6 Different Types of Hot Tub Covers

Quicklist: Hot Tub Covers

1. Soft Cover
2. Hard Cover
3. Smartop Cover
4. Aluminum Cover
5. Cold Climate Cover
6. Energy-Efficient Cover

After a long day of skiing, nothing feels better than relaxing with a beverage in a hot tub with friends. Many people choose to replicate the après-ski experience at home, with their own hot tub on the deck or patio. Hot tubs are great for relaxation, and they also have wonderful health benefits.

However, keeping the water warm in an eco-friendly and efficient way is essential for a soothing soak in the hhotot tub. Below, let’s examine some of the most popular types of hot tub covers, so you can make a better, more informed purchase.

Soft Cover

Soft materials offer a convenient solution for covering a hot tub that is both affordable and easy to use. Most soft covers for a hot tub are made of vinyl fabric, offering plenty of durable protection. To install a soft cover, simply stretch the fabric over the top of the hot tub and secure it to the spa cabinets along the side.

Usually, an inflatable pillow is added to the water’s surface to support the vinyl cover. The inflated pillow prevents rainwater from pooling, keeping your cover in good shape, year after year. 

Unfortunately, the covers provide zero thermal protection, so they don’t work well to trap heat inside the hot tub. Lack of thermal protection means you’ll pay more in utility bills to heat the water, and soft covers should not be used in areas with cold temperatures. Plus, the longer your hot tub heater has to run to maintain the water temperature, the sooner your pump may wear out.

Hard Cover

Hard covers are usually made of vinyl material and contain a foam center. The cover is operated by a hinge located toward the center of the hot tub cover.

Hard covers are available in various sizes and shapes, so it is possible to find a cover to fit your exact hot tub model. The most significant benefit of the hard cover is the high R-value. The higher the R-value, the more insulative the cover is.

A hard cover will be able to keep heat trapped inside your hot tub, keeping the water warm. The thermal efficiency translates into paying less on your utility bills. Also, hard covers are perfect for any weather or climate condition and well suited for cold temperatures.  

Hard covers are hefty and may require two people to put the cover onto the hot tub and take the cover off. Plus, the foam interior on the cover can quickly absorb water, ruining the R-value and making the cover even heavier if it becomes punctured.  

Smartop Cover

Smartop covers are made from aluminum, and are very durable and puncture-proof. The cover is insulated with foam which helps to keep the heat inside the hot tub. The aluminum cover prevents punctures, so you’ll never have to worry about the foam becoming waterlogged.

The surface of the cover is made with UV-resistant polymer, which is good in all weather conditions and will continue to look great for years to come. 

Compared to a traditional hard cover, the smartop covers are easy to operate and come with a hydraulic lifter. The lifter device makes it easy for one person to put the cover on and off and eliminates the hard cover’s challenges. While the covers will be more expensive, they are long-lasting and the most hassle-free cover available for hot tubs.  

Aluminum Cover

Similar in style to a smart top cover, an aluminum cover offers durability and longevity. These hot tub covers are lightweight aluminum and have a styrofoam core. The styrofoam won’t absorb water, so these covers are built to last for years. Unfortunately, compared to some other foam alternatives, styrofoam has a lower R-value, which means you’ll have a more challenging time keeping your water warm and may experience higher utility bills.

The aluminum option can also be pretty heavy, requiring two people to lift the aluminum cover into place manually. There are automated lifting machines available for a surcharge that can operate the aluminum style cover and make usage easier for a single person.  

Cold Climate Cover

Hot tubs are ideal for cold locations, like ski resorts and chalets. Having a hot tub cover designed for colder climates can not only keep your water warmer, lowering utility bills, but it can help keep your cover intact, especially with heavy snow pile-ups. There are plenty of hot tub covers explicitly designed for cold weather that feature a thicker foam center to help trap heat. These hot tub covers usually have six-inch thick foam at the center, which tapers to four-inch thick foam at the edges.

Not only does this offer a higher R-value, but it can withstand up to 300 pounds of snow and ice laying on your hot tub cover. The cold weather hot tub covers have a regular seam that runs along the edge of the hot tub, but it is possible to upgrade to a full-length seam stop along the hinge that helps keep the warm air trapped inside.  

Energy-Efficient Cover

Heating a hot tub is expensive, especially if you live in a cold climate that requires plenty of energy to keep the water warm. Investing in an energy-efficient hot tub cover is a great way to keep your utility bill in check while keeping your water toasty warm. Energy-efficient hot tub covers have two-pound foam insulation, offering a dense cover with an R-25 insulation value. The dense foam helps create a tight seal, allowing the hot air to stay in the tub rather than escaping outdoors.

