A hot tub cover usually lasts between three and eight years, so at some point, a hot tub owner will most likely need to buy a replacement. Choosing the best replacement hot tub covers is a matter of understanding the function of a cover; not only does the cover keep unwanted visitors and debris out of the hot tub, it also keeps the heat from the water inside the tub, meaning electrical bills stay lower. When considering replacement hot tub covers, choose one that is made from marine-quality vinyl and polystyrene foam. The cover should be heavy enough that it will not move in high winds, but light enough that it can be moved relatively easily.
As replacement hot tub covers — like all hot tub covers — become waterlogged, they become much heavier than they were when purchased. The water from the tub seeps into the pores of the polystyrene during condensation, and the cover can become almost immovable. If you are not confident that you can handle the excess weight, consider replacement hot tub covers that can be affixed to a spa cover lifter. The arms of the lifter will help you lift the cover off the hot tub with little effort; some are even pneumatic to further ease the process of removing the cover.
Most covers are constructed with four inches (10.2 centimeters) of foam wrapped in a vinyl casing. This is sufficient to help keep the heat from the tub inside, and it is thick enough to support the weight of a normal sized adult should someone fall on the cover. Replacement hot tub covers, like covers that come with the tub at purchase, are not designed to support weight for sustained periods of time, as the foam may crack and compromise the function of the cover. Its weight-bearing capabilities are for emergencies only.
Choose a cover that features tie-downs at each corner so the cover can be secured during windy conditions or long periods of dormancy. This will prevent animals or small children from lifting the cover and slipping inside. Make sure the seams of the tie-downs, as well as the rest of the cover, are double-stitched and secured with no gaps or rips along their lengths. Replacement hot tub covers should fit the size and shape of the tub as closely as possible, and for custom tubs, a custom cover will have to be made to fit.
