How to Paint and Decorate a Hot Tub Cover

My hot tub is one of my favourite features in my back garden but I thought I could make it stand out even more. A friend of mine suggested that I painted and decorated the cover, but I wasn’t sure whether this was even possible, let alone how to go about it, so I decided to do a little research to find out more.

So, how to paint and decorate a hot tub cover? It’s possible to paint and decorate a hot tub cover in a few different ways, but the most common involve using stickers and decals or using vinyl paint to create attractive designs on the hot tub lid.

You can even make your own hot tub cover should you wish to do so, but the simplest and most convenient option is to use a commercially available lid and then to decorate it yourself. The good news is that you can use any designs that you like – the only limit is your own creativity!

What Are The Top 3 Ideas For Decorating Hot Tub Covers?

A lot of people want to personalise their hot tub lid, but you can easily add some flair to your own cover. If you wish, you can choose colours or designs that match your existing outdoor décor, or you can go for something completely different and contrasting to create more visual interest in your space.

The top suggestion when it comes to decorating hot tub covers is to use vinyl paint to create your own design or even just to spruce up the cover and make it a different, more appealing cover. If you’re especially artistic, you can add a mural, pattern or picture to the cover. Vinyl paint is the best option because it is strong and it’s also durable and robust enough to withstand the weather for many seasons.

Another popular option for decorating a hot tub cover is to use a peel and stick decal. There are many different options of vinyl peel and stick stickers or decals that can cling easily to the vinyl surface of a hot tub cover. You can select from an enormous array of colours, sizes and shapes, with all types of letters, numbers, characters and even team logos available for you to pick from.

Some people even choose to decorate their cover by using some Velcro backing along with a set of string lights on the cover. This not only adds some more visual appeal but it also adds another light source to your garden which is always attractive.

How Do I Paint A Hot Tub Cover?

If you have a vinyl hot tub cover, the best way to paint it is to use paint that has been specifically designed for use on vinyl. The easiest solution is to spray paint the cover, especially if you want to make the entire lid a single shade.

However, if you want to create a mural or pattern, you may find it easier to use a brush or a roller to create the design of your choice. Make sure that you’ve cleaned the cover well first before you cover it with paint, though. This will ensure that there is a dirt-free surface for the paint to adhere to and the final result will be smoother, more even and more attractive.

Using stencils might also be a good option, particularly if you are intending spraying the paint on.

Another option is to use an acrylic paint or an acrylic latex paint. Using a spray acrylic sealant afterwards is the best solution to make sure that the final result is protected from water splashes and the elements.

Whatever paint you choose make sure that the hot tub cover is completely clean and dry before starting work.

Why Is A Hot Tub Cover So Important?

No matter when you plan to use your hot tub, it’s absolutely essential that you ensure you have a suitable cover for it. Not only does that cover need to be the right shape and size, it also needs to be in optimal condition with no tears, rips or damage. The core also needs to be dry and not waterlogged. Why is this so important?

Of course, the primary reason for having a cover for your hot tub is to keep debris and pollutants out of the water. You don’t want to have to fish pests, dirt and leaves out of your tub every time you want to get in it, and, of course, those unwanted contaminants can get trapped in the filters or in the system and cause a blockage that could result in damage if left unrectified. When you cover your tub, all of the unwanted debris will be kept out. This will save you a lot of maintenance work in the long-term.

Well, a hot tub cover is designed for a much more important purpose than just keeping objects and debris out of the water if you’re not using it. It’s also vital for keeping the tub’s water at the right temperature for use. This is particularly essential if you’re using the tub during colder weather or if you live in a cooler climate since it will take longer to warm the water if the ambient temperature is cold and this will cause your energy bills to increase, not to mention making you wait until the water has warmed up again before you jump in for your relaxing soak.

Also, using a lid on your tub whenever it isn’t in use will make sure that you don’t lose a lot of water due to evaporation. This is especially likely to occur if the ambient temperature is very warm. Without a lid, the water in the hot tub will evaporate and be lost to the air. This will mean you have to top up the water more frequently and this will cause water bills to mount up, not to mention your energy bills from having to heat the fresh water from scratch. You’ll also need to use more chemicals if the water level keeps dropping, and this too is an additional expense that you can avoid simply by putting a lid on your tub.

A hot tub cover is also necessary to protect the tub itself. Its components and jets are essential working parts and if you don’t cover the tub properly they’re potentially exposed to the elements that could cause long-term damage. If you use a quality cover that fits properly, the interior elements of the spa will be protected effectively so you can be confident of many more years of enjoyment in your investment.

Covers for hot tubs are also important if you have pets or young children who could possibly get into the water. Any type of open water can be a risk for toddlers or small animals who could fall in and struggle to get out. When you put a cover over your hot tub, you can be confident that your family members and pets will be safe, especially since you can easily lock a hot tub cover when the spa isn’t in use.

How Can I Make My Hot Tub A Feature In My Garden?

While painting and decorating your hot tub cover is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your hot tub, there are a number of other ways that you can turn it into a feature in your garden. You can enhance the area surrounding your hot tub with functional yet attractive décor. Try these top tips:

Add furniture – Buy furniture for the area immediately around the hot tub in either a matching or contrasting shade. Black or white are both good choices that will contrast perfectly with virtually all colours. Choose a table and chairs to place close to your spa as this won’t just be decorative, it will also be useful if you host a hot tub party.

