The SpaCap Hot Tub Cover Reviewed

Everyone who has owned a hot tub has eventually replaced a hot tub cover or two (or three) in the course of their ownership. As much as hot tubs and swim spas have evolved over the last 20-30 years the hot tub cover has not. Rigid Styrofoam covers wrapped in vinyl remain the design of choice by hot tub manufacturers. There’s some debate on whether it’s due to lower cost manufacturing or the built-in obsolescence that provides hot tub retailers opportunities to sell a replacement cover 2-5 years out. The bottom line is that rigid foam covers are not environmentally friendly, not the best insulating design, and not the easiest to use (heavy and awkward).

The Spa Cap is one of the more revolutionary hot tub covers in the industry. They’ve been developed since the late 1970’s but haven’t gained the proper awareness until the last 10 years with better exposure and visibility to consumers online. The company tried to market the Spa Cap through a traditional hot tub dealer/retailer network but due to the covers lasting so long (10-15 year life expectancy) dealers were missing out on the reoccurring revenue they were getting every couple of years from traditional covers so the dealer market dried up and the company was forced to move to a more consumer direct model which has been both a win win for the consumer and for the company as costs and prices have been kept lower. The Spa Cap can now be custom ordered online and shipped directly to consumers across the country and all over the world. It can even be ordered for swim spas.

The design of the Spa Cap is truly unique because the cover has no foam but rather air bladders (up to 5) that insulate the water and provide a superior R value as compared to a traditional foam cover. The Spa Cap also rests on the surface of the water providing maximum insulation and no condensation. Traditional covers have an air gap between the surface of the water and the underside of the cover in which steam rises and settles on the bottom of the covers and eventually drains back into the spa. This process is not as energy efficient as having the insulation barrier rest directly on the spa water. Additionally some of that steam and condensation wicks its way into the styrene foam causing it to waterlog over time and get heavy. The waterlogged cover also gets heavier and loses it’s insulation value (R value) over time and becomes extremely difficult to lift off. It also puts stress on a cover lifter and the spa cabinet (which the cover lifter is attached too) and can eventually lead to damage.

The Spa Cap is a truly an exciting product and if you’ve owned a hot tub you can immediately understand the benefits and implications. The SpaCap starts at around $500 plus the cost of upgrades and shipping. The are several upgrades available such as increasing the number of air chambers (comes with two but can add up to three more to make five total), adding skirt, “Reflectix” reflective foil insulation, and deck-mount design.

As part of our commitment to hot tub buyers and transparency in the hot tub industry we’ve created this page for consumers to write reviews and feedback regarding their experiences with the Spa Cap. Feel free to post comments or ask questions.

Also, for more information visit our hot tub buyer’s guide pages. Also, click on the pink boxes and complete our free local quote form to get competitive prices from local dealers in your area.

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Hot Tub Insider
Average rating:  
 2 reviews
 by Rick Kizer

Like another reviewer I have the similar issue with water infiltrating the product. We have tried to "drain" the water through the inflation ports to no avail. It appears that water enters the product when exposed to rain or snow. We now have an estimated 5 gallons of water inside the product that we cannot drain. We appealed to customer service when this happened but met with a brick wall accusing us of abuse or introducing a degenerating chemical to the product.

 by Laurie Johnson
Worst Cover Ever for Swim spa

We purchased a spa cap cover several years ago for our 14' swim spa. . While the cover does keep the water warm and clean, it is virtually impossible for one person to put it back on the spa after use. It is very heavy, big and awkward to lift back onto the spa, especially when it has air in it, so since I can't put the cover back on by myself, I can't use my swim spa. It also gets water inside the bladders somehow, and the 4 tiny holes in the corners do not drain the water sufficiently, making it even heavier and impossible to lift back up on the tub. This was a huge mistake to purchase and I am going back to the folding foam covers which are much more manageable.

3 thoughts on “The SpaCap Hot Tub Cover Reviewed

    1. Nan – I am told they are around $500-$700 depending on options and upgrades (8 ft cover). Shipping is also extra. I would contact the company directly for a quote.

  1. RE SpaCap inflatable spa cover. Ran across this site while looking for remedies on how to put a SpaCap back on a 14×7 swim spa. I have to agree with Laurie that if you are an Olympic weight lifter you could do it. If you are an average person getting it off is easy as can be, it just slides off. Trying to put it back on takes a Herculean effort and about 1/2 hour especially if there is any wind
    The cover is very efficient but is hard to clean the underside from dirt build up. If knew then what I know now I would not have bought this product. It is well made and would work if you consistently have two people to put it back on. Other wise you can slide it half way off and still get it back on with some effort. I am still trying to figure out a mechanical set up to get it back on my spa.

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