After installing my new hot outdoor spa I found over time that the Spa cover was in need of some cleaning and conditioning. Now as I own a ski boat I know that keeping the vinyl trim in top condition is one of my number one priorities.
So will the 303 Aerospace Protectant revive my spar cover? It sure will, its the best around.
As many of you have followed me on my other spar projects like the DIY Spa Cover Lifter, some readers have asked how to maintain their Leisure time, Sundance, or Bullfrog spa cover.
Table of Contents
- 1 Amazing Spa Cover Cleaner and Conditioner
- 2 How to Clean Vinyl Hot Tub Cover
- 3 303 Vinyl hot tub cover cleaner Specs
- 4 How to protect your hot tub cover from the sun?
- 5 Can I use Armor All on my hot tub cover?
- 6 How to keep hot tub cover from getting heavy
- 7 What else can I use the 303 Aerospace protectant on?
Amazing Spa Cover Cleaner and Conditioner
Owning a Hot tub or spa requires some tender loving care once and a while. From water purification using either Bromine, Chlorine, or Lithium, the Spa cover also needs some cleaning every couple of months.
If you live in a sunny, dusty area you will find that the spa cover is starting to gather dust and even some bird poop. The product I like to use to bring the cover back to its original shine is called 303 Marine AeroSpace Protectant.
It has ultimate sun-blocking technology just like sunscreen but for vinyl. This will stop your vinyl spa cover from fading and cracking over time. Especially if it’s in the full sun.
The sun will drive out all of the good oils in your hot tub cover. The 303 protectant replaces these which will be absorbed into the vinyl to make it shine and become softer and pliable.
Hot tub cover protectant – 303 aerospace protectant review
I always like to write about products that actually make my life easy. The 303 protectant does this and more. I love to take care of my big boy toys. This way when I go to sell them they look great, function well and I can get a good price on the resell.
Protecting my spa vinyl cover was a no-brainer. Out in the full sun, it would require a full clean a polish every few months. But this doesn’t take long with the aerospace protectant.
As you can see in the picture above my cover was starting to look old and weathered. On the right, I sprayed the 303 marine aerospace cleaner and wiped over it once. You can see immediately that the deep dark grey color has started to shine through.
I like that it comes in a spray bottle and smells nice. Not like some other harsh chemicals that burn out your nose hairs. I also won’t dry out fast like some other products so you have time to work it in.
It sprays out in a whitish type of liquid but rubs in clear. I found that the colors really pop once an application of 303 has been applied. Any overspray can be quickly wiped away. Leaving a streak-free shine.
After all, if you do this hot tub cover maintenance every few months your spa cover will last forever. I also like that they have a Satisfaction Guarantee. On the back of the bottle, they state that if you are unhappy with the product just write to them and include your sales receipt and they will refund the purchase price. Very cool.
303 aerospace protectant where to buy?
You can purchase the 303 protectants from most good marine parts dealers or from Amazon which has the full range of products.
How to Clean Vinyl Hot Tub Cover
Your hot tub cover cap will need protection from the sun and regular cleaning. This procedure will show you how I clean and protect my spa cover.
First off you will want to wash any dust, dirt, and bird droppings off the spa cover. Use a bucket of warm mild soapy water and a rag to rinse off the dirt.
Use a towel to dry to cover off completely. It’s now time to spray on your 303 vinyl protectant.
Shake the spray bottle to mix all of the contents and twist the end cap so you achieve the misting spray you require. Now I use an old dish towel to rub in all of the 303 protectants but you could also use some paper towels. I just like a lint-free finish.
Rub it in well. You will find that it won’t immediately evaporate or blend in. This is normal and will take a day or so. But this is good as it’s penetrating slowly.
Be sure to also go over the sides of your hot tub cover as this often gets overlooked and will be one of the first places where cracking will appear. You will require another application in around 2 months to keep your vinyl spa cover looking like new.
303 Vinyl hot tub cover cleaner Specs
This vinyl marine and spa protectant has been designed for taking care of outdoor vinyl products exposed to the harsh sun its features include
- Long-life powerful UV blockers prevent fading, cracking, and premature aging of all vinyl.
- Dries to a clear matte deep rich finish.
- Enriches and restores lost color, shine, and luster.
- Simple to use just spray on and wipe dry.
- Designed for use on vinyl, plexiglass, carbon fiber, rubber, plastics, and leather.
- Perfect as a 303 tonneau cover protectant
There is a reason most boat and pool spa owners trust 303 for their toys. Its because it works.
How to protect your hot tub cover from the sun?
The sun will quickly destroy the vinyl on hot tub covers if it is not protected. The sun actually dries out the oils in the vinyl.
Cleaning the hot tub cover before you rub on the protectant is one step you must do first.
Stay away from harsh chemicals and rough scouring pads that can damage the cover. Stick with mild dish wahing soap or vinegar.
Clean the hot tub cover with vinegar
White vinegar is a natural solution that is safe for your hot tub vinyl cover. Just mix it with 1 part vinegar to 4 part water that will get the mold, dirt, and water stains out of your expensive cover.
Wipe it down with a clean rag and then rinse it off with a towel. Rub in the aerospace protectant and you will be good for another 6 months. It actually acts as a hot tub cover sealant.
Can I use Armor All on my hot tub cover?
No, my hot tub installer said not to use Armor All as it was not a good product for hot tub vinyl. Stick with the trusted 303 Aerospace Protectant for the best result. You won’t be disappointed.
How to keep hot tub cover from getting heavy
If the vinyl gets damaged or cracked, rain can enter through the holes and make the hot tub cover heavy.
A good vinyl sunscreen like the 3030 Aerospace protectant will keep the spa vinyl pliable, soft, and resistant to damage.
It is easy to see that people who don’t take care of their spa covers are looking to replace them after 5 years. I have had my cover for 6 years now and it looks as good as the day I brought it.
No cracks, pliable, light, soft, and still has the original color.
My spa cover doesn’t get waterlogged and the original stitching is still in one piece.
What else can I use the 303 Aerospace protectant on?
Since discovering 303 I now use it on all vinyl parts be it my boat seats, Sea-doo dash, cleaning leather seats, car dash, interior door trim, tonneau cover protectant, and rubber tires. Virtually any plastic part that is exposed to the sun I like to wipe over with the 303 brands of protectants.
In the old days, I used to use Armorall but I found that it dries out too quickly and I think for some of the newer types of vinyl being made today, it could be doing more harm than good.
That’s why you need a product that has UV products to actually block out the harmful sun rays. It works really well on plastic outdoor furniture as it brings out a rich shine. Once you buff it in it’s ready to be used as it won’t leach out into your clothes. Go ahead give it a go you won’t be disappointed.
I am a qualified Industrial Electrician for the past 20 years and I love to share my knowledge on home repair and maintenance jobs.
I love fast toys like Motorcycles, Cars, Jetskis, Boats, and Computers so writing about them is easy. Working on them is fun.
To keeps costs down I do all my own mods, repairs, and servicing. These skills I want to share with everyone. DIY is a skill everyone can learn.