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The 9 Best Hot Tub Covers to Keep Your Spa Safe

Hot-Tub-Covers

If you have a hot tub or a Coleman tub at home, maybe you need an additional cover.

We say additional cover since you should have a hard cover supplied with your tub. You then add a supplementary cover to the hard cover for extra protection.

Now, we appreciate that buying a cover seems on the surface like one of the easiest buying decisions you’ll face as a pool owner. The truth is, you need to consider a number of factors to make sure you get the right one.

  • Climate: Think closely about the climate where you live before anything else. If you live somewhere with long, cold winters, you’ll need to look for a durable cover. We highlight longevity throughout our reviews so you can make the best hot tub cover decision based on climate
  • Shape and size: You’ll need to make sure the hot tub covers on your shortlist are the right shape and size for your spa. We list these details in the features tab of each product so you can easily compare them like-for-like. Some covers allow you to submit measurements for a custom-made fit. These are correspondingly more expensive
  • Material: Many hot tub covers are made from polyester. The thickness of this material is expressed in denier (D), with most of the models rated at 600D. This should give you a cover that’s built to stay the distance. You’ll find the more expensive spa covers are made out of marine-grade vinyl. As you would expect from a material designed to cope with the challenges of marine life, this fabric should be more than a match for the treatment it will receive covering your hot tub at home. When you’re looking at marine-grade vinyl covers, you’ll notice that they come in different gauges or thicknesses. This is expressed in ounces, and the higher the rating the better
  • Quality of vapor barrier: The best hot tub covers have a great vapor barrier ability. This is the section of the cover that protects the foam cores from being soaked with water. Many of the best spa covers are also water-resistant, offering you maximum protection, while minimizing any water becoming clogged on top of the cover
  • Air vents: Air vents stop the wind from getting in under the cover and causing it to bulge or come flying off. The other key benefit of vents is the way they allow for robust air circulation and keep condensation at bay. Make sure vents are in place on any cover you consider
  • Price/performance: Rather than purely considering the bottom line when you’re comparing hot tub covers, you should examine price relative to build quality and expected lifespan for a better overall picture of value
  • Other considerations: There are several other issues you should ponder. Different hot tub covers are offered with foams in different densities. The higher the density of the foam, the more effectively it will retain heat, and the stronger it will be. You should check that the c-channel – this is a steel bar running across the cover for reinforcement – is resistant to corrosion or you’ll end up with your cover giving up the ghost prematurely. If you have kids at home, you should also look out for hot tub covers with lockable straps

OK, with that simple framework in place, you have everything you need to know to accurately compare all the best hot tub covers out there. Explore our shortlist and see if any of these make the right fit for your home spa.


I. The 9 Best Hot Tub Covers

1. Our #1 Pick: MySpaCover Hot Tub Cover

MySpaCover-Hot-Tub-Cover-and-Spa-Cover-Replacement

Features

  • Shape: For all shapes
  • Material: 30z marine-grade vinyl
  • Dimensions: Custom made up to 96 x 96 inches

First up in our quest for the best hot tub covers is a model from one of the most reputable brands in this space. The cover is also one of the most highly customizable, so read on to see what you get for your money.

MySpaCover is built to your requirements in any shape and size to 96 x 96 inches. The cover will be constructed from the measurements you provide, so the manufacturer urges you to double-check this information before ordering.

As well as choosing the sizing, you can also pick from a palette of 10 colorways to suit the design scheme in your backyard.

The cover is made from a heavy-grade marine vinyl, so build quality is uppermost, even if you use this cover in hostile conditions. EPS insulation foam is robust. You’ll also find that all the seams are double-stitched to eliminate the traditional weak spot on spa covers.

Among the most energy-efficient of all hot tub covers, MySpaCover suggests you could achieve savings of around eighty bucks a year in reduced energy costs when you use this nifty cover on your home spa.

Aside from some isolated blowback concerning the strength of the warranty, user testimony relating to this hot tub cover is universally positive, so you can buy with complete confidence.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Custom made to fit any spa to 96 inches
  • Exceptional build quality
  • Make worthwhile energy savings
  • Some complaints about warranty

2. Ultcover Hot Tub Cover

ULTCOVER-Waterproof-600D-Polyester-Square-Hot-Tub-Cover-Outdoor-SPA-Covers

Features

  • Shape: Square
  • Material: 600D polyester canvas
  • Dimensions: 85 x 85 inches

Next up is the Ultcover, a square hot tub cover ideal for a variety of tubs in this style.

