The 12 Best Hot Tub Covers of 2023

Top off your outdoor oasis with one of our picks for best hot tub covers.

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Better Homes & Gardens / Amelia Manley

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.

Here are the best hot tub covers for every lifestyle, need, and budget.

Amazon

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.

Our top choice for the best hot tub cover, this high-quality spa 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.

Price at time of publish: $470

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

Wayfair

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 square 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 our choice for the best hot tub cover on a budget 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.

Price at time of publish: $50

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

Amazon

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 this one from MySpaCover, which is our choice for the best hot tub cover that has a hard top. "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.

Price at time of publish: $459

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

Amazon

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, this polyester 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.

Price at time of publish: From $45

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

Amazon

Energy-efficient EPS foam keeps the heat in.

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

For those in colder climates, an insulated hot tub cover makes financial sense. "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.

Price at time of publish: $549

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

The Cover Store

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

Price at time of publish: From $104

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

Amazon

The hem features an elastic cord for a tight, custom fit.

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

The Veranda Hot Tub Cover by Classic Accessories is an ideal fit for backyards with windy conditions. It can fit round hot tubs up to 84 inches in diameter and features a hem with an elastic cord to customize the size for smaller hot tubs.

In addition, it also features straps that snap at the front to secure the cover even more. When your hot tub cover fits properly, this ensures it’ll be kept clean while not in use.

This pick comes in at just over 5 pounds and includes padded handles for easy maneuvering. It's important to note that it's only available in one size and color, so even though you can customize the fit to a degree, it may not fit all hot tubs.

Price at time of publish: $69

Product Details: Dimensions: 86 x 86 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Shape: Round | Material: Polyester | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Water-resistant, no insulation

Amazon

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 cover.

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 if there is consistent sunlight.

We like this option because, although it does not provide insulation, the lightweight blanket is made of durable polyethylene. If you own an odd-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). When not in use, simply fold away the lightweight solar blanket.

Price at time of publish: $46

Product Details: Dimensions: 96 x 96 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Shape: Square | Material: Polyethylene | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Moderate or sunny climates, no insulation

Amazon

The foam's closed-cell composition allows you to cut it to size without damage.

This cover will prevent debris from falling into the tub, but it is not a replacement for a hard top cover.

Water evaporation in your hot tub can be annoying, costly, and even impact the integrity of the inside of your hard cover. To prevent evaporation and heat loss, this thermal cover could be a helpful addition to your hot tub setup. It's crafted from foam to help insulate your hot tub in cold weather conditions.

The square measures 6 x 6 feet and can be cut with standard scissors if you own an odd-sized or circular hot tub or stock tank. Because it's made with a closed-cell design, the foam material won't absorb water, and cutting it won't compromise its integrity. This cover will also prevent debris from falling into the tub but is not a replacement for a hard top cover.

Price at time of publish: $89

Product Details: Dimensions: 6 x 6 feet | Weight: N/A | Shape: Square | Material: Foam | Weather Conditions/Insulation: No insulation

Wayfair

The drawstrings and buckles help get a secure fit.

This cover helps with weatherproofing but doesn't replace a hard top cover.

If you close your tub for the season or just want an extra level of protection for your hard-top hot tub cover, this attractive, well-made, and lightweight water-resistant square cover is a nice addition to your yard. It can fit over hot tubs measuring less than 85 x 85 inches.

Made of super strong polyester, it features an adjustable, windproof design. There are wind belts that go around the body of the tub and straps that snap over the edge to keep the cover in place. Air vents within the cover lessen the chance of the cover ballooning upwards and provide some ventilation.

While it doesn't provide insulation, this type of soft cover offers a lot of protection and aids in weatherproofing. It may extend the life of your hard top cover but should not be considered a replacement for it.

Price at time of publish: $62

Product Details: Dimensions: 85 x 85 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Shape: Square | Material: Polyester | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Water-resistant, no insulation

Amazon

The aluminum and steel frame is made to withstand harsh weather.

The actual cover is not included.

Automatic hot tub covers make using your hot tub easier. With the help of the ZOMOFEW Spa Hydraulic Cover Lifter, your hot tub will be ready to use in a pinch, and you won't have to worry about taking heavy covers off by yourself.

If you’re worried about your lifter withstanding the weather, this pick is made from steel and aluminum, making it a solid choice to stand up to wind, rain, and snow. Most automatic covers are splurge purchases, but since this pick does not include the actual cover, it lies on the more budget-friendly end of the scale. Of course that means that if you don't already have a cover, you’ll have to purchase one separately.

It's important to keep in mind that automatic covers require space clearance and assembly. Make sure you have ample space in your backyard or spa area before purchasing.

Price at time of publish: $220

Product Details: Dimensions: 39 x 27 x 3 inches | Weight: 25 pounds | Shape: Square | Material: Aluminum and Steel | Weather Conditions/Insulation: Weather-resistant

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.

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 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. For example, our pick for Best Insulated, the MySpaCover comes 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 situation when making a selection.

Your cover will protect your hot tub from weathering, sun damage, debris, and extreme temperatures. There is a wide variety of materials on the market, but it's important for your pick to 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, vinyl covers can also prevent mold and mildew from growing.

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, and Addie Morton, a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens with three years of home design writing experience. In researching the best hot tub covers, Polton 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. She also 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.