The 10 Best Hot Tub Covers of 2024, According to Research and Testing

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Top off your outdoor oasis with one of these top hot tub covers.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza

A hot tub can become an outdoor oasis for relaxation on your property. Whether you live in a warm or cold climate, if you own a hot tub, some sort of hot tub cover is necessary. The cover will help keep out debris, maintain the water temperature, and, most importantly, keep out people who should not be able to access your hot tub. In fact, many hot tub covers have locks, so the hot tub can be safely sealed when not in use.

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.

We researched and tested 10 hot tub covers for their quality, effectiveness, and fit. For more information on how we tested hot tub covers, check out our testing process below.

This durable all-weather cover is completely customizable to the exact dimensions of your hot tub and comes with a seven-year warranty.

The price will vary based on your custom specifications.

The Cover Guy Deluxe Hot Tub Cover is all you need to protect and insulate your hot tub for years to come and maintain. It’s not a one-click order on this cover.

You’ll need to select everything, including shape, fold, skirt length, and cover color, and input your hot tub style and model number when you order. There’s even a measuring video to help you correctly measure the dimensions (the covers can measure up to 96 x 96 inches) because once your order is placed, you can’t make changes.

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.

Product Details: Dimensions: Customizable up to 96 x 96 inches | Weight: Varies | Shape: Seven shape options | Material: High-density foam and marine-grade vinyl | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Year-round insulation

Insulation: Insulation is the ability to create a barrier between something that's hot and an element that could cool it down. When shopping for hot tub covers, it refers to how well the cover can retain the water's heat within the hot tub.

With a water-resistant coating and built-in UV protection, this inexpensive soft cover will not only look clean but also help keep your hardtop hot tub cover in tip-top condition.

This cover does not provide insulation, so you will still need a hard top or insulated cover.

If you live in very harsh weather conditions, have your hot tub positioned where debris falls on it, or want to close up your hot tub for the season, this affordable lightweight Arlmont & Co. Jared Hot Tub Cover could be a helpful buy.

Rain, debris, bird droppings, and other elements roll right off the water-resistant polyester cover that comes with built-in UV protection, so not only will this cover look clean, but it’ll keep your hardtop hot tub cover in mint condition. Weighing in at 1.5 pounds, it’s easy to take on and off.

Buyers should note that this budget-minded choice 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.

Product Details: Dimensions: 94 x 94 inches or 86 x 86 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Shape: Square | Material: Polyester | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Water-resistant, no insulation

The company confirms all your measurements before creating the custom-made cover according to your specs and dimensions, up to 96 x 96 inches.

Shipping is listed as three to five weeks after ordering, but it could be longer.

If your hot tub didn’t come with a hard cover or you need to replace the one you own, it’s nice to know that you can order a custom option online, like the MySpaCover Replacement Cover. “A hard cover … is a flat surface that can withstand much more weight than a soft cover,” Ricky Robinson says. Hard covers are much more expensive than a soft cover.”

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.

Product Details: Dimensions: Up to 96 x 96 inches | Weight: Varies based on size | Shape: Seven shape options | Material: Marine-grade vinyl and EPS foam | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Year-round insulation

A locking elastic rope provides an extra-secure fit.

This cover does not provide insulation.

Soft hot tub covers are best for protecting your hot tub and your hard top from the elements. Available in two colors and two common sizes, the Himal Square Hot Tub Cover protects from falling debris, harsh sun, snow, and more. Unlike other soft covers, this one has a lockable elastic rope that goes around the body of the hot tub to keep it extra secure, which is especially helpful if you live in an area with high winds.

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.

Product Details: Dimensions: 85 x 85 inches or 95 x 95 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Shape: Square | Material: Polyester | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Waterproof, no insulation

Energy-efficient EPS foam keeps the heat in.

The customization means the hot tub cover ships in a few weeks.

