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Including heavy duty options for winter. Large Hot Tubs
Hot tubs require regular maintenance and TLC to keep them in pristine condition. Thankfully, a hot tub cover can protect your investment and your wallet from energy costs. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your spa?
To find the best hot tub covers, we tested various models in our homes while analyzing their fit, durability, ease of use, and effectiveness in keeping our spa clean. In addition to these tests, we also spoke with Alicia Toedter, a spa care and content leader for Leslie’s Pool Supplies, for her expert insight on what to look for while shopping. She recommends first looking for the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) certification, which rates the performance of products to encourage consistency and safety among manufacturers.
It’s easy to use and adjust the fit.
The skirt isn’t as long as others on the market.
This square hot tub cover is made from heavy-duty polyester fabric created with a laminated water-resistant undercoating and an additional UV-stabilized coating to keep it from fading in the sun. The reinforced handles are padded, making it easier and more comfortable to grip when pulling the cover on or off. It offers a customized fit, thanks to hem tunnels at the bottom that feature double cord closures. Air vents allow air to flow freely, preventing condensation from forming under the cover while also keeping it firmly in place without air lofting in a breeze or wind.
This hot tub cover comes with a two-year warranty. And if you have other furniture that you want to protect from the elements and impolite birds, you’re in luck—this hot tub cover is just one part of the larger Ravenna patio furniture cover collection, so you can coordinate furniture and your hot tub to look as good undercover in the off-season as they do while in use.
Dimensions: 86 by 86 by 14 inches; 94 by 94 by 14 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: Varies
This is a sturdy, lightweight cover at a great price.
The heat insulation could be better.
It’s easy to install this hot tub cover, thanks to the adjustable bungee cord that creates a secure, customized fit. The reinforced handles on either side of the cover make removing it easy. We were impressed with the durability of this cover; in fact, we noticed that it is made from a similar material to the sturdy patio furniture in our backyard, so we felt good about both its longevity and the ability to protect our hot tub.
Overall, we found this cover lighter and easier to maneuver than the one that came with the hot tub, and after two months of use, it has continued to be our go-to. We did like that the cover took up less space when folded, though we did wish it extended to the full height of the hot tub. While the cover was great at keeping debris out, it didn’t do as well in regulating the water temperature. It's also worth noting that this cover has a drawstring closure, which may pose safety issues for those with young children.
Dimensions: 86 by 86 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: 5.27 pounds
It’s sturdy and waterproof.
You also need an insulated hard cover underneath.
Want your hot tub to look as good as the day it was installed? This polyester hot tub cover from Ultcover is made of sturdy polyester canvas with taped seams and waterproof backing. From harsh weather to yard debris to impolite birds, this hot tub cover provides a shield against it all—however, you must pair it with an insulated hard cover underneath.
The company offers a three-year warranty for this 100% waterproof cover. Strap buckles are attached to secure the cover while an elastic hem cord has toggles so you can customize a snug fit for your hot tub. It features air vents that keep it from wind lofting, while heavy-duty elastic bungee cords tighten the fit so it won’t blow off in extreme winds.
Dimensions: Six sizes, from 72 by 72 by 20 inches to 95 by 95 by 20 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: Varies
You can cut it to fit the top of your hot tub to lock in heat.
It’s not good for keeping out bugs and debris.
The water in a hot tub will start to cool as it’s exposed to the air, so it’s essential to trap in that heat to keep your energy costs low. This sturdy solar blanket is made from heavy-duty plastic that sits atop the surface of your open hot tub to lock in heat while not in use. However, during testing, we quickly realized that it would take more than just this blanket to fully protect a hot tub. Ideally, you would pair it with a cover on top to really protect it from bugs and other critters.
To use this thermal blanket, you simply lay it on top of the water in your hot tub. We found the process to be a bit tedious, and we recommend keeping a pair of sturdy scissors ready so you can trim it for a more customized fit. While the plastic is sturdy, it’s not meant to serve as a protective cover; we thought it was more like a hefty sheet of bubble wrap. It’s effective for locking in heat, however. Even after two months of use, it remained just as insulating as it had been on day one.
Dimensions: 96 by 96 by 0.01 inches | Material: Polyethylene | Weight: 6.28 pounds
It’s made of durable fabric with sturdy seams for ample protection.
It doesn’t offer heat insulation.
