Posted by Alex Clamp in
Buying
on 17th May 2024
Your hot tub loses around 60% of its heat through its water surface.
So, it certainly pays to pick up a top-quality hot tub cover.
Here’s everything essential you need to look out for when you’re purchasing a new cover or trying to gauge how good the one a spa you have your eye on comes with as standard is.
When you’re looking for a cover for your spa, be sure to pay attention to:
Look out for a spa cover that’s filled with high-density, heat-sealed polyurethane foam, as these trap in the heat as effectively as possible and help to keep your hot tub’s running costs down.
Here’s a bit of insider information: An easy way to test whether a hot tub is filled with quality insulation is to place your hand on the top of it. If it’s room temperature, that means it’s trapping heat as efficiently as possible.
All quality spa lids have a rubber seal that creates an airtight seal, which traps heat in. You’d be well advised to avoid any hot tub covers that don’t have a vacuum seal, as this simple feature makes it a lot more energy efficient.
Your hot tub cover is going to encounter its fair share of water and steam. The best models are made from marine-grade vinyl, that’s been treated against mildew. This will help to prevent your cover from getting waterlogged or mouldy.
The best covers are thicker in the middle and have tapered edges so rain and snow run straight off them. Water will stagnate on flat hot tub covers, which can cause you serious problems down the line.
Always go for a hot tub cover with safety locks that secure it in place. This will not only keep it from coming off in the wind but also prevent young children from being able to get in unsupervised.
Hot tub covers are heavy, and you’re going to be pulling yours around by the handles. Go for a model with reinforced straps to make sure your cover doesn’t have to be prematurely replaced because its handle snapped.
Unless you fancy a wrestling match every time you want to get in or out of your spa, you’re going to want to invest in a cover lifter for your hot tub.
No more awkwardly pulling your cover off and finding somewhere to stuff it while you soak. Simply fold the cover in half, then fold up the lifter’s arm to completely remove your spa’s cover where it is stowed neatly upright behind the spa.
Some hot tub covers feature a vinyl skirt that offers an extra layer of insulation, stops dirt, dust, and contaminants from getting into your tub, and hides the rubber seal.
If you want to hear what landscaping experts say about hot tub covers, be sure to check out our latest ‘Meet the Expert’ video where Duncan Ross talks about the latest cover trends!
Your spa’s cover often needs replacing before your hot tub has reached the end of its life.
You should always replace your hot tub’s cover if:
Heat is going to stream out of any break in your cover’s airtight seal, costing you a pretty penny in the process. If you spot a break in your spa cover’s seal you should replace it straight away.
If water gets into your cover’s foam, it will become heavy and awkward to move, prone to mildew, and less energy efficient. A telltale sign a cover is waterlogged is that it’s sagging in the middle, which is due to the excess weight of all the water it’s carrying. If your spa’s lid is sagging, then it’s time for a new one.
If the vinyl on the underside of your spa’s lid is starting to crack, it’s only a matter of time until it becomes waterlogged. Bits that crack off into your tub are also going to affect its chemistry and clog up its filters. Time for a new one when you start to spot cracks.
To ensure it lasts as long as possible, you’ll need to clean your hot tub’s cover as part of your regular hot tub care routine.
Luckily, they don’t require too much TLC. Every quarter simply wash it with warm soapy water and leave it to dry.
It’s also a very good idea to pick up some 303 Aerospace Protectant. This handy hot tub accessory was developed for the aerospace and aviation industry and keeps vinyl in ship shape, making it ideal for hot tub covers that spend their days exposed to the elements.
Give your hot tub cover a spray with this nifty product every few months and it will chemically bond the vinyl, blocking the UV rays that will fade and crack it if it’s left untreated.
Erecting hot tub housing around your spa will also protect its cover from the weather, making sure it lasts longer. Plus, it will allow you to enjoy your home spa in the wind, rain, and snow.
Yes, you can absolutely use your hot tub in winter. While hot tubs go hand in hand with barbecues and garden parties, there’s something special about soaking in a spa in the winter months – especially if a crisp layer of snow is covering the ground.
If you’re prone to overheating you might even prefer using your hot tub in cooler weather. Just be aware your spa will cost a bit more to run – although a quality hot tub cover will certainly help with that.
It’s well worth investing in a few accessories to keep your cover locked in place and reduce heat loss as much as possible during the colder months:
The lifespan of a hot tub cover will range between three to five years depending on the type of material used, how often it is used and how well it is maintained. The heavier-duty covers tend to last longer than lighter-duty covers due to their sturdiness and resistance to the elements, however, this type may be more expensive initially.
Thermal covers have an added layer of insulation, allowing the heat from your hot tub to be retained better than without one. This translates into substantial savings in electricity bills over time and will allow you to use your spa for longer periods without worrying about increasing costs.
In addition to being cost-effective, these covers are also durable and easy to handle due to their lighter weight when compared to traditional hot tub covers.
The cost of replacement hot tub covers is typically determined by the size, material, and style of the cover. Typically, the cost for a replacement cover in the current market ranges from £300 – £3000 depending on the above factors. While it may seem costly, this investment can be a great way to ensure your hot tub stays clean and well-insulated.
Leaving your hot tub uncovered is inadvisable, as it exposes the surface of the spa to the environment. The surface is vulnerable to becoming dirty and can become stained by leaves or debris, making it much more difficult to clean.
Without protection from a cover or lid, the hot tub can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, causing any potential illnesses upon entering. Additionally, should you leave your hot tub uncovered during colder months, water can freeze inside the inner surfaces which can crack pipes and damage components.
It is best practice to always keep your spa covered when not being used to keep it looking like new.
A poorly insulated, cracked, or damaged hot tub cover that does a terrible job of trapping your hot tub’s heat could cost you an arm and a leg over the years. Pick one that ticks all the boxes for your hot tub model we’ve listed above to make sure your tub is always running as efficiently as possible.
Looking for more hot tub buying guides? Grab your free copy of the latest edition WhatSpa? magazine for the latest guidance on how to get the most from your home spa and our picks of the best buys on the market today.
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About the author
I am the Content Writer and Marketing Officer at WhatSpa? Magazine. I have worked at WhatSpa? for over 8 years, and I recently graduated with Distinction from Northumbria University with a Master's degree in Occupational and Organizational Psychology. My role at WhatSpa? is to ensure that all hot tub lovers can easily access the highest quality and most up-to-date content, news and information from within the UK wet leisure industry.
Read our hot tub buying guide to learn how to choose the perfect hot tub model, then get the best deal from a quality hot tub retailer.
Read our guide to choosing the right type of housing for your hot tub and what you need to consider.
Read our guide on buying a hot tub for a small garden.