Those who live in colder climates should consider the MySpaCover Rectangle/Square Spa Cover. “If you live in a cold climate you will spend a small fortune on electricity trying to keep the hot tub up to your hotter desired temps,” Robinson says. Keeping the warmth in the hot tub with an insulated hot tub cover is a wise move, both for your wallet and the environment.

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.

Product Details: Dimensions: Up to 96 x 96 inches | Weight: 60 pounds | Shape: Custom shapes | Material: Marine-grade vinyl and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) insulation foam | Weather Conditions/Insulation: All weather conditions, fully insulated

Affordable and attractive, this cover lets you make multiple customizations, including material and extra elements.

The lowest price Classic material collection does not include a drawcord hem; the three higher-priced material collections (Elite, Ultima, and Prestige) do.

The Cover Store makes it a cinch to find a square hot tub cover that will fit your exact needs, like the Square/Rectangular Hot Tub Cover. Simply enter your hot tub’s width, height, and depth into the interactive website, and your cover will be designed to your exact specs.

A “how to measure” section of the website provides foolproof images and tips to ensure you measure exactly the right way. If you have extras, like an outdoor faucet, select that element and your cover will fit exactly as it needs to.

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, fire pits, or anything else, The Cover Store will have a coordinated cover for you.

Product Details: Dimensions: Custom, up to 150 inches x 150 inches | Weight: Not listed | Shape: Square | Material: Water resistant polyester | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Weatherproof, no insulation

It’s durable, and the hem features an elastic cord for a secure, custom fit.

It’s only available in one size and one color.

The lightweight Classic Accessories Veranda Hot Tub Cover is made from a thick material that felt incredibly durable as soon as we took it out of its packaging. During the testing period, we put the cover on and off a hot tub on a daily basis, and found it to be highly durable with no rips or holes, even after not being particularly careful with it (for testing purposes).

While it kept debris out of the hot tub, it didn’t provide any insulating properties. We also appreciated that it effectively withstood the elements, and it gave no indication that it would stop doing so anytime soon.

The waterproof cover has an adjustable elastic bungee cord around the bottom which allows it to fit securely to the hot tub, although it doesn’t extend all the way down to the bottom of the tub to keep the whole of it protected.

There are two reinforced handles on either side that allowed for easy removal. The cover was much easier to use than some others we tried thanks to its lighter weight, which also makes it easy for one person to handle it by themselves. While some hot tub covers are available in multiple sizes and colors, this cover is only available in one.

We appreciated how lightweight this hot tub cover was, making it easy to put it on and remove. During testing, we didn't love that option features a drawstring closure, which may not be safe for those with pets and children.

It's also not insulated and took a bit of effort to secure it. However, we still thought it was a good option to consider for summer months or for those who live in warmer climates.

Product Details: Dimensions: 84 x 84 inches | Weight: 5.27 pounds | Shape: Round | Material: Polyester | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Water resistant and repellent, no insulation

It can help maintain the temperature of your hot tub and prevent evaporation and chemical loss.

This doesn’t replace the need for a hard top, or other type of cover for keeping debris out or the warmth in.

A solar blanket is like a protective layer that floats on the top of your hot tub. Its purpose is twofold: The blanket reduces heat loss and evaporation and can minimize the debris that falls into your hot tub.

Solar blankets are useful if you live in a moderate climate with lots of sunny weather and don’t regularly close your hot tub with a hard cover. By leaving the solar blanket on, it can raise the temperature of the water if there is consistent sunlight. We liked this In The Swim option because, although it does not provide insulation, the lightweight blanket is made of durable polyethylene.

When we unboxed this item, we immediately noted how thick and hardy its material was—it would clearly take something really heavy to damage it. There weren’t really any clear instructions on how to cut the cover or install it; however, we managed to work it out, though (a bit of Googling was required), and it was a simple process.

There is also a correct way to put the cover on: the bubbles need to face down to help heat up the hot tub (this enables it to attract heat from the sun). If the bubbles face up, the water will be cooled down. When using the hot tub, we simply lifted this blanket off, and folded it up. When it was time to call it a day, we put it back on, then put the other protective hot tub cover on top.

