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A backyard hot tub is an excellent place to relax and decompress with your family and friends. But whether your hot tub stays in prime working order depends on how well you take care of it. A hot tub cover protects your spa from Mother Nature while helping to maintain its delicate chemical balance.
While a properly maintained hot tub cover will last for years, it will eventually succumb to the elements and require replacement. This guide will review what to look for when shopping for a hot tub cover so you can be sure the product you choose is of good quality and will protect your spa for many relaxing evenings to come. And don’t miss the list below of some of the best hot tub covers on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: MySpaCover Hot Tub Cover and Spa Cover Replacement
- BEST ROUND COVER: Classic Accessories Veranda Round Hot Tub Cover
- BEST COVER GUARD: Classic Accessories Ravenna Hot Tub Cover
- BEST SOLAR BLANKET: In The Swim Spa and Hot Tub Solar Blanket Cover
- ALSO CONSIDER: ULTCOVER Waterproof Polyester Square Hot Tub Cover
What to Consider When Buying a Hot Tub Cover
There are a few factors you should take into consideration when shopping for a hot tub cover, including weather, material, safety, and dimensions.
Weather Conditions
The kind of weather conditions your hot tub will be up against plays a significant role in the type of cover you need to buy. A hot tub in the Florida Keys is exposed to different weather than a hot tub just off the slopes in Aspen, Colorado. The colder the climate, the harder a hot tub will have to work to keep the water at the desired temperature.
A hot tub cover provides a layer of insulation that keeps the heat in while keeping cold air out, helping to maintain optimal water temperature while saving energy costs for running the hot tub. For cold regions that see low temperatures and significant snowfall, use a thick to insulate and to support the added weight of snow. Warmer climates demand less insulation; however, the cover needs to be durable to withstand heavy rain and wind from storms.
Material
A spa cover takes the brunt of the rain, UV rays, and extreme temperatures that Mother Nature throws at your hot tub. To endure that harsh weather, the outer shell should consist of marine-grade vinyl. Not all marine-grade vinyl is the same, so look for material treated with mildew inhibitors that prevent mold and mildew from growing on the cover. Vinyl is available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to choose a cover that matches your outdoor decor style.
Safety
Keep in mind that a hot tub is a drowning hazard. The cover plays a significant role in keeping your hot tub safe. Make sure the cover you buy has durable straps that lock in the closed position. The cover should also be durable enough to support a child’s weight without giving way.
Dimensions
When shopping for a hot tub cover, it’s essential to know the dimensions of your hot tub. Hot tubs come in a variety of shapes, including circular, square, rectangular, rounded square and rectangular, and custom. The cover should fit perfectly to keep rainwater and debris out. If you have accessories on your hot tub, such as a waterfall or audio speaker, take these into account when you measure for a hot tub cover.
Skirt
The skirt is the vinyl flap that hangs from the bottom of the cover and helps direct rainwater away from the seam between the hot tub and cover. Make sure to take the skirt into account when measuring for a new cover. If the skirt is too long, it will bunch up and push your spa cover up. If it’s too short, it will not provide the protection it’s intended to give.
Insulation
If you live in a colder climate, your hot tub cover will need a thick insulating core that will keep the water warm, reducing your utility costs. Hot tub covers are made with foam of varying thicknesses and densities to insulate the cover. The higher the density and thicker the foam, the better the insulation properties. Like the insulation in your home, the insulation in a hot tub cover uses R values to rate its effectiveness. The higher the R-value, the higher the heat resistance of the hot tub cover. The R values for hot tub covers range from 12 to 30.
Customization
Depending on the shape and features of your hot tub, you may need to shop for a customized hot tub cover to get a proper fit. If your hot tub is an irregular shape or has added features, you may need to take measurements and have a custom hot tub cover made. There are numerous companies that will make a customized cover to fit your hot tub or spa.
Our Top Picks
This list of some of the top hot tub covers on the market features products that are standouts in their categories and built to endure the elements for many years.
Best Overall
MySpaCover Hot Tub Cover and Spa Cover Replacement
Finding the right size spa cover to fit your hot tub can be a real challenge. With so many shapes and sizes, choosing the right cover can be a daunting process. MySpaCover makes it easy with its custom spa cover service. Octagon, circle, elliptical, four corners, one cut corner: it doesn’t matter. MySpaCover has your spa covered—literally.
All of MySpaCover’s products are made to order and can be up to 96 by 96 inches. Simply take measurements using their in-depth instructions. MySpaCover makes durable covers with marine-grade vinyl, double stitching on seams, and EPS insulation foam. With ten different colors to choose from, matching a custom cover to your outdoor furniture is a breeze.
Best Round Cover
Classic Accessories Veranda Round Hot Tub Cover
For those with a classic round hot tub, there’s this hot tub cover from Classic Accessories. This cover fits hot tubs up to 84 inches in diameter. It features an elastic hem cord that pulls tight to keep the cover securely in place. It features high-density stitching and easy-to-grip padded handles for installing and removing the cover.
