A hot tub cover averages $300 and offers extra protection. Options range from $50 to $12,000 depending on the type, thickness, and brand.
For the average homeowner, a hot tub cover costs $300, with most models ranging from $100 to $1,500. You could spend as little as $50 on a basic polyester soft cover or as much as $12,000 on a custom automatic cover that transforms your hot tub into a gazebo.
Hot tub covers are an essential accessory—especially if you want to increase energy efficiency. They insulate the water, which helps you save on your electric bill. They also help protect from dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can cause problems like algae or bacteria growth.
The average hot tub costs $6,000, so protecting your investment with a cover is a good idea. While most hot tub covers fall in the $100 to $1,500 range, the cost largely depends on the type and the quality.
There are different types of hot tub covers—some are more affordable than others. Basic soft covers are the least expensive, from around $50 to $100. Automatic covers cost the most because they’re typically custom products with many mechanics involved. These start at $2,000 but can hit $12,000 for luxury models.
The thickness of a hot tub cover impacts the price, along with the energy efficiency. Typically, thicker covers are better insulators but cost more than thin ones. Soft covers are generally made from a thin piece of vinyl fabric, whereas hard covers have multiple layers of insulation.
Higher-quality hot tub covers cost more than low-quality hot tub covers. You can tell the quality from the stitching. Often, low-quality covers have a single line of thin stitching. They’re also typically made from thin, low-quality fabric. Overall, they’re less durable.
Like most household products, you’ll pay more for a luxury brand. Certain covers from luxury brands can cost more than $3,000—especially if they’re automatic, come with a hydraulic lift, or have some other type of luxury feature. This is significantly more expensive than the standard hot tub cover.
Custom-made hot tub covers cost significantly more than covers you can buy off-the-shelf. You may need this type of cover if your hot tub isn’t a standard size or shape. Custom covers also often come with upgrades that raise the price, like automatic lifters, UV and weatherproofing options, or unique colors.
Many online retailers and hot tub dealers will offer free shipping on covers. You may have to spend a minimum of $50 to $200. Otherwise, make sure to budget for the shipping cost. It can cost anywhere from $20 to $400, depending on the type of cover.
There are different hot tub covers for in-ground and above-ground hot tubs, similar to how you’d purchase a different cover for different types of pools. Custom automatic covers or thermal blankets that cover the top of the water generally work on either type of hot tub. Here are some standard hot tub cover price ranges.
| Type of Cover | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Thermal blanket | $30–$150 |
| Inflatable cover | $30–$110 |
| Soft cover | $50–$200 |
| Hard cover | $250–$1,000 |
| Walk-on cover | $700–$1,500 |
| Automatic cover | $2,000–$12,000 |
Thermal blankets, or solar blankets, cost $30 to $150. These spa covers rest over the top of the water rather than around the outside of your hot tub. Typically, they’re made from a thin plastic sheet. While it does offer some insulation, it’s not as much as other covers.
Inflatable hot tub covers cost $30 to $90. This option is similar to a thermal blanket, but it’s made from inflatable plastic. People often use inflatable covers (also known as inflatable bladders) underneath soft covers to protect from rainfall.
Soft hot tub covers cost $50 to $200. These are typically made from vinyl, though lower-cost options may be made from polyester. Covers that cap the top of your hot tub will cost less than covers that go around your entire hot tub. This type of cover is lightweight, so it’s easy to remove and store, but it isn’t as insulating as a hard cover.
Hard hot tub covers cost $250 to $1,500, but most fall in the $250 to $650 range. Hard covers are the most popular because they offer the highest level of insulation. They’re typically made from vinyl surrounding a foam core but can be pretty heavy. Homeowners often buy a cover lift to help with removal.
Walk-on hot tub cover prices range from $700 to $1,200. Most hard covers cannot support a person's or pet's weight, but walk-on covers are designed to eliminate this safety risk. This type of cover, often made from sturdy aluminum and foam, is popular for in-ground hot tubs.
An automatic cover can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000. It depends on the design. Basic covers with a semi-automatic or automatic lift usually cost between $2,000 and $4,000. You can also purchase automatic covers that transform your hot tub into a gazebo. This type of cover typically starts at around $9,000 and often comes with features like LED lighting.
You can DIY a hot tub cover for less than $100. Some people use plastic tarps, polystyrene foam, or plywood, but it won’t have the same insulating properties as a hard hot tub cover. Check the R-value (insulating power) of the materials you use.
Most covers can easily pop on the top of your hot tub, though you may need two people to lift it. If you’re installing an automatic cover or a cover lift, you could damage your hot tub if you don’t know what you’re doing or void the warranty. It’s also dangerous to work around wiring, especially when it comes into direct contact with water. In this case, hiring a pool electrician or a hot tub installer near you is best.
You can buy a couple of things along with your hot tub cover.
| Add-On | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Cover lift | $100–$650 |
| Care kit | $20–$90 |
| Cleaning solution | $15–$25 |
Hot tub cover lifters cost between $100 to $650. Some spas come with a lifting mechanism, while others require purchasing it as an add-on. Different hot tub cover lifters exist—from undermount to hydraulic to rolling or no-lift mechanisms.
Hot tub covers are relatively easy to maintain. Just clean them regularly, maintain the pH of the water, and repair them when necessary. Consider buying a cover care kit. These typically cost $20 to $90 and include:
Spa cover cleaner
UV-protectant
Sponges
If you don’t want to purchase a care kit, a stand-alone bottle of cleaning solution with UV protection costs $15 to $25.
Like all types of pools, hot tubs require serious maintenance. Luckily, the cover is a massive part of that. The right cover will help you reduce your electric bill, but you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get long-term cost savings. These tips will help you save on a hot tub cover by shopping smart:
Choose a basic cover: A basic soft hot tub cover made from vinyl offers more protection than a thermal blanket or polyester cover but comes at a value.
Match the insulation to your climate: Ensure your cover is appropriate for the weather. If you live in a mild climate, you can get away with choosing a cover with a low R-value (insulating power). Those are generally cheaper. If you live in a freezing climate, you may need a high-quality hard cover to keep your water warm, which tends to be more expensive.
Search for a sale or discount: Like most things you can buy online, hot tub covers can go on sale. Search big box retailers to find the best deal, and read the reviews.
It generally costs between $350 to $500 to replace a hot tub cover, though you may spend more if you have an automatic cover or need to purchase a specific model. Sometimes, hot tubs come with covers, and if you want to replace them with the name brand from the same manufacturer, you could spend upwards of $1,000.
If you properly maintain your hot tub cover, it should last for five to seven years. It depends on the quality. Lower-quality polyester or vinyl soft covers can easily tear with regular use. You may be able to patch it temporarily with duct tape, but you’ll eventually need a new cover. Before you buy a hot tub, check for a warranty, just in case.