Although the size of the cover is 87 x 87 inches, the manufacturer suggests a maximum spa size of 85 x 85 inches for a guaranteed and snug fit. With so many options at your disposal when you’re shopping for spa covers, there’s no reason at all to compromise.

The cover is constructed from a dense 600-denier polyester designed for a lengthy lifespan, even when the weather conditions are sub-optimal.

As with all the best hot tub covers, the backing is highly water-resistant.

There are air vents at either side of the cover to prevent any wind lofting taking place. The vents also promote breathability.

Aside from a few gripes about the cord wearing away over time and rubbing against the cover, the vast majority of user reviews are praiseworthy. The only other noteworthy niggle is the flimsiness of the attachment strap buckles. Handle these with care.

Wrapping your hot tub with this polyester cover will not only keep debris out the water, but you’ll also prevent sun damage spoiling the aesthetics of your spa.

Crowned by a robust 3-year guarantee, you can protect your hot tub cover without worrying about premature deterioration.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Polyester has waterproof backing
  • Air vents for breathability
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • Some issues with cord wearing

3. BeyondNice Deluxe Hot Tub Cover

BeyondNice-Deluxe-Hot-Tub-Cover

Features

  • Shape: For all shapes
  • Material: 28oz marine-grade vinyl
  • Dimensions: Custom made up to 96 x 96 inches

BeyondNice offers up this deluxe hot tub cover, but does it deliver as promised?

You get things started by using the design wizard and Amazon’s messaging service to transmit measurements and requirements to the manufacturer. They will then construct your cover to order, up to a maximum of 96 x 96 inches.

When you’re designing your cover, you’ll select the following:

  • Size
  • Shape
  • Fold
  • Strength
  • Thickness
  • Color
  • Skirt
  • Length and location of strap
  • Insulation

While some other manufacturers will make you a custom cover, few offer such a breadth of choices as BeyondNice.

The covers are all designed to slope from the center out to the edges. This helps to channel the rainwater off the cover and onto the ground.

The heavyweight 28oz vinyl is marine-grade and capable of withstanding some serious punishment.

You get a pair of handles on either side of the hinge and 4 straps to keep the cover tethered in place even on the windiest days.

Avoid this cover if your cover lifter fastens into the cover. This aside, compatibility is first-class.

Although almost all user reviews of this cover are positive, we found several complaints related to delivery issues.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Tapered to prevent puddling
  • 5 inches of insulation
  • Fits most hot tubs
  • Some reported snags with delivery

4. Pool Spa Part Hot Tub Cover

pool-spa-part-Hot-Tub-Outdoor-Cover-Cap-Heavy-Duty-Water-Resistant-Polyester

Features

  • Shape: Square
  • Material: Polyester
  • Dimensions: 77 x 77 inches

Pool Spa makes a great cover for your hot tub that’s well worth your further investigation, assuming you have a square tub.

This cover comes in a wide range of sizes, with this smaller iteration measuring up at 76 x 76 inches.

The main part of the cover is made from a hardwearing polyester. This should resist sun damage and water damage, while standing up to plenty of hostile weather conditions, too.

The lining of the cover is TPU, a protective alternative to the PVC you find backing most hot tub covers.

Designed to withstand cold conditions down to a chilly 5F, you’re in safe hands year-round when you cover your spa with this rugged gem. The highly adjustable wind belt is a nice touch if you live somewhere with lots of gusty weather.

You will need an insulated hard cover on your hot tub itself in order to use this drape-over cover. It is not designed for use covering a tub on its own.

Completely waterproof and UV-resistant, this is one of the longest-lasting and most attractive spa covers on our shortlist, so why not size up your tub and choose the most suitable cover from the brand’s deep bench?