Plus, the thicker foam helps to reflect heat into the tub, further lowering your utility bill.

Although the high-density foam is much denser than average hot tub covers, the overall weight of the cover isn’t much more than a traditional hard cover. High-density foam covers usually weigh about 50 pounds, making it difficult but manageable for a single person.   

Parts of a hot tub cover

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Top Brands

UCEDER

UCEDER is a premium brand known for producing high-quality hot tub covers. The covers are made of a TPU backing layer, so they are very durable. They also have a double-nylon sewing line, particularly for outdoor use. The heather henna fabric does not fade and has an elegant look.

UCEDER tops that off with tape sealing to ensure that the tub covers don’t leak. The outdoor hot tub cover has a wind belt and cords to hold it in place even when strong winds prevail.

Additionally, you get to enjoy a three-year warranty, which is a good deal given that the average life span of a hot tub cover is five to seven years.

MySpaCover

MySpaCover is one of North America’s leading suppliers of affordable hot tub covers. Their product is made of high-quality materials, such as expanded polystyrene and marine-grade vinyl. You can also choose the thickness depending on the environmental conditions of your area.

MySpaCover can create custom hot tub covers to exact specifications with a wide range of colors to choose from. They also use industry-leading insulation technology to maximize heat retention and energy efficiency.

The Cover Guy

If you are looking for a hot tub cover that will last for years, even under the harshest weather, The Cover Guy might be your guy. This brand prides itself on high-quality materials and state- of-the-art craft. For instance, their Deluxe hot tub cover can support up to 500 pounds of static snow weight. It can also support kids’ weight if they fall on the cover.

In the business since 2004, The Cover Guy sells over 40,000 covers in North America each year.

Beyond Nice

Beyond Nice is an American brand that has been around since 2005. Going by the customer reviews and feedback, Beyond Nice does not disappoint. Their website is also appealing and easy to use. If you know your hot tub’s model name or number, you can simply key it into the search box at the top right of the page to get sizing information.

They also have a spa manufacturer’s page on the website, where you can get the sizing information by looking up your manufacturer. If you are unsure of the model and the manufacturer, you can supply dimensions and get a custom hot tub cover.

Himal

If you are looking for a hot tub on a budget, Himal is your go-to brand. Although the customization options are limited, they are of good quality. They also have excellent features, like wind resilience.

The elastic hem cord allows you to adjust as necessary to get your perfect fit. The covers also have air vents, which prevent them from billowing when air gets underneath. Although the material is relatively thin, it is water resistant, so it still does the job.

Affordable Spa Covers

The name gives it away — this brand guarantees friendly prices for hot tub covers without compromising on the features. The covers are made of marine-grade vinyl and EPS foam, so they can withstand harsh weather. Their covers are available in varying shapes and weights, so you can choose the one that best works for you. When it comes to warranty, Affordable Spa Covers gives you a year of protection.

This might be a good choice for an indoor hot tub since the R-value is lower than most other models. However, you can get a cover with upgraded foam for extra insulation.

Futura Covers

Futura Covers make covers for any hot tub, including custom free form and oversize. All their covers are produced using Spa Hyde vinyl and energy-efficient polystyrene inserts.

Something else about Futura is its wide range of options when it comes to colors, including mahogany, navy, teak, teal, slate and more.

Prestige Spa Covers

For about three decades, Prestige Spa Covers have been manufacturing top-quality hot tub covers — free-form and oversize. Their covers are produced at a highly automated manufacturing facility using marine grade vinyl and energy-efficient polystyrene inserts, with a five-year warranty. Available colors include sand, teal, walnut, black, charcoal and burgundy. 

Best Type of Material For a Hot Tub Cover

The best material for a hot tub cover will depend on your budget and how often you intend to use the tub. Suppose you want to use it regularly, perhaps in some locations where the humidity is high. You need to ensure that whatever you choose will not be damaged over time by weather or other elements.

Hot tub covers are made of solid foam enclosed in a plastic sheath to prevent moisture absorption and covered in a vinyl shell. However, the material differs in foam density, thickness, type of vinyl, moisture barrier and reinforcement quality.

Foam Thickness

Hot tub covers have different thicknesses, including six inches, tapering to four inches at the edges, and two at the edges. The thicker the foam, the more weight it can hold and the heavier it gets. Choose a thicker foam for an outdoor hot tub to hold the weight of snow during winter. You can get a 4-inch tapering to two-inch thickness for an indoor hot tub.

