Hot Tub Cover Clip Replacement
Spa cover clips aren't the most exciting topic I've ever written about, but a question that we answer all the time - that is, "how do you replace hot tub cover clips?"
There are three ways to replace hot tub cover clips: cut the strap, cut the clip, or sew the strap.
CUT THE STRAP METHOD
Spa cover straps are usually a 12-15" of vinyl or woven mesh, folded over in half, after the clip is slid onto the strap. Cutting the strap requires that you use a backpack type of strap slide buckle placed on the strap above the clip, to re-join the strap after cutting one end of the strap, leaving the other end attached to the cover skirt. Slide buckles can be found at most fabric stores, or taken from an old backpack you no longer use. If your strap is doubled over, cut one end where it attaches to the cover. If you have a single strap (not folded over), cut the strap near the end, just to cut off the old clip, and re-position the latch mechanism if needed for a slight tension on the strap.
CUT THE CLIP METHOD
Additional stitching may be sewn in above the locking clip on a single strap (not folded over). This method of replacing spa cover clips is to use a hacksaw or sheers to cut a small gap in the outside of the plastic edge of the cover clip. Slide the new clip through the gap, and with slow pushing, slide the strap and clip into position. Sliding the cut clip over the strap loop is shown here in the image, and inset, a spa cover clip that has been cut, with a piece of paper between.
SEW THE STRAP METHOD
There is one more method that is available to you, you could cut the strap just above the clip, and instead of using a strap slide (shown above) to rejoin the strap, you could use an Awl, to sew or stitch the strap back together again. An Awl can be found in nearly any fabric store, or fabric section of department stores for under $10. Use thin cotton string or extra thick polyester thread to sew the strap end to itself, after you run it through the cover clip and fold it over. Stitching it up with an awl only takes 10 minutes to do a good job. Re-position the latch if necessary, to make a snug, but not overly tight strap tension.
PRO TIP: When installing or re-installing the lower latch mechanism to the spa skirt, the strap tension is important. Too much puts strain on the cover locks, but if the strap is too loose it makes it easier for children to remove, and easier for wind to get up under the cover.
Make the strap just tight enough so that a person needs to slightly push down on the spa cover with one hand, while unlatching the cover clip with the other hand. Only when straps are taut do they offer real safety protection for children and guard against wind damage.
Hot tub locking cover clips tend to become brittle and break easily after years in hot sun and frozen winters. If it's not time to buy a new spa cover, fix your spa cover straps, to protect your cover from high winds, keep out small children, and large animals!