If you own an oddly-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). The blanket is designed to lock in the heat and it just lays flat on the water. This means that, in order to keep out debris, you’d need to have another cover to use along with it.

During testing, this option was a bit too big for our needs. We didn't think this was the best option to consider for those who have small children or pets at home as it didn't securely fit on the tub. It insulated the water, however, so we still thought it was worth considering depending on your circumstances.

Product Details: Dimensions: 144 x 240 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Shape: Square | Material: Polyethylene | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Moderate or sunny climates, no insulation

It’s affordable, lightweight, and versatile.

It doesn’t provide insulation.

The Lxkckj Round Pool Cover Protector with Drawstring exceeded our expectations for adjustable hot tub covers. This cover comes in 16 different size options, starting at 6 feet, so you can choose one that matches the size of your hot tub.

Made of a lightweight Oxford cloth with double stitching a taped seam, this cover is waterproof, windproof, and tear resistant. The cover has a drawstring design so you can adjust it for an even more secure fit. It can go over inflatable or hard-shelled hot tubs, above-ground pools, and even trampolines. It also comes in three colors: black, silver, and green.

The cover has multiple pull tabs all around so you can pull it on your tub with ease (although you’ll need two people to do this if you have a larger hot tub). Once it’s on, you simply pull the drawstring’s plastic toggle until it feels nice and snug, and then tie a sturdy knot to keep it securely in place.

This affordable cover is designed to keep the water in the hot tub from evaporating, and it also uses the sun’s rays to keep the water warm. Keep in mind that it’s not an insulating cover—if this is a priority, we’d advise opting for one of our other picks on this list. However, if you’re on a budget, this option offers excellent value for money, and takes up minimal storage space when not in use.

Product Details: Dimensions: 74.8 x 74.8 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Shape: Round | Material: Oxford cloth | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Waterproof, dustproof, UV blocking, no insulation

This waterproof hot tub cover is affordable, lightweight, and easy to use.

It doesn’t provide much insulation.

If you have an inflatable hot tub, the Ucare Hot Tub Cover is our top recommendation. At a little over 3 pounds, it’s light enough so it doesn’t weigh the tub down, yet it has just the right amount of heft needed for it to stay in place.

We evaluated this cover several times during our testing process, and we found that it fit nicely over the hot tub. We liked that its drawstring design enabled us to tighten the cover for extra security. There was some excess fabric that we had to fold over, but we found that it was easy for just one person to put on and take off. The material is not as thick as some other covers we tried, but it felt durable during our testing.

It did not do much to keep the hot tub’s water temperature consistent, but it did do a great job of keeping all bugs and other garden debris out of the tub. What we particularly liked about this cover was that, unlike similar products, it fully covers the whole of the hot tub.

Since it’s also UV resistant, this helps protect your hot tub from discoloration and sun damage. It is also waterproof, and comes in its own carry bag to store it away when not in use.

During testing, this option didn't insulate the water or fit as easily onto our hot tub as we would have liked. However, it's a good option if your hot tub is situated near trees and other shrubbery as it prevented debris from getting into the tub.

Product Details: Dimensions: 43 x 73 x 73 inches | Weight: 3.05 pounds | Shape: Round | Material: 420D Oxford | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Waterproof, no insulation

Better Homes & Gardens / Andrea Tenborg

If you own a hot tub, a cover is an essential element that provides safety and protection from the elements. The Cover Guy Extreme Hot Tub Cover is a top choice cover that can be customized to your exact needs. Once you’ve spent money on a hard top cover, you may want to invest in a soft cover like the Himal Square Hot Tub Cover, which will protect your hard cover from extreme weather and extend the life of your investment.

To come up with our list of the best hot tub covers, we researched and found the most popular and best-selling items, as well as covers for specific purposes (i.e., insulating, for inflatable hot tubs, or blanket-style). We also tested several hot tub covers over a period of several weeks, and were used constantly when the hot tub was not in use.

