Photo: Budge
It is not uncommon for the households to have hot tubs installed in their yards and gardens for spa-experience at home. While this is a suitable thing to have for rejuvenation, you also need the best hot tub cover for optimum maintenance and protection.
The purpose of installing a hot tub cover is to retain water heat and protection of water against flying elements in the environment that can contaminate the water.
This review will build a foundation where you will learn the key tips to find an appropriate product, and then we will recommend the leading models on the market.
In this post:
- 7 Best Hot Tub Covers – Review
- 1. The Cover Guy Hot Tub Cover – Best Overall Hot Tub Cover
- 2. Budge P9A16PM1 – Most Affordable Hot Tub Cover
- 3. BeyondNice Hot Tub Cover – Most Durable Hot Tub Cover
- 4. CoverMates Hot Tub Cover – Most Lightweight Hot Tub Cover
- 5. CoverMates Square Hot Tub Cover – Standard Polyester Hot Tub Cover
- 6. Classic Accessories Hot Tub Cover – Hot Tub Cover with Custom Fit
- 7. Prestige Spa Covers Hot Tub Cover – Commercial-Grade Hot Tub Cover
- How to Buy the Best Hot Tub Covers
- Conclusion
7 Best Hot Tub Covers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
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1. The Cover Guy Hot Tub Cover (Best Overall) |
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2. Budge P9A16PM1 (Most Affordable) |
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3. BeyondNice Hot Tub Cover (Most Durable) |
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4. CoverMates Hot Tub Cover (Most Lightweight) |
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5. CoverMates Square Hot Tub Cover (Standard Polyester Design) |
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6. Classic Accessories Hot Tub Cover (With Custom Fit) |
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7. Prestige Spa Covers Hot Tub Cover (Commercial-Grade) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. The Cover Guy Hot Tub Cover (Best Overall)
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2. Budge P9A16PM1 (Most Affordable)
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3. BeyondNice Hot Tub Cover (Most Durable)
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4. CoverMates Hot Tub Cover (Most Lightweight)
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5. CoverMates Square Hot Tub Cover (Standard Polyester Design)
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6. Classic Accessories Hot Tub Cover (With Custom Fit)
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7. Prestige Spa Covers Hot Tub Cover (Commercial-Grade)
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1. The Cover Guy Hot Tub Cover – Best Overall Hot Tub Cover
- Size: 96-inches
- Shape: Square
- Material: Vinyl
- Colour: Many Colours
The Cover Guy hot tub cover is an exclusive option and the best overall product in the market. It is made of high-quality material and exceptional for winter use.
It is available in custom-size of 96 inches that fits most of the spa tubs. People also like this product for its tendency to enormously reduce the electricity bills and waterlogging.
Whether its snow or rain or storm, this one will bear everything. The new generation coating helps provide protection against UV rays damage.
The 4 lockable ties are placed very strategically to keep the cover locked and at one place. It also comes with 7-year warranty against any defects. You can also find multiple colors in this model.
This model is suitable for all kind of buyers with outside hot tubs and who wishes to save money on electricity bills. However, the price is excruciating but the thick foam hot tub covers are usually expensive.
Pros:
- Exceptional quality construction for winter usage
- Reduces electricity bills
- 7-year warranty
- Available in multiple color
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Budge P9A16PM1 – Most Affordable Hot Tub Cover
- Size: 86-inches, 94-inches
- Shape: Square
- Material: 600D Polyester
- Colour: Tan
If you are on a serious budget then your best bet is this model from Budge as the most affordable product.
The cover is merely 5-pounds, so the installation will not be very difficult. The rustic woven tan pattern is emphasized with dark grey piping which makes the cover more attractive.
Material used in this cover is 600D polyester which is completely waterproof. Plus, this cover will provide protection against fading, bird dropping, tree sap, sun, dust, etc.
To prevent the cover from blowing away, there is strap and buckle systems that keep it sturdy at one place. The product is also UV rays resistant. But the color may fade after constant exposure to sun. It is available in two sizes of 86-inches and 94-inches.
You however don’t get any warranty with this product.
Pros:
- Most-affordable product
- Available in two sizes
- Very lightweight
- UV rays resistant
Cons:
- The color may fade over time
- No warranty
3. BeyondNice Hot Tub Cover – Most Durable Hot Tub Cover
- Size: 96-inches
- Shape: Square
- Material: Vinyl
- Colour: Many Colours
There are many reasons that make this product the most durable hot tub cover on our list. To begin with, it has 6-inches thick body with vinyl construction which is great to provide protection against UV rays and other seasonal effects.
The c-channels are made of non-corrosive galvalum metal which adds to the durability quotient.
The polyethylene vapor barrier locks the moisture inside and retain the heat splendidly. It is a perfect product with insulation properties.
With an existing lift, you may require a reinforced center seam for added strength. There are two nylon lifting handles on each side of the seam that can be locked and helps in comfortable lifting of the cover.
You get a selection of various colors in this product, but you should try and buy the darker ones because the lighter colors get dirty and look unappealing really soon.
