Domakihub How to Clean a Spa Cover and Keep It Like New
A simple routine that protects your spa cover from sun, salt air, and mould.
Reviewed by Domakihub pool pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A spa cover that looks grey, smells musty, or feels waterlogged is more than an eyesore — it can drag heat out of your tub and cut the foam core's lifespan in half. The video above walks through the full process visually; this guide pairs it with clear written steps and the product choices that hold up best in Greece's combination of strong sun, salt-laden air, and high summer temperatures. Whether you manage a private pool villa, a holiday rental, or a hotel wellness area, thirty minutes twice a month is all it takes.
Why Spa Covers Need Regular Cleaning
Vinyl spa covers are constantly exposed to UV radiation, chemical vapour rising from the water below, airborne dust, pollen, and — especially near the coast — salt particles. Without routine care the vinyl surface dries out, cracks, and begins to absorb water rather than repel it. A saturated cover can weigh three times its original weight and loses most of its insulating value, driving up electricity bills significantly.
Mould and algae tend to colonise the underside of the cover first because it sits just above warm, humid water. Left unchecked they break down the stitching and allow moisture into the foam panels — at that point the cover usually needs full replacement.
What You Will Need Before You Start
Gather your supplies before you remove the cover so nothing is left sitting on bare concrete while you search. You need a garden hose with a gentle spray setting, a soft-bristle brush or large sponge, a pH-neutral vinyl cleaner (purpose-made spa-cover cleaners are widely available, or diluted mild dish soap works in a pinch), a vinyl conditioner or UV protectant such as 303 Aerospace Protectant, and two microfibre cloths. Avoid household bleach, petroleum-based polishes, or any abrasive scrubbers — all of them degrade vinyl.
Step-by-Step: Cleaning Your Spa Cover
- 1
Remove and position the cover safely
Lift the cover off the spa with a helper if it is a full-size twin-panel type, and lay it flat on a clean lawn, a large tarpaulin, or a smooth patio surface. Never fold it sharply or prop it at a steep angle — the foam insert can crack along stress points. Lay both sides face-up in turn.
- 2
Rinse away loose debris
Use a garden hose on a gentle fan setting to rinse off dirt, leaves, bird droppings, and any chemical residue. Work from the centre outward so you push debris off the edges rather than grinding it into the vinyl. Give the underside a thorough rinse too, paying attention to the skirt seams where algae often hide.
- 3
Scrub with vinyl cleaner
Apply your vinyl cleaner directly to a soft-bristle brush or damp sponge and work in small circular sections across the entire top surface. Let the product sit for one to two minutes before scrubbing — this loosens oxidised chalking and light mould staining. For stubborn mildew spots on the underside, a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water applied with a sponge and left for five minutes usually lifts them without harming the material.
- 4
Rinse thoroughly and dry
Rinse every trace of cleaner off both surfaces with the hose. Soap or cleaner residue left behind will attract dirt faster and can accelerate vinyl degradation over time. Dry the cover with a clean microfibre cloth — do not allow it to drip-dry in direct midday sun in summer, as the vinyl can heat to temperatures that accelerate cracking while still slightly damp.
- 5
Apply a UV protectant conditioner
Once the cover is completely dry, apply a vinyl conditioner or UV protectant product following the manufacturer's directions — typically a light spray or wipe-on application buffed in with a clean cloth. In Greece, UV intensity from May through September is severe, so this step is not optional. A good conditioner also leaves the vinyl slightly hydrophobic, making the next clean much easier. Reapply every four to six weeks during peak summer.
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FAQ
- How often should I clean a spa cover in Greece?
- A light rinse and wipe-down every two weeks is enough during the main swimming season. A full clean with vinyl cleaner and conditioner should be done once a month from April to October, and at least once during winter before storing the spa or closing the pool. Properties near the sea or in dusty rural areas may need to clean slightly more often.
- Can I use a pressure washer on a spa cover?
- A low-pressure setting (below 600 psi) on a wide fan nozzle is generally safe for removing heavy grime from the top surface, but avoid directing the jet at seams, zips, or the underside skirt. High pressure forces water into the foam insert and damages stitching. A garden hose with a spray nozzle is almost always sufficient and carries no risk.
- My spa cover smells of chlorine and mould even after cleaning — what should I do?
- Persistent odour usually means the foam core has absorbed water or that mould has penetrated the inner lining. Remove the foam inserts if the cover design allows it, let them air in full sunlight for several hours, and spray the inner fabric liner with a diluted white-vinegar solution. If the foam feels heavy and waterlogged it has reached the end of its useful life and replacement is the more cost-effective choice.