Frequently Asked Questions

How can I track my order?

You can track the status of your order by logging in with your billing email address and Order ID on the Track my order page.

How can I contact customer service?

We are available by phone or email. Our contact information can be found on the Contact us page.

How can I apply for The Cover Guy’s scholarship?

To apply for our scholarship you need to be a student enrolled at a university, college or trade school in the USA or Canada and submit an article consisting of 500-1000 words about your own experience of hot tubs, backyard fun, etc. For more information and detailed eligibility requirements, please visit the scholarship page.

What is your hot tub cover warranty?

We offer a 7-year warranty pro-rated for manufacturing defects. For any additional questions please contact warranty at warranty@thecoverguy.com

How long do orders take to ship?

Cover shipments typically take 4-6 weeks to be manufactured, though seasonal volume may affect normal production and delivery windows.

For other in stock products (lifters, filters, accessories), these are typically shipped out within 7 business days.

For full shipping terms, please visit the Shipping & Returns page.

How much does shipping cost?

All cover orders are shipped based on dimensional weight.
Free delivery is offered with orders over $200 and we often offer free delivery deals!

If you are in a remote or outlying area however, there may be a cost for shipping. We will contact you to confirm any additional fees.

Please see our shipping & returns page for additional details.

How do I know which filter I need for my hot tub?

There are a few ways to determine what filter will work for your hot tub. The best way is to locate the product number. Please note that manufacturers use different numbers for the same filter. To make this easier, we list all the manufacturer product numbers in our filters’ descriptions so you can be sure to choose the right filter.

The other way you can identify your filter is to measure the length, width, and circumference. We also provide these measurements in each of our filters’ descriptions.

Finally, always make sure that the two ends of the filter that you are ordering match the ends of your filter. Once again, we have you covered as our product images will clearly show both filters’ ends.

Can I use essential oils in my hot tub?

Yes, aromatherapy is one of the great therapies possible with a hot tub. It is recommended by all professionals that you only use fragrances and solutions specifically made for hot tubs. The simple reason is that some products can damage the equipment in your hot tub especially the seals in your pump and jets.

How does a hot tub cover lifter work?

One of the very best add-ons to any hot tub is a hot tub cover lifter. A lifter assists with the removal and replacement of your hot tub cover. A lifter makes it easy for one person to lift and remove the cover.

There are many hot tub lifter styles and your choice of style will be dictated by your hot tub, space, and personal preference.

Lifter options include: hydraulics, hinge, or roller. Please see our very helpful hot tub cover lifter buying chart to see what lifter works best for your hot tub area.

Which is better: chlorine or bromine?

Both chlorine and bromine act as oxidizers for your hot tub water and will keep it clean as long as you maintain the appropriate levels.

Chlorine is stronger and therefore does a better job, but if you have sensitive skin then bromine may be the better choice for your hot tub.

How often should I clean & replace my filters?

Hot tub filters should be cleaned once a month and replaced once a year for optimal performance. Use a good degreaser in a bucket at the six month mark.

Read more on how to clean and care for your filter here.

What is the correct order for using chemicals?

The first and foremost important chemical to make perfect is your alkalinity. If this is off nothing else will matter. Next, you need to make sure your PH is correct and then finally, your oxidizing agent. One thing to look out for is your stabilizer which is very hard to reduce, so the best remedy is to change your water.

We have provided a complete walkthrough of how to properly care for your water here.

How often should I change my hot tub water?

You should change your hot tub water quarterly, however if you have a large bather load do not try and battle the results with chemicals just change the water.

How can I repair a tear in my cover?

Depending on the tear and the location, you can often repair it with a vinyl repair kit.

Email our office with a picture of your tear and we will be happy to provide advice on how to repair it.

How do I protect my cover from the sun?

The best way to protect your cover from the sun is by adding a hot tub cover cap to your hot tub cover. The cap will protect the cover from the intense sun as well as rain, ice and snow. Other ways to protect your cover and hot tub from the sun would be to install a covering over your hot tub area, like an umbrella (specifically made for hot tubs) or a gazebo.

Why has my cover gotten so heavy?

The simple fact is your hot tub cover takes a daily beating from both the weather and exterior elements as well as the interior moisture and chemical elements.

One of the first areas that breakdown is the poly surrounding the foam cores. There is a balancing act between the materials used to make a hot tub cover so that it is light enough to move and is also protected from the moisture, chemicals, and elements.

The poly breaks down over time mostly due to a caustic gas cloud under your hot tub cover. You can alleviate this by removing your hot tub cover at least once a day. Once the poly is compromised, your foam core which is an open cell foam, will slowly absorb the condensation that forms under your hot tub cover. This will make your hot tub cover become very heavy and, at that point, must be replaced.

How do I clean my hot tub cover?