This product is suitable for outdoor usage and in extreme weather conditions because this is thick foam and will protect the hot tub from snow, rains, harsh winds, etc. Also, it comes with 5-year prolonged warranty.
On the downside, this model is extremely expensive and not to forget the heavyweight of 55-pounds which makes it difficult to install.
Pros:
- Very durable construction
- Highly efficient for winter use
- Locks the moisture and heat inside
- Available in multiple colors
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Extremely heavyweight
4. CoverMates Hot Tub Cover – Most Lightweight Hot Tub Cover
- Size: 80-inches
- Shape: Round
- Material: 300D Stock-Dyed Polyester
- Colour: Green, Khaki
From CoverMates, we have the most lightweight hot tub cover weighing 3.91-pounds. It is exceptionally created in a size of 80-inches diameter. This model is easy to roll up and down.
The material used in the making is 300D stock-dyed polyester to protect the hot tub from the elements. But, this is not heat-retaining. If you are looking for a product that can keep the heat inside the tub then this cover is not for you.
It is great for indoor usage, or you can also use it with a thick foam cover for outdoor usage. The features of being waterproof makes an outstanding addition.
The elastic hem provides great fitting of the cover and give extra stability. This model is suitable for people who want to make a budget purchase because this is an affordable choice to make. Plus, you get 3-year warranty with this model.
On the downside, the colors in this product are all too light which will definitely go dirty and stained soon.
Pros:
- Very lightweight thus easy to install
- Elastic hem for perfect fit
- Suitable for round hot tubs
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Gets dirty soon
5. CoverMates Square Hot Tub Cover – Standard Polyester Hot Tub Cover
- Size: 84-inches, 92-inches
- Shape: Square
- Material: Vinyl
- Colour: Green, Khaki
Not all people want a cover that can retain heat of the water in the hot tub, but some people only want to protect the water from getting contaminated. For such people, this is a highly-suitable standard cover.
It is readily available in two sizes of 84 and 92 inches. These offer perfect fitting of the product on respective dimensions.
This is basically a thin foam hot tub cover which is used along with a thick foam cover for outdoor usage. It is waterproof and helps in keeping the elements away.
Made with 12-gauge marine vinyl and 300D stock dyed polyester, this product is decent in quality. It also comes with an elastic hem and adjustable cords to provide as much tightness to the tub as you like. Due to the lightweight of 7.88-pounds, it is easy to roll up and down.
This is less expensive and suitable for the buyers that are on budget. Also, if you want to have an additional protection to the thick foam cover then this product will be suitable. However, this will not retain heat at all.
Pros:
- Standard product in decent quality
- Elastic hem for enhanced fit
- Easy to roll up and down
- Affordable
Cons:
- Does not retain heat
6. Classic Accessories Hot Tub Cover – Hot Tub Cover with Custom Fit
- Size: 86-inches, 94-inches
- Shape: Square
- Material: Gardella Woven Polyester
- Colour: Pebble, Bark, Earth
One of the biggest strengths of this product is that it comes with ultimate adjustable fit that is ensured through elastic hem. You just have to pull the threads to tighten the grip. You get two sizes of 86-inches and 94-inches.
The cover features interior bound seams for great strength and high-density stitching that ensure that the product lasts unexpectedly long. Also, the gardella woven polyester fabric makes it very efficient.
There are padded handles that make lifting the cover very comfortable. This one has thin foam installed inside which can be used as an additional cover to protect the main heat cover of the hot tub.
This is the best replacement hot tub cover that costs you much lesser than a full-fledge heat cover that are way expensive. This way, it becomes suitable for winters as well.
Also, the overall weight of 4.5-pounds makes it more manageable. Plus, you get 3-year warranty to secure the purchase. However, the light color will surely need frequently laundry.
Pros:
- Custom fit
- Available in 2 sizes
- Lightweight with 4.5-pounds total weight
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Lighter colours will get dirty soon
7. Prestige Spa Covers Hot Tub Cover – Commercial-Grade Hot Tub Cover
- Size: 84-inches
- Shape: Square
- Material: Vinyl
- Colour: Brown, Charcoal
This is a commercial-grade product because of the high-quality vinyl material, double stitching for great strength, and superior quality aluminum c-channel for structural support.
The diameter of the cover is 84 inches, and it has 6 inches radius corner. There is 1-pound foam density that makes it pretty heavy but at the same time it becomes stronger and more efficient.
For long time storage also, this product is quite suitable. The skirt length is 4 inches which don’t just cover the top of the tub but also protects the body from all kind of damage.
The cover stays at its place because of the 2 keys for locking the ties down. This way, when harsh and strong wind blows, the cover remains sturdy.
This product is suitable for people that don’t mind spending a good amount of money. Available in 2 different bright colors, you also don’t have to keep up with a lot of maintenance.
The drawback of this product is that it comes with a small warranty of just 1-year on such massive price.
Note: This product is not compatible with cover lift with arms that mount it directly on the tub top.
