Keep your spa water hot, clean and safe with a properly fitted hot tub cover.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
10 Hot Tub Covers to Keep Your Oasis Clean and Safe From the Elements
Updated on Jun. 20, 2024
The best hot tubs offer a luxurious way to relax and socialize with friends and family and can be used in practically any weather, from summer to winter. If you invest in one, a hot tub cover is an essential accessory. “Especially in outdoor settings, a cover prevents leaves, dirt and other debris from getting into the water, which means you won’t have to spend as much time keeping it clean,” says Alicia Toedter, the Education and Content Leader at Leslie’s, the largest direct-to-consumer pool and spa care retailer in the US.
The barrier also prevents heat from escaping, which saves money and energy while keeping your hot tub cozy and ready for use. It’s also an important safety item. “An ASTM-certified, lockable hot tub cover prevents curious children or pets from accidentally falling into the hot tub unattended,” explains Toedter.
Whether you have a hot tub or a jacuzzi, make sure you fully understand the different types of covers and what they do. A thick, foam primary hot tub cover is ideal for year-round use. A cover cap protects that primary cover, and a thermal blanket floats on top of the water (mainly to keep heat from escaping). Keep reading to find the right option for your hot tub.
-
Custom Tapered Spa Cover
Read More -
Deluxe Hot Tub Cover
Read More -
Windproof Hot Tub Cover
Read More -
Water-Resistant Hot Tub Cover Cap
Read More -
Thermo-Float Bubble Cover
Read More -
Custom Hot Tub Cover
Read More -
Insulator Top Cover
Read More -
UV-Resistant Hot Tub Cover
Read More -
Floating Thermal Cover
Read More -
via merchant
Custom Tapered Spa Cover
This tapered spa cover features a key-operated lock, making it a smart choice for security at homes with small children. The triple-reinforced hinge stands up to frequent use and operates smoothly with a separate lifting device. Unlike some covers that have a mesh bottom, this one features a solid bottom that resists damage from pool chemicals, like chlorine and bromine.
via merchant
Deluxe Hot Tub Cover
This high-quality, durable cover from The Cover Guy stands up to harsh winter conditions and, thanks to its high-density foam and marine-grade vinyl construction, it even withstands heavy snow or ice accumulation. Its materials also won’t absorb any moisture—from the full hot tub or from rain—so this cover won’t get waterlogged and lose effectiveness. Four lockable tie-downs ensure that it won’t blow away, either.
via merchant
Windproof Hot Tub Cover
A hot tub’s hard lid benefits from its own weather protection, especially when positioned in direct sunlight. This Gasadar protector prevents ultraviolet (UV) damage to your expensive foam cover. It uses both drawstrings and buckle straps to make sure it won’t budge in windy climates. Made of heavy-duty 600-denier (D) polyester, it’s both durable and waterproof.
via merchant
Water-Resistant Hot Tub Cover Cap
If you’d like to match your hot tub cover with the rest of your patio furniture, consider this Classic Accessories cover cap. It fits over your existing hot tub cover and add water resistance. When used with the brand’s furniture covers, sold separately, it gives your outdoor space a high-end, coordinated look.
via merchant
Thermo-Float Bubble Cover
As far as hot tub covers go, consider this a bonus. This thermal blanket mitigates heat loss, as well as prevents the primary foam cover from absorbing any moisture from the water in the tub. It also provides a barrier to keep leaves and debris out when you plan on using the outdoor hot tub regularly and don’t want to replace the heavy foam lid between dips. It comes in one 6-foot by 6-foot size that’s easy to cut to size with a pair of scissors.
via merchant
Custom Hot Tub Cover
Got a non-standard tub? You can order this insulating foam cover customized to fit a wide variety of hot tub sizes and shapes up to 8 feet by 8 feet. The marine-grade vinyl features double-stitched seams that make it durable enough for frequent, long-term use in tough weather conditions. If any issues arise, the manufacturer offers a five-year warranty.
via merchant
Insulator Top Cover
Those who enjoy the space-saving benefits of a compact personal hot tub spa will appreciate this affordable, insulating top cover to retain the water’s heat and keep debris out. At just 13 pounds, it’s also easy for one person to operate without much effort.
via merchant
UV-Resistant Hot Tub Cover
The black-and-ivory tweed pattern of this stylish hot tub cover offers an appealing alternative to solid-colored options. Its welded seams provide a sleek look and contoured fit. This cover is also treated with a proprietary “StormBlock” coating, which makes it waterproof, as well as resistant to bird droppings, tree sap and mud.