Foam Density

The foam density determines a hot tub cover’s insulation capability and loading capacity. Foam densities range from 1, 1.5 and 2 pounds, with high-density providing better insulation and reducing hot tub operation costs. A 1.5-pound foam density would be the best choice for a hot tub cover.

Moisture Barrier

A hot tub cover should have a poly-wrap to cover the foam core and prevent moisture absorption. Poly wraps can be 3, 4, 6 ,8, 10, or 14 mil;imeters. A four-millimeter poly-wrap is the best to prevent water clogging.

Best Type of Lift For a Hot Tub Cover

The best hot tub cover lifter depends on the available space around your spa, the size and shape of your hot tub, and the type of mount you need. The various hot tub cover lifters are categorized according to the lift type and mounting type. Hence, a lifter may be manual, hydraulic, or under-mounting, side or deck-mounting.

Manual Cover Lifter

A manual cover lifter has a metal bar across the cover at the fold line, and you should fold it in half, pull up the bar, and push it back to use the tub. A manual lifter is affordable and versatile; hence, you can use it on any shape or size of your hot tub.

A Hydraulic Cover Lifter

A hydraulic cover lifter is more expensive and convenient than a manual one, and it has gas pistons that bear the weight of the tub cover, and thus it does all the work. A hydraulic lifter is great for outdoor tubs, especially in heavy snow areas.

Side-Mounting Cover Lifter

A side-mounting cover sits on the side cabinet of your hot tub. It’s simple to install, but the cabinet should be sturdy enough to bear its weight.  A side-mounting cover lifter is great for a hot tub with decking around it.

Under-Mounting Cover Lifter

An under-mounting cover sits under the spa and is supported by the weight of the hot tub. With this lifter, you don’t have to drill holes in your patio and would be great if you don’t have much space around the tub.

Deck-Mounting Cover Lifter

A deck-mounting cover lifter sits directly on the deck and is great for in-deck sunken hot tubs.

The Best Type of Safety Features to Have With Hot Tub Covers

A hot tub can be great for unwinding after a long day, but it can also be a safety hazard for kids and pets. Therefore, it’s important to incorporate the best safety features in a hot tub cover, including locks, reinforcement, and compliance with ASTM specifications.

Cover Latch Straps

The best hot tub cover should have latch straps to keep it locked when not in use and prevent unsupervised access by children or pets.  The straps also ensure the cover stays intact even in strong winds and prevents debris that could hurt you or your loved ones or pollute the hot tub.

Reinforcement

The best hot tub cover should have aluminum or galvanized steel reinforcement to avoid deformation and possible damage by the weight of ice or snow during winter.

ASTM Certified

The best hot tub cover should meet the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications to ensure the safety of users, children, and pets in the home.

Best Type of Material To Help Avoid Algae, Mold and Mildew On Hot Tub Cover

Although hot tubs have vinyl sheaths, not all vinyl is the same. Marine-grade vinyl is the best material to prevent mold, mildew and algae from growing on a hot tub cover. Marine-grade vinyl is treated with antifungal and antibacterial additives and has additional UV protection. Therefore, it also protects the cover from destruction by UV rays in the hot sun.

Where to Buy Hot Tub Covers

1. Hot Tub Cover Depot

The Hot Tub Cover Depot sells handmade covers made at their Florida factory. The team boasts over 20 years of experience. When buying from Hot Tub Cover Depot, you can search by manufacturer or send in your measurement. They also strive to make your buying experience as smooth as possible by providing live chat support and customer service via a toll-free number.

Their hot tub covers are made from expanded polystyrene, which is known for its toughness and rigidity. They also have a mesh underliner. Mesh is a perfect choice because it collects less water — less bacteria will grow and the cover will last much longer.

The covers also have heavy-duty handles — four of them, each one with triple stitches for extra reinforcement. The vinyl exterior keeps the cover protected against harsh weather elements.

2. The Coverstore

The Coverstore is a leading direct-to-consumer business headquartered in Carrolton, Texas. What started as a small family business has grown to one of the top dealers in hot tub covers. Their covers are carefully crafted to withstand harsh weather. You can also choose to get a custom cover.

Coverstore is a very customer-oriented company. Whether you shop online or in-store, you can be guaranteed a smooth shopping experience.