The best way to clean your hot tub cover is by first carefully removing debris with a hose and soft bristle brush or broom. Next wipe it down with a product that is specifically meant for hot tub vinyl. Many people have tried other products that compromise the vinyl and make it very brittle. We have a hot tub cover cleaner that is specifically formulated for The Cover Guy Vinyl.

How do I dispose of my old hot tub cover?

The best thing to do is to cut it into manageable pieces and recycle the portions that can be recycled and the rest made into small enough pieces to handle and place out for your local trash collectors to pick up. The other option is to take it to the local dump.

How long should the cover last?

The lifespan of a cover depends on many things: the usage and maintenance of the spa, direct sunlight, chemical build up, and extreme weather conditions. Generally, though the covers last 5-8 years.

Read more about what you can do to keep your cover in good condition.

What happens if the cover doesn’t fit?

Before ordering, we ask that you measure from the outside of the acrylic of the spa and also provide the make and model of your hot tub. We then verify this information against what we have on file and confirm all orders. All sales are final.

What is Weathershield?

Our Weathershield fabric is a 100% solution-dyed polyester that’s light-weight, extremely durable, and environmentally superior to regular vinyl.

  • Reduces overall cover weight by 25%
  • 3x stronger than traditional vinyl
  • Provides superior tear and abrasion resistance
  • Made with recyclable materials

What does taper mean?

The taper on the cover means the pitch angle of the foam which, not unlike a roof, allows the moisture and debris to runoff. For example, 5-3” tapered means the cover is 5” thick in the middle and ends with a 3” thickness at the edges, allowing the runoff.

What taper is best suited for which climate?

  • The Standard 4-2” : we recommend for indoor use or no snow climates
  • The Deluxe 5-3”: a good option for moderate climates that receive some snow. This is the #1 selling cover in North America.
  • The Extreme 6-4”: meant for extreme climates and high snow areas.

What is the foam density?

The foam used in hot tub covers is an open cell foam which helps to insulate your hot tub. Foam density is the weight of foam per cubic foot. 1lb density foam weighs one pound per cubic foot, for example.

The foam density defines how tight the cells in the foam are pressed together. The tighter the foam cell, the better it insulates, and the more weight it can hold, but it also means the more it will weigh. This is the balancing act to make it easy to remove but also insulate and protect your hot tub.

The higher the foam density the better the insulator. Most hot tub covers will be offered in:

  • 1lb: Recommended for warm weather and indoor use
  • 1.5lbs: Great for most climates
  • 2lbs: Meant for extreme climates with snow and cold

Consider which density makes the most sense for you, based on your climate and insulation needs.

What is the R-Value (Insulation Rating) of the covers?

Insulation in terms of thermal resistance (called R-Value) indicates the resistance to heat conduction. The higher the R-Value, the better the insulation.

For example:

The R-Value is all about heating and insulation and is directly related to the thickness of the foam core (see question above about foam density).

Choosing a thicker foam core will increase your R-Value and provide better insulation overall.

How much does it cost to maintain a hot tub?

The general rule of thumb is a dollar a day, but there are many variables like location, average temperatures in your area, inside or outside etc.

What if I have limited access and space in my backyard to put in a new hot tub?

They always say where there is a will, there’s a way. Many hot tubs are delivered on their sides and walked through the gate door on a dolly.

However, there are a lot of hot tubs that have landed in their resting spot with the aid of cranes. Yes, up and over houses. Make sure to confirm delivery options with your hot tub manufacturer before purchasing your hot tub.

What size hot tub should we buy?

This all depends on the space you have for your hot tub. If there are no space requirements, larger is always better. The reason is that the bigger the tub, the more seating options you will have both in levels and application. The purchase price and running costs of a 4 seat hot tub and a 6 or 8 seat hot tub are marginal.

How much should a new hot tub cost?

The range is significant from a $300 blow up throw away hot tub to a $12,000 portable hot tub with all the bells and whistles. To have a nice 6-seater hot tub for your backyard that will last 10 – 12 years, the cost is going to run between $5,000 – $10,000 depending on the upgrades.

What other costs should I be aware of when Installing a hot tub?

The two biggest costs outside of buying the hot tub is the base and the electrical.

The base has to be solid and level and the best choice is always concrete. For the hot tub base alone it does not have to be anything fancy, but for the surrounding area, you might want to do some patterned or exposed concrete and, depending on the area, can cost a little extra.

The electrical is a significant cost as well that is determined by the distance from your panel to the hot tub. The #6 wire used in most applications is expensive plus you will need a GFI. Most electrical jobs are between roughly $1500 – $2500 and again distance is the big motivator on the cost.

I am buying a new hot tub: lounge or no lounge?

This is a personal preference when buying a hot tub but a lounge takes up a whole side of the hot tub and not many can sit in a lounge without floating. An all seating hot tub is like sitting at a campfire and makes for a nice social setting in our humble opinion.