VIA MERCHANT
Pros:
- Quick setup
- Affordable
- Does not need to be attached to your house
Cons:
- Not as durable as other options
- May blow away with strong wind
For shaded coverage that doesn’t need to attach to your home, consider this pop-up canopy. Set it up within minutes and get shade from all angles, which is a necessary consideration when buying a hot tub. Use the canopy windows to look outside or close everything off with the front curtains—talk about shelter and privacy! Bonus: These hot tub accessories will elevate your spa experience.
VIA MERCHANT
Pros:
- Affordable
- Large enough for parties
- Easy to store
Cons:
- Needs to be staked down
- Not permanent
Looking for temporary coverage for a party? This extra-long folding sun shelter provides shade over a hot tub and seating area to keep revelers fully shaded until sundown. Once this canopy is staked in the ground with the provided hardware, you won’t have to worry about the wind blowing your cover.
VIA MERCHANT
Pros:
- No assembly required
- Keeps mosquitos and bugs away
- Affordable
- Provides both privacy and shade
Cons:
- Must be set up for each use
If mosquitos are your biggest hot tub complaint, this mesh-sided pop-up tent provides a solution. The hexagonal screen house wraps around a standard or inflatable hot tub, with sizes ranging from 6 feet by 6 feet to 15 feet by 15 feet. A major plus is it doesn’t require any assembly. Simply step inside through the zippered screen door and enjoy some bug-free relaxation.
Several key factors must be considered when shopping for a hot tub shelter to ensure a good investment and a safe, functional outdoor environment.
Outdoor Hot Tub Placement
When choosing a location for your hot tub, place it at least 16 feet away from any overhead power lines for the sake of safety. Fallen powerlines that come in contact with water can cause severe injury or even death. You should also ensure your hot tub is at least five feet away from any other structures, like sheds, garages or homes, to prevent flooding.
Local Regulations
Depending on your city or town, local regulations may dictate where and how you can build your hot tub shelter. Even if you are building on your own property, consulting with your local regulations office is always a good idea to ensure you build per these regulations.
Building Codes
Building codes vary from state to state and one municipality to another, so it’s important to understand how they influence your build. It may be helpful to hire a general contractor familiar with the ins and outs of the building codes in your area to help you navigate the project. If you live in a community that has a homeowner’s association, you may need to get additional approval for any hot tub shelters.
Budget
Hot tub shelters are no small investment, even if you stick to more affordable options. They can range in price from just a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Carefully consider how much you want to spend because the sky’s the limit, especially if you opt to have a pergola or gazebo custom-built.
Available Space
Hot tub shelters can take up quite a bit of space depending on which type you choose and the size of your hot tub. Even if you want a large pergola or custom gazebo, sometimes the amount of space in your yard won’t allow it. Consider how much space is available for your hot tub shelter and look at options that you can reasonably fit in your space.
Solid Foundation
Building a solid foundation is one of the most important hot tub installation steps. Hot tubs typically weigh thousands of pounds, so you’ll need to ensure that the deck, patio, or concrete slab where you place it is sturdy enough to accommodate its weight. What may seem like small cracks can become big problems if left unaddressed over time. Make sure your foundation is not only sturdy but flat as well.
Ventilation
If you choose a hot tub shelter that fully encloses your hot tub, pay close attention to ventilation. Hot tubs produce exceptional moisture, so you may need an exhaust fan for fully enclosed hot tub shelters. Excess moisture and humidity can cause damage to your deck, patio or home. You may even want to consider a powered ventilation system if you are building a hot tub enclosure that you intend to use all year round. Consult an experienced contractor to determine the best ventilation option for your unique situation.
Climate and Weather
Think about the weather and climate in your location and how it might impact your hot tub shelter. For example, locations that experience extreme wind and cold may require shelters that can be broken down and stored during the winter or sturdy structures that can withstand the elements. If you live in a mild or warm climate all year round, you have more options available to you.
Ashlyn Needham, the author of this piece, is a freelance writer and home decor expert. She has over six years of experience writing home-related content that has been featured in The Spruce, HomeLight, Wayfair and Family Handyman. Ashlyn is passionate about creating a well-designed, functional home and loves inspiring readers to do the same.
Nina Derwin is a commerce updates editor for Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home and Family Handyman with experience researching and reviewing various items to help shoppers find the best products on the market. She researched and updated this piece.
How We Found the Best
When looking for the best hot tub shelters, we carefully researched and considered various options in various styles. We paid close attention to functionality, durability, and price. We looked for temporary options that could be stored in the off-season, as well as custom builds and pre-fabricated enclosures. Ultimately, we found that the best hot tub shelters meet your needs based on your climate, budget and available space.
FAQ
Can you put a canopy over a hot tub?
A canopy or pergola can provide shade over a hot tub and help create a sense of privacy for you and your guests while the tub is in use.
How far does a hot tub need to be from a house?
Installing a hot tub a safe distance from your home helps protect your house from damage and any potential hazards. A hot tub should generally be at least five feet away from your house or any other surface, like a deck or patio.
Should you put a gazebo over a hot tub?
A gazebo is a great addition to your hot tub. It looks beautiful, helps provide privacy and protects your hot tub from the elements, like sunlight, rain and wind, prolonging its lifespan.
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