This square hot tub cover is constructed of 600D polyester fabric with a PU coating to create a waterproof cover for your hot tub. It will fit most hot tubs up to 85 inches square with a 20-inch edge that keeps it in place over the top—just adjust the elastic rope to keep the cover firmly in place. There are air vents at two sides to prevent condensation and air lofting. It promises protection against harsh weather as well as dust, debris, and other yard dirt.
We like how the wide skirt provides ample coverage for a hot tub. This cover provides a barrier against wind, rain, snow, and yard debris, plus it’s got an anti-UV coating to keep it from fading in the sun. Straps and buckles also hold it firmly in place, so you don’t have to worry about your hot tub being exposed in the event of a strong wind. The seams are double-stitched and coated with waterproof tape for extra durability.
Dimensions: 85 by 85 inches; 90 by 90 inches; 95 by 95 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: Varies
It’s pricey, and you have to pay even more for a longer skirt.
This high-density foam cover from The Cover Guy can handle harsh winters with ease, keeping snow and yard debris off your tub. It helps maintain the heat in your pool and protects it from the elements. The dense foam offers good insulation that won’t get waterlogged, thanks to a marine-grade vinyl waterproof cover. This cover is secured in place by four fasteners for safety.
You can customize these hot tub covers more precisely for your hot tub. When you purchase one on Amazon or direct from the company, you’ll need to provide further information about your specific spa brand, model, shape, sizes, and even desired skirt length (Note: the price goes up $10 to $15 when you choose a skirt that’s 4.5 inches or longer.)
These custom hot tub covers are indeed pricey—starting at $500 before you add on any additional accessories or customizations—but the company says you’ll recoup your investment by the savings in energy costs. It also comes with a seven-year warranty, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Dimensions: 96 by 96 inches | Material: Foam and marine-grade vinyl | Weight: Not listed
It’s super easy to use.
It’s not compatible with round or in-ground tubs.
An unwieldy hot tub cover might be challenging to use correctly—or use at all—which doesn’t bode well for the longevity of your hot tub. A lifter makes it much easier to add/remove a hot tub cover, especially when you’re heading in for a solo soak and don’t have a helper nearby.
This particular lifter from Puri Tech is super easy to use—just fold the cover over the bar in the middle, then pull the lever in the back of the spa. The plastic undercount brackets slide underneath the spa without needing to be attached to the skirt. This lightweight aluminum cover folds down easily to stow right next to the tub. It’s made of double-coated aluminum tubing secured by stainless steel hardware, making it durable and rustproof.
This lifter is compatible with most square hot tubs—sorry, not round or inground models—up to 96 inches. Note: You’ll need 18 inches of free area behind the spa and a five-inch clearance on each side to use it.
Dimensions: 39.75 by 18.55 by 3.75 inches | Material: Aluminum | Weight: 18.51 pounds
It helps retain heat and keep debris out.
This hot tub lid needs to be inflated periodically.
This durable hot tub lid excels at keeping heat in and dirt out. It's available in two round sizes—a 4.5-foot and 5.4-foot diameter—and one 5.3-foot square size, so it can fit large and small hot tubs. Since it's inflatable, it's relatively lightweight and easy to move as well. The PVC material absorbs sunlight, saving you the time and energy typically required to heat it. It also features an air-tight lock, similarly designed to trap heat.
In addition to retaining warmth, this cover also acts as a barrier, preventing fallen leaves and debris from getting in and keeping water from evaporating. While this cover takes just minutes to inflate, it's worth noting that the inflation process requires more effort than just throwing on a hot tub blanket. Like any inflatable product, it's also susceptive to deflating over time, so you may need to inflate it periodically.
Dimensions: 54 by 54 inches; 64 by 64 inches; 65 by 65 inches | Material: PVC | Weight: 3.23, 4.58, 5.55 pounds
Our top two picks for best square and round hot tubs come from the same brand, Classic Accessories. Both the Classic Accessories Ravenna Water-Resistant 86-Inch Square Hot Tub Cover and the Classic Accessories Veranda Water-Resistant Round Hot Tub Cover are sturdy yet lightweight and easy to get a snug fit on your hot tub. We like that they are part of a larger patio furniture cover collection, so your outdoor space will look neat and clean in the off-season.
To compile this list of best hot tub covers, we researched dozens on the market from various top brands. We also tested five covers using our hot tubs, evaluating each one on quality, effectiveness, fit, and overall value.
