As a hot tub owner, you have probably heard tales of what the sun and the weather conditions can do to your hot tub. This might make you ask yourself, should a hot tub be under a roof? Here is the answer to that.
A hot tub doesn’t have to be under a roof. Using a hot tub under a roof has many benefits. One of which is that it protects the hot tub from harsh weather. But you can install and use your hot tub without a roof as long as the hot tub isn’t exposed to harsh weather conditions and pollutants.
There is more to know about hot tubs and using them under a roof and this post digs right into the topic. So let’s dive in.
Benefits Of Using A Roof For Your Hot Tub
A lot of hot tub owners use a roof or shade for their hot tub and for good reasons too. Let’s check out the benefits of using a roof for your hot tub.
Protection From Harsh Weather
One of the main benefits of using a roof for your hot tub is the protection the roof gives to the hot tub from harsh weather conditions.
Most hot tub owners install their hot tub outdoors. This means the hot tub is constantly exposed to the elements. The sun, snow, rain, and wind are not very hot tub-friendly.
Constant exposure of your hot tub water to the rays of the sun allows algae to grow in the water. Algae are microscopic plants that rely on photosynthesis to thrive. So if the sun is constantly hitting your hot tub water, then you are most likely to notice green substances (or algae) in your hot tub. However, using the hot tub under a roof prevents this.
Also, rain doesn’t do any good to your hot tub. The water in your hot tub is hot, usually about 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If the hot tub is exposed to rainwater, the rain will lower the temperature of the hot tub water since rainwater is cold.
The constant rise and drop in the water temperature of the hot tub can cause the total alkalinity to go off. If this happens, then you will struggle to keep your water pH in check. Acid rain especially will make the water chemistry unbalanced.
The wind can also blow all sorts of contaminants into the hot tub water. Not to mention the damages that extreme weather conditions like hailstones can cause to your hot tub frame.
So if you live in areas where the weather isn’t very friendly, using a roof over your hot tub is a great idea to keep the hot tub clean and protected from the harsh weather.
Related Read: Can You Use Hot Tub During Rain?
A Roof Prevents Sunburn To The Bathers
Having a roof over your hot tub will prevent sunburn to the bathers. If your hot tub doesn’t have a roof, then you wouldn’t want to use it when the sun is out. This is because the sun will hit your skin while you are in the water that is about 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This is enough to cause sunburn and in some hot areas, it can cause heatstroke.
Of course, you can use sunscreen to prevent the harsh effects of the sun on your skin. But do you want to put on sunscreen before you get in the hot tub? Doing that will lead to the hot tub water getting murky.
You can also decide to use the hot tub in the evening while the sun is not out but this would limit the time you can use in your hot tub. The best way to prevent sunburn while in the hot tub is to have a roof over the hot tub.
Related Read: Does a Hot Tub Help With Sunburn?
To Prevent Moisture Loss In The Hot Tub
Using a roof for the hot tub also helps to prevent moisture loss. The water in your hot tub is usually heated by the heating mechanism. This alone leads to evaporation of the water.
But it’s not a concern since hot tubs only lose about 1 inch of water every week. But if the hot tub is exposed to the sun for hours, the rate of moisture loss can go from 1 inch per week to over 4 inches of water per week.
This will reduce the water in the hot tub quickly and you will find yourself refilling the hot tub sooner than when needed. However, using a roof over the hot tub will prevent extreme moisture loss.
For Designs And Beauty
Using a roof over your hot tub also helps to make the hot tub area beautiful. The roof gives the hot tub area a more aesthetic view that can enhance your overall hot tub experience.
You can go with wooden roofs with flowers to get a more natural feel in your hot tub area or go with a modern design with metal plates. Either way, a roof over your hot tub area will make the space look better than it was before.
Privacy
Having a roof for your hot tub also gives you extra privacy especially if your hot tub is located where it can be seen from outside like the front yard or deck.
It also gives privacy from nosy neighbors that can peek into your compound. If you want to enjoy your hot tub without any unwanted attention, a hot tub roof or shade is the way to go.
You can even go the extra mile by building or purchasing an enclosed hot tub roof. Enclosed hot tub roofs don’t only cover the top of the hot tub, they also cover the hot tub at all sides. It’s like having a wall around your hot tub space.
The Downsides Of Having A Roof Over Your Spa
Though putting your hot tub under a roof gives many benefits to the hot tub and the bathers, there are a few downsides to doing this. Let’s check them out.
Having A Hot Tub Roof Is Expensive
Perhaps the main downside of having a roof over your spa is the cost associated with doing this. Either you want to build a shade or buy a retractable screen, you can expect to spend a lot on it. This is because building a hot tub roof is an expensive project.
More Hot Tub Maintenance Work
Generally, hot tubs are known to require heavy maintenance. With a hot tub, you’ll need to adjust the water chemistry, add chemicals to the water, drain the hot tub, refill the hot tub, clean the hot tub, remove and clean the hot tub filters, and so much more.
