The best hot tub cover for you will depend on the style of your hot tub, the climate you live in, and your personal preference. Ricky Robinson, spa department manager of Pelican Sports Center and expert in the pool and spa industry, says, “All spa covers are usually made to order based on your spa dimensions.” To find the right fit, Robinson advises that consumers will “need the exact dimensions of the acrylic and what the radius or cut corner dimensions” of your specific hot tub. Most of this information can be measured and verified in your hot tub owner’s manual. While it may take a bit of time to find the correct measurements, it’s worth it to own a well-fitting and secure hot tub cover. We’ve researched a wide range of hot tub covers on the market, keeping Robinson’s advice in mind regarding dimensions, weight, shape, material, and insulation to find your best options. Our overall pick for the best hot tub cover is The Cover Guy Extreme Hot Tub Cover. This high-quality spa cover is completely customizable based on precise measurements to fit the specific style and model of your hot tub like a glove. You select everything, including shape, fold, skirt length, and cover color. There are also four lockable straps to keep your hot tub securely closed when not in use. Here are the best hot tub covers for every lifestyle, need, and budget. Keep In Mind: The price will vary based on your custom specifications. The effort to order is well worth it. You’ll end up with a custom hot tub cover that’ll fit like a glove with a seven-year warranty. These covers are made with high-density foam and marine-grade vinyl, and they’re crafted for year-round insulation, even under harsh weather conditions, to protect your outdoor oasis. Additionally, the outdoor fabric, available in 15+ colors, will not fade or crack. With four lockable straps, the cover and hot tub can be securely closed when not in use. While the ordering process may seem intimidating, watch the video, use the guide, and input all the information. If you do all that, your hot tub cover will arrive quickly and fit perfectly. Price at time of publish: $450
Dimensions: Customizable up to 96 x 96 inchesWeight: VariesShape: Seven shape optionsMaterial: High-density foam and marine-grade vinylWeather Conditions/Insulation: Year-round insulation
Keep In Mind: This cover does not provide insulation, so you will still need a hard top or insulated cover. Buyers should note that our choice for the best hot tub cover on a budget doesn’t take the place of a hard, lockable hot tub cover. Your tub will still need that, but this is an affordable option to provide another level of protection, if not insulation. Available in two sizes and five color combos, the company also makes patio furniture covers if you want a fully coordinated look for your outdoor furniture. Price at time of publish: $38
Dimensions: 94 x 94 inches or 86 x 86 inchesWeight: 1.5 poundsShape: SquareMaterial: PolyesterWeather Conditions/Insulation: Water-resistant, no insulation
Keep In Mind: Shipping is listed as three to five weeks after ordering, but it could be longer. A hard cover is useful if you live in a cold climate where your hot tub may get covered in lots of snow. The “standard” version of this cover can hold up to 150 pounds on the top. If you anticipate a higher weight load, there are other models from MySpaCover that can hold up to a 450-pound weight load. All covers are constructed from durable marine-grade vinyl and EPS foam for insulation. We like this option because it is easy to customize. Choose from 10 colors, seven shapes, fold/hinge locations, and various skirt and strap measurements. All options come with a five-year warranty, which is helpful in case of any issues. Do keep in mind that, because this is a custom order, the production and shipping time could take at least a few weeks. Price at time of publish: $459
Dimensions: Up to 96 x 96 inchesWeight: Varies based on sizeShape: Seven shape optionsMaterial: Marine-grade vinyl and EPS foamWeather Conditions/Insulation: Year-round insulation
Keep In Mind: This cover does not provide insulation. Made of lightweight and waterproof polyester material, this square hot tub cover is easy to take on and off. There are two air vents on either side to let out any moisture from within. In colder weather conditions, this cover won’t provide insulation on its own but will add another level of protection for your hot tub at an affordable price point. Price at time of publish: From $50
Dimensions: 85 x 85 inches or 95 x 95 inchesWeight: 6 poundsShape: SquareMaterial: PolyesterWeather Conditions/Insulation: Waterproof, no insulation
Keep In Mind: The customization means the hot tub cover ships in a few weeks. We like the MySpaCover pick because the ordering process allows buyers to completely customize their cover, from custom choices for shape, size, color, and skirt/strap length. Although, keep in mind it weighs 60 pounds, so it may be more difficult to take on and off. Crafted from marine-grade vinyl and an energy-efficient EPS foam, the brand promises this cover will help keep the heat in and save on heating costs. As a bonus, this cover comes with a five-year warranty, so while it’s expensive, the energy savings and warranty help counter the expense. Price at time of publish: $529
Dimensions: Up to 96 x 96 inchesWeight: 60 poundsShape: Custom shapesMaterial: Marine-grade vinyl and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) insulation foamWeather Conditions/Insulation: All weather conditions, fully insulated
Keep In Mind: The lowest price Classic material collection does not include a drawcord hem; the three higher-priced material collections (Elite, Ultima, and Prestige) do. Once you’ve measured, there are four grades of materials to choose from: Classic, Elite, Ultima, and Prestige. In addition to a range in colors, each level (which gradually gets more expensive), also comes with a longer warranty. The warranty minimum is two years and goes all the way up to a 10-year warranty for the highest grade material. It’s worth noting that the Classic collection has an elastic hem, but the Elite, Ultima, and Prestige material collections also feature a drawcord hem for extra durability. We like that the covers are affordable and customizable. These soft covers are made of water-resistant polyester, so you’ll still need a hard cover for most spas. The Cover Store sells covers for a huge array of items, so if you’ve got outdoor chairs, televisions, grills, firepits, or anything else, The Cover Store will have a coordinated cover for you. Price at time of publish: From $201