First, we evaluated the setup process, timing how long the entire assembly process took, including unboxing, setting up any electrical components, and filling the tub with water. We also took note of how easy or difficult the process was and recorded any hiccups that occurred.
Next, we used the hot tubs and evaluated the quality of each cover. We considered a variety of factors, including the ease of taking the cover on and off, effectiveness at heat retention and keeping out debris, durability, and how well it stays put during inclement weather. We also noted any maintenance that was required to keep the cover in good shape.
For long-term insights, we evaluated each cover's durability after two months of use.
There are two main types of protection for your spa: hot tub covers, which come in both soft and hard options and hot tub blankets, often called thermal or solar blankets. Be sure to purchase accordingly. “Thermal blankets only help to keep the water clean, reduce evaporation, and retain heat,” says Toedter. “Many traditional vinyl-wrapped foam covers and various hardcovers offer these same benefits but also include safety mechanisms to prevent unsupervised entry.”
While hot tub covers are pricier than blankets, Toedter says their foam cores offer much better heat retention, resulting in a hot tub that is as energy efficient as it is relaxing to soak in.
When finding the right hot tub cover for your needs, Toedter says location is crucial. “If you have an indoor hot tub or you live in a very warm climate, a thinner cover will suffice,” she explains. “On the other hand, if you live in a cold, snowy climate, the cover on your outdoor hot tub will need to be much thicker to help keep the heat in the water.”
Be sure to measure your hot tub carefully to purchase the right-sized cover. You must also choose the right shape; note there are options for both square and round spas on our best hot tub covers list.
While lightweight covers can be sturdy enough to protect your hot tub from yard debris and UV rays, heavier foam typically offers more insulation. Don’t be dismayed if the hot tub cover you’re considering seems heavy—you can always install a lifter that will make it easier to remove/replace it.
If you are replacing your current cover or blanket with one from our best hot tub covers list, Toedter does not recommend measuring the old one to get the dimensions. “Over time, the old cover may warp and lose its shape, which impacts measurements and thus the new cover’s ability to fit correctly,” she explains. Instead, measure from point to point, being sure to reach the outer edge of the tub. For rounded corners, Toedter recommends using a carpenter square to calculate the radius.
It’s essential to get the right fit to protect your hot tub. “Just remember that a cover that’s too small will leave gaps that result in heat loss and sun damage, while a cover that’s too large can leak heat and water vapor and leave a wet, dripping mess around your hot tub and damage the exterior over time,” says Toedter. “A properly fitted cover with a close-fitting cover skirt will provide the best results.”
You can even contact the hot tub cover manufacturer directly for replacement information. “Some hot tub cover manufacturers keep patterns of top hot tub cover brands, so they may even have your measurements on file to make things easier,” Toedter says.
Toedter says hot tub covers with a foam core—notably one made from virgin expanded polystyrene (EPS) closed-cell foam—are the best for heat retention and moisture resistance. Choose a cover with a foam core that has a tapered design—the thickest part should be in the center—so that rain and snow can run off or melt more quickly. “A double-wrapped design with two layers of heat-sealed polyethylene sheeting provides a superior vapor barrier to ensure your cover lasts as long as possible,” she explains.
As for the material, Toedter says, “Look for UV-stabilized, marine-grade vinyl, which will resist fading and help the cover weather the elements.” Lastly, choose one with strong hinges. “The hinges on hot tub covers are major stress points that can also be a point of heat loss, so look for a continuous heat seal to help fill the void along the seam,” she says, adding that four-layer hinges are sturdy and can prolong the life of your hot tub cover.
“With proper maintenance, hot tub covers can last five to seven years or longer,” says Toedter. She adds that installing a cover lifter makes it easy to remove the cover and protect it between uses. When considering options for your hot tub, she recommends looking at warranty details that will prolong its service life. Toedter says a hot tub warranty is typically between one and three years; however, a notable exception on our list is The Cover Guy Deluxe/Extreme/Standard Hot Tub Cover, which comes with a seven-year warranty.
This article was written by Barbara Bellesi Zito, a freelance lifestyle writer based in Staten Island, NY, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list of best hot tub covers, she researched products from top brands and reviewed our team’s testing insights while considering factors like type, insulation, and ease of use. For expert advice on what consumers should know when purchasing hot tub covers, she consulted Alicia Toedter, pool and spa care education and content leader for Leslie’s Pool Supplies.
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
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