3. Spa Mart

If you like variety, Spa Mart has it all. They sell premium hot tub covers for several brands like Aqua Check, Spa Pure, Cover Valet, and many more. Even if your manufacturer or model is not listed on their website, you can still reach out to them and get one made for you. That also applies if you cannot find the size of your hot tub.

Spa Mart also offers free home delivery to most addresses in the lower 48 states. Not to mention, you get to enjoy a warranty of between one and three years, depending on the cover you buy. Most importantly, their customer service representatives are more than ready to help you with your order.

4. Master Spa Parts

Master Spa Parts sells high-quality, long-lasting covers and offers free shipping on all orders above $99. They have illustrations on their site to help you select the shape of your hot tub. You gcan choose a color from 13 available options. If you can’t find the shape of your hot tub, you can give them a call for further assistance.

When it comes to insulation, you have three options to choose from: economy, standard and premium. You can also choose between standard and rubber handles.

5. Affordable Spa Covers

If you are looking for the highest quality hot tub covers at friendly prices, consider checking out Affordable Spa Covers. Their covers are custom manufactured by highly skilled staff to guarantee you quality. You also get to enjoy excellent customer service and free shipping in the continental United States for a limited time.

The ordering process is pretty straightforward — all you need to do is enter the exact specifications of your hot tub, and you will get your match. Their hot tubs also come with a complete bumper-to-bumper warranty, which covers issues like water logging and stitching.

6. Hot Tub Cover Spot

Hot Tub Cover Spot sells premium hot tub covers that feature superior heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl treated with mildew and UV inhibitors. The vinyl is extra thick, so you don’t have to worry about cracking or splitting. The covers are cold crack tested down to -20 Degrees Fahrenheit.

The covers are built using virgin foam core insulation, and you can choose the thickness of your choice. They also use thick plastic to wrap the foam to ensure it is airtight.

Other features include double and triple-stitching and a mesh underlining. Their hot tub covers also come with a five-year warranty against water absorption.

7. Krevco Lifestyles

Krevco Lifestyles is an award-winning and accredited lifestyle store that sells high-quality hot tub covers designed to withstand all weather elements. Once you go to their website, you can shop by the brand of your hot tub. You can also give them a call within business hours for customization and other inquiries. Alternatively, you can shoot them a text at a time of your convenience.

Krevco also allows you to pay for your cover in monthly installments if that is something you might be looking for. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Having a hot tub at your home is a phenomenal luxury that allows you to spend hours relaxing in the hot, jetted tub. Finding the right cover for your hot tub can help you save money on costly heating utility bills. Below, we have outlined some of the most frequently asked questions about hot tub covers.  

What is the purpose of having a hot tub cover?

Hot tub covers are an essential part of owning a hot tub. From a physical standpoint, they are necessary to protect your water from falling leaves and debris that could cloud and disturb the water chemistry. Secondly, a hot tub cover is a great way to prevent evaporation and help keep your water warm. It can be pretty costly to heat the water in a hot tub, so using a cover to help prevent heat loss can keep your water hotter, prevent your heater from overworking, and help lower utility bills.  

Are hot tub covers easy to install?

Installing a hot tub cover is an easy process that only takes seconds. Many hot tub covers require two people to maneuver and lift the cover into place if you do not already have an automatic lift. To install a hot tub cover, simply place the folded cover over half of the open tub. You’ll want to make sure the cover is even with the edge of the hot tub.

Then, lift the exposed half of the cover and cover the open part of the hot tub. Usually, hot tub covers will come with clips, brackets, or tie-downs to secure the cover into place.  

How do I maintain my hot tub cover?

To keep your hot tub cover in good working condition, it is vital to keep the cover clean. You’ll want to clean the cover at least once per season or as needed when the cover is dirty. First, remove the cover from the hot tub to prevent possibly damaging the hot tub itself. Wash off the cover with a hose, using only light water pressure.

At this point, it’s a good idea to check for any tears or rips. Use a mild detergent or cleaning solution to clean the cover. Some people have luck with a DIY cleaning solution, such as mixing water and vinegar.

With a soft brush, gently clean the surface of the cover to remove any built-up dirt and pollen. Rinse the cover with fresh water and allow the cover to dry. When completely dry, place the cover back onto your hot tub to keep your hot tub and hot water protected.  

How much does a hot tub cover weigh?

The average weight of a hot tub cover is about 50-75 pounds, depending on the material the cover is made of and the type of insulation used. It is always a good practice to have two people help take the cover off and put it back onto the hot tub. If you do not have two people or adequate strength to move the hot tub cover, automatic lifting devices are available for hot tub covers.