The fabric is water repellant and includes air vents to allow water vapor to escape while preventing the cover from ballooning in the wind. Keep in mind that this cover does not offer insulation properties, so it is a good option for warmer climates.
Best Cover Guard
Classic Accessories Ravenna Hot Tub Cover
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a spa cover for warmer climates. If there is no need to insulate your hot tub against freezing temperatures, you simply need a cover to keep debris and rainwater out of your hot tub. This attractive spa cover from Classic Accessories does the job.
This hot tub cover features an elastic hem cord that keeps the cover in place and woven polyester fabric that is water-resistant. Strategically placed air vents keep moisture from condensing under the cover while also keeping the cover stable during windy weather.
Best Solar Blanket
In The Swim Spa and Hot Tub Solar Blanket Cover
Save energy by using the power of the sun to keep your hot tub’s water warm with this solar blanket from In the Swim. The solar blanket works by floating on top of the water. When in direct sunlight, this 15-millimeter blanket will warm water up to 10 degrees in 5 to 7 days of sunlight.
This blanket serves as an insulator, causing the water to retain more heat, and it also acts as a barrier, preventing water and chemical loss from evaporation while keeping debris out of your spa. Solar blankets are easy to install. Just use a pair of scissors to cut the blanket to the desired shape and size.
Also Consider
ULTCOVER Waterproof Polyester Square Hot Tub Cover
This affordable cover guard from ULTCOVER provides plenty of protection for your spa thanks to its durable construction. It features a quality 600D polyester canvas exterior with waterproof backing, preventing rain, dust, and dirt from infiltrating your spa.
The cover is also breathable, allowing water vapor to escape to prevent mold growth. Integrated air vents prevent the cover from lofting in windy conditions while heavy-duty elastic cords keep this cover firmly in place. This cover also extends beyond the rim to partially cover the unit’s sides, protecting the spa from UV damage.
The Advantages of Owning a Hot Tub Cover
There are many advantages to owning a hot tub cover. For one, a hot tub cover can keep debris out of your hot tub. This helps maintain the proper chemical balance in the hot tub, as dirt and rainwater can throw off a spa’s pH level.
Depending on the type you buy, a hot tub cover can also add a layer of safety to your hot tub by preventing young children from falling into the spa.
An insulated hot tub cover can help keep the water warm, preventing the spa from having to work harder to warm the water, saving you a significant amount of money in utility costs for the hot tub.
- Helps to keep the water clean and maintain chemical balance
- Prevents small children from falling in the spa
- Saves energy insulating the hot tub, helping to keep the water warm
FAQs About Hot Tub Covers
If you still have questions about hot tub covers, read on for answers to some of the most frequent hot tub cover concerns.
Q. How do you measure for a hot tub cover?
By following a few simple instructions, you can accurately measure your hot tub for a new cover:
- Measure from lip to lip of the acrylic part of your hot tub for length and width measurements. Add a 1/2 inch to your measurements to allow for some wiggle room with the cover.
- Measure for the skirt length by measuring from the top of the spa to the bottom of the acrylic (before the wood section begins), then add 1/2 inch.
- Finally, measure the radius of each corner. This is done by extending the straight edges of the sides to a point where they would intersect if the spa’s corner were square. You can use two straight edges or a carpenter’s square to take these measurements. Measure the distance from where the curve begins to the imaginary intersection point. As with the previous measurements, add 1/2 inch.
Q. How do you install a hot tub cover?
- Begin by positioning the new spa cover over your spa. Make sure the cover fits properly.
- Line up one end of the cover on the spa, allowing the straps to hang loosely along the side of the cabinet.
- Mark a place to attach the strap connectors. Then, use a drill to create pilot holes into the spa cabinet.
- Attach the strap connectors using wood screws.
- Repeat the same process on the other side to complete the strap installation.
- Attach the straps to the strap connectors.
Q. How do you clean a hot tub cover?
The top and bottom of the cover should be cleaned a few times a year
- Begin by removing the hot tub cover, as you do not want cleaning products or dirt to fall into the water.
- Use a hose to wash off dirt or debris.
- Use a mild soap to scrub the cover. Rinse thoroughly with a hose.
- If parts of the cover are stained, use a 1-to-1 mix of bleach and water to remove the stain. Rinse well with water.
- Use a soft towel to dry the vinyl, then use a vinyl treatment product to condition and protect the vinyl.
Q. How do you repair a hot tub cover?
On occasion, a hot tub cover may become torn from wear and tear. One great way to repair a hole is to purchase a patch kit. Begin by trimming the ragged edges of the tear. Wash the area around the hole so the patch will adhere properly. Rough up the area just around the hole with sandpaper, then apply the patch.
Q. How long does a hot tub cover last?
Even the best hot tub covers will eventually succumb to the elements. A hot tub cover should last between five and seven years before needing to be replaced.