Winterizing & Mildew Management
Spa covers are built to last, but winter weather and poor water chemistry can cause preventable damage. With a few seasonal best practices and regular maintenance, you can help protect your investment from cracking, mildew, and premature wear. Follow the care tips below to winterize with confidence and manage mildew if it appears.
đŚ What To Do If You Find Mildew
If mildew appears, donât panic! Just follow these steps for a proper clean:
1. Remove the foam cores from the vinyl encasement.
2. Mix 2 gallons of water, 1 tsp of mild dish soap, and 1 cup of bleach.
3. Scrub the inside of the encasement using a soft-bristle brush.
4. Wipe down the foam cores with a damp cloth.
5. Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water.
6. Dry the encasement in the sun and the foam cores in the shade (do not expose the cores to direct sunlight).
7. Spray both the cores and interior vinyl with a mildew inhibitor (e.g. Pine-SolÂŽ).
8. Let everything dry fully before reassembling.
â Pro Tip: Prevent mildew by maintaining balanced water chemistry and sanitization year-round.
âď¸ Proper Water Chemistry Is Essential
Water thatâs unbalanced in pH, sanitizer levels, or overall clarity can lead to mildew and material breakdown by spring.
- Test your water regularly.
- Aim for balanced pH levels (ideally around 7.4â7.6).
- Keep sanitizers at proper levels to reduce chemical vapor damage.
Clean, stable water chemistry helps preserve the inside of your cover and prevents mildew growth in the first place.
âď¸ Winter Conditioning & Handling
Before winter sets in (and ideally again mid-season) treat your spa cover to reduce cold-weather damage:
- Apply vinyl conditioning cream or saddle soap to keep vinyl soft and flexible.
- Use a soft broom (never a shovel or rake) to remove snow, ice, or debris.
- Avoid stress on tie-downs and handles; vinyl doesn't stretch in extreme cold.
- Consider using Wind Straps for added security in storms or high-wind areas.
đ Cold Crack Protection: Our top vinyl is rated to -20°F and bottom vinyl to -40°F, but care still matters.
â ď¸ Additional Winter Tips
- If using WD-40 to free Sure-Loc hardware, apply carefully with a Q-tip to avoid damaging wood cabinet finishes.
- Never use sharp tools (shovels, rakes) on the spa cover â they can tear or puncture the vinyl.
- Fully remove the cover before spa use to reduce heat and vapor buildup underneath.