Dimensions: Custom, up to 150 inches x 150 inchesWeight: Not listedShape: SquareMaterial: Water resistant polyesterWeather Conditions/Insulation: Weatherproof, no insulation
Keep In Mind: There is no insulation, so you will still need a hard top cover for your hot tub. This option is only available in 83-inch diameter, so make sure it can provide a secure fit for your round hot tub. The wind belt has adjustable and lockable cords that go around the body of the hot tub, so it’ll stay covered even in harsh windy conditions. As a bonus, it comes with a three-year warranty to protect your purchase. Price at time of publish: From $52
Dimensions: 83-inch diameterWeight: 6 poundsShape: RoundMaterial: PolyesterWeather Conditions/Insulation: Weatherproof, no insulation
Keep In Mind: This doesn’t replace the need for a hard top cover. We like this option because, although it does not provide insulation, the lightweight blanket is made of durable polyethylene. If you own an odd-shaped hot tub thanks to custom seats, cup holders, or anything else, you can use standard scissors to cut this blanket to fit your exact dimensions and shape (it arrives as a 96- x 96-inch square). When not in use, simply fold away the lightweight solar blanket. Price at time of publish: $37
Dimensions: 96 x 96 inchesWeight: 6 poundsShape: SquareMaterial: PolyethyleneWeather Conditions/Insulation: Moderate or sunny climates, no insulation
Keep In Mind: This cover will prevent debris from falling into the tub, but it is not a replacement for a hard top cover. The square measures 6 x 6 feet and can be cut with standard scissors if you own an odd-sized or circular hot tub or stock tank. Because it’s made with a closed-cell design, the foam material won’t absorb water, and cutting it won’t compromise its integrity. This cover will also prevent debris from falling into the tub but is not a replacement for a hard top cover. Price at time of publish: $89
Dimensions: 6 x 6 feetWeight: N/AShape: SquareMaterial: FoamWeather Conditions/Insulation: No insulation
Keep In Mind: This cover helps with weatherproofing but doesn’t replace a hard top cover. Made of super strong polyester, it features an adjustable, windproof design. There are wind belts that go around the body of the tub and straps that snap over the edge to keep the cover in place. Air vents within the cover lessen the chance of the cover ballooning upwards and provide some ventilation. While it doesn’t provide insulation, this type of soft cover offers a lot of protection and aids in weatherproofing. It may extend the life of your hard top cover but should not be considered a replacement for it. Price at time of publish: $61
Dimensions: 85 x 85 inchesWeight: 5 poundsShape: SquareMaterial: PolyesterWeather Conditions/Insulation: Water-resistant, no insulation
What to Know About Hot Tub Covers Before Shopping
Dimensions
The proper dimensions are key to a safe and secure fit. Use your hot tub owner’s manual to determine all the dimensions (in addition to measuring) before you order your cover.
Weight
A hot tub cover should be heavy enough to be secure but not too heavy that it’s hard to open and close. Double-check the cover’s weight and opening and closing mechanisms prior to ordering to make sure that users can handle the load.
Shape
The hot tub cover must fit the shape of the hot tub you own. If you own a custom or odd-sized shape, the customer service department of most retailers will be your best bet to ensure you find the proper fit.
Material
Hot tub cover materials vary based on the types, styles, and needs. All materials should at least be waterproof and weatherproof so they can hold up to daily use outdoors.
Weather Conditions/Insulation
The type of insulation you want and need depends on where you live, how you plan to use your hot tub, and the temperature you maintain the tub. For cold climates, the highest level of insulation is necessary if you plan to use and run your hot tub all winter long. For those in warm climates, an insulated cover may not be necessary.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you clean a hot tub cover?
To clean the outside of your cover, soap and water should work well. For other issues, like mold, Robinson recommends “using a three parts water, one part bleach solution to clean and disinfect the cover.” To extend the life of your cover, he suggests applying “another coat of UV protectant to vinyl covers after the first six months and every six months thereafter.”
How do you determine the best-size hot tub cover?
A proper fit is essential for a safe and secure hot tub cover. “All spa covers are usually made to order based on your spa dimensions,” Robinson says. “If you buy a replacement cover from a store that you purchased your spa from, then in most cases, they would have a properly sized cover in stock.” If you are ordering online, take measurements and share the exact make and model number since that information is usually more accurate than your own measurements.
How do you drain water from a hot tub cover?
“Covers taking on water is a very common issue,” Robinson says. It’s usually from heavy snow, animals, or people bearing weight on the cover. To dry the cover, he suggests hot tub owners remove the cover from the spa and set it in the sun. It will drain out on its own via the weep holes on the underside. The bad news is: It will take on water again. “Once the inner core is cracked or damaged, it will allow the center core to absorb water over time, which makes the cover get heavier and heavier until it reaches the point that you cannot lift it anymore,” Robinson says. Avoid this by protecting the top of your hot tub and purchasing a new cover if it becomes damaged.
Who We Are
This article was written by Maya Polton, an experienced freelance writer who has contributed to a wide variety of publications. In researching the best hot tub covers, she looked for brands that offered a variety of fits and sizes, affordable prices, and well-fitting seals and lived up to their promises of quality, accurate descriptions, and customer service, with some consideration of customer reviews. Maya consulted with Ricky Robinson, spa department manager of Pelican Sports Center, who provided insights on how to pick, clean, and care for a hot tub cover.
