FAQs

Frequently Ask Questions

  • If properly maintained, a spa cover should not crack. Sun exposure and lack of maintenance can cause the vinyl to fade and dry out over time.

    Cleaning the vinyl with mild soap and water every couple of months will help keep it flexible. Applying 303 Aerospace Protectant regularly can reduce fading by up to 95% and protect the cover from UV damage.

    Without maintenance, most spa covers last about 4 to 6 years. Many of our customers report their covers lasting up to 10 years with regular cleaning and the use of 303 Aerospace Protectant.

    Spa Covers Etc. offers 303 Aerospace Protectant with the purchase of a new spa cover. See our Spa Cover Care page for more details.

If you know the make, model, and year your spa was manufactured (not the year it was purchased), we can often use the original manufacturer’s specifications to produce a properly fitting spa cover.

If the spa model is unknown, measure the length and width of the spa along with the skirt length. Also note whether the spa has cut corners or radius (rounded) corners, and mention any special features such as pop-up speakers or stereos.

For customers in Orange County and parts of Southern Los Angeles County, Chris can visit your home for a small fee to measure the spa and provide an in-home presentation.

See our measuring guide for step-by-step instructions.

Current Production Time is 3 to 4 weeks. Shipping is 3 to 5 days (spa covers ship from Fullerton, CA). Spa Covers made from template (customer provided or made by Spa Covers Etc.) please add two (2) weeks.

Typically, above-ground spas have an exposed fiberglass lip around the outer edge. The spa cover includes a skirt—a flap that hangs down to cover this area, usually 3″ to 5.5″ in length.

The skirt provides a clean, finished look by covering the exposed shell. It does not contribute to insulation or create a seal.

Not necessarily. The performance of a spa cover depends more on the density of the foam (1.0 lb, 1.5 lb, or 2.0 lb) than on thickness alone.

We offer Super Foam, which is tapered from 5″ to 3″, but we typically recommend it only for situations where the cover needs to support heavier loads.

You may want to consider Super Foam if pets walking on top of the cover will be an issue.

Ideal™ Spa Covers has manufactured original equipment (OEM) covers for many leading spa brands, including Sundance Spas, Cal Spas, and Dimension One Spas.

Standard (1.0 lb density / approx. R-10.5):
Lightweight and easy to handle. This is the typical foam used on most portable spas when originally purchased with a cover.

Deluxe (1.5 lb density / approx. R-12):
Our most popular option. It provides a strong balance of insulation, durability, and manageable weight—ideal for everyday use in Southern California.

Heavy Duty (2.0 lb density / approx. R-12.6):
Offers increased strength and slightly better insulation. Recommended for in-ground spas or as an upgrade when added durability and energy efficiency are desired.

Super Foam (2.0 lb density, tapered 5″ to 3″ / approx. R-16):
Designed for maximum insulation and structural support. Ideal for demanding conditions such as heavy loads, colder climates, or when pets may walk or rest on the cover.

There is no difference—spa covers and hot tub covers are the same product. Over time, different companies have used different terms to describe the same item, which has created confusion.

Customers often ask if there is a difference between names like spa cover, hot tub cover, spa lid, or hot tub top. The answer is simple: they all refer to the same type of cover.

Some of the more common terms we hear include: spa cover, hot tub cover, spa lid, hot tub lid, spa cap, and brand-specific names like Sundance spa covers or Hot Spring spa covers.

We offer several types of spa covers to fit different needs, climates, and budgets.

Our Standard (1.0 lb density) covers are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a good budget-friendly option for basic use.

Our Deluxe (1.5 lb density) covers are our most popular choice, offering a strong balance of insulation, durability, and weight—ideal for most homeowners.

Our Heavy Duty (2.0 lb density) covers provide increased strength and slightly better insulation, making them a great upgrade for in-ground spas or for customers looking for added durability.

For more demanding situations, we offer Super Foam (5″ to 3″ taper), which is designed for maximum support and insulation. This option is ideal for heavier loads, colder climates, or when pets may be on the cover.

Choosing the right spa cover lifter depends on your spa’s size, shape, and the space around it. Our product descriptions include detailed specs to help you find the right fit.

If you’re not sure, call us—we’ll help you pick the right one. The right lifter makes opening and closing your cover easier and helps it last longer.

Our spa covers are built using high-quality materials designed for durability and long-term performance.

The outer cover is made from a durable, UV-resistant vinyl that helps protect against sun damage, mildew, and everyday wear.

Inside, we use high-density foam cores to provide insulation and structural support. Each foam core is sealed in our proprietary VPB3000 vapor barrier, which helps prevent moisture absorption and extends the life of the cover.

These materials are selected to withstand harsh conditions while helping your spa stay energy-efficient and well protected.

Most spa cover lifters are designed for straightforward installation and come with clear instructions. In most cases, installation involves mounting the lifter to the spa cabinet and making sure it opens and closes smoothly.

The exact setup will vary depending on the model and how much space you have around your spa. Some lifters require clearance behind the spa, while others are designed for tighter areas.

If you’re not sure which lifter is right for your setup—or have questions during installation—give us a call. We’re happy to help you choose the right one and walk you through it.

Our spa covers include a manufacturer’s warranty with:

  • 1 year on vinyl (fading and cracking)
  • 2 years on the foam core (waterlogging)
  • 3 years on workmanship

Questions? Give us a call—we’ll explain exactly what’s covered.