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Backed with layer of TPU
  • Adjustable wind belt
  • Waterproof and UV-resistant
  • Some reports of cover coming off

5. The Cover Guy Deluxe Hot Tub Cover

The-Cover-Guy-Deluxe/Extreme/Standard-Hot-Tub-Cover

Features

  • Shape: For all shapes
  • Material: 30z marine-grade vinyl
  • Dimensions: Custom made up to 96 x 96 inches

The Cover Guy, as the company name makes abundantly clear, specialized in producing protective devices to prolong the lifespan of your spa while keeping it debris-free at the same time. As with all the best covers, you can also expect to notice a reduction in your running costs when you install this cover.

The custom-made nature of this cover means it’s sure to fit perfectly up to a maximum of 96 x 96 inches.

The rugged marine-grade vinyl is designed to cope well even in challenging conditions. You should have no issues with lifespan even if you live somewhere with long, cold winters.

The foam is high-density and perfect for cooler climates.

You lash this cover into place with 4 lockable ties, so it will fit nishly from the onset, and you can then tweak it for a snug finish.

Of all the hot tub covers on our shortlist, this has the lengthiest warranty at 7 years, so you could expect up to a decade of protection from this cover.

The only negative feedback we could find concerns disappointing quality control so be sure to check the contents of your package closely upon receipt.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Choice of tapers
  • Ideal for harsh climates
  • Class-leading 7-year warranty
  • Some quality control problems

6. Himal Hot Tub Cover

Himal-Square-Hot-Tub-Cover

Features

  • Shape: Square
  • Material: 600D polyester
  • Dimensions: 85 x 85 inches

Next up in our curated selection of the best spa covers comes this model designed exclusively for use with square-shaped hot tubs. If you have one at home, read on.

Made from a durable yet forgiving polyester rated at 600 denier, you’ll get a material that’s tried and true for use with spa covers.

This cover can deal with cold weather, rain, and wind like a pro.

Vented on both sides, circulation is encouraged, while you should also minimize the likelihood of the wind getting up under the cover and tenting it up. Adjustable slider buckles should keep it firmly lashed in place.

The PU coating is waterproof and highly durable.

A few users have complained about the cover starting to sink after heavy rainfall, but this minor gripe aside, testimony is predominantly positive.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • PU coating
  • Vented on either side
  • Copes well in hostile conditions
  • Some sinkage when it rains

7. Classic Accessories Store Hot Tub Cover

Classic-Accessories-55-584-011501-00-Veranda-Water-Resistant-84-Inch-Round-Hot-Tub-Cover

Features

  • Shape: Round
  • Material: Gardelle woven polyester
  • Dimensions: 84 inches diameter

As we push through our curated list of the best hot tub covers, we have a subtle offering from the Classic Accessories Store, a company with a deep bench of effective spa covers like this.

This model is known as the Veranda, so what do you get for your money?

Firstly, you’ll need to make certain you have a round spa. This cover measures 84 inches in diameter and is designed for round pools of this size only. We review plenty of more customizable models, and we also have a choice of covers ideal for square tubs.

The Gardelle fabric is hardwearing and waterproof, a polyester blend that’s built to stay the distance.

The hem cord is elasticated and features a toggle, allowing for easy adjustment.

Padded handles help you to install and remove the cover without them digging into your hands.

The air vents provide healthy air circulation and stop the wind from tenting the cover.

Stitching is firmly reinforced with seams fit to last.

Now, in spite of what appears to be formidable build quality here, we found a number of complaints from consumers reporting a disappointingly short lifespan. You should do your own due diligence here, but if you are shopping for the best hot tub covers with durability uppermost, we would advise exploring some of the other covers on our shortlist.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Elastic hem cord
  • Padded handles
  • Rugged and water-resistant
  • Lifespan is suspect

8. Porch Shield Hot Tub Cover

Porch-Shield-Square-Hot-Tub-Cover

Features

  • Shape: Square
  • Material: 600D polyester
  • Dimensions: 85 x 85 inches

Porch Shield produce a wide line of hot tub covers giving you a great degree of choice and impressive build quality throughout.

Designed exclusively for square spas, you can choose from a variety of sizes to suit. This cover measures up at 85 x 85 inches.

The fabric is a dense polyester rated at 600 denier, ideal for a cover exposed to the elements. The laminated undercoating is waterproof, essential for something coming into contact with your spa water.

Double-stitched throughout, you shouldn’t find this cover unraveling at the seams. The cover is also rip-resistant.

