Outdoor Hotel Equipment Protection: What Survives the Off-Season and What Doesn't
Days before the summer season is set to begin, a hotel facilities manager does a walkthrough of the property to ensure that everything is looking as it should. But instead of pristine grounds he’s met with other sights: rusted and worn patio bar furniture, a faded and cracked valet stand, a poolside kiosk with an oxidized screen. Although nothing is broken beyond repair, everything is looking a bit more worn and faded than it should at the beginning of the busy season.
Hotel equipment is put through the ringer, and that’s doubly true for outdoor equipment. Facilities managers already know that replacement is a seasonal reality, but does it really have to be? That’s what we’ll be exploring today: what outdoor hotel equipment is being exposed to throughout the seasons and why stock or low-quality covers do not make the cut for protection of these assets.
The Mortal Enemies of Outdoor Hotel Equipment
UV Radiation
The sun is perhaps the most underestimated threat to outdoor equipment. UV radiation doesn't just fade surfaces; it can break down materials in such a way that plastics are weakened and finishes deteriorate. If you already utilize covers that aren’t UV-stabilized, the fabric may lose its structural integrity within a single season.
In sun-belt climates or in high-elevation climates, this process is accelerated significantly. For instance, Equip worked with Copper Mountain Resort to manufacture firepit covers that would resist the nearly 10,000-foot elevation. We utilized highly UV-resistant materials for the covers, specifying them to stand the test of time even in a sun-heavy environment. If we’d used inexpensive or generic fabrics for this project, they would have only lasted a season or two before wearing out.
Moisture and Humidity
Rain may be the obvious threat to outdoor hotel equipment, but humidity is a slower and more insidious problem that can cause a cascade of issues. In tropical hotel environments, for example, moisture can work its way through seams and fabric over time, causing hardware to malfunction and finishes to degrade.
Once mold and mildew set in, it can be difficult to eliminate them entirely. A cover that isn’t treated for moisture will do nothing to prevent this—in fact, a generic or stock cover with no water resistance can even accelerate problems by trapping humidity and moisture directly against the surface of the equipment.
Temperature Cycling
When winter temperatures set in, equipment often takes a beating, but what’s even worse on hotel equipment are the freeze-thaw cycles that repeatedly occur during this snowy season. Materials, especially fabric and plastics, expand and contract when temperatures dip and rise, and if your covers are made of low-quality fabric, they may stiffen and crack when these cycles happen.
Wind
While it may seem as though any cover is better than no protection at all, in wind-prone environments, the opposite is true.
A cover that moves, shifts, lifts, or comes loose during a storm or high winds can damage the equipment located underneath and lead to accelerated replacement cycles. There are several ways to secure a cover on equipment so that it does not gap or balloon in the wind, but many generic or stock covers do not come with those capabilities.
The Demands of Different Climate Zones on Hotel Equipment
Not all covers are made equally, and some work well in certain environments but fall apart quickly in others. To those considering new covers for their outdoor hotel equipment, take a look at the below bullets to learn more about the demands that each climate zone can bring.
Sun-belt and desert climates — In areas that are sun-prone or subject to year-round sunshine, like deserts and sun-belt climates, UV resistance is of the utmost importance. For these types of areas, 600D polyester fabric with a UV-stabilized solution-dyed coating keeps its color and structural integrity in a way that lesser fabrics do not.
Coastal and tropical climates — Because of their constant exposure to moisture that can lead to the growth of mold, coastal and tropical climates should see mold and mildew resistance as a non-negotiable. When humidity is a constant and rainfall happens on a frequent basis, a water-resistant coating alone won’t cut it. Instead, look for fabrics that are treated specifically to resist mold and mildew.
Northern and mountain climates — In the cold mountain air, weather and wind resistance are key factors for determining the success of a cover. When Equip worked with Copper Mountain, located at nearly 10,000 feet of elevation, the cover had to resist high winds, freeze-thaw cycles, and potentially heavy snow loads. The cover we crafted for the resort was specifically designed for these conditions, including shock cord drawstrings to ensure the cover stayed secure in the wind and materials that were rated to stand up against cold weather.
Why Generic or Stock Covers Don’t Make the Cut for Outdoor Hotel Equipment Protection
You may understand the importance of protecting outdoor hotel equipment during the off-season, but don’t see the rationale behind custom-fitted covers when stock or generic covers can temporarily solve your protection problems. There are a few issues with stock covers, however.
First, stock covers are not made to fit your equipment, meaning they may bunch or gap when installed. This provides inadequate protection—a cover that bunches can pool moisture, potentially damaging the equipment beneath it worse than if no cover was used at all. A cover with gaps may leave the equipment vulnerable to the elements as well. In the same vein, stock or generic covers are often not made of high-quality materials, meaning that moisture or mold may collect underneath the cover because it’s not rated to protect against it.
Finally, generic covers are not very durable. While it may be more of an investment to purchase custom covers, Equip often sees our outdoor covers lasting more than 5 years, even in extreme elements. A stock cover will last a season or two at most.
Questions to Ask a Custom Cover Manufacturer
Ready to order your custom outdoor hotel covers? To ensure ample protection, go through the following with the manufacturer before ordering to get the best cover possible.
☐ Is the cover custom-fit to the equipment?
☐ Is the fabric UV-resistant?
☐ Is the material water-resistant and mold-resistant?
☐ Can the cover withstand the local climate?
☐ Will the cover stay secure in high winds?
☐ Are the zippers and hardware rated for outdoor use?
☐ Is the cover durable enough for daily use?
☐ Does the design prevent water pooling?
☐ Does the cover provide the level of security you need?
☐ What is the expected lifespan of the cover?
Protecting Outdoor Hotel Equipment—the Right Way
Imagine that same facilities manager we spoke about at the beginning of this blog, walking through the hotel’s outdoor area at the start of the busy season. Instead of worn and degraded equipment, he sees a covered wonderland. In moments, those covers can be unzipped and put away, leaving a pristine outdoor area that looks exactly the same as it did months before.
The difference isn't luck or climate—it’s the specifications used to create the perfect climate-combatting cover. A cover manufactured specifically for the environment that houses it and utilizes materials chosen for that purpose will not just last longer than a generic cover. It will provide all-encompassing protection that will ensure that equipment does not need to be replaced for years to come.
FAQs
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A well-made outdoor cover should last anywhere from 3 to 5 years with normal daily use.
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Yes, if it’s manufactured with materials that can resist both heat and cold. The key is choosing a fabric that is rated for the full range of temperatures and conditions the cover will face across all four seasons.
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Yes. A branded pool bar cover or valet stand cover is a visible, professional detail that reinforces the property's brand to every guest who walks past.
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Yes, we often work with management groups that are rolling out equipment across multiple properties. In order to provide adequate protection from the very start, it’s a good idea to spec your covers early in the process.
Need a Custom Equipment Cover for Your Hotel, Resort, or Facility?
Whether you’re protecting concession areas, outdoor kiosks, pool equipment, or valet carts, Equip can help you design a custom cover solution built to last.
📧 Email: info@equipinc.com 📞 Call: 719-599-0300
Request a quote today and keep your assets covered, protected, and ready for anything.
