In this article we’re focusing on hot tub covers: both light-weight weather covers and thick insulated covers. Please scroll down to read our take on the best hot tub covers of both categories.
Very popular hot tub cover that is sought after for its high-quality materials
One of the best hot tub covers offering effective lightweight protection for outdoor hot tubs
Best-selling customizable hot tub cover that has been tried and tested
The ultimate hot tub cover that offers incredible insulation and is energy saving
Hot tubs and baths in Egyptian, Roman and Greek history always tended to have the benefit of a building enclosing them so the heat and oils used were conserved to a great degree. But as we adopted the Japanese custom of ofuro – soaking in a singular bath tub filled with heated water- it became necessary to invest in a cover for the tub to preserve the water and heat in it. A hot tub cover has ultimately become an essential accessory for any outdoor spa owner.
To make sure you are getting your worth when buying a hot tub cover read on for useful information to help you buy the right cover for your needs.
Best Hot Tubs Weather Covers 2020
In this section, hot tub weather covers are reviewed. In other words, these covers are light-weight and meant to protect your existing hot tub heat cover from the elements. Presumably, you could even call these covers of covers or hot tub cover covers.
Their heat insulating/preserving properties are low to none. They’re often used as an extra layer of protection for the hut tub and the original insulate hot tub cover itself. They tend to be very affordable, as opposed to the much more expensive cover they protect. (For actual hot tub heat covers please scroll down.)
Very popular hot tub cover that is sought after for its high-quality materials
One of the best hot tub covers offering effective lightweight protection for outdoor hot tubs
Cost-effective cover that offers adequate protection without wearing out easily
A great hot tub cover choice for a precise fit and durability over the years
Veranda Hot Tub Cover Square (Round & Rectangular also available)
Classic Accessories Veranda Rectangular Hot Tub Cover
The heavy duty material used on this hot tub cover is excellent for protection against the elements including snow, rain, and extended periods of heat.
Features
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- Sizes: 86 inches (featured in this review) and 94 inches
- Dimensions: for tubs up to 86 x 86 x 14 inches
- Special feature: elastic bungee system in the hem for a custom fit
- Color options: Bark, earth and pebble
- Warranty: 3 years
A square hot tub requires a cover with a skirt that falls proportionately on each side without leaving any one side more vulnerable. This cover falls with exact precision allowing it to cover the tub’s bottom flange with ease.
The stitching on the cover is sturdy enabling it to hold together in the event of heavy rain or snow runoff. Made from polyester fabric the manufacturers have ensured the material is water resistant while remaining malleable.
Aesthetically, this cover looks great with the webbing made to match the rest of the material, whatever the color. You can get the same cover for a round or rectangular variation.
The cover is compliant with Proposition 65, a law in California that requires manufacturers and businesses to let consumers know the amount of chemicals in their products.
- Durable material
- Available options for different tub configurations
- Easy to remove and store
- Color options are limited
- The design doesn’t entirely cover the legs
Bottom line
Very popular hot tub cover that is sought after for its high-quality materials
ULTCOVER Waterproof 600D Polyester Square Hot Tub Cover
ULTCOVER 100% Waterproof 600D Polyester Square Hot Tub Cover
ULTCOVER hot tub covers are predominantly for an outdoor hot tub/spa. This cover offers optimum protection of your spa and heat cover and is 100% made in the United States.
Features
- Weight: 9.55 lbs
- Size: 87 inches (featured in this review) and 95 inches
- Dimensions: 87 x 87 x 20 inches
- Special feature: Air vents on the side to allow flow of air
- Color options: Walnut and tan
- Warranty: 5 years
The stout elastic cords ensure that this cover remains in place during heavy storms. The main material is not only sturdy waterproof 600D polyester (heavy duty polyester with a durable degree of thickness and rugged quality), it is infused with Eco-friendly vinyl and is also UV resistant. This makes it adaptable for use in any type of weather. Please note that this cover can not be used by itself without an insulated hard cover under it.
Unfortunately, most hot tub covers are not breathable which can contribute to the growth of mildew and mold in the tub. However, ULTCOVER, the manufacturers of this cover have used material that organically breathes and they also added air vents in the structure of the cover to allow circulation of air without compromising the protective aspect.
- Very durable and protective material
- Easy to slide on/off and store
- Breathable material and construction
- The smaller dimension cover does not reach the bottom of the tub
Bottom line
One of the best hot tub covers offering effective lightweight protection for outdoor hot tubs
CoverMates Hot Tub Cover
CoverMates – Round Hot Tub Cover
This cover from CoverMates is lightweight and versatile without compromising on the construction and protection it offers.
Features
- Weight: 5.25 lbs
- Size: 80 inches – round (featured in this review), 84 or 92 inches – square and 92 by 82 – rectangular.
- Dimensions: 81 inches in diameter and 14 inches in height
- Special feature: thick elastic hem that gives you the perfect gripping fit
- Color options: Khaki polyester and green vinyl
- Warranty: 2 years
The dimensions on this cover make it a great option for medium sized round hot tubs. The material is 12-gauge heavy duty commercial grade vinyl with a lining of polyester for extra stability once it goes onto the tub. With this cover you can expect excellent water resistance and adequate UV protection giving you overall great durability.