Air vents help mitigate wind lofting, while also serving to minimize the buildup of condensation inside the cover. Breathable but not permeable, you’ll get the best of both worlds with this rock-solid cover.

As with all the best hot tub covers, you’ll need a hard cover underneath. This is not intended as a standalone spa cover.

While most user reviews for this cover are favorable, we unearthed a range of complaints about lifespan. You should make your own mind up here, and you should also consider the strength of the 3-year warranty, but we always like to share the flaws in the products we showcase rather than purely highlighting their benefits.

Overall, you’ll get an effective spa cover if you’re prepared to take a chance on longevity.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Water-resistant backing
  • Multiple locking systems
  • 3-year warranty
  • Build quality could be improved

9. Classic Accessories Store Hot Tub Cover

Classic-Accessories-Ravenna-Water-Resistant-94-Inch-Square-Hot-Tub-Cover

Features

  • Shape: Square
  • Material: Woven polyester
  • Dimensions: 94 x 94 inches

Last up in our quest for the best hot tub covers is another entry from the value-packed Classic Accessories Store.

This cover makes a great fit for square hot tubs measuring 94 x 94 inches, a pretty standard configuration. This is the large cover, so you can opt for a medium if you have a smaller spa at home.

The Ravenna model comes in a durable woven polyester capable of standing up to plenty of rough and tumble.

The backing of the cover is waterproof and equally long-lasting, completing a winning package.

A toggle lets you manipulate the cord to get a tight fit once the cover is in place. Vents are gusseted, and they are also self-supporting. This will stop any wind catching under the cover and flipping it off. You’ll also promote maximum ventilation and minimize condensation.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, you can buy with total confidence from one of the most reputable names in this space. Let us know how you go if you bring this spa cover home.

Things We Like Things We Dislike
  • Self-supported vents
  • Nicely padded handles
  • Adjustable cord lock closure
  • Lifespan could be lengthier

II. FAQs

1) Who makes the best hot tub covers?

There are literally hundreds of brands making great spa covers, but there are also unfortunately many that produce covers that fall apart in no time. Look for specialist brands rather than generalist ones. Check that they have been in business for years, and establish that user reviews are positive. Beyond that, use our shortlist as a guide to all of the major players in this vertical.

2) Why does a hot tub cover get so heavy?

Often, the foam inside the cover will become waterlogged. Over time, corrosion can wear away the barrier of vapor inside the foam, allowing the water to penetrate the foam. If your hot tub cover becomes heavy, this can increase running costs, and it might not fully protect your spa.

3) How often do I need to clean a hot tub cover?

You should always clean off any bird droppings as these are corrosive as well as staining. Clean the cover, too, if you detect any smell of mildew coming from it. Beyond this, you should aim to clean the cover at least once a month.

4) What sort of foam is used for hot tub covers?

Most covers come with a solid foam material that’s encased in plastic. This is then further enclosed with vinyl. All these materials work in unison to safeguard your hot tub from the elements.

5) What are the covers themselves made of?

Most hot tub covers are made of vinyl, nylon, or a polyester material. Most have solid foam cores. Plastic covers are then stitched on to minimize water absorption.

6) How long can I expect a hot tub cover to last?

As a rough guideline, look at the length of the warranty. In most cases, this can be used as a reasonable benchmark of lifespan. A model rated for 3 years may last for 5, while a hot tub cover guaranteed for 5 years could stretch to 7 or 8 years of use, assuming you keep it clean and properly maintained.

7) How should I measures a hot tub cover?

Use a carpenter’s square to measure the radius of the cover. Measures the square by popping the cover onto your hot tub. You also need to measure the skirt hanging from the bottom of your spa cover.


III. Conclusion

Perhaps you pitched up here today at Wild River Country without any idea about how to choose the best hot tub covers from a crowded field. After this simple guide, that should have changed by now.

Pay the pointers from our buying guide in mind and stick with any of the models we review today to buy with your eyes wide open. We always accurately and impartially assess the pool products and hot tub gear we review. Nobody wants any nasty surprises, so we’ll give you everything you need to know about these covers before you whip out your credit card.

Take a moment to bookmark our blog before you head off today. We have a very busy content calendar for the coming months as we redesign and expand our business. Watch this space and come back soon!

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