We employed a specific testing methodology that was used to assess each model. We made notes of how the hot tub cover was delivered, the unboxing process, whether or not it needed any assembly, and if clear instructions on how to use it were provided. We also noted each item's weight and dimensions, the quality of the material, its durability, and general construction.

We evaluated the ease of putting the hot tub cover on, taking it off, and securing it in place, and whether this needed two people to do. We paid particular attention to how well the cover stayed on the hot tub (especially in various types of weather, such as high winds), if the cover successfully kept in the heat of the hot tub and reduced any reheating and energy costs. We also noted if the cover successfully kept out leaves, bugs, and other garden debris, and how it held up when left outside over time.

The most common hot tub sizes are 78 x 78 inches, 84 x 84 inches, and 94 x 94 inches, in both square and round, and hot tub covers readily come in these sizes and shapes. However, you can find hot tub covers to fit other hot tub shapes and sizes, such as rectangular or corner styles, although these will need a little more research to find and might need to be custom-made.

It’s important to know your hot tub’s dimensions when shopping for a cover. This allows you to pick a cover that fits properly, which will keep your hot tub cleaner and safer while not in use. You can refer to your owner’s manual to find the dimensions, or you can measure yourself using the widest points of your tub’s acrylic mold. Round up to the nearest inch when measuring—it’s always better for the cover to be slightly too big than too small.

The height of a hot tub can be anywhere from 25 to 39 inches. To protect the whole hot tub, it’s best to find a cover that can reach the floor, although some covers are much shorter in height and designed just to cover the water while securing either with ties or an elasticated hem a little further down from the tub’s rim.

The majority of your cover should be over the surface area of your hot tub. However, it’s important to have a skirt (a cover that goes down the side of the tub) to ensure a gust of wind won’t blow the cover away. As a rule of thumb, the skirt should extend to at least the end of the tub’s wooden rim. Anything longer than that risks a poor fit, which can lead to water loss.

Most hot tub covers can be put on or removed by one person—the majority of the hot tub covers on our list weigh under 10 pounds. However, there are a few exceptions, like the MySpaCover, which weighs in at 60 pounds.

Heavier covers are ideal for windy climates, while lightweight options are a good fit for milder weather or anyone who needs to regularly lift their cover on their own. Think about your priorities and weather conditions when making a selection. Also, bear in mind that with the heavier covers, you’ll likely need more than one person to put them on, and perhaps even take them off.

Your cover will protect your hot tub from weathering, sun damage, debris, and extreme temperatures, so it’s important to find one made from a material that can live up to the task. Hot tub covers come in a wide variety of materials, but your pick should at least be waterproof and weatherproof so it can hold up to daily outdoor use.

Many hot tub covers are made of polyester, which is typically more budget-friendly, but if you can splurge, marine-grade vinyl is one of the best types to go for because it has been treated against mildew and can prevent waterlogging and mold from growing.

Other good options are covers made from 420D oxford, which is a great waterproof material that is commonly used for outdoor furniture covers. Hard hot tub covers are typically made from durable and non-absorbing materials, such as plastic or aluminum.

In order to maintain the hot tub’s temperature, you’ll have to look for hot tub covers that have insulating properties via an extra internal layer made from insulating foam, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Hot tub covers come in a variety of foam thickness to insulate your spa. The thicker the foam, the more insulation. The type of insulation you need depends on where you live, how you plan to use your hot tub, and the temperature at which you maintain the tub. For cold climates, the highest level of insulation is necessary if you plan to run your hot tub all winter long. For those in warm climates, an insulated cover may not be necessary.

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.”

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.

“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.

This article was written by Maya Polton, an experienced freelance writer who has contributed to a wide variety of publications, Addie Morton, a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens with three years of home design writing experience, and Kat de Naoum, a writer with over 10 years of commerce-writing experience, and the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading US online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. In researching the best hot tub covers, we tested several of the best selling and popular products, paying particular attention to the product’s design, durability, ease of use, and value for money. Polton and de Naoum also 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. In addition, Polton 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.