with a tight seal is what stops it. Industry estimates suggest up to 70% of heat can escape through a poor, damaged or old cover, so replacing a worn cover is one of the quickest ways to cut what your spa costs to run.
How long does a spa cover last?
A good quality cover typically lasts several years, but it depends on the cover’s construction, how much sun it gets, your water chemistry and how carefully it is handled. Regular cleaning, a UV protectant and a cover lifter all help it last longer.
How do I know if my spa cover is waterlogged?
A waterlogged cover feels noticeably heavier than it used to – this means the foam core has absorbed water, so it no longer insulates and it is time to replace the cover.
Can I sit or stand on my spa cover?
No. Covers are designed to insulate, not to support weight. Sitting, standing or stacking things on top can stretch or sag the cover and shorten its life.
What is a spa cover lifter, and do I need one?
A spa cover lifter is a bracket or frame fitted to your spa that lets you fold the cover back and hold it off the ground, usually without help. You don’t strictly need one, but it protects your cover from scuffs and drag damage, which helps it last longer and makes it far easier to use your spa often. Explore our range of spa cover lifters today.
How do I measure my spa for a replacement cover?
Measure the length of each side, the radius of each corner, the height of the lip, and the position of the latches – also note your spa’s make and model. Send the details to our team and we will help you find the right fit.
A good cover is one of the best things you can do for your spa
A quality, well-fitted spa cover is one of the best ways to extend the life of your spa and reduce its running costs. It keeps your water clean, your family safe and your heater working less. A little regular care, and a cover lifter to save wear and tear, will help it last for years.
If you have any questions about spa covers, cover lifters or spa care, we’re here to help. Call us on 0800 772 349, get in touch online, or visit our showroom at 48B Porana Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland.