Your hot tub cover does a lot more work than most people realize. It’s not just a lid — it’s the single most important component for heat retention, energy efficiency, and protecting your spa from the elements. At Peterborough Landscape Supply, we see firsthand how the right (or wrong) cover can dramatically impact performance, operating costs, and lifespan.
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your hot tub cover, here’s what you should know.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Hot Tub Cover
Most hot tub covers don’t fail all at once — they slowly lose efficiency. Common warning signs include:
- Waterlogging / excessive weight – If your cover feels noticeably heavier, the foam core has absorbed water. Once this happens, the cover is essentially useless.
- Sagging or bowing – A cover that no longer sits flat allows heat to escape and snow or rain to pool.
- Cracked vinyl or faded fabric – UV damage and harsh Canadian weather break down materials over time.
- Rising hydro or gas bills – Heat loss through a failing cover forces your heater to work overtime.
- Shorter heat retention – If your water cools quickly between cycles, your cover is likely the culprit.
Once a cover becomes waterlogged, there is no fixing it. The insulation value is gone, and replacing it is the only real solution.
Why Foam Density Matters (A Lot)
Not all hot tub covers are built the same. One of the biggest differences is foam density.
At Peterborough Landscape Supply, we only sell high‑density foam cores designed specifically for Canadian climates. Heat naturally rises, and your cover is your primary barrier against heat loss — especially in winter.
Lower-density foam (often used in cheaper or factory covers) may look fine at first, but it:
- Absorbs water faster
- Loses insulation value sooner
- Breaks down under snow load
- Needs replacing years earlier
Our covers are built to retain heat longer, resist water absorption, and stand up to heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
Premium Fabrics: Vinyl or Sunbrella®
We offer both marine-grade vinyl and Sunbrella® fabric options, giving you durability and style.
Vinyl Covers
- Excellent moisture resistance
- Easy to clean
- Cost-effective without sacrificing quality
Sunbrella® Covers
- Fade-resistant and breathable
- Superior longevity
- Ideal for customers who want a premium, long-term solution
With multiple colour options, your replacement cover doesn’t just perform better — it looks better too.
Why Our Replacement Covers Outperform Factory Covers
Many factory hot tub covers are designed to meet minimum standards, not maximum performance. Over time, we’ve found that factory covers often:
- Use lower-density foam
- Lack proper vapour barriers
- Fail prematurely in cold climates
Our replacement covers are custom-built for real-world Canadian conditions, not mass production shortcuts.
The result?
- Better heat retention
- Lower utility costs
- Longer lifespan
- Better value over time
Cheaper Covers Can Cost You More
It’s easy to be tempted by a slightly cheaper cover. But what many people don’t realize is that heat loss equals money lost.
A lower-quality cover:
- Allows heat to escape
- Forces your heater to run more often
- Increases hydro or gas usage
- Needs replacing sooner
Especially during Ontario winters, the extra utility costs alone can quickly exceed the initial savings. A quality cover pays for itself.
The Smarter Investment
A replacement hot tub cover from Peterborough Landscape Supply is not just a replacement — it’s an upgrade.
You get:
- High-density foam insulation
- Materials designed for Canadian winters
- Vinyl or Sunbrella® fabric options
- Custom fit and multiple colour choices
- Better efficiency and longer service life
If your cover is heavy, sagging, or costing you money in heat loss, it’s time to replace it — and replace it properly.
Visit Peterborough Landscape Supply or contact us today to discuss the right replacement hot tub cover for your spa.
