The Best Hot Tub Winter Covers for Cold Climates

Your hot tub cover is the first line of defense against harsh winter weather. A quality winter cover prevents heat loss, withstands heavy snow, and protects your hot tub’s structure from damage.

Here’s what to look for when buying a cover, and which brands I recommend.

How to Buy the Right Winter Hot Tub Cover

A standard hot tub cover works fine in mild climates. But a sturdy winter cover needs to handle snow accumulation, freezing temperatures, and ice damage. The right winter cover also needs thick insulation to trap heat and weatherproof materials that won’t crack or tear in freezing conditions.

Before you shop for a cover, you need to know what dimensions you need. Here’s a quick guide on how to measure a hot tub cover correctly if you need help.

1. Choose Thick High-Density Foam with a Taper

A cover with a higher-density foam core retains heat better and won’t sag under heavy snow. Look for foam that’s 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) thick.

Tapered covers are best for outdoor use. The center is thickest and slopes down to the edges, so snow and water roll off instead of pooling on top. Check out these options at The Cover Guy.

Some manufacturers list an R-value to measure insulation. But this isn’t consistent across brands, so focus on foam thickness and density instead.

2. Pick Weather-Resistant Outer Materials

Marine-grade vinyl is the standard outer material for most covers and handles most typical weather conditions. But vinyl fades and tears over time, especially in harsh sunlight and freezing temperatures.

Consider upgrading to a cover made from weather-resistant polyester fabric (like WeatherShield). This resists staining, handles UV exposure better, and lasts significantly longer. You’ll pay more upfront but replace your cover less often. Many manufacturers like Master Spa are promoting these types of covers.

If you do purchase a vinyl cover, look for one that is UV-protected and mildew-resistant.

3. Look for Reinforced Support Beams

Without the right reinforcement, your cover will sag or even collapse under heavy snow. High-quality covers use galvanized steel bars near the center to reinforce the cover.

Basic covers have one or two support beams. Premium covers have multiple bars spaced throughout the foam. More reinforcement means better protection against weight, so choose your reinforcement based on how much snow you get.

4. Check the Vapor Barrier Quality

A thick, well-sealed vapor barrier prevents moisture from reaching the foam core. Without proper protection, steam and evaporation can seep into the foam core, making your cover waterlogged and heavy.

Look for covers with a double vapor barrier. This means two layers of plastic wrap around your foam core. If your current cover feels heavy or smells musty, the vapor barrier might need to be replaced.

How to Protect Your Hot Tub Cover

Adding a few accessories, like a floating thermal blanket, a cover cap or tarp, and wind straps, can help protect your hot tub cover from damage and prevent heat loss.

1. Add a Floating Thermal Blanket

Adding a floating thermal blanket to the surface of your water helps reduce heat loss and protects the underside of your cover from chemical and ozone damage.

Floating blankets also decrease condensation buildup. This fights mildew and prevents your cover from becoming waterlogged. Use both a thermal blanket and your main cover together for maximum protection in cold climates.

2. Protect Your Cover with a Cap or Tarp

A cover cap or tarp protects the vinyl from snow accumulation and adds extra warmth. It also makes snow removal easier since you can brush off or remove the cap or tarp without touching your main cover. Both options extend your main cover’s life by shielding it from harsh winter weather.

3. Install Wind Straps

Strong winds can lift or damage your cover even when latched. Wind straps secure your cover to your spa cabinet with adjustable buckles. Most covers include basic closing tabs and locking straps, but add separate wind straps if you live in an area with frequent high winds.

How to Maintain Your Hot Tub Cover

Even the best winter cover needs regular maintenance. Here’s how to care for your cover:

• Clean off snow weekly with a soft-bristled brush or broom to prevent heavy accumulation from damaging the cover.
• Wipe down your cover monthly and air-dry it for at least eight hours every few months to prevent mildew and water retention.
• If you have a vinyl cover, apply a vinyl protectant each month to prevent sun damage and cracking from freezing temperatures.
• Keep your water balanced to reduce chemical damage to the underside of the cover.
• Check for tears or loose seams regularly and repair minor damage immediately with waterproof tape or a vinyl repair kit.

If you think your cover is waterlogged or you need more help with the cleaning process, check out our complete guide: How to Clean a Hot Tub Cover.

Key Takeaways

• Choose high-density foam cores that are 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) thick for better insulation and snow support in cold climates.
• Look for reinforced galvanized steel beams and tapered covers to prevent sagging under heavy snow loads.
• Pick a cover with a double vapor barrier and UV-protected marine-grade vinyl, or upgrade to advanced fabrics like polyester for better durability.
• Add a floating foam blanket under your main cover for extra insulation and protection against chemical damage.
• Install a cover cap or tarp over your main cover to shield it from snow accumulation and extend its lifespan.
• Maintain your cover by cleaning off snow weekly, applying vinyl protectant monthly, and air drying quarterly to prevent damage and water retention.

3 Ways We Can Help With Your Hot Tub

1. Hot Tub Cheat Sheets (Free): Easy-to-use guides to help you keep your hot tub water balanced and sanitized.
2. The Hot Tub Handbook: An illustrated guide to DIY hot tub care, including water chemistry, maintenance, troubleshooting, and more.
3. The Hot Tub Care Course. You’ll get step-by-step videos and a step-by-step downloadable guide with everything you need to know about hot tub maintenance.