Pros:
- Commercial grade product with superb quality
- Available in bright colors
- Comes with a hinge
Cons:
- Expensive
- Comes with small warranty of 1-year
How to Buy the Best Hot Tub Covers
1. Types of Hot Tub Cover
There are plenty of hot tub covers available in the market that you can consider, varying on your needs. These differ in various attributes such as color, thickness, hardness, specific climatic use, etc.
So, we are here going to talk about different types of hot tub covers. Let’s see:
Soft Rolling Cover: Clearly, from its name, this is a soft and easy to handle product. The rolling up and down will be extremely convenient and so as the storage.
Thin foam, vinyl material and plastic vapor barrier is used in the construction of the soft covers.
Plus, these are suitable for in-house hot tubs that are used on the routine basis. These are the best lightweight hot tub covers that provide protection and make the usage of hot tub pretty easy.
Certainly, because there is not much hassle of using the cover, why wouldn’t you want to enjoy hot tub bath often.
Double Hinge Cover: Well, this one is also known as Tonneau and it has hard shell than the former type. That is why, these are ideally suitable for outdoor hot tub settings.
While the protection is remarkable, these are a little difficult to handle and manoeuvre. The initial installation will be a little tricky, but these products are the best of their kind to protect the tub and its content against all kind of damage.
The hinge in between help in removing the cover from one side, without removing it completely from the tub.
If you are the only one taking a bath then you can quit removing the entire cover and just pull up one side from the hinge.
Solar Cover: If you want to save on the electricity bills then the solar cover is an ideal option. These keep the water warm and does not allow evaporation. This way, maximum water remains inside the tub, and you don’t have to refill time and again.
These are not generally for protection of the tub but can keep the water warm and clean.
Seasonal Cover: If you have installed the hot tub outside then you need a cover that can protect the entire tub and not just the top, especially in the winters.
It might have to bear snow, and protecting the tub from thaw process or the freeze. That is why, you ideally require the seasonal cover that can provide utmost protection to the entire tub and helps in increasing its life.
Buying Advice
Well, all the different types of covers serve completely different need of buyers. In nutshell, if you have a hot tub inside the house then buy soft rolling cover.
On the contrary for outside settings, pick double hinge. If your side of the country experience huge snow then pick seasonal and to enjoy warm water without having to spend a lot of money on electricity bills you should pick the solar cover.
2. Thick Foam or Thin Foam Hot Tub Cover
The hot tub covers are available in different foam density. There is thick foam and thin foam that provide different advantages to the users. The denser the foam, more insulating the cover will be.
Thick Foam Heat Cover: These are mostly custom-made to fit the size of the hot tub. Because the density of foam is rich in these covers, they cost more and provide better insulation to the water.
Also, it effortlessly protects the tub from elements as well. With these, you don’t have to purchase seasonal covers separately because they are suitable for all kind of weather conditions.
Our best recommendation is the BeyondNice Hot Tub Cover which has 6-inches thickness.
Thin Foam Heat Cover: With these, the water insulation is almost negligible. These covers are easy to use, but they only help in providing protection against the elements.
People with minimal needs and requirement from their hot tub covers buy this one. Also, these are less expensive than the former option.
Buying Guide
We will recommend you thick foam heat cover any day you ask for all the benefits that it has to provide. If you but thin cover then you may have to make secondary investment in looking for a seasonal cover for winters.
3. Size & Shape
Of course, you have to be very careful about the size and the shape of hot tub cover. As much as you are looking for a great product, never forget that it will be worthless if the size is not adequate.
The sizes can be anywhere between 80-inches to 100-inches. Plus, they are available in custom fitting so these can suit variable sized hot tubs.
Also, don’t forget to consider the shape of the tub. Most of the tubs are available in round or square shapes but still you should put a lot of emphasis on both these elements, if you don’t want to regret the purchase.
4. Material
The outside environment can be very abusive, especially if you live in a rain-prone and storm prone area. The winds can tarnish the cover badly if you haven’t ensured the right material while purchase.
You will only be able to get a close sense of the material quality if you make sure of it at the time of purchase. It can break, rip, fade or deteriorate over time if you don’t give close check to this element. Plus, this will call for a repeat purchase which will be extremely troubling.
For long-lasting usage, you can pick Prestige Spa Covers hot tub cover as its material is commercial grade, and it will be able to endure the seasonal abuse.
5. Weather Resistant
Backyard hot tubs require a seasonal and weather-resistant hot tub cover so that these can protect it from the elements and also retain the water temperature inside.
Conclusion
As we conclude this hot tub cover review, we will say that hot covers, especially that are installed outdoors require protection against dirt, and climatic effects.
The best overall product that has got everything right, from the durable material, exceptional strength, and high warranty is The Cover Guy hot tub cover. There are thick foam covers, ideal for winter usage. They not only retain the heating but also helps in reducing electricity bills.
If your plan is not to retain water heat but simply put something on the top to prevent entry to dirt and debris then select the most affordable product, the Budge P9A16PM1 hot tub cover.
Sources
- 4 Types of Hot Tub Covers – doityourself