How to Make a Cheap Hot Tub Cover

Outdoor entertainment is more exciting with hot tubs to use all year round and with hot tubs made from a variety of materials, you can make a cheap hot tub cover that does not have to look cheap.

Step 1: Choose the Material

Look at the type of hot tub that has been installed at your home and distinguish between a hard or soft hot tub cover. It is not practical or aesthetic to put a wooden cover on a soft, fiberglass hot tub that will buckle under the weight.  

A soft cover can be made for a wooden hot tub, but it may not look good. A soft cover can be rolled up and stored and can be made from foam or vinyl, but the outdoor elements are not kind to these covers as they wear quickly. The foam may develop holes which will let water into the tub and cause more leaks. Softer materials can fade from the sun and have high disinfectant levels, but they are inexpensive and easy to make.

A tonneau cover is a hard shell cover which makes it heavier, clumsier and more expensive to make. The material will cost more and the design will have to provide for a hinge in the middle for using part of the tub. If you want to be environmentally friendly, a solar hot tub cover keeps the water clean and warm. Investigate materials that will insulate the hot tub without affecting the electricity account.

Step 2: Measure the Area

Measure the area of your hot tub as hot tubs are available in quiet a number of shapes now. Measure the area according to the shape and design of the tub. Make sure to check the size of the opening as this will help you to cut the vinyl and wood accordingly.

Also design, whether you wish to enclose the whole tub or not. If you live in a windy area, it is best to cover more than the top of the tub. If the hot tub is seldom used it is best to have a light, small cover. The shell of the spa can either form a lip over the top edge of the cabinet or end on a rail of wood that sticks out from the lip of the shell. The bigger the cover, the heavier it will be to move and remove.

Step 3: Cut the Material

Now depending on the shape of the tub, draw the pattern on the plywood or plastic to cover the top dimensions of the hot tub. Plan this step carefully to prevent material wastage or mistakes in measuring. It is better to cut the material too big as it can always be reshaped.

Now, cut the plywood in exactly two equal parts. Also, cut the foam insulation in two parts which are also the size of the already cut plywood.

Step 4: Apply Glue

Apply glue to stick the insulation to the plywood.

Step 5: Cut the Vinyl

Now you will need to cut the vinyl into the size which is 1 1/2 inches larger than the size of two pieces of plywood. Next, another strip of vinyl is also to be cut which is 3 inches larger in size so that to cover the edges. You may need more than 4 strip to do this.

Next, lay and unfold the vinyl (3 inch ones) under as well as over the plywood pieces. Make sure that the right side of the strip is out.

Step 6: Paste Vinyl

Now, glue and overlap the pieces of the plywood around each part of the tub.

Also, glue to attach the vinyl (6 inch one) to cover so that it may hold the two halves. Now, glue the strips which are on the outer sides and make sure you leave an extra inch on each half of the strip.

Step 7: Attach the Hot Tub Cover

Either use weighted clips or hooks for the material to stay on top of the hot tub or use a plastic tie to keep the wind out and the warmer temperature inside. Heavier, wooden hot tub covers will require screws. It may be easy to attach the cheap hot tub cover under the lip of the shell as it will keep the elements out of the tub.

Show off your homemade hot tub cover that protects your hot tub from the sun, rain and wind when you invite guests over to soak in the clean, warm water.