There is already a lot of work associated with running a hot tub. Having a roof over the hot tub will bring more maintenance work because you will need to clean the roof and occasionally repair some parts too. That means more maintenance work for you to take on and sometimes, more money to spend on the maintenance too.
Obstructed View
Having a hot tub roof can also lead to obstructed view especially if you have an enclosed hot tub shade. With an enclosed hot tub shade, not only would you not be able to gaze at the stars at night but you wouldn’t be able to see your surroundings too. This is not a great idea if you aren’t sure of your home’s security.
Should A Hot Tub Be In The Sun Or Shade?
A hot tub can be in the sun or under a shade. Having a hot tub under a shade is a great way to protect the hot tub from harsh weather and pollutants. Hot tubs can also be used without a shade as long as the hot tub is covered whenever it’s not in use.
Hot tubs don’t come with a shade or a roof and most hot tubs are installed outdoors. This means that you can use your hot tub under the sun and without a shade. You just need to ensure that the hot tub remains covered whenever it’s not in use to protect it from harsh weather and pollutants.
You can also install the hot tub under a shade or roof. If a hot tub is under a shade, the shade would protect it from pollutants and harsh weather. A hot tub shade will also help to improve your spa experience.
Overall, hot tubs can be under a shade or the sun. It doesn’t matter as long as the hot tub is protected from harsh weather and pollutants. What determines where the hot tub will be is how much you are willing to spend. If you can spend on installing a hot tub shade, then go for it, you’ll enjoy it. But if you can’t spend on a shade, just ensure the hot tub remains covered when not in use.
Can You Put A Hot Tub Under A Covered Patio?
You can put a hot tub under a covered patio but the patio floor has to be strong enough to support the full weight of the hot tub filled with bathers which can be over 5000 pounds.
Putting a hot tub under a covered patio is a great idea. The patio cover provides a good roof or shade for the hot tub. The patio cover also prevents harsh weather and pollutants from getting into the hot tub water.
Also, putting the hot tub under a covered patio makes the hot tub area close to the main house. It also allows you have a good view of your home and yard while enjoying the soothing relief of a hot tub in privacy. But before you can put the hot tub under a covered patio, you need to ensure that the patio floor is strong enough to support the full weight of a hot tub with bathers.
Hot tubs ordinarily weigh less than 3000 pounds but when filled with water and bathers, a hot tub can weigh over 5000 pounds. This weight might be too much for a covered patio. Though patios are usually made from a combination of strong materials like concrete, rocks, and gravel, you still need to ensure that the patio can bear the weight of the hot tub.
If the patio floor is elevated from the ground by beams or it isn’t level, you shouldn’t put a hot tub on it. Hot tubs require a leveled ground to prevent damages to the hot tub frame. Also, if the patio floor is old, you might need to reinforce it before you put a hot tub under it.
But if the covered patio is in good condition and strong enough to support the full weight of the hot tub, then you can put a hot tub under it.
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What Is The Best Roof For A Hot Tub?
The best roof for a hot tub is a hot tub gazebo. Hot tub Gazebos can be made from different materials like wood, metal panels, and even stone. Hot tub gazebos are designed to maximize space and also give your hot tub adequate protection from harsh weather and pollutants.
Some gazebos are even designed to be mobile which means you can move them from one place to the other. This will be a great choice if you are living in a rented home. You can pack up the gazebo and move it to your home when you build or buy one.
Asides from hot tub gazebos, there are other suitable roofs that you can put out hot tub under. Here are some top choices for a hot tub roof or shade.
Hot Tub Pergola
A hot tub pergola or pergola canopy is another top choice for hot tub owners. A pergola like a gazebo also provides good protection to the hot tub. Pergolas are however usually more open and fancier than gazebos.
Portable Privacy Screen
A portable privacy screen is a temporary provision and a very good choice for hot tub owners that want a temporary shade. The privacy screen is portable and it can be extended over many feet. Most privacy screens can encircle your whole hot tub. It’s like building a wall around your hot tub.
Hot Tub Solarium
Hot tub solariums also provide good protection to the hot tub. Solariums are mostly made from transparent glass which allows you to still have a good view of your surroundings while in the hot tub.
Any of these will be a good roof for your hot tub. But before you build a roof for the hot tub, you should check the building codes of your area, the drainage system for when you want to drain the hot tub, the source of water, and you should ensure there is proper ventilation so your hot tub shade doesn’t turn into a steam room.
Final Words
Overall, you can have your hot tub under a roof if you have the money and space for it in your yard. It is a great investment and one you will enjoy too.
But a hot tub doesn’t have to be under a roof. So if you don’t have the funds, don’t bother yourself about it. Just ensure that the hot tub cover is always on the hot tub whenever the hot tub isn’t being used to protect it from harsh weather and pollutants.
So there you have it. If you liked this post, ensure to check out others like it on this website. Have a nice day.