The classic collection from CoverMates is made up of the round option, the square option and the rectangular option. The dimensions for the square option provide excellent coverage for larger tubs. While the cover in either design is a great option for hot climates, it has average resistance to fading and is equally average to wind resistance. As a result, using it for your outdoor hot tub in extreme weather may not be advisable.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Cost efficient
- Excellent construction and perfect fit
- The material is not treated adequately against UV rays and water logging
- The performance is average
Bottom line
Cost effective cover that offers adequate protection without wearing out easily
The Budge English Garden Square Hot Tub Cover
Budge English Garden Square Hot Tub Cover
This is another cover that is made from durable 600D polyester ensuring your hard tub cover is well protected.
Features
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Size: 94 inches (featured in this review) and 86 inches
- Dimensions: 94 x 94 x 14 inches
- Special feature: set of 2 keys for locking down the tie downs
- Color options: Tan
- Warranty: 5 years
The construction and aesthetic of this cover is basic compared to other offerings. The color option is tan and with dark gray along the seams going for the “less is more” look. However, it offers excellent UV protection and is extremely weather resistant. In addition the design features an elastic hemline that keeps it in place regardless of the elements.
This cover works just as efficiently indoors as it does outdoors. It is fitted with air vents that enable air to circulate and keeps mold and mildew away.
- Excellent quality material
- Well structured construction
- Cost efficient
- Issues with the cover sagging when used in areas with lots of runoff
Bottom line
A great hot tub cover choice for a precise fit and durability over the years
Best Hot Tub Heat Covers 2020
These are the type of covers that would normally come with your hot tub. That’s why the products below are often considered to be replacement covers for old and damaged covers. These covers are much thicker that the first type with an insulating foam core making them harder and even able to support some weight on top of them.
Because they are on the heavy side, devices called hot tub cover lifts are often utilized.
Best-selling customizable hot tub cover that has been tried and tested
The ultimate hot tub cover that offers incredible insulation and is energy saving
Highly recommended hot tub cover that works exceptionally in both hot and wet weather
BeyondNice Deluxe 5” Tapering to 3” Hot Tub Cover
BeyondNice Deluxe Hot Tub Covers -Spa Covers – 5″ Thick
If you are looking for a cover that adequately takes care of any runoff this option from BeyondNice with a tapered design performs efficiently.
Features
- Size: tailor made in dimensions up to 96 inches (width/length/diameter)
- Shape: square, round or rectangular
- Special feature: The cover is customizable to your environment and manufactured with components of your choosing
- Color options: Black, teal, tan, charcoal, burgundy, brown, navy, hunter green, blue, gray, almond and dark brown
- Warranty: 5 year standard warranty including coverage for waterlogging
Here is a hot tub cover which incorporates your direct input and creates the exact end product that meets your specific tub’s needs. To customize it you have several options at your disposal. You can create a cover that tapers out or is flat, folds itself along the longer or shorter length, has a long, short or no skirt at all, and has specifically located tie down straps among other things.
Regardless of the option, the construction of this cover is extremely sturdy and can weather tough conditions. It also helps to effectively eliminate loss of heat and keep your chemicals safely encased and balanced within the hot tub.
The material is 26 oz marine grade vinyl which is one of the best grades for UV treatment. It is also mildew resistant. As a result the cover doesn’t fade remaining aesthetically pleasing for a long time.
Bottom line
Best-selling customizable hot tub that has been tried and tested
BeyondNice Hot Tub Cover and Spa Cover 6″
BeyondNice Hot Tub Cover and Spa Cover, 6-inch
BeyondNice hot tub covers not only allow you the opportunity to customize your cover, the brand also meets the specific needs of any tub with a precisely constructed final product.
Features
- Size: tailor made in dimensions up to 96 inches (width/length/diameter)
- Shape: square, round or rectangular
- Special feature: The cover is customizable and has a foam base cover
- Color options: Black, teal, tan, charcoal, burgundy, brown, navy, hunter green, blue, gray, almond and dark brown
- Warranty: 5 years
The six inches of thick insulation ensure that your tub is well protected and insulated. Despite the thickness the cover is lightweight and easy to slip on and off. The company does a great job of keeping the cover within the measurements you have provided which is why it is extremely important to fill out their online measurement correctly.
To keep it moisture-free the cover features a polyethelene barrier. The cover comes fitted with galvalum metal C-channels that are not only stronger than aluminum but they are also corrosion resistant.
- Excellent construction
- Customizable and adaptable to your environment
- Great insulation making it energy efficient
- The cost is high
- It could use more sturdy straps
Bottom line
The ultimate hot tub cover that offers incredible insulation and is energy saving
EDITOR’S PICK MySpaCover Hot Tub Cover and Spa Cover
MySpaCover Hot Tub Cover and Spa Cover Replacement
When you invest in a MySpaCover hot tub cover you enjoy the benefit of a high quality cover that meets your needs with exact customizable precision.