via merchant
Floating Thermal Cover
This floating foam thermal cover goes directly on the water’s surface as a more insulating alternative to the bubble-type, thermal blanket hot tub covers. In addition to preventing contamination by leaves and debris, it helps trap heat inside. This cover comes as a 6-foot by 6-foot sheet, allowing you to cut and shape it with DIY tools to your tub’s precise shape.
via merchant
What to Look for When Buying Hot Tub Covers
Hot Tub Cover for Inflatable
If the cover that came with your Intex inflatable hot tub needs an upgrade, consider this replacement cover. It does double duty to keep the heat in—saving you up to 50% in energy costs—and debris out. “[It’s] the cover that SHOULD come with [the] Intex spa!” raves verified Amazon reviewer, Noah.
- Shape and size: Always measure your hot tub directly for accurate sizing, advises Toedter. Covers can shrink or warp over time, so measuring an old cover can result in a poor fit, causing heat loss and premature cover failure.
- Insulation needs: “An outdoor hot tub in a cold, snowy climate will require a much thicker, better-insulated cover than an outdoor hot tub in moderate temperatures or even an indoor hot tub,” says Toedter. Look for a cover with quality foam insulation to help keep the water warm and save on energy costs, she adds.
- Quality foam: For added reinforcement, Toedter says to look for a cover with sturdy steel channels in the foam to prevent sagging. A tapered foam design also helps the cover shed rainwater and snowmelt easily.
- Materials: Check the quality of the materials, especially the outer vinyl and the stitching, to ensure durability. “The exterior materials should be resistant to fading, able to withstand inclement weather and extreme temperatures and easy to clean and maintain. You want a cover that’s built to last,” notes Toedter.
- Safety: “Look for a cover that meets ASTM safety standards and consider features like locking straps for added safety and ease of use,” advises Toedter.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, DIY and appliance topics. With more than five years of experience as a residential and commercial carpenter in NYC, where I focused on custom furniture construction and installation, I bring a wealth of real-world expertise and hands-on training to the table. As a writer, I leverage my in-depth knowledge to craft thorough product reviews, insightful buying guides and practical how-to articles for Family Handyman. My work has also been featured in reputable outlets such as CNN Underscored, Business Insider and Popular Mechanics.
For additional insights, we also consulted Alicia Toedter, the Education and Content Leader at Leslie’s, the largest direct-to-consumer pool and spa care retailer in the US. Toedter’s role centers around pool-care education, creating content to help homeowners safely enjoy their pools and spas. She was recently named lifeguard of the month by the company, highlighting her expertise and dedication in the field.
How We Found the Best Hot Tub Covers
To find the best hot tub covers, we researched various options, focusing on durability, insulation and ease of use. We interviewed a pool and spa expert to gain professional insights into what makes a hot tub cover effective and long-lasting. Additionally, we reviewed customer feedback to understand real-world performance and common concerns.
FAQ
What type of hot tub cover is best?
“The highest quality hot tub covers have tapered, closed-cell virgin foam (EPS) panels double-wrapped with polyethylene sheeting to keep the panels from absorbing moisture. This helps the cover last as long as possible,” explains Toedter.
Regarding the best materials, Toedter says the top pick is usually a high-quality, marine-grade UV-resistant vinyl. “Vinyl is durable, weather-resistant and can withstand exposure to the sun, rain and snow. It’s also easy to clean and maintain,” she says.
How do you clean a hot tub cover?
At least once or twice a week, it’s important to let your hot tub cover “breathe” and air dry for a couple of hours to help prevent mold and mildew from growing, says Toedter. “To clean the outside, use mild soap or a special vinyl cleaner and a soft brush or sponge to scrub the cover gently,” she explains. Don’t forget the underside of the cover, too. “As needed, rinse it thoroughly with a hose to remove all the soap, or follow the product label instructions for vinyl cleaners,” she notes.
What is the most common hot tub cover?
According to Toedter, the most common type is a vinyl-wrapped foam core style, also known as a hardcover. “They’re fully customizable in size, shape, thickness and color, and they form a tight seal against the edges of the hot tub for the best insulation,” she says. However, hard covers can be challenging for one person to remove without a cover lift, and the foam core can break under heavy loads or absorb water if the protective casing is damaged.