Guests who aren’t using the tub will be able to socialise in comfort with those who are bathing. Low-lying tables or benches can serve dual-function as either drinks holders or as seats for somebody who wants to be close to the water but who doesn’t want to completely submerge themselves.

Add some tubs and containers – Some people like to place their spa tub at the heart of a container garden, with beautiful flowers and shrubs planted in pots surrounding the tub. These pots can be painted in a colour to match the spa lid, can be painted in a plain shade or can even be decorated in a completely different style to mix things up a little and add to the atmosphere of your outdoor space.

Bear in mind, though, that any plants that you choose should not be placed too close to the tub or you could run the risk of debris and leaves falling into the water. Choose plants that don’t shed or make sure to leave sufficient room between the plants and the tub so that you won’t be constantly fishing dirt and contaminants out of the water.

Build a gazebo – Some hot tub owners like to create a gazebo over their spa. This not only adds a little more shelter and protection for users but it also makes the tub more of a feature in the space. This gazebo can be painted in an appealing colour, decorated to match the cover, or even hung with garlands, fairy lights or lanterns for even more aesthetic appeal.

How Can I Integrate A Hot Tub Into My Garden Beautifully?

Although a hot tub in your garden makes it more pleasant to spend time outdoors regardless of the season, it can be difficult to integrate one into your space seamlessly and attractively, especially if your garden is very small. There are a few tips to follow to make your spa fit perfectly into your garden so that it becomes a key feature instead of a functional eyesore.

• Choose the right location. Make sure that all sides of the tub aren’t exposed. Use any existing railings and walls to hide more than one side and then, if you can, use a wood enclosure to mask the remainder. You can then add functional steps, a gazebo covering and some lights to make a beautiful feature.
• Plant right to the very edge of your spa. Unlike an inground pool, you don’t need to leave a wide space of paving around the edge to access the water. This means you can use the tub as a focal point in your garden by landscaping the entire surrounding area.
• Conceal your tub. If you’d rather keep your tub private and not visible to casual viewers, you can conceal the tub easily by adding a stone wall that hides it from the patio or lawn. This is especially easy if you choose a sunken spa.
• Add a sun deck. Whether you choose to sink your spa into decking or have an above ground spa on reinforced decking you can turn this space into a feature. A sun deck is the ideal space to sunbathe and relax on warm days and for your guests to socialise if you are having a hot tub party.

Related Questions

What types of hot tub covers are there? There are four types of hot tub cover available on the market so you’re sure to find one that is perfect for your model. Of course, the vast majority of spas, both inflatable and standard, will come with a cover of their own already, but if yours doesn’t or if you need to purchase a new one, it’s important to know the options available so you can make the right decision.

Soft spa covers are made from vinyl durable fabric which is stretched over the tub and fastened onto the spa cabinet. Usually, an air-filled vinyl pillow will be placed beneath the cover to keep rain water from pooling up. These lightweight covers are affordable and aren’t especially bulky but they aren’t thermal so they won’t keep the water as warm as some other types.

A hard spa cover will be made from vinyl with a foam core and with a hinge in their centre. They fit your hot tub’s size precisely so its edges are properly sealed. These covers are also affordable and boast an impressive R-value so your water will stay quite warm. On the downside, they’re very heavy and if the seal becomes punctured the foam core may absorb water.

Aluminium covers are lightweight with a Styrofoam core that fits between plates of aluminium. These covers don’t absorb a lot of water and therefore they last a long time but they have a low R-value so they won’t keep the water as warm as a vinyl cover.

The most expensive covers are Smartop covers which are made from aluminium and which are long-lasting. They come with a fitted hydraulic lifter which opens the cover. Thanks to their foam insulation, there is no water absorption and they are UV resistant to combat the elements.

Can you repair a hot tub cover? Although many people choose to purchase a new spa cover if theirs becomes damaged, it’s perfectly possible to repair most types of hot tub cover. If yours is waterlogged with holes in it, you can resolve the problem by taking out the damp foam and allowing it to dry out completely.

In the meantime, use a cleaner that can combat mould and mildew to clean the vinyl and patch the hole through which the water leaked before putting back the foam layer. You can patch a hot tub cover’s hole by buying a patch kit. Always trim the tear’s edges and make the patch an inch bigger on each side than the hole it is covering. Cut the edges of the patch in a round shape as this will prevent it from curling up. Wash the area surrounding hole before fixing the patch onto the vinyl, and roughen the are with sand paper before you apply it.

If the foam also needs to be patched you can buy a new piece of foam and cut it so it fits in the hole perfectly. Insert it in place and apply a patch onto each side of the foam. This will keep the new foam sandwiched effectively between two patches to give even more security and protection. In some cases, a hot tub cover will just be beyond repair.

Should yours have got to this point, you may need to consider buying a new one. Luckily, there are many different types and styles available so there is sure to be one that meets your needs. Make sure you choose wisely though, since your cover is essential to protect your investment in your hot tub and to keep it damage free for many more years to come.

How do I clean a hot tub cover? You can clean your hot tub cover by using your hose at a moderate pressure to wash away any debris and dirt. Clean both the underside and the top. Then use a vinyl cleaner for a more comprehensive clean, using a soft-bristled brush or cloth in circular motions. Rinse afterwards and wipe down the cover with a microfibre cloth and allow to dry. Take the time during the process to check for any damage to the cover that needs repairing.