Features
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Size: custom made, up to 96 inches
- Special feature: The cover is customizable
- Color options: Rust, parchment, black, sky blue, green, dark blue, walnut, coastal grey, oxen, mahogany, Mayan brown
- Warranty: 5 years
Because the company uses 30 oz marine grade vinyl the cover offers you excellent protection and insulation. 30 oz marine grade vinyl will not only hold up over time whether in the sun, rain or snow, it can accommodate being sewn without falling apart because of its tensile strength. With MySpaCover, you also get a chance to directly communicate to the company the preferred details you would like on your cover and they will create an exact customized hot tub cover.
With this hot tub cover you can choose the colors, skirt length, and size as well as the location of the straps ultimately ending up with a cover that fits the tub perfectly and accommodate additional mechanisms like the lifting system. Unfortunately, they no longer create customized speaker hood designs.
- Easy to follow measurement instructions
- Heavy duty material and durable construction
- Perfect precision and customization
- Has some delivery restrictions and issues
Bottom line
Highly recommended hot tub cover that works exceptionally in both hot and wet weather
Hot Tub Cover Buying Guide
Why Do You Need A Hot Tub Cover?
A hot tub is prone to similar challenges that you would experience with any other water body. These challenges include evaporation as well as unwanted deposits of dust, debris, and bugs. Unfortunately, evaporation in a hot tub is costly because of the heat loss experienced. In addition, some of the chemicals used in the hot tub like chlorine can be broken down by exposure to sunlight.
What to Consider when Choosing a Hot Tub Cover
Measurements
If you have a uniquely shaped hot tub you can contact companies that can custom make a cover for your needs. However, most offerings on the market do not offer that privilege although they do a good job of sticking to the common shapes available.
Hot tubs come in nine basic shapes which determine the covers you will find on the market. The choice is between an octagon, circular, triangle, ellipse and rectangle/square option with four different corner variations: circular, straight, one cut out corner and four cut out corners.
When getting the measurement for these hot tub options you need a carpenter’s square to get the dimensions right. In some cases the manufacturer provides an online dimensions form to help you get the measurements right for a custom fit.
Measurements don’t just apply to top surface area of the cover. They also extend to the flap/skirt of the cover that typically hangs over your tub. The standard measurement of the skirt is usually six inches but you can have it longer at an extra cost.
Materials
You can expect two diverse materials when it comes to hot tub covers. One is the lightweight material that offers coverage against dust, leaves and other light debris. This corresponds to the first section of this article where the covers are designed to be placed on top of an existing insulated cover and protect both this hard cover and the tub itself. The alternative is heavy duty material that gives you heavy insulation preventing loss of heat. This type of cover can take some weight which is why it is excellent for areas that experience heavy rain and snow. This corresponds to the second section of this article where replacement hard, insulated covers are reviewed.
In both cases the “skin” on your cover should be able to handle the type of exposure your tub experiences: outdoor or indoor. Consider options like vinyl or polyester which weather the elements exceptionally. If you decide on a vinyl cover, ensure it is UV protected and water resistant.
Also look for moisture barriers that line the material of the cover to prevent issues like mold and mildew or loss of insulating properties. Mesh liners underneath the vinyl material are better at allowing the condensation from the hot water to drip back into the tub compared to solid liners.
Tie downs
Usually covers come with a standard number of locking straps located at specific points. However, in cases where you have a customized cover you can move the straps to fit your tub’s design. Such covers come with hardware to help you accommodate potential location choices.
Some covers allow you to map out the location of the straps to ensure a custom fit to your tub.
Foam Density (for hard, insulated covers)
The foam makes up the core of a hot tub cover. Always look for a higher foam density because this directly translates to better insulation. For an outdoor hot tub consider 1.5 lbs in foam density and perhaps 1 lb for an indoor cover. Children and pets are known to like sitting on top of the hot tub cover which shouldn’t be a problem if you use a high-density foam on your cover.
Some options have 2 lbs foam density but this is only ideal for areas that experience extreme weather like plenty of snow and rain.
1 lb foam can accommodate a load of up to 190 lbs, 1.5 lbs accommodates up to 270 lbs and 2 lbs foam accommodates up to 370 lbs. It is important to note that the density of the foam is directly related to the specific foam that is used on the cover.
When it comes to foam also consider the R-value. R-value is the foam’s ability to resist moisture and air penetration, effectively providing heat transfer (heat loss) insulation. The lower the temperature of your location the higher the R-value you need on the foam in your hot tub cover.
Weight
A lightweight cover that aims to keep out dust and light debris and protect your hard cover will be as little as 5 pounds while replacement insulating covers featuring dense foam can be as much as 70 pounds.
Because heat covers are on the heavier side, hot tub cover lifts are often used. However please be sure to check yours is compatible.
Conclusion
The pleasure you derive from a soak in a hot tub shouldn’t be compromised by poor insulation when not in use. You can find the ideal hot tub cover for your needs and ensure your tub is